What is Vessel and should we be Worried - Ranting

Hands Up who's heard of Vessel?

The likelihood is that half of you won't know what I'm talking about, or will have looked across to the the cup, glass or mug. What I'm actually talking about is the new video hosting site that is setting up as the closest thing to a YouTube (YT) rival.

I've heard many people praise this.

 - YouTube needs competition
 - Not necassarily
 - But Monopolies are bad. Also think of the revenue it will generate for the creators, allowing them to live stably.
 - Yes, there has also been many cases where the creators say it gives them more security (which it will).
 - So, surely a rival is good?
 - Well...


Now, I'm not slating Vessel for existing, but I feel it might threaten the video sharing market as a whole and this may leave the door open for the end of YT, or at least the version of it we know. So what is it? Vessel is a service where you pay a monthly fee to watch the videos of YT stars before they release them to YT. It acts a premium service.

The Google owned giant has recently been making advertising revenue harder to come by. This has lead to many creators turning to kickstarter and patreon in order to sustain their income and current lifestyle. While many make a living off of it, youtube still only gives creators a small percentage of the revenue.

I'm not arguing against this, in fact I do feel the creators need a better income as to live off. However; this may impeed upon the YouTube monopoly. Now, I know most monopolies are "bad", but I see it a resource as opposed to a company. Google may have a large percentage of the search engine market, but it's not imposing on society, while we have the World Wide Web after other internet providers fell. YouTube, to me, has earned its place as the global video site.

I believe this is important because, in this world it is important to have convienience. With the rise of Vessel what's to say other sites wont do the same, or even  make a rival YouTube, as Yahoo threatened to do a few months back. This will be an issue if content becomes exclusive for each site. This may lead to extesive copyright issues with multiple videos of the same event being uploaded.

It may also make it harder to judge videos popularity. Imagine wanting to listen to a music video but having to visit 2 or 3 different sites to find it. What about trying to judge popularity of creators if they're on different sites with different audiences.

While Vessel is only offering a paid service everything should be fine. If they're only a premium service then nothing should change. However; we may see a cultural shift, as YouTube being a free place to make your name and Vessel a place to go when you're proffessional.

Vessel has been given $57.5m to help the project along. YouTube is also planning to launch its own paid subscription tier that will remove ads, which will, according to its email to channel owners; “generate a new source of revenue that will supplement your fast-growing advertising revenue”. Does this suggest we may already be losing the idea of a free to watch video sharing site. A concept that is a cornerstone of the World Wide Web.

Does Vessel represent the beginning of the end for the current YouTube or a benefit to creators?

Leave your thoughts.

A free commodity can be a need if advertised correctly.

-|CJ|-

Spring Break Stress - Reading

Half term has been.... nice.

Well, I call it half term, but its actually a full term. Then again "Full Term Break" doesn't have the same ring. So lets compromise with the Americans way of describing this time; Spring Break. The weather here is sunny and quite windy, so exactly how you expect in the UK. -_-

But I get off topic. These 2 weeks have been vital for me to organise myself for the final term of education. *insert dramatic music* When I think about it, I realise just how quickly time has past, and anyone who's gone through this before, or are going through it, will know what I mean when I say that I'm a little scared.

When people ask me, 'whats the most important thing in your life?', I expect most people to come out with the usual; Family/ Friends/ Happiness etc. But for me it is something else. For me, security is the biggest thing. The knowledge to know where I'll be in the future to have things set out. Because right now, I don't.

I look at some friends, they have got University places or Jobs and I envy them. Not because, of their high grades/ high income, but because of their security. The fact they have their life set out. I even have one friend who's moving into their own home soon. As a 17 y/o that takes guts, and that's something I lack.

As much as I stand up in front of people and rant and present, the ability to take things into my own hands has been something that has always held me back. Whether it be life/ love/ jobs/ education, I've never had any self confidence.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not being all sad and depressive about this. I'm not trying to be an emotionally scarred child, an attention seeker or a depressive...

 - You do know you've just alienated most of your audience
 - I'm sure they'll understand
 - Unlikely

Well, with hardly any of you left, I should probably mention the holidays. Well I'm glad to mention that I'm now doing something with some worth in my life. Which should be a good basis for finding a job or apprenticeship at the end of the year. The only thing is it has taken up more time than I suspected. As a result, I've been a little behind on revision. Still, life goes on and I will try to work towards the exams. No matter how much I think I can't. Also, (as of today) I've finally finished the practical side to some of my coursework. Little victories.

Also, for anyone who was wondering why this is classed as "Reading", well.... I had to read up on my exams. There! That's a (weak) link. That'll do. But to all my friends who feel they can't or don't want to carry on, remember;

Some targets can only be justified after they've been completed.

-|CJ|-

How the Theory Test Works - Reality

So... Many... Butterflies!!!

I'm usually not a person who talks about their day, but this is something I feel is noteworthy and useful to all those who might have to go through this. So; yesterday, I went for a Theory Driving Test. For those who don't know what that is, let me explain.

In the UK all young drivers are required to pass a Theory and a Practical Test in order to gain a Driving Licence. The theory test requires you to pass two stages (as explained below). You will book a date online for you to go to a registered test centre. Here you will be given a booth with a computer screen and be expected to complete the tasks


1 - Multiple Choice -
In the test (that I did, yours may vary,) we were given 15min to complete a practice multiple choice section. This was to get you associated with the style of questions that was being asked and did not affect your results. I advise people to spend 5-10 running through this, just you are familiar with what to do.

I feel this helped me when the actual multiple choice test came along. As a result, I ended up rushing through the questions quite quickly. I was given 57min to answer the 50 questions, however; I ended up completing the choice test in far less than the maximum time limit. So, rather unsurprisingly I went back and reviewed my answers. However after checking through them I ended the test with 18mins still to go. Despite this though, the first 4 questions were quite hard for me, as a result I panicked a bit at the start, concerned the rest were that hard, but after a few deep breaths I calmed down.

2 - Hazard Perception Test -
In this part of the exam, we were first shown an example on how this works. Basically; we're are shown a (highly CGI'd) clip from the on board of a car. We have to click the mouse when a hazard appears. There will one major hazard that will develop. You will score more points depending on how early you pick it up.
  However; there will be one clip that will contain 2 hazards. We will be shown 14 clips in total and, we have to score a certain number of points in order to pass. The score for each clip will range from 5 points (top) to 0 points (bottom) depending on how early you spotted the hazard. What probably shouldn't have happened however, is that I started to feel sleepy in the warm room (oops).

At the end of this I was then made to complete a survey, but I think that's more for the company than anything, it did say it wouldn't affect my results. I did have a bit of problems trying to understand what the flag button was for. But in the end it didn't matter.


 - Do you think that everyone will understand that
 - Depends on if I worded it OK.
 - Knowing you, no ones going to understand
 - Yeah, my writing skills aren't excellent

You'll all be glad to hear that I PASSED the test. This means I can now aim for the practical. I'll tell you what happens with that in due course. In the meantime, good luck and good day.

The who never failed, never achieved anything

 -|CJ|-

Fiji's Flag Fuss - Ranting

Oh look, he's back!

Um, well, no. I'm probably not going to be doing a lot more, this is just because I saw something I care about and have a bit of spare time.

So yeah, Fiji. Small island nation of 850'000 people, gaining Independence in 1970 from the British. Has established itself as a major holiday resort and one of the largest island groups in the Pacific. However; Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, has recently voiced his concern that the country should get a new identity and scrap the flag. "The new flag should reflect Fiji's position in the world today as a modern and truly independent nation state" he stated. "We need to replace the symbols on our existing flag that are out of date and no longer relevant, including some anchored to our colonial past" he said. Bainimarama's main concern is the inclusion of the British insignia and has been known to dislike the British culture, having gotten rid of the Queen's head printed on its money.

As a keen vexillologist ...

 - Really, you think people will know what that is?

 - They can search it up.

 - Pfff, unlikely, they'll think you're being pompous!

 - OK fine. It's the study of flags ... I know, thrilling.

Anyway, I am quite keen on this subject. Firstly; I feel his way of saying the flag represents the past is a bit contradictory of the point of flag. A flag should, in my eyes, be there to show a countries history. It represents the land, the people and how it has reached that point in time. Which is why I feel it's not a major issue having the British flag in the corner, as it represents what is quite a large part of the country's history. 

Removing the British flag from a flag is not uncommon, its been something that has been done many times before with nations who have become independent. (see above) However; this is starting to raise concerns over the future for these flags. Australia, New Zealand and Tuvalu are now the only countries with the British Flag on them and the former two have both had talks about potentially changing the flag. Many of the countries who changed their flag had done so because they became a republic, not accepting the British monarchy as their (theoretical) head of state and Fiji did just this in 1970 when it too became a republic. So, many would argue, it has the right to break further away from the UK.

However; like all commonwealth nations, Fiji needs to accept that much of what it is now is because of the British governments leadership. While its majority use of English and the fact they drive on the left seemingly the few things left on the face of it, the culture still lingers.

The other question to be raised is; does this affect the commonwealth territories. While it may be reasonable for a nation to establish its Independence with a new non-colonial flag what about those islands/ territories who aren't independent, for various reasons. If they're are still governed by a country, is there a need for them to change. The point of putting a Union Flag in the corner of many colonies was not to show we oppressed them, but to show that they were united under a single ideology, of which, they still are. 

Also, what would happen to areas such as Niue (see left) or the Cook Islands, both are governed by New Zealand. If NZ decides to change its flag, should Niue/ Cook Islands keep with its traditional insignia or should it adopt a New Zealand type flag. Then again Norfolk Island, part of the Australian commonwealth, has a completely separate flag. The problem with this, is that it continues the idea of representation, rather than self identity. This is not just a British thing either; France does the same with its territories, as do many states/ provinces of various countries, who have a common insignia.

I won't make a decision on whether changing Fiji's identity is a good or bad thing, instead I'll leave it up to you. Thank you for reading through (even though I know you skipped some -_- )

Make Yourself Known

-|CJ|-

Halloween Perceptions - Reality

Help, the Social Pressure!!

As I'm sure you guys know, Halloween is coming up and I'm looking back on it and realising there are changes afoot. Many of these public holidays are often aimed at the innocence of the youth, at least the material side of it. Christmas being a prime example of this. However; we must look and realise that a holiday will mean different things to different people.

Now, I'm not talking the different meaning or importance of cultural/ religious holidays such as Thanksgiving, Ramadan or Kwanzaa. But what it means to different age groups and social circles. I bring this up because of a change in the past few years of what Halloween means to me.

As a young kid, you look forward to an evening of wondering around with the family knocking on peoples doors leading the infamous phrase "Trick or Treat" being shouted from every door we saw a pumpkin/ decorations outside of. As I got older, the joy came in putting up our own decorations and being a kid who was obsessed with order, I wasn't really happy when my sister wanted the influence.

Unfortunately, we haven't had a lot of time in recent years. Also my parents haven't been that into it, so we've not been participating recently. This has left me in the last few years in a limbo mode. As much as I enjoyed it as a kid, it seemed beneath me. To add, it didn't help, I got mocked a few years back.

 - Oh, boo hoo. You had a childhood trauma, get over it.
 - It put me off Halloween for 2 years.
 - So?! You're still happy aren't you.
 - I suppose. Even so Halloween isn't what it use to be.

And I think that's the point here. I do feel I've been left in a nostalgic state of looking back at the past. However; now I'm in Sixth Form (its like college if you're American) I'm starting to see the pull of late night parties. After all its a bit of a stereotype that teens will find any excuse to have a party. Now I talk about "Trick or Treating" as if its generational. Its not and is still popular, I even have a few friends that still do it. However; as I grow I look at other ways this holiday makes me happy.

One final note, as this is a socially awkward blog, its only right, I should point out, I'm really concerned I'll be a social pariah. But none the less, I'm determined to make this work. While there are many changes as I go into this new stage, the one that seems the weirdest is that not everything has to be scary. Which, I believe to be the most unusual American-ism about Halloween.

Be Yourself

-|CJ|-

The Growth Map - First Impressions - Reading

More Holiday Loneliness

I've spoken before about the holidays being a time when people in education lose the motivation to work. So yeah... -_- Guess how much work I've completed today. But even ignoring that fact the holidays been good to me so far. I should however get on to Reading my book.

Yes, like any A-Level student knows, we have a load of Extra Reading. So my book I have to read for Business Studies this term;

  - The Growth Map -  by Jim O'Neill

Many of you know about my love for Economics and the wider world, so I suppose its unsurprising that I chose this book over a biography of some famous business person. As for the book itself, well, having read the first 2 chapters, I can say, its gone through a lot of build up. Many books have a back story so the reader can understand the situation and as someone who is acquainted with the topic but not the author it was interesting to see how his (and colleagues) idea has grown and the impact on their lives. However you do find yourself questioning how necessary the information is.

The book focuses on the BRIC countries and how they will shape our world economically as well as politically and socially. So far he has focused on the BRICs effect on the established countries, the G7 and how it will continue to shape the way trading blocks will interact. 

The Book looks promising in terms of the lessons it can teach me. For someone born after 1995 it has done a good job in explaining to me why China is not part of any major unions like the G7 and surprisingly taught me how successful Japan/ France/ Italy actually is (as opposed to what the UK Media will make you believe.)

So far, I'm placing this on a higher pedestal than the other Economic/ Finance book I read (The Logic of Life) However; with all future prediction books, they must be taken with a pinch of salt, especially from someone who worked for Goldman Sachs, but then again maybe I'm too critical. Especially considering the performance of his predictions so far.

Rating: 4/5 some points are worth taking notice of.

 - Well, there we go, now for the whole book
 - Are you ever going to do a full book review
 - Probably not
 - Then why bother
 - Because I can

So yeah... I'm making a habit of first impressions on Economic books, maybe I'll do more, if I have the time. It's unlikely, but we'll see.

Knowledge is our Greatest Weapon

-|CJ|-

Age of Extremism - Ranting

And the Journey Continues

Now, I'm usually one to cover modern political affairs, so today is no exception. Yes, its one of those posts, to all those who don't want to hear it; I promise it'll be lighter next time.

It's common knowledge that the middle east has gone through a lot of changes in the past few years, as a result the political and geographic landscape could change in the next few years. But why, and what is my take on this?

THIS IS MY OPINION AND SHALL NOT BE TAKEN TOO SERIOUSLY

While the news likes to focus on the now and immediate threat, the roots go back much further. To me, it started back in 2003 with the Iraq War. Now many will say the roots go back further, but in terms of unrest this seems to be a catalyst to many modern endeavours. The other main catalyst being the fall of the dictatorships in Libya and Egypt. But what does this have to do with the current ISIS incentive in Iraq and Syria.

As someone from the UK, the news is very determined to label the good and the bad amongst the fighting, while I don't necessarily disagree, it does raise suspicions of whether it could be seen as a form of propaganda to tell us which side to believe. Then again maybe I'm being too critical.

There was a BBC documentary some years back, about the worlds history and its ages. For the final episode, it was called the Age of Extremism. While this seemed weird at the time, I've taken it to heart, for you look at the main wars since 1900 and we see it is extremism that leads the way. So why is this? Our beliefs have not changed but our perception has. I believe that thanks to the rising power of the media the idea of good and bad has become set within our heads.

In no way am I bashing extremism, but with the rise of the opposition with communism and capitalism, less focus was on the nations power and more with its style of government. But I do feel that this was inevitable. Countries may have been run by whoever was more powerful, hence the rise of empires, but now we have got to a point with nuclear weapons that could take out life, it is impossible to be seen as more powerful, so we can be free to express our emotions in our beliefs. This could be a reason for the rise in Riots and coos over the last 100 years, because the deciding power is not the dictator but the peoples will on mass.

 

So, I feel that this isn't us being repressed to new powerhouses, but should be seen as an age of liberation where our beliefs will shape the world, not by the man with the biggest army, but the man with the strongest tongue. While I admit that this is not always the case everywhere around the world, freedom of speech and democracy has lead to the rise of extremism as it is those most committed to their beliefs that will shout them the loudest. Whether you see this is good or bad, like in ISIS, or Egypt, or in Hong Kong is up to you.

 - Well that was long...
 - People will probably hate you
 - I know -_-
 - No-ones probably read it
 - I know, but I don't care.

Stand up, not because you have to, but because you can

-|CJ|-