Alejandro@Oxford

On September 22, it’s time again for OneWebDay – the Earth Day for the Internet. All around the globe, people will gather for community-organized events and focus attention on local Internet concerns. This year’s theme is “Online Participation in Democracy.” And for the first time, also Oxford will join the celebrations with two free and open events: a blogging tutorial and a photo exhibition.

1. Tutorial on “How to Start a Blog – and Why?”

This tutorial is for anyone in Oxford who wants to start a blog – or is thinking about it. Community organizers, activists, businesspeople, local politicians, students, and anyone else curious about blogging is invited to get together for an afternoon and explore what it takes to engage in online conversations via blogs.

Conducted by experts from the Oxford Internet Institute, the tutorial will be a hands-on session that helps participants get started with their own blogs. You will learn basic technical skills and explore the many issues novice bloggers face, such as developing a focus, finding a voice, or targeting your audience. The all-important issues of privacy and security will also be addressed.

When: 4-6pm on Monday, September 22, 2008
Where: Oxford Internet Institute, 1 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3JS (enter the blue door)
Register: e-mail Alejandro Ribo-Labastida at aribo@oii.ox.ac.uk. Space is limited, so sign up early!

2. Photo Exhibition on Iranian Bloggers

In addition to the tutorial, we will showcase the work of two young Iranian artists, Arash Ashoorinia and Amir M. Javadi. The small exhibition draws on the artists’ current project “Accessomania” and portrays Iranian bloggers, who struggle with censorship and Internet filtering in their country.

Arash Ashoorinia is a leading photo blogger whose blog, Kosoof, won the Reporters without Borders prize in the “Best of the Blogs” competition of the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle. Amir M. Javadi studied medicine and graphic design in Tehran and works as a graphic designer and photographer. His work has been featured in places like the Teheran Modern Arts Gallery or the 10th Photography Biennale in Iran.

The exhibition will open at noon with a brief introduction and last until 4pm. Students and Internet experts will be available to discuss the exhibition and answer questions around global Internet filtering and censorship.

When: noon-4pm on Monday, September 22, 2008
Where: Oxford Internet Institute, 1 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3JS (enter the blue door)
No registration required - just show up!

Many thanks to the OII for its generous support. We hope to see many of you on the 22nd – and don’t forget to tell your neighbors, friends, and family!