Google is sued by Microsoft co-founder

These days, there is no doubt that Google has been a focus of public because Google launched a new feature of making calls through Gmail, covered by various media. However, soon after, Microsoft co-founder filed the lawsuit issue in claiming over patent of online shopping technology, including tech giant Google. The story is reported by SMH on August 30,2010 and The New York Times on August 27,2010 respectively.

In terms of structure, I prefer the one on NYT rather than SMH. A clear introduction of this story is organised at first, and then simply gives audience a brief of patents, which is the cause of this lawsuit issue. Instead of presenting the responses from the companies that are sued, it focus on the cause, development, evidence and history of the patent issue itself, which is easy and clear for audience to understand the whole issue. References and quotes are presented sufficiently in the following report. The representatives of both sides are interviewed to show audience the controversial fact. However, I argue the story is a little bit long although it is complicated and valuable news.

Compared with another on SMH, these two pieces of news pick up the different news angle so that the content and structure is actually different. The one on SMH mainly focuses on the responses from varies companies, including Google, Facebook and eBay to show the development of the lawsuit issue. Similarly, references and quotes are cited and even more are used. However, only NYT presents the hyperlink to the related article.

The photos of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen are used differently on both pieces of news. The relax expression of Paul Allen is used by SHM, which seems he is sure he can win the suit. Another shows the strict and concerned expression, which appears uncertain about the result.

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/28/technology/28patent.html?src=mv

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/tech-giants-apple-and-google-sued-by-microsoft-cofounder-20100830-13y1q.html

Foxconn will hire large numbers of employees !

After the suicides issue, Foxconn group announced to hire around 40,000 over the coming year. This news was both fully covered by SMH and BBC on August 19.

The breaking news is categorized to “Tech” by SMH. Well structured content are post to audience with detailed references and quotes of spokesman and assistant of CEO from Foxconn. The article gives audience the general perception by introducing this company. Then it presents the reason for hiring such large numbers of workers that is considered as a way to reduce overtime programs. Finally, the conflict suicide issue is mentioned that there is a debate between labour rights activists and Foxconn.

The story is also reported by BBC. Similarly, it introduces the general information of Foxconn. Rather than emphasising on using quotes to illustrate the insider reason of this plan, the article presents more about the cause and effects of the suicides. One Foxconn of China image is posted at the very first of the article and the hyperlinks of related stories are attached below the story.

These two articles have the similar structure, however, the news on BBC focuses more on the suicides issue, which is the root of hiring more worker. In this case, I rate it a little higher than the one on SMH, which fails to present inside reason of this plan deeply. Moreover, there is no hyperlink of related article functions on SMH for readers to follow.

However, news on BBC fails to present the negative aspects as no interview with people who oppose Foxconn such as labour rights activists. Since the suicides issue has led to wide range of discussion about Chinese labour legislation, some opinions from opponents would be a strong support for initial reason. In terms of that, I rate news on SMH a little higher than the one on BBC.   

Sources:

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/taiwans-foxconn-to-hire-400000-more-in-china-20100819-12s0l.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11028371

Responding to security concerns, Google suggests changing name!

Google’s Eric Schmidt strongly suggested people to protect privacy while Facebook introduced new feature that shares location of users. The controversial issue was fully and concisely described by SMH on 17 August and Courier Mail on 21 August.

Started with the information of “change your name”, the article first writes Schmidt’s comment on public concern of privacy issue. Followed by presenting direct quotes of Schmidt that young people may change their name on social media sites to protect privacy. Then the article presents the “creepy” research facts conducted by Google to warn the teenage of noticing privacy issue with very detailed information, including various social applications and occupations. Finally, other references are cited to show the danger of posting personal files or submitting personal locations.

The article is clarity, clear and well structured, which deserves high recommendation although it is a little long. Latest comments on this issue can be found on the left category.

Another article on Courier Mail emphasizes on the negative results and effects of information sharing. Also, its angle is different from the one on SMH that changing names is not good way in terms of legal and social responsibility.

Similarly, sufficient quotes and references are cited. Besides interviewing several experts of University, there are also hyperlinks in the content, and other related video news recommended on the page while the one on SMH is lack of related video links. Yet, with all hyperlinks and other related news for readers to follow, I still rate the one on SMH a little bit higher because the news angle is interesting and it presents in a logical way which is easy to follow and perceive compared with another one.

Sources:

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/google-on-privacy-change-your-name-20100817-127xj.html?from=smh_sb

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/technology/google-ignites-debate-about-privacy/story-e6frep1o-1225907943228

Rick rolling the English language

In the digital age, the popular utilization of abbreviation of every word in English language has become a hot issue in the world. Louisa Hearn reported an article discussing whether “Rickrolling the English language” is considered to divide generations on Sydney Morning Herald on 20 August 2010.

Well organised with valid reference and many quotes, this article presents content in a very logical way. This article here provides points of experts and sufficient specific examples, including editor of the Macquarie Dictionary and the emeritus professor of linguistics at Macquarie University.

First, it mentions that the development of social net workings such as Facebook and Twitter is the main reason for the change of language. Followed by argument of another expert shows that the popularity of abbreviation is tending to divide the generations, but it is unfair to regard the abbreviated text will define language. Finally, the article summarized with quote by Butler that the abbreviated texts have a more lasting impact on the language. Besides that, examples of some abbreviations are listed at the end of this article, which are the sufficient evidence of the popularity.

Beside the verbal content, two pictures are presented as well which are “LOL cats” and “A rickrolled iphone” respectively.

In terms of the whole content, personally, I insist that the article give all the readers inside trend and effects of the significant use of abbreviation words although it is a littler bit long. Some examples are repeated several times to illustrate the same point. However, in terms of design, there is no hyperlink in the texts besides of the source of two pictures.

Source:

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/rickrolling-the-english-language-20100820-12u1x.html

presentation link

www.slideshare.net/linzc0109