Reading Response for Feb. 9

MP3: the Meaning of a Format by Sterne

• The Internet allows users to use P2P sharing systems that allow for the wide distribution of information and other interests for people.
• MP3's are the most commonly used file format for the wide distribution of music as it allows more music on a device with less information
• Relies on the use of an algorithm, called perceptual coding,  that is based on human hearing that looses certain pitches in favor of the smaller file size as well as a techniques called lossy compression.
• Telephony, while linked with the invention of the telephone itself, also now encompasses phones communications, VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)/ Internet calling, mobile phone communications, faxing, voice mail and video conferencing.
• Telephony also, at it's inception and forward, have helped to shape how we understand hearing  and helped to shape what it means to hear as well as how new technologies must be shaped around our ability to hear. 

The Future of the Internet and How to Stop It by Zittrain

• In a basic manner, the Internet is a type of "hourglass architecture" in that  the network can be carved into conceptual layers with at least three layers to it: 
  

1. "physical"=bottom and consists of the wires and airwaves that data flows through; 
2. "application"=top and consists of what activities people wish to use the network for;
3. "protocol"= middle and "establishes consistent ways for data to flow so that the sender,the receiver, and anyone necessary in the middle can know the basics of who the data is from and where the data is going." (pg. 67-68)

• Division of labor improves the systems of the Internet.
• The shape of an hourglass represents the ability of anyone who is interested to join in on creation of content and resources.