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June 26, 2000: This message was distributed by Papyrus News, a free e-mail distribution list on the global impact of information technology on language, literacy, and education. Feel free to forward this message to others, preferably with this introduction. For information on Papyrus News, including how to (un)subscribe or access archives, see <http://www.lll.hawaii.edu/web/faculty/markw/papyrus-news.html>.
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I had a look at this new book's Website.
The introductory chapter is online, and is an interesting read. The authors make the point, that I strongly
agree with, that notions of "cyberspace" and "virtuality"
are overplayed, and that we need to understand the significance of the Internet
in people's real day-to-day lives....mark
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The Internet: An Ethnographic Approach -- new book and website
Daniel Miller, University College London and Don Slater, Goldsmiths College,
University of London
Published by Berg, Oxford UK.
Available now!
This pathbreaking book is the first comprehensive study of Internet culture
and consumption. A rich ethnography of Internet use in Trinidad, the book
offers a sustained account not just of being online, but of the social,
political and cultural contexts which account for the contemporary Internet
experience.
>From cybercafes to businesses, from middle class houses to squatters' settlements,
from the political economy of Internet provision to the development of
ecommerce, the authors have gathered a wealth of material based on fieldwork in
Trinidad. Looking at the full range of Internet media - including websites,
email and chat - the book brings out unforeseen consequences and contradictions
in areas as varied as personal relations, commerce, nationalism, sex and
religion.
This is the first book-length treatment of the impact of the Internet on a
particular region. By focusing on one place, it demonstrates the potential for
a comprehensive approach to new media. It points to the future direction of
Internet research, proposing a detailed agenda for comparative ethnographic
study of the cultural significance and effects of the Internet in modern
society. Clearly written for the non-specialist reader, it offers a detailed
account of the complex integration between on-line and off-line worlds.
This book should be of interest to anyone concerned about the Internet and
computer mediated communications, as well as people interested in consumption,
development, globalization and the Caribbean.
And visit our website: http://ethnonet.gold.ac.uk
- This contains over 2,000 pages of websites that constitute a 'virtual
Trinidad' and allows the reader to visit significant parts of our research
site. The site also houses a discussion forum on Internet research, the first
chapter and summary of the book, links to on-line resources, and ordering information.
Copies may also be ordered at a discount via our website:
_______________________________________________________________________
Don Slater, Senior Lecturer
Department of Sociology Goldsmiths
College University of London
Lewisham Way, New Cross, London SE14 6NW
Tel: 0171-919-7715 Fax:
0171-919-7713 ICQ#: 23891970
http://homepages.gold.ac.uk/slater
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