I wrote this short diatribe for a reading response in IAT 244, Digital Photography at SFU. I must admit I'm finding the class less than stimulating and I feel that it's because there is no incentive from the professors to create an environment of artistic exploration. The assignments are dry and pointless, the critique unispired and formalistic and the methodology a dated form of modernist values. There's more to photography than a beautiful shot and there's more to art than technical proficiency.
Considering the Photographer
I think it's important to put into context my position in writing this journal exercise on our readings for class. I have read such essays before, over and over again with initial fervour and dedication of a new student and eventually with the tired repetition of a graduate who is grasping for something of a sea change. Writing on artists is an interesting practice, but I would like to make the point that it's not necessary in the understanding of art, history and the situation of visual practice in society.
Behind every photograph is someone who took it. This is true. However, by the time it reaches the viewer, the person behind the frame is the person looking at it. A viewer is positioned behind a static viewpoint that they have to negotiate through their own understanding, and not that of the artist. In fact, I would go so far to say that any discussion of the artist in a personal tone is pure celebrity used to inflate the importance of their mediation of the technology and brand them as an asset in an art market.
The methodologies of these artists, discussed in these various essays, could be useful to an aspiring photographer. Coming to understand that the use and relationship with the camera is diverse and there is no right way to use it as a medium is a priceless lesson, but I wonder at it's impact in a class that stresses the compartmentalization of technical skills. In the bullet proof format of power point, the logical categorization of what would be considered the “foundational skills” in photography fit with this section of readings like two mismatched puzzle pieces. With an assignment focused entirely on exploring a technique, rather than a concept, there is no praxis to be gleaned from the methodological contemplations of Purcell, Arbus or Model. Their work was not about their use or circumvention of photographic technique, but rather an exploration of the photographic frame, it's use as document (or lack thereof) and the quintessential nature of how we view society. Or, at least in this case, how Model and others saw society in New York during a very specific period in history.
As a photographer, there is a need to consider myself. I need to consider my paradigms and assumptions, look at what I'm interested in looking at, documenting and why. There is also an interesting subtext brought with the popular use of Photoshop. The photograph is no longer about the truth (if it ever was), as the truth is twisted through the pastiche and hyper reality of photo manipulation. So what is the changed role of the photographer? It feels not like the romantic icon of a person physically snapping the shutter and trying to gleam moments of honesty, integrity or interest in the in between that has been perpetuated with post modern dark room conceptual photography. The photographer now is the manipulator. The frame of the photograph is not a window to what was, but the realm of interactive negotiation in the viewer over what elements are to be believed, which are transparent and when it simply doesn't matter any more.
2.03.2010
1.03.2010
I wish I was Maddox, because then this would be the most expensive $1800 Acer ever made.
I'm not going to lie, sometimes I wish I was incredibly polemic. People love polemic people - look at all the fucked up people watching Glen Beck, and people pick up the outrage of polemic discussion and run with it. I know when I get all riled up about some things - like the bullshit 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, for instance - I'm more likely to write an emotional and hateful letter to my idiot of an MP and MLA.
As some people might already know, I've been in an epic war with Acer in the last few weeks over my Acer Aspire 8930G. Yes, that's this laptop here. The model is about 1 year old, so the price I paid for it was quite a bit higher, at the $1,800 mark. I bought it in October 2008, and on Christmas day the motherboard randomly imploded.
Normally, I'm the kind of person that sucks it up and pays for the repair. I did that when my TravelMate 8100 lost it's hard drive and my HP had a busted DC adapter. But this is an $1,800 laptop less than 3 months out of waranty, and this isn't a fucking hard drive, its a motherboard. I treated this computer like my God and the motherboard broke. What the hell?
When my computer broke, I was pretty devastated. In the last year it became part of my life. I thought I would give Acer a call and see if they would honour my customer loyalty to them and extend my waranty to cover this repair. Now, this is where Acer fucked things up royally.
I have FIVE Acer computers in my home, and anyone who knows me personally knows I have recommended their computers as the ones to buy. I got the Acer customer support number from their completely unnavigatable website and gave it a ring.
Automated system. Pretty normal. The creepy robot woman asked me if I was calling about the same problem I had before. I was like, "what? I've never called before!" Whatever, I said no and it moved on. Then she wanted my SNID, which is the serial number of the computer. I gave it to her. Then the bitch told me that my computer was out of waranty and hung up. I tried to get through that automated system every way possible and every time she hung up on me. I couldn't even talk to anyone!
What the fuck, Acer? You can't hire your outsourced South Asian employees to answer questions for computers with no waranty? They sell it, and then they want you to buy insurance on their own products. When you don't have the insurance anymore, they don't want to talk to you! Not only that, but by selling you a waranty they are saying that they have no faith in their own products. "Buy this, it's great! But not that great, because it might break and be our fault. Pay more money because we can't build a computer right the first time!"
Now I'm playing email tag with a bunch of stupid idiots that either a) won't answer my questions or b) don't understand enough to answer my questions. I've asked them repeatedly to call me so that I can get the issue solved and my questions answered in like 2 hours instead of 2 fucking weeks.
Acer customer service is shit. Combined with their apparently new strategy of making shitty hardware, they don't deserve new customers. Buy something else, I don't know what yet, but Acer has a business model of sell and ignore.
I'd love to hear about people's shitty computer stories. These stupid computer companies are creating a business model that is great for them in the short term, and shitty for their customers. Our outrage can make it so that it is the most costly business model for them in the long run, and hit them in the only place they understand - the WALLET.
Fuck you Acer, you lost a 10 year customer. You would have made thousands of dollars from my business over the next 10 years, and now you will make nothing. Eat it.
For all of you that are interested, I have my email conversation with Acer attached here. It's quite lengthy and still happening, but perhaps you can see what you're in for if you decide to risk Acer Customer Service.
To whom it may concern;
I own an Acer Aspire 8930G Notebook that is less than 2 years old. Today, without any prior malfunction, the laptop turned off and will no longer charge the battery. The battery indicator light does not turn on and there is a distinct clicking sound coming from the plug input/battery port when the computer is plugged in.
I have tested the power adapter and there is no problem with it. I have even tested the laptop with different outlets in my home to make sure it wasn't a power issue on my end.
The computer has not been dropped, mishandled or had any foreign substances spilled on it. It has been working more than perfectly up until now.
Your prompt reply with this issue will be greatly appreciated. Any help that you can provide will be helpful in getting my laptop fixed in a timely manner.
Cheers,
Vanessa
Dear Vanessa,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you.
As per your mail, I understand that you need to replace battery.
While going through your system record in our database, we came to know that your system is out of warranty.
If you need to purchase new battery, you may please go through the following link << http://ping.fm/jrDu5 >>, << http://ping.fm/SQgpR >> or you may please call 800-826-0279, 800-317-9989.
For further clarifications, please feel free to visit our web site http://ping.fm/SqZAg.
Have a great day!
Respectfully,
Acer America
Online Technical Support
**** Question: Who the fuck is MundoCorp and why is Acer Technical Support sending me there?
This is where I called the number they provided. It didn't work. So I scoured the internet for other numbers, and they didn't work. Good job, support, for giving me shit that doesn't work.
Hello again,
I have spent the last few hours trying to navigate the maze that is Acer customer support. In addition to several listed phone numbers that are out of date, and website links on the acer Canada website that lead to non existing urls, I have been kicked off of the phone support system all afternoon. All I want to do is fix my laptop and have itdone promptly and with little hassle. I would like to talk to a REAL person on the phone about what I can do to continue to use my TOP of the line acer notebook, of which I was one of the first people in Vancouver to purchase.
I have been a long term acer customer. After my first notebook broke (an HP) 10 years ago, I bought my first aver notebook. Now, my household currenly owns 5 acer notebooks and has up until now been satisfied. When I wen to buy a netbook in September, I chose to buy the more expensive Acer option because I couldn't imagine putting my trust in another brand. The hardware this company makes is usually very good.
The first time I have a major problem in 10 YEARS and there is no one available to help me. To say that I'm disappointed is an understatement. I expect someone at Acer to respond to my concerns promptly so that I can get my laptop fixed and get back to work on it.
My phone number is 604-***-****. I look forward to talking to a representative soon.
Dear Vanessa,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I'll be happy to assist you with this issue.
I understand from your mail that your system has an issue with system.
I have verified your serial number and found that your system is out of Warranty.
Vanessa, if you are ready with sending system for repair with $199 please confirm with us and we would be in a better position to help you.
Please contact us back with the response and we would be in a better position to help you.
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site http://ping.fm/pZ3Tj
Have a great day!
Respectfully,
Acer America
Online Technical Support
At this point, I had my computer looked at by a local technician. He diagnosed the problem as a blown capacitor on my motherboard, which Acer had been telling me was a battery problem and was trying to get me to buy a new battery.
Hello again,
There seems to be some confusion in this thread about what is actually wrong with my computer. I don't know what an "issue with system" is, but the problem with my Acer notebook is that there is a blown capacitor on the motherboard.
At this point I want to know what Acer is willing to do to keep my long term business. If the person reading this thread can not offer me anything that will help restore my trust in your company than I suggest that you send it to someone who does. I know that tech support is not an easy job, and that it is often thankless, so please do us both a favour and have someone who can actually help me contact me.
My Aspire 8930G is a top of the line laptop that I paid full price for. 3 months out of warranty and the motherboard breaks? That is not acceptable. I want Acer to work with me to extend my warranty and get my system fixed. I am happy to pay for this extended warranty, but I am not willing to pay an unguaranteed $199 USD, plus shipping (will that even cover a replacement motherboard, if needed, or is that just for labour?) to fix a computer that might break again in less than a year, and that shouldn't be having problems to begin with.
What guarantees will Acer give me on this repair? If I get it fixed at my local repair shop, I know I can bring it back if there is an issue with the repair and have it fixed for free. Will
Acer provide the same guarantee, or will I have to send it back for another $199USD?
Lastly, why is it so difficult to talk to someone on the phone about this? I could have had this issue solved days ago with a quick phone conversation! I am an incredibly unsatisfied long-term customer and I want Acer to address this in the fairest way possible. It's just good business practice.
I look forward to your immediate reply.
Sincerely,
Vanessa
Dear Vanessa,
Thank you for contacting Acer America.
Having reviewed your e-mail I understand that you are facing an issue with the mother board.
Vanessa, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience experienced.
As the system is out of warranty, as per Acer policy we are unable to pull the system for in warranty service.
The cost of out of warranty repair is $199.
NOTE : you will have to pay one way shipping.
If you are ready to send the system for repair, please inform us and we will do the needful.
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site http://ping.fm/ZGA6W
Have a great day!
Respectfully,
Acer America
Online Technical Support
Hello again,
Well, at least someone can extend a completely useless apology and work to make sure that I don't get any help at all. Not a single one of my questions was answered from my previous communication. How about I break it down for you?
1. Does the repair cost include parts, or is it just service? What are my quote guarantees? Will Acer honour the $199, or can it raise the cost once they have the computer?
2. What guarantee does the repair have? What if I get the computer back from your service and it still doesn't work? If a part is replaced, will that part have a one year waranty? If the repair is not successful and I have to return the computer for further repairs, will I have to pay another $199 plus s/h?
I'm sorry, but after doing some research, Acer does not have a very good track record for fixing a computer the first time. Considering I don't have my computer under waranty, I don't want to pay $199 every time I receive a broken computer back.
3. What is Acer going to do to restore my confidence in them as a company? Right now I am not going to be buy another Acer computer, and additionally recommending that everyone I know do the same. Unless Acer does something, they are going to lose a ton of customers.
I look forward to your quick and COMPREHENSIBLE reply,
Vanessa
As some people might already know, I've been in an epic war with Acer in the last few weeks over my Acer Aspire 8930G. Yes, that's this laptop here. The model is about 1 year old, so the price I paid for it was quite a bit higher, at the $1,800 mark. I bought it in October 2008, and on Christmas day the motherboard randomly imploded.
Normally, I'm the kind of person that sucks it up and pays for the repair. I did that when my TravelMate 8100 lost it's hard drive and my HP had a busted DC adapter. But this is an $1,800 laptop less than 3 months out of waranty, and this isn't a fucking hard drive, its a motherboard. I treated this computer like my God and the motherboard broke. What the hell?
When my computer broke, I was pretty devastated. In the last year it became part of my life. I thought I would give Acer a call and see if they would honour my customer loyalty to them and extend my waranty to cover this repair. Now, this is where Acer fucked things up royally.
I have FIVE Acer computers in my home, and anyone who knows me personally knows I have recommended their computers as the ones to buy. I got the Acer customer support number from their completely unnavigatable website and gave it a ring.
Automated system. Pretty normal. The creepy robot woman asked me if I was calling about the same problem I had before. I was like, "what? I've never called before!" Whatever, I said no and it moved on. Then she wanted my SNID, which is the serial number of the computer. I gave it to her. Then the bitch told me that my computer was out of waranty and hung up. I tried to get through that automated system every way possible and every time she hung up on me. I couldn't even talk to anyone!
What the fuck, Acer? You can't hire your outsourced South Asian employees to answer questions for computers with no waranty? They sell it, and then they want you to buy insurance on their own products. When you don't have the insurance anymore, they don't want to talk to you! Not only that, but by selling you a waranty they are saying that they have no faith in their own products. "Buy this, it's great! But not that great, because it might break and be our fault. Pay more money because we can't build a computer right the first time!"
Now I'm playing email tag with a bunch of stupid idiots that either a) won't answer my questions or b) don't understand enough to answer my questions. I've asked them repeatedly to call me so that I can get the issue solved and my questions answered in like 2 hours instead of 2 fucking weeks.
Acer customer service is shit. Combined with their apparently new strategy of making shitty hardware, they don't deserve new customers. Buy something else, I don't know what yet, but Acer has a business model of sell and ignore.
I'd love to hear about people's shitty computer stories. These stupid computer companies are creating a business model that is great for them in the short term, and shitty for their customers. Our outrage can make it so that it is the most costly business model for them in the long run, and hit them in the only place they understand - the WALLET.
Fuck you Acer, you lost a 10 year customer. You would have made thousands of dollars from my business over the next 10 years, and now you will make nothing. Eat it.
For all of you that are interested, I have my email conversation with Acer attached here. It's quite lengthy and still happening, but perhaps you can see what you're in for if you decide to risk Acer Customer Service.
To whom it may concern;
I own an Acer Aspire 8930G Notebook that is less than 2 years old. Today, without any prior malfunction, the laptop turned off and will no longer charge the battery. The battery indicator light does not turn on and there is a distinct clicking sound coming from the plug input/battery port when the computer is plugged in.
I have tested the power adapter and there is no problem with it. I have even tested the laptop with different outlets in my home to make sure it wasn't a power issue on my end.
The computer has not been dropped, mishandled or had any foreign substances spilled on it. It has been working more than perfectly up until now.
Your prompt reply with this issue will be greatly appreciated. Any help that you can provide will be helpful in getting my laptop fixed in a timely manner.
Cheers,
Vanessa
Response (Abin_GWSI661) 12/26/2009 03:50 AM
Dear Vanessa,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I’ll be happy to assist you.
As per your mail, I understand that you need to replace battery.
While going through your system record in our database, we came to know that your system is out of warranty.
If you need to purchase new battery, you may please go through the following link << http://ping.fm/jrDu5 >>, << http://ping.fm/SQgpR >> or you may please call 800-826-0279, 800-317-9989.
For further clarifications, please feel free to visit our web site http://ping.fm/SqZAg.
Have a great day!
Respectfully,
Acer America
Online Technical Support
**** Question: Who the fuck is MundoCorp and why is Acer Technical Support sending me there?
This is where I called the number they provided. It didn't work. So I scoured the internet for other numbers, and they didn't work. Good job, support, for giving me shit that doesn't work.
Customer (Vanessa) 12/29/2009 07:21 PM
Hello again,
I have spent the last few hours trying to navigate the maze that is Acer customer support. In addition to several listed phone numbers that are out of date, and website links on the acer Canada website that lead to non existing urls, I have been kicked off of the phone support system all afternoon. All I want to do is fix my laptop and have itdone promptly and with little hassle. I would like to talk to a REAL person on the phone about what I can do to continue to use my TOP of the line acer notebook, of which I was one of the first people in Vancouver to purchase.
I have been a long term acer customer. After my first notebook broke (an HP) 10 years ago, I bought my first aver notebook. Now, my household currenly owns 5 acer notebooks and has up until now been satisfied. When I wen to buy a netbook in September, I chose to buy the more expensive Acer option because I couldn't imagine putting my trust in another brand. The hardware this company makes is usually very good.
The first time I have a major problem in 10 YEARS and there is no one available to help me. To say that I'm disappointed is an understatement. I expect someone at Acer to respond to my concerns promptly so that I can get my laptop fixed and get back to work on it.
My phone number is 604-***-****. I look forward to talking to a representative soon.
Response (Sumesh_GWSI673) 12/29/2009 11:23 PM
Dear Vanessa,
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I'll be happy to assist you with this issue.
I understand from your mail that your system has an issue with system.
I have verified your serial number and found that your system is out of Warranty.
Vanessa, if you are ready with sending system for repair with $199 please confirm with us and we would be in a better position to help you.
Please contact us back with the response and we would be in a better position to help you.
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site http://ping.fm/pZ3Tj
Have a great day!
Respectfully,
Acer America
Online Technical Support
At this point, I had my computer looked at by a local technician. He diagnosed the problem as a blown capacitor on my motherboard, which Acer had been telling me was a battery problem and was trying to get me to buy a new battery.
Customer (Vanessa) 12/30/2009 02:47 AM
Hello again,
There seems to be some confusion in this thread about what is actually wrong with my computer. I don't know what an "issue with system" is, but the problem with my Acer notebook is that there is a blown capacitor on the motherboard.
At this point I want to know what Acer is willing to do to keep my long term business. If the person reading this thread can not offer me anything that will help restore my trust in your company than I suggest that you send it to someone who does. I know that tech support is not an easy job, and that it is often thankless, so please do us both a favour and have someone who can actually help me contact me.
My Aspire 8930G is a top of the line laptop that I paid full price for. 3 months out of warranty and the motherboard breaks? That is not acceptable. I want Acer to work with me to extend my warranty and get my system fixed. I am happy to pay for this extended warranty, but I am not willing to pay an unguaranteed $199 USD, plus shipping (will that even cover a replacement motherboard, if needed, or is that just for labour?) to fix a computer that might break again in less than a year, and that shouldn't be having problems to begin with.
What guarantees will Acer give me on this repair? If I get it fixed at my local repair shop, I know I can bring it back if there is an issue with the repair and have it fixed for free. Will
Acer provide the same guarantee, or will I have to send it back for another $199USD?
Lastly, why is it so difficult to talk to someone on the phone about this? I could have had this issue solved days ago with a quick phone conversation! I am an incredibly unsatisfied long-term customer and I want Acer to address this in the fairest way possible. It's just good business practice.
I look forward to your immediate reply.
Sincerely,
Vanessa
Response (Mary LincyKM) 12/30/2009 05:36 AM
Dear Vanessa,
Thank you for contacting Acer America.
Having reviewed your e-mail I understand that you are facing an issue with the mother board.
Vanessa, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience experienced.
As the system is out of warranty, as per Acer policy we are unable to pull the system for in warranty service.
The cost of out of warranty repair is $199.
NOTE : you will have to pay one way shipping.
If you are ready to send the system for repair, please inform us and we will do the needful.
For further clarifications please feel free to visit our web site http://ping.fm/ZGA6W
Have a great day!
Respectfully,
Acer America
Online Technical Support
Customer (Vanessa) 01/03/2010 04:10 PM
Hello again,
Well, at least someone can extend a completely useless apology and work to make sure that I don't get any help at all. Not a single one of my questions was answered from my previous communication. How about I break it down for you?
1. Does the repair cost include parts, or is it just service? What are my quote guarantees? Will Acer honour the $199, or can it raise the cost once they have the computer?
2. What guarantee does the repair have? What if I get the computer back from your service and it still doesn't work? If a part is replaced, will that part have a one year waranty? If the repair is not successful and I have to return the computer for further repairs, will I have to pay another $199 plus s/h?
I'm sorry, but after doing some research, Acer does not have a very good track record for fixing a computer the first time. Considering I don't have my computer under waranty, I don't want to pay $199 every time I receive a broken computer back.
3. What is Acer going to do to restore my confidence in them as a company? Right now I am not going to be buy another Acer computer, and additionally recommending that everyone I know do the same. Unless Acer does something, they are going to lose a ton of customers.
I look forward to your quick and COMPREHENSIBLE reply,
Vanessa
Concept Art for Airship Arc Winds
Hello people out there on the intarwebs! I've finally set up my ping fm so that I can update previously neglected corners of my internet personality, like blogger and livejournal. I would love to have the time to update each individually with customized content, but I only have two hands and 24 hours in a day.
I'm still getting a feel for the features provided for me on this platform, so if I have missing images or HTML where I shouldn't, please bare with my stupid technical issues. I have terrible luck with these things and always end up doing some back tracking. If you only review my stuff once and a while, you probably won't notice anything wrong. That's cool.
I feel like I've been a busy beaver with the drawing for Airship Arc Winds. At least I used to be before I went on Christmas holidays. Now I lost the groove. Here are the images from said groove, hopefully I will it up again soon.
I'm looking forward to making the Airship Arc Winds website this week, brief stints of web design definitely sustains my addiction for random coding.
Without further interruption, here is the concept art I have diligently been working on!
I hope you enjoy! Until next time!
-Anise
I'm still getting a feel for the features provided for me on this platform, so if I have missing images or HTML where I shouldn't, please bare with my stupid technical issues. I have terrible luck with these things and always end up doing some back tracking. If you only review my stuff once and a while, you probably won't notice anything wrong. That's cool.
I feel like I've been a busy beaver with the drawing for Airship Arc Winds. At least I used to be before I went on Christmas holidays. Now I lost the groove. Here are the images from said groove, hopefully I will it up again soon.
I'm looking forward to making the Airship Arc Winds website this week, brief stints of web design definitely sustains my addiction for random coding.
Without further interruption, here is the concept art I have diligently been working on!
I hope you enjoy! Until next time!
-Anise
4.07.2009
Webcomics Wednesday: Flipside
Flipside by Brian FoulkeFantasy/Drama
Technical: 8/10
Writing: 6/10
Originality: 7/10
Impact: 6/10
While I was still in highschool, I stumbled across the first incarnation of Flipside, a manga-style graphic novel by Brian Foulke. Back then, the comic had an amateur charm and I, in all my teenage glory, was in awe of Foulke's ability to draw page after page, with characters I enjoyed.
This part of the comic has been retitled 'Book 0' and since I fell out of reading webcomics, he's began a new incarnation of Flipside.
Much like the incarnation of the comic, I've come back to Flipside with a new perspective as well. I have been delightfully surprised by the new version, it's technical advancements and character development. At times I have also been disappointed by plot lines seemingly contrived from thin air and a rather awkward beginning.
The new flipside began with the energy of one of my favourite comic characters, Maytag. I was excited to see her new conceptualization, buy found her initial speach quite trite and heavy handed. Luckily, Maytag quickly becomes the cornerstone of the series. Her ability to talk down a situation is impressive, and her humanizing of a situation brings an interesting twist to the fantasy genre.
Flipside is an online comic that effectively broaches philosophy, sex and gender issues. Much like 'book 0', the supporting characters leave a bit to be desired. Crest in particular is quite a two dimensional character and I was relieved when the story line moved away from his girl troubles and cliché dislike of the knights.
In a world where webcomics spring up like weeds, it becomes difficult to know what is worth your time and what isn't. Flipside is a top 10 webcomic on TWC and a long time favourite of mine. If you enjoy a good fantasy story, but are also looking for something a little different than a weak Tolkien rip-off epic adventure, flipside is a good place to start in the webcomic world.
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