New Forms of Media Publishing

The media has become a big part of the lives of people today, largely for the purpose of communication. According to Kress and van Leeuwen (2006, p.23), it segregates 'old' and 'new' visual literacy. How the old focuses on language and little emphasis on visuals and the new is quite the opposite. Face-to-face communication has since then taken a back seat while social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and more are gaining acceptance rapidly. Though it may be so, there are several benefits to social media such as linking with people, seeking expertise and transmitting content quickly (Hotler 2007). Hence, now everyone can be a journalist.

Source: (Google images, 2009)

In fact traditional media such as books, newspapers and magazines are more advanced than they were. Most newspapers are available online these days, likewise for books (ebooks) and magazines (e-zines).Thus, the internet or these new forms of media publishing doesn't only provide one with options and better prospects but in (Naughton 2006) the internet also keeps one more informed and provides resources to obtain more information.
   
On the other hand, there are some negative implications of the new media publishing that we have today. Take for example, YouTube. YouTube "offences" are often linked to ethical issues. Malaysia's Wee Meng Chee or commonly known as Namewee caused a controversy when his modified version of Negaraku was uploaded on YouTube in 2007. His citizenship was revoked and he was arrested under ISA after striking back with another controversial video (Asrul 2010). (click here to view video) Although when we have the freedom to express ourselves, it should be done wisely. 


References

1.  Kress, G and van Leeuwen, T 2006, 'The semiotic landscape: language and visual communication', Reading Images, pg. 16-44.
2.  Holter, E 2007, The Benefits of Social Media, Newsfangled, viewed 24 August 2011, <http://www.newfangled.com/benefits_of_social_media>.
3.  Naughton, J 2006, 'Blogging and the emerging media ecosystem', viewed 24 August 2011,<http://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/fileadmin/documents/discussion/blogging.pdf>.
4.  Hadi, A 2010, 'Namewee says he is 1 Malaysia', Malaysian Insider, viewed 24 August 2011,<http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/namewee-says-he-is-1-malaysia/>.