Losing My Virginity ... Blogging Virginity That Is!

Sooo.. this is the first blog I've ever written, my cherry has been popped so to speak. As my inner child would like to describe it, it's "A whole new world, A new fantastic point of view," I am jumping head first into the unknown of social networking, so please bare with me!

Hello fellow classmates and all others out there! I am Lydia Upitis, a 20 year old student at UOW studying international studies and commerce, a volleyballer,  a sales assistant in a jewellery shop and a receptionist at a physiotherapy practice, all occupations I love! I am undertaking digc202 as apart of the communication strand in my international studies degree.

Whilst sitting here waiting for my 'sweet memories' coloured nail polish to dry on this lovely Saturday afternoon, I pondered over whether networks matter. Through the Castells reading I became aware of the necessity of networks in society. Not only am I talking about online society but that of everyday life. Castells provides examples of how networking does indeed matter and further more proves how networks are extremely beneficial to all participants. Networks are the structural basis of globalisation, networked organisations outcompete competors, networking of political institutions challenge the forever pressing management issue, networks connect people not only on a local level but that of a global level through a whole range of social practices and finally Castells states 'in this network society, power continues to be the fundamental structuring force of its shape and direction.' Power is an interesting concept to consider when looking at networking. Networking ultimately leads to power, as they always say 'its not what you know its who you know.' I like Castells concluding statement 'Networks matter because they are the underlying structure of our lives.' I feel it sums up the reading and makes me realise the importance of networks in my day to day life.

So this is the end of my first ever blog, let me know what you think and leave me a comment.
Thankyou, Lyd :)