Week 7 – Software & Online Distribution
10 minute Speed Writing Session #2
Beethoven Op.110 for piano (extract)
Requested by Jacinta. You can write directly into your blog but I have pens/ pencil and paper if you perfer the old fashioned way.
Speed Writing Rules:
- write
- don’t stop
- don’t even think
Software
. . . is a general term for the various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices. (The term hardware describes the physical aspects of computers and related devices.)
Common Uses
- Games
- Websites
- Business Apps
- iPhone & Facebook Apps
Website Distribution
An internet website can now run and “house” all of the above types of software applications and, because it’s zeros and ones, a simple website can act as a distribution hub for:
- music
- film
- games
- other software
Databases
What is a Database?
A database is an integrated collection of logically related records or files which consolidates records into a common pool of data records that provides data for many applications. A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.
(Wikipedia)
Databases look something like linked Excel spreadsheets. A typical database might hold the names and addresses of potential buyers – or recipients of a website newsletter. Or a database might hold a list of credit card numbers.
Database Security
Databases and security always go together.
As you can imagine, security issues are HUGE. Most of the time spent designing a Db is security-related. Massive firewalls have to be built to fend off hackers, spam-bots and, basically, idiots. Thankfully most hackers are just trying to sell viagra, sex and cigarettes. But others do want your credit card number.
Last year, every 3 months, Wordpress (the software behind this website) issued a security update to defend it’s system from being spammed and attacked. This year, they do so nearly every month.
- Data-mining
- Data selling
- Credit Card
- ID theft
Software Programming Languages
- PHP (open-source)
- C+
- C#
- Basic
- ASP
Business Opportunities
The internet has created a level playing field. A small cottage industry can run a website right alongside a bank – and can even do a better job of it. But in order to stay online and make money – a website has to run like a business. It has to be updated and “cared for” every day. The windows (front page / specials) need to be changed and “shelves” (code) has to be cleaned up. Websites do not run (make money) all by themselves.
Other Resources
Techcrunch
http://www.techcrunch.com/
An online technical round-up website. This is where I go to see the latest trends in software and internet “distribution” techniques. It pays to be in the loop about these things – even if you just want to watch the demise of television or read about new methods of “content delivery”.
Seth’s Blog
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/
Internet marketing guru. When he speaks, Capitalists listen. And he has a no holes barred approach to communication (which I like). Hopefully you’ll like him, too.
The Million Dollar Homepage
http://www.milliondollarhomepage.com/
Half-baked internet idea that actually flew!
Robot to be controlled by human brain cells
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17761-robot-to-be-controlled-by-human-brain-cells.html
Article on recent robotic development.
Business Models
- film distribution (VOD / iView)
- music / film distribution
- teaching and education
- online printing
- software
- games
Search Engines
97% of sites are found using search engines – which explains why BLOGs are so popular. The content of this BLOG is picked up by search engines. Less than five minutes after posting a first draft, Google had spidered (sent bots out), indexed and found this very page. US businesses know this and so you’ll pretty much find a BLOG of some sort behind many successful businesses today.
In Class
(and for next week)
I’d like you to research and BLOG about how your final project can be delivered or marketed in an online environment. You could read TechCrunch and see what the latest trends are. or maybe Seth Godin can help you out when it comes to the marketing side of things.
I’d also like you to rewrite your story. It’d be great to see 1st, 2nd and 3rd drafts of your 10 minute writing adventures up there.
Where Are We?
- We are slowly working towards character / story ideas. Don’t worry about the interactive elements at this stage. Maybe I can help you there. It’s much more important to develop an intriguing character that we can engage with emotionally.
- The writing exercises should be bringing out some off-the-beaten track ideas. You might like to continue / do one or two more exercises at home? If you’re keen. But do not think. The key is not to think. By thinking, we try to “rationalise” the gold that is hiding deep inside our right brains.
- Next up is your pitch. You’ll be expected to pitch using PowerPoint or some other medium such as HTML (if you know how to).
- You should be blogging right now and on a regular basis for this unit.
- I will be checking BLOGS in (and outside of) class from now on – to see how you are going.