Relationship to Media

My relationship to media today is one of reluctance and protection. I see a wealth of information and graphics and utility in the internet's daily menu and it feels like stepping into a hornet's nest. One thing is googled and a swarm of other hungry voices are awakened crying out to be heard, connect, or sell you something.
Information and a wealth of activity is largely free and thrives on your time.

I currently work in production at an events space and largely rely on the internet to learn about potential clients. I've recently discovered Black Frame Black Frame, a branding and production company whose clients are chiefly associated with art and fashion, and was almost surprised and shocked in their website's simplicity. Black background, white text and a single band of blue at the top of their text to add weight. It is subtle and allows the viewer to dip their toe in, gently explore and navigate the site through a simple side menu bar reading: "Art & Culture," "Fashion & Beauty," "Design & Architecture," "Production & Events," and "Black Frame." Many companies involved in branding and party planning or pop culture try so hard to sell you on their creativity by pumping loud music, flashy colors and graphics, and interactivity in their website beyond necessity. They seemingly want to force a party on to you and an "experience" as soon as you hit homepage in your google search. Black Frame's concept is simple and the website's user-experience is more akin to a zen meditation than being thrown into a club or an advertisement.

I believe that the user experience on the internet carries energy and experience from the creator (or the human) on the other side, and that the design can be many things - but intelligence and grace is something that few achieve. Facebook began as an alternative to myspace for a collegiate elite - ivy league schools, and its hard to forget its approach or snobbery. Myspace was open to many and all, and has since been known for its music content - that is people who are musicians or artists, who didn't necessarily go to Harvard or Yale. The original intent of Facebook now has an irksome legacy - implying that their site is built on following other's activity as in a constant class reunion and people can "find" each other and recconect...or mindlessly stalk. I find this - although exciting on the one hand for some - irritating. It is not in my nature to make it my business what others are doing that I do not have a relationship with or previous interest in. As for new friends, I continue to prefer to make them in person. My life is busy and allows little time to "log on" and get lost into the rabbit hole of facebook -whose energy is less like a ivy league class room and more like a vile of crack. Yes - I might "hear about a show" on facebook - but then again - I "hear about shows" from friends more often, and that requires ears.

I'm looking forward to continue to study user experience and maximize a calm in the chaos where content is experienced cleanly, and somehow leaves the visitor energized and inspired.