Lab+2+-+Discussion+on+the+Definition+of+Genre

=Why is the definition of genre controversial and not so applicable to the formation of digital genres? You may use the iPhone as a case. =

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By understanding the meaning of genre one can support the argument that it is difficult to categorize digital platforms in today’s society into a single genre. Furthermore, the definition of ‘genre’ in relation to digital platforms is controversial when comparing and contrasting the definition of the older forms of genres, which would mean, types of movies such as romance or horror; or types of novels and music. This is simply because of digital convergence. In this day in age with the continuous advancement in technology, nothing seems impossible. Technology such as phones, radios, televisions and computers have been revolutionized and transformed into multi-tasking technologies. For example, the latest iPhone 4 can not only be used to make calls, but serves as a mode for social networking through various applications, a camera, video camera, mp3 player and offers many more functions. Another example of a revolutionized technology would be computers; majority individuals now own laptops, which are portable computers that can be easily taken around with them. These laptops also carry different features such as built in microphones and video cameras. A very unique feature that some laptops have such as Apple’s MacBook Pro is that the laptop can actually read text on the screen out loud to the user. This is very beneficial to those who may have certain disabilities. Through digital convergence technology has been made accessible and user-friendly. Although, it has raised some issues in trying to group these digital platforms into different genres.

In relation to the article, ‘Obama uses iPhone to win support’ by Maggie Shiels, Shiels discusses how President Barack Obama used an iPhone application to reach voters. Obama created an iPhone application that gave up-to-date news about the election and spread awareness about his campaign. The Presidents’ outlook on how to reach voters was a success and benefited him greatly. I have to say the idea was genius in how he used the convergence of technology and the integration of data management to supplement his campaign. He was the first and only President to come up and execute this type of strategic marketing and because of this he has been successful.

With the examples listed above concerning technological convergence it only proves that it has become controversial to put these new digital platforms into genres because of the advancement of technology. Now new genres need to be formed in which they include these changes because technology will forever evolve.