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monkey see, monkey do

 In order to master the art of online surveys I have been experimenting with how to use SurveryMonkey.com. Here is my first attempt at utilising the tools – ‘Social Networking Sites Usage Survey’. Image c/o Thomas Hawk licensed under Creative Commons.

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rainycitytales it’s a bit square

 The observant amongst you may have noticed a change to rainycitytales… for those of you that haven’t it’s the addition of the rainycitytales wet spots (well hot spots was never going to work around here!) Basically it’s me mapping out fabulous things to do on Planet Manchester c/o nifty location based social network foursquare (AKA next seasons Twitter). If there is anything you think people should check out then give me a heads up and I’ll add it to the essential to-dos. c/o tj.blackwell licensed under Creative Commons.

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researching mr e-president and co.

 The following question was posed as part of the research module which forms part of my current studies: Question: You are interested in how on-line environments are used by local and national governments. In particular you want to know whether the internet changes the way(s) the governments have been run. Here I shall aim to consider the various methods that could be utilised to study this topic and the potential ethical issues surrounding this research question. Data source & methods In relation to this subject it would be possible to obtain data from a wide and diverse range of sources. These could include; – Interviews – These could be undertaken…

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‘shoot’ (film) first, ask questions (now and) later

 Yesterday I attended a guest lecture at the University of Salford delivered by Dr Greg Elmer. Greg is Bell Globemedia Research Chair and Director of the Infoscape Research Lab at Ryerson University in Toronto. The thought provoking lecture was entitled “Open Source Video: Testing The Limits of Participatory Media Making”. Greg talked about a project he is currently working on with colleagues to investigate the use of emerging collaborative video production tools (in this case Open Source Cinema – which also brought us the award winning RIP! A Remix Manifesto) and the potential to use these to produce a ‘crowd sourced’, organic documentary. The subject matter for the documentary has…

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online surveys – the good, the bad, the ugly

 There is a proliferation of online survey tools that can be used to undertake research. These include sites such as SurveyMonkey.com, QuestionPro and KeySurvey. However despite the fact it is now easier than ever to create online surveys it is valuable to consider the pros and cons of this method of data collection: Pros – Volume of data – Online surveys allow to the researcher to survey and collect data for a large volume of people. – Ease of distribution – By publishing a questionnaire online it makes it easier to circulate it to the sample group that is being asked to participate in the study. – Quick – The…

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attention bookworms

 There’s a novel in us all… or so they say… still waiting to find mine, not fussy but the ‘next’ Harry Potter wouldn’t go amiss. Anyway ex-soldiers Charlie Bell and Ian Deacon (AKA Eddy Nugent) have certainly found their inner author. Ian and Charlie have a new book on patrol, ‘The Map of Africa‘, that charts the exploits of Eddy Nugent in the British Army, a far cry from the rainy Manchester streets where he grew up. The semi-autobiographical book is a follow up to ‘Picking Up The Brass‘ and will provide a giggle for servicemen and civvies alike. c/o Darth Holden licensed under Creative Commons.

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social radio

 The days when the family huddled around the wireless maybe long gone but PURE are putting the social back in radio. Launching at the end of November the PURE Sensia is an internet-connected digital audio system which includes an iPhone stylee touchscreen interface providing a unique listening experience. Yet what I am really intrigued by is that the Sensia comes with integrated applications including Twitter, Facebook and news feeds – with more to follow when the Sensia Software Development Kit is released to third parties. With the development of such products social media is making further inroads into all aspects of our daily lives. I am not sure if he or…

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travel for nowt on the marmite tram

 Metrolink… do you love it or hate it? Either way Metrolink are giving the good folk of Manchester 2 days free travel across the network. There will be no charge from the first until the last tram on both Saturday 14th November and Thursday 19th November 2009. c/o neil.latwood licensed under Creative Commons.

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behind closed doors

 I have been reading ‘Everyday life, online: U.S. college students’ use of the internet‘ by Jones, Johnson-Yale, Millermainer and Perez (2009). The study looked at understanding how college students in the United States use the internet compared to the results of research undertaken in 2002. The research methods used were a mix of quantitive and qualitative – survey, observation and interviews. In comparison to my previous post regarding the Jernigan and Mistree (2009) study the varied methodologies used uncovered more (maybe) than quantitive research would have done alone. Despite this I had to question the firsthand observations as a way of getting ‘under the skin’ of what college kids do…

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a very mancunian crimble

 Bah! Humbug! I must admit I am a bit of Scrooge when it comes to Xmas. However post bonfire night I am prepared to accept it is that time of year once again. So before the chaos begins here’s a taster of what Manchester will have to offer in terms of festive cheer. 1 ) Hallelujah for pretty, sparkly, twinkly things. Catch Mr Hudson and X Factor by-product Alexandra Burke switch on Manchester’s Christmas Lights in Albert Square – 7-8pm, 12th November 2009. 2 ) Cheers to Manchester Christmas Markets and multiple mugs of mulled wine *hic*. Enjoy a month of merriment from the 18th of November – 21st of…

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