The most interesting map that we discussed in class today for me was definitely the Hitotoki map, which came in two different versions: classic and the newer twitter-like version. During the last segment of class, when we were prompted to discuss the maps, both Erika and I found that the newer version of the Hitotoki site was actually quite interesting. One of the main draws of this style is that it is up to the user to search through the different posts / geo-tweets in order to find the ‘best’ ones. Obviously this involves more time, but I see it as being more interesting than simply being presented with authoritative material from an editor. With the new style of Hitotoki the user becomes the editor, which allows for each individual’s perspective to shape the way they not only use the site, but also what information is deemed to possess quality.
Moreover, the posts on Hitotoki vary in many ways: eloquence, style, information, and perspective. I feel that this mixture gives the site a more inclusive picture of the citizens of a city, as not everyone can perform the poetic manoeuvres that warrant editorial review, and I believe that these people should still have a place to put forward their experiences. And sometimes the contrast between the simplistic banality of one post can provide a powerful contrast to a more nuanced view.
However, I don’t mean to diminish the quality of the classic version in advocating for the newer version of the site. Both versions offer unique experiences. I just felt like the newer version was getting beat up on... :)
I'm glad you wrote about this! I think it really depends on what kind of mood you're in - if you want a treasure hunt (which I personally tend to enjoy), then the current version is definitely interesting - I found a cryptic "green+green = black," which, for its obscure inaccessibility probably wouldn't have made the editor's cut, but I found the three-word phrase intriguing. I guess that's how I approach Edmonton as a city as well - I like wading through the less interesting aspects to find the diamonds in the rough (see my posts "Greyscale" and "Through" on journaledmonton.blogspot.com).
ReplyDeleteI've read before that people today approach cultural consumption in a different way than they used to even fifty years ago, thanks to the internet. There's more chaff, maybe -- I won't get into discussions about taste and the highbrow and whatever! -- but that's irrelevant because we now have the ability to explore, discover (e.g. obscure albums only available to Bandcamp), and curate it. Which is off-topic, but reflects the idea of the user becoming the editor in the new Hitotoki, I think. It's a different mentality, and you're right -- I do love the freedom it gives us to define quality on an individual basis.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, there's a post about classic Hitotoki at Confessions of a Deadmontonian, which I agree with completely. I have to put in a good word for the classic version, because I really ended up loving it. :)
@Muse: Treasure hunt! That's the perfect way to describe it.
ReplyDelete@Rita: I agree that the classic version has its own charm. I think that it all comes down to what kind of mood you're in. Sometimes you just want quality writing without any hassle, and thinking about it now, I think it's great that they offer something for both crowds / moods.