www.apple.com/itunes

The ipod has taken the natoin by storm and has become increasingly popular amongst people of all ages. The ipod has taken music technology one step further as consumers are able to watch the music videos to their favourite songs, create playlists and manage all of their songs on one,small,portable device. The ipod website has a very colourful and attractive homepage with picture of the product in different, bright colours. On the website, users can see what films and programmes are available to download onto their ipods as well as download music,podcasts and games. The website is a clear example of convergence and shows how products such as the ipod have made watching films and listening to music convenient. The downloads are quick and easy and thus attract people to investing in the ipod.
The website also offers artists a platform to advertise their music on- if they are included on the day's playlists then people are more likely to listen to their music. Moreover the website has a section for 'single of the week', which gives the specific artist or band much exposure.
After looking at the homepage of the site i looked more at the 'ipod shuffle' in more detail. The ipod shuffle coems in five different, attractive colours and allows audiences to wear up to 240 songs on their sleeve, lapel or belt. The ipod shuffle is clip on and is very convenient and lightweight. The product is an example of miniturisation and shows how products are getting smaller and smaller...the ipod shuffle can be compared to large cd walkmans, whcih were extremely inconvenient and involved too much hassle. New technologies such as the ipod put emphasis on comfort and convenience.

www.empireonline.com

'Empire' is a prominant film magazine, however the website allows people to keep up to date with the latest film news without purchasing the magazine. This is an example of online magazines which again shows the convergence of the internet and magazines. The internet is taking over many other media technologies such as television, phones and now even magazines. The website offers ratings for recently released films and gossip about the film industry. However, more importantly, with the use of new media technologies the website is able to have online, video interviews. This week the website has a video interview with Carmen Electra about her upcoming film 'I want candy'. There are also interviews with the cast of '300' as well as the results of the 'Empire awards 2007'. The website is also an example of interactivity as users are able to take part in live web-chat with ground-breaking British director Danny Boyle. This shows how the itnernet can be used as a means of communication and increases interactivity.
The site benefits the film industry as the site can be used as a platform for them to advertise their films. Moreover, the site helps create word of mouth and a narrative image of upcoming movies as viewers are able to watch previews and trailers of films. This advertising space saves the film industry a lot of money as they can now use the internet as a means of advertising rather than television.
The website is extremely interactive with forums and competitions and sections were audiences can write reviews for films. This is an example of democratisation, getting the audience involved in the media.
The magazine also benefits from this site greately as it encourages people to buy the magazine and can even see an 'interactive preview' of the magazine as well as subscribe to it. Although the website provides audiences with much information and a chance to interact with one another and enter competitions- it is still not as good as the magazine itself, so people are sitll encouraged to buy the magazine and can simply use the website as a chance to access and film information quickly- i.e: cinema listings or film reviews.

www.channingtatum.org

this website has been set up entirely for fans of the ex-model/actor Channing Tatum. The site provides fans with the chance to look at photos of him aas well as comment on them- this encourgaes interactiviy on the site as fans can contribute to the site by commenting on pictures. Moreover, the site offers fans the cance to download videos, wallpapers, screen savers and even animations of Channing. The site also contains extracts from previous interviews and photoshoots that Channing has had. However the most important feature of the site, which applies to most fan sites, is the forum. The forum encourgaes interactivity and creates the idea of an online community where fans of Channing can interact with one another. The site benefits the fans as well as Channing Tatum- because of the extra publicity it brings him.

www.youtube.com

'you tube' is a site were users can create an account and download and share video clips. The website is a clear example of convergence and narrowing the gap between television and the internet. The fact that users can watch episodes of 'the simpsons', watch trailers for their favorite movie and even watch music videos via you tube shows how television and the internet are slowly merging into one product and how with the use of new media technologies, it is not necessary to own a television in order to watch programmes.
However it is clear that the most important aspect of youtube is the fact that members are allow to post their own videos. This allows the consumers of the media to be more involved in making the media. The site thus encourages democratisation as users have the chance to play a role in the mediaIt also benefits independant film makers as it provides them with a platform to advertise their work on- for free. Also, fans of films can make their own parodies of films, such as the famous 'lord of the rings' spoof produced by a group of teenagers.
Video technology on phones and new digital camcorders has allowed people of all ages to make a contribution to the media, without paying.

www.myspace.com

'myspace' has taken the nation by storm with its increasing popularity. The website is a clear and possibly one of the most prominent example of personalisation and interactivity. The website allows users to create their own web page, with pictures, videos and more importantly gives them the chance to blog and create online communities. This website has helped many businesses as it is used as a platform for them to advertise their products and it is also used for networking.
'myspace' is aimed mostly at teenagers, with the majority of users aging between 15 and 21. The webiste allows users to personalise the media by creating their own web pages, with their own design,colour,music, content etc.
The website also illustrates interactivity via the internet as users can interact with friends by commenting each other as well as using the recently introduced imessenger, which is similar to msn messenger. Moreover the website encourages online communities for fans or simply people with similar interests.
'myspace' has also proved to be beneficial for institutions as far as advertising goes. For example, singers with myspaces, such as Eminem, JayZ and Jme can advertise their upcoming singles via myspace either through messages or bulletins. This provides them with free advertising space targettted at teenagers, who are their target audience. Moreover, fans can also watch previews of music videos and get information about upcoming concerts, gigs etc.

www.ring-themovie.com

I chose to look at the website for 'The Ring' as i think it is a very good example of how new media technologies are used in order to create a more appealing, interactive website in order to market films.
The website has several links that alow the audience to become more familiar with the film before seeing it. The website also helps create a narrative image for the film, which is that it is a thrilling movie based around a deadly video tape. This narrative image is created as soon as viewers enter the site as the black background and scary, disturbing flashing images suggest the genre of the film and possible story lines. The intro to the website consists of flashing images and videos of characters from the film, this sets up an enigma for viewers and draws them in to find out more about the film.
The website allows audiences to visit image galleries and see behind the scenes footage as well as read the film's production notes. This makes the audience feel more involved with the film and thus makes them more eager to see it. Moreover, audiences have the chance to download wallpapers, screen savers, e cards and aim icons from the film. This promotes the film even further- and shows how the internet can be used successfully to market and advertise a film. Using the internet as a platform for marketing benefits the instituions greately as they save a lot of advertising money- moreover, the website will always be there,whereas billboards and television adverts wont always be shown.
Furthermore, the website offers audiences to watch the film's trailer. This is an example of convergence and how the internet and television are merging into one product as now, instead of watching trailers via the television, viewers can watch them online.

www.totalkiss.com

The kiss 100 website is a bright, fun, lively website which is targetted at teenagers- hence the bold, bright colours and flamboyant background. The site offers information about clubs, competitions, concerts, music and gossip. The site is split in 5 sectoins: clubs, music, entertainment, competitions and a section on 'my kiss', which allows consumers to be part of the kiss team. The opening page includes a slide show of what the site has to offer as well as moving images and adverts- which make the page stand out. This has all been made possible thanks to NMT's.

The website gives consumers the chance to listen to kiss 100 online or tune in to different kiss shows, such as the breakfast show. The website is extremely interactive and users can even e-mail the kiss dj's and request songs as well as enter competitions. Furthermore audiences are able to select a dj from the 'select a dj' panel and view the dj's playlist and download songs from it. This makes the radio more flexible for the audience as if they miss a radio show, they can download it via the website.

Consumers are also able to subscribe to the 'kiss mobile', were they will receive the latest kiss info to their inbox- such as the latest gossip, competitions and concerts. The site is aimed entirely at teenagers and even has a section entitled 'bored'. This sectino contains video archives- using NMT's and jokes archives as well as picture archives. This has all been made possible due to the use of NMT's such as advanced video technology.

The website is a clear example of convergence and outlines how radio, television and the internet are all converging into one product as consumers are able to watch videos, listen to the radio and enter competitions all via the internet.

The kiss 100 website benefits institutions as they have a platform to broadcast their media on- and kiss, being a famous name, attracts many visitors. Moreover 'kiss' benefit from the site as they use it to advertise and promote their radio shows, competitions, dj's and events. They also make money from companies who pay for advertising space on their website- for example, 'Lynx'. The 'lynx' adverts are posted all around the site and offer a link to the 'lynx's' website.