Contextual Studies- Transmedia & Participatory Culture

     Here is the most recent update on our contextual studies sessions. We began the lesson by watching a TED, (Technology, Entertainment & Design), conference with guest speaker Henry Jenkins, linked here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFCLKa0XRlw). Here he speaks about "transmedia" and "participatory culture". Transmedia is described as the telling of a narrative across multiple digital platforms. One fantastic example brought up by Jenkins is the use of this within the "Matrix" franchise. Initially we have the three major films: "The Matrix", "Matrix Reloaded" and "Matrix Revolutions". On top of this you have "The Animatrix", a collection of nine animated shorts which one would have to watch to fully understand the introduction of certain events and characters between the main three films. The game "Enter the Matrix" offers fans the opportunity to explore some of the more minor characters of the series, particularly "Ghost" and "Niobe" who appear as playable characters. Another game "The Matrix Online" further informs the audience of events post "Matrix Revolutions". As if this wasn't enough the series also has its own collection of comics containing furthers stories that occur within the Matrix universe. The collection of images below from these various medias re-enforce Jenkin's point about the franchise being such a huge example of transmedia.


     Participatory culture is when individuals, who can be considered part of the general public, extend from their role as consumers and also become contributors. The internet is considered to be a key factor in the growth of participatory culture, with technology and networking sites making it possible, and frankly pretty easy for people to share their interest and creations-whether these are in the form of photography, creative writing, film, music etc. Even blogs such as this can contribute to participatory culture. More information can be found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Participatory_culture
     On further research an issue that has been brought up with participatory culture is the digital divide, with people struggling to access decent technology being somewhat left out. With this technology getting more advanced and effective each year this divide becomes larger in intensity, but at the same time is decreasing in volume as the number of "technophobes" decreases.
       Whilst participatory culture and transmedia seems like an interesting subject to look at for cs, it seemed that it would probably be quite a popular choice with the rest of the class, I will bear this in mind when I pick my topic as I would prefer not to cross over with what someone else may be doing.