Blog Post #6 - Convergence Culture

Jenkins has a solid understanding of convergence culture. He optimistically writes about the potential it has to reshape various aspects of entertainment, politics, and business. Jenkins demonstrates his knowledge of convergence culture by applying it to real world entertainment situations such as internet communities dedicated to Harry Potter or the spoiler-obsessed fans of the show Survivor. The author realizes that the old model of one way communication from a sender to a receiver is being changed. Now, the relationship is back and forth. In today's world, corporate media connect to grassroots, fan-based content to create the "convergence" of which Jenkins thinks so highly. The main point of Jenkins' book was to show that convergence can create "micro-communities" of highly dedicated and loyal fans who want to have a role in their show. However, Jenkins did fail to realize that for many corporate media institutions, advertisers are the primary customer (not the audience themselves). Still, Jenkins' passion and enthusiasm for the trend of convergence culture show that he has a good understanding of what it is and what it can do.

Creative engagement is a process in which everyone is invited to participate. New media is not just produced by one or two people. Now, it's a group effort using audience feedback, crowd sourcing, social media, and more. Creative engagement, like convergence, is changed today's media landscape. By allowing more people to have a voice to impact the direction or themes of a show, media becomes more interactive and more fulfilling for everyone involved along the way.
 

Through the use of social media, the way we consume media today is drastically different than what it was a decade ago. TV shows have official hashtags, reporters use tweets and Instagram posts to share up to date news, and fans can easily connect to their favorite entertainment on dedicated Facebook pages. One great example of this engagement is the interaction between American Idol and the show's fans/voters. The viewers who vote make an impact on the results and can change the outcome of the show. I believe as convergence culture continues to grow, this type of participation will continue. Perhaps one day, show viewers can vote on how they want to show to end or guess who the culprit is in a crime drama. Overall, its important for anyone in the communication field to realize that convergence is continuing to transform and change both the production and consumption of media.