Week Two.Topic One.

A: The "upgrade culture" that we now live in is, I believe, purely based on "hype". Everyone wants to "beat the Jones", to have the newest and best upgrade in anything, but most importantly, when it comes to computers. These changes, such as from Windows XP to Windows Vista, are simply changes thought up by buisnesses to get people talking, wanting (even needing) the new products. Thus resulting in more money being spent, on often useless upgrades, with little or no difference, except a newer name and possibly different colours. This is shown with iPods, every year, Apple bring out a new iPod, whether it holds more songs, or is simply thinner or in a bright colour. I personally know people that buy the new iPod, or the new Playstation, just because the adverts and other people tell them, that it is "cool" or even important to spend this money.

B: The "newness" of New Media is costantly stressed, primarilly by other media sources-such as adverts. The technology of these new products is often new, but sometimes, as mentioned-it is simply repackaged. These new products of the "new" media do not change society, they do not "abolish history", as history and the "new" are always linked. These products, as usual, are simply aiming to gain more money. These products and ideas simply slot into place, our need to haev these things do not change, we still live in a ver capitalist society were everyone is taught to want and need to new and best products.

C: This question asks the question, does "new" equal better and whether the "new" media is really progress. There are always hopes attached to the "new". Enthusism for the latest thing always has ideological repocutions, as we believe we are better because we have these things, in many different circles. Whether it is bragging to your friends, or a new school installing a newest and they believe "best" computer system.