Medium Examples

These are three examples of current mediums:

1. Interactive advertisements [online]

(For example, advertisements on Myspace:The Myspace banner at the top asks a question and for the user to click to find out, which leads to the url of what's being advertised. The Nexus One ad in the bottom right hand corner presents a link for users to click, which supports the sponsoring organization).
CONTENT: images, audio, internet, text, links, algorithms, pixels
MESSAGE: Companies can target users with advertisements that would probably suit them best. Algorithms are used to match advertisements with users based on their internet searches and websites frequented, etc. So, we are not only bombarded with advertisements, but they specifically target us. Furthermore, the advertisements contain interactivity for users to click (such as a poll, a quiz, or a simple link) to pull the user in towards the product or service being advertised.

2. Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs)

(For example, World of Warcraft: This screenshot demonstrates a user interacting with other users via avatars in a virtual world. Global communication takes place, as evident by some of the chat in English and some of the chat in another language).
CONTENT: images, audio, internet, text, programming, pixels
MESSAGE: People seek entertainment through the exploration of a virtual world where they discover new land, overcome challenges, and encounter other players. Their 3D characters are extensions of themselves, permitting them to exist in a virtual world. Today's MMORPGs incorporate enthralling graphics with complex systems of a world economy and player collaboration. It's the users themselves who keep these online virtual worlds going--through progressing storylines by completing quests and through self-regulating the world economy and environment based on their decisions. It's a completely interactive form of entertainment.

3. Digital downloading/purchasing of entertainment (music, movies, etc)

(For example, iTunes: Users can instantly purchase and download individual entertainment, such as a specific song, online. They can easily preview media before purchasing).
CONTENT: audio, internet, text, algorithms, images, video, electronic credit transfers, e-shopping carts
MESSAGE: Artists can distribute their work, such as their music, much more easily. Whereas it'd be expensive and difficult to obtain the means of album distribution in stores, artists can pay small amounts to conveniently sell their music online through sites such as iTunes. Also, users can choose to buy specific songs rather than an entire album. The purchases and downloads are online and instantaneous.