Spreadable Media

The Butter To The Toast (Spreadable Media)

Spreadable Media is content that we spread via cyberspace.  We use tools like Facebook and Twitter to inform others about certain deals, photos, music, current events and also to become the producers of media.  Much of the content on sites like YouTube is content that is created by us.  By uploading content that is related to other content, we create a viral chain as others spread it around.  The above video is an example of a funny video that goes viral.  

There are videos online making fun of events in history and popular inventions, while also merging rap culture into the mix.  Below is Mario Brothers Rapping with The Wright Brothers:

Plunder

When the content goes viral, it has the potential to be reinterpreted and misunderstood.  People from other cultures reenact the video taking it out of its original culture and meaning.

Elvis's song "A Little Less Conversation" meant something far different when it was first made back in the 70's, but with today's DJ generation, the meaning and feel of the song was remixed by JLX.  Listen to the remix below:

The band Daughtry, make it big with song "What about now?"  The feel of the song has totally change as it has switched genres.  From rock culture into boyband pop culture, Westlife redoes this song perfectly.

Websites like Amazon.com and iTunes have incorporated free listening so that if you like the music you will either buy the song or the album.  This is certainly a good advertising ploy:  try the product for free, and then you will want to purchase it.  Amazon has recently revealed their AutoRip, which lets you own a free digital company of any album, if you buy the actual disc.  Piracy is also a big thing nowadays with sites like PirateBay and Mp3.com.  Sites like YouTube offer a way to find music, full albums and concert footage for download.  There are sites like Video2mp3 which allow you to rip the music and video right from YouTube.

Domains like MegaUpload.com and Rapidshare.net allow internet users to upload anything they want for free.  Others who search the domain can find links that allow access to this content.

This discussion of social media continues to explore how people use the internet to connect in different ways.  Being an active user of Facebook, I have seen and participated in spreading media. Everyday I log onto Facebook, I see on my wall lots of content that has been generated by the public.  Since I am a huge dog love, many memes and videos are posted to me.  I pass these media items around to my friends who find other videos and post back to me.  This spreading and trade of content is fun for everyone involved, but really helps out companies like Atlanta Humane Society or Petsmart get their brand name popular.  I also spread the above videos for a great laugh.  I love being an active user of Facebook, checking on my friends and feeds while also helping companies and organizations advertise themselves.