Wiki Reflection

I did my media specific analysis on iMovie. I’ve had a pretty significant interest in video creation and editing for a while, so I was excited to be given the push to pursue it with a little more depth. During the research phase of the project I consulted a lot of blogs, video tutorials, and even Wikipedia entries to learn more about certain effects or features. Now that I’m a much more educated user of video editing software, I’m the one actually posting my knowledge to a Wiki.

After first looking at the old Wiki entry, I knew my main task was going to be updating the information to match the current version of iMovie. I know the Wiki was just created last year, but Apple is updating its iLife software very rapidly. The previous version had many criticisms that may have pushed Apple a little to come out with a new product to resolve some of the complaints. Apart from adding the new information in about the latest iMovie ’09 program, I also added a few things to other areas.

The home page for video editing needed a little pick me up as well. While another member of the group spearheaded the main changes with the home page, I created a new image to be used there. Ironically I actually used one of the other programs from the media specific analysis project, Foto Flexer. This was a great way to directly pull something learned from the class and use it right away in the class again. The previous picture on the home page for video editing was just an icon from an old version of iMovie. I took icons from multiple video editing software programs, such as Flash, MovieMaker, iMovie 09, and Avidemux, and used Foto Flexer to create a collage of icons for the new image for the home video editing screen.

While writing to the Wiki I noticed I was subconsciously trying not to include any emotion or bias in my descriptions. This was a bit challenging as I quickly realized how opinionated I have become. It was difficult not to abuse almost everything created for Windows/PC and hard not to subliminally praise Apple. I even found myself pointing out every flaw in the previous iMovie versions with more than just factual statements. This writing style was different for me, but I wanted whoever read it to have impartial information. I guess I was trying to write a Wikipedia-like entry with honesty and integrity…and who says its not good to cite wiki entries.

Now that I’ve successfully updated and posted information to the Wiki, the learning circle for me is complete. Its up to someone else now to read about the technology, learn it, use it, and then revise the Wiki. I thought updating the Wiki was a very good way to wrap up everything we’ve done with the media specific analysis. It keeps the production of knowledge moving along.