Informal Research - Internet

"Cool (aesthetic)." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cool_(aesthetic). Wikipedia. Web. 3 December 2009.
This article defines the word cool in different contexts and discusses how the word applies around the world. It contains the theories of cool; two of we talked about in class: cool is defined as what is uncool and being cool is about not caring about being cool but you would still be caring. Being cool is another way capitalists manipulate us to buy cool products.

This page gives a lot of information on how the word cool and the usage of the word cool came to be. It is great to see how the word cool is brought up around the world and whether or not it is similar in the United States. I am also now aware of the types of physical items corporations produce and how these items reflect their views of "cool."

"Fog Machine | Disco Balls | Lava lamps | CoolStuffCheap.com" http://www.coolstuffcheap.com. CoolStuffCheap. Web. 7 December 2009.
As the name implies, a site that allows you to buy cool stuff at a cheaper price. Ranges from motion sensor spotlights to stick anywhere night lights.

Shows how capitalists label products as "cool" to get us to buy their products. I think that some of these products are useless, stupid, like the light up beer mug (why would you need that?) But this might be a good site for Christmas shopping (you never know).

DJD. "How To Look Cool on the Internet." http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1554284-How-To-Look-Cool-On-The-Internet. Writing.com. Web. 8 December 2009.
A guide on how to look cool on the internet. Basically a list of things you should do to make yourself look sociable; even if you are not. Ranges from creating networks on websites to bragging about yourself in the "about me" section.

I was reading through the list and I was basically disapproving every one of them. I don't know if this person was making fun of the fact that people want to look cool on the internet, but everything that was listed was uncool. It is listed under the comedy section, about eight months ago, so I think this person was just being smart about it.