On Page 224 of Jenkins' "Convergence Culture," he describes television as a push medium in that messages are sent out to the public whether the public is seeking them or not and he describes the internet as a pull medium in that it serves those with an interest in a particular topic and they seek it out. While this certainly isn't new in media, it is useful for us to think about ways in which we can use the different tools available to us and what sort of information we unleash in those mediums. Jenkins suggests that the internet is for hardcore fans and television for the undecided. I think it is fair to say that videos and/or films can be roughly equated to television in an artistic sense as many people watch a movie not knowing much about it and once they start watching it the information is pushed at them, so to speak. This rough translation is certainly arguably wrong, but I think it can work if we consider the video or film just part of the 'art' we are creating and the internet (blogs, websites, facebook pages, etc.) is another aspect of the piece of art as a whole. If someone watches a video I make and likes it and is encouraged to visit either a blog or a website or facebook page about the video, then their experience may be enhanced. Obviously, this is one of the things Jenkins has been discussing, but I think the push and pull idea really made me understand some of the power of convergence.
An idea I am just now working on deals with our second project. Without any spoilers in case you read this before the viewing, there are a couple of ways in which I could totally use this idea because my second project has 3 vignettes and 2 of them I can easily see having further 'life'. The video project would be the pull, hopefully garnering interest for further inquiry by the viewer. One of the vignettes would probably be best served by an interactive blog and the other could easily have a facebook page and website that further explores its life which could lead to more videos. I know I'm being vague, but will expand upon this as the semester moves forward. While part of me sees this as an interesting idea, another part of me is more interested in just making the videos and doesn't want to bother with the other internet work. Of course, who knows, maybe I would like it?
Good attention to Jenkins' use of the push and pull metaphor. I think that people who actively view film and TV do just as much 'pulling' as someone using the internet (certainly as much as is demanded by Facebook or emailing, right?). I think that an interesting idea comes out in terms of visualizing a physical relation with the viewer. Do you push, pull, or otherwise affect him/her?
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