Dear Abby,
Chapter 5 was a killer! I'm grateful that we are a few steps ahead of the book because without having signed up with Google Reader last week, chapter 5 would have overwhelmed me. For the first time I really thought, "information overload."
I get that RSS keeps information consumption "efficient and relevant", (Richardson, p. 71) and I appreciate that it's a useful technology in bringing recent news right to me instead of my poring through endless blogs, news feeds, etc. but as I read through all of the ways I could use it personally or with students, I could feel myself starting to shut down a bit. I think my reaction comes from the image of my having to spend hours each day in front of the computer trying to catch up on all of the new information that is coming to me. I tend to be a "get the job done and get out" kind of person when it comes to sitting at the computer.
The author did offer several suggestions for managing volume such as adding only "worthwhile" sites to my subscriptions. Additionally, the ideas of creating files for different topics will come in handy should I maintain my mental composure that far into the process. Nonetheless, I think I need to take a couple of steps backwards and feel the love with my basic blogging....insights welcome!
Signed,
Nervous About Newsfeeds
Hi Sue, Your posts are very creative and I always know exactly how your feeling because you explain your feelings so well. I felt very similarly to how you felt while reading about RSS. For me, all this information becomes overwhelming, as well. I have decided that my life might be better if I spend less time on the computer, not more time. I think the vlaue of RSS is when you want to do research on a subject. The RSS can strem line the information and can keep you updated in real time on new information just posted to the web.
ReplyDeleteGreat point about the use of RSS for streamlining research material, Math Man. I hadn't really thought about it in that context. I know I'm feeling stressed right now just realizing that I haven't checked my RSS lately...there must be tons of new information waiting for me. Do you know how to delete the old stuff? (It's probably in chapter 5....I'll have to reread)!
ReplyDeleteYes, I am in the same place, well spoken. I too see ho it can keep blogs organized or I think we would be overwhelmed. Your response always speaks to the way I feel, more than confused.
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