coeller

Let me begin by saying that it took me a little bit to get past my initial questions surrounding collecting history from internet users. (And I’m not really sure that I have although I do realize the value. It just seems that these articles could have further addressed the issues surrounding user-based input, whereas they were more simply a how-to guide in how to facilitate this type of input). Secondly, my skepticism was not at all relieved when I read one of the article’s early examples “National Geographic’s Remembering Pearl Harbor site has received over a thousand entries in their “Memory Book.”” - I think we’ve at least addressed a little the possible shortcomings of such endeavors. I think their “Memory Book” not only raises questions of authenticity, but also tone of a “memory” section. It seems a comment like “dude my friend totally died dude at pearl harbor dude,” could really disrupt the flow of a conversation that might be happening in a memory section. This raises the question of censorship, which the articles did not address fully.
One of the first examples that helped me understand how comments sections could be used to create good history was Greenberg’s site for Video Store owners. Maybe it’s just my position in life as I’m hoping to start writing a dissertation soon myself, but I could easily see how such information would provide an excellent source to inform how private video store owners view themselves, the industry, and maybe the Blockbuster phenomenon. This kind of input is essential for informing historical work and moves the field beyond past source styles.
Another comment that I appreciated within their examination of user comments and their usage was allowing this source to fluctuate as it will and lead you in your research. This type of source seems unpredictable enough that if you open your research to being directed by the questions that user comments raise, I think it could lead your research in new and innovative ways that scholars might not think of initially.

In their final section on September 11th sites I had to wonder what the distinction is between history and people who are simply interested in hearing what people have to say about current events. The fact that wherewereyou.org was probably not conceived of as history initially makes me wonder where we draw the line. Just wondering what you all think of this question.
Two final comments: Reading about google’s advances in possibly bringing audio archives to the internet as well reminds me that google may someday rule the world and I should try to stay on their good side. Secondly, SIPs: statistically improbable phrases are genius and I plan on using them regularly for the rest of my life.

This entry was posted on Saturday, January 28th, 2006 at 5:11 pm and is filed under Weekly Writing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.