Well, that's just dandy!

Image 1: Club President - Mr Beau Brummell

The concept of the ‘Flanuer’ in the cyber world, (Barnes, 1997, p1), moving through space and place in an anonymous way, while simultaneously provoking attention appears a puzzle at first. But during this week’s BA1002 lecture (Kuttainen, 2016), the notion of understanding maps in the context of perspective rather than realism began the understanding of purpose and representation required for critical thinking and continued the common thread of networks and power.

There is a strong relationship between power and the use of a Flanuer persona within the email network in cyberspace.  This moving or strolling through space and place is a fabrication that renders the travel as fantasy, (Barnes, 1997, p5).  This idea was dubbed the fiction effect by Margaret Morse, according to Barnes (1997, p5) and is where a person ceases to engage in the reality of now and participate in a different place.  This association with power can often be seen in some fascinating signature blocks on the humble email.

Image 2: What does your email signature say about you

As anonymity is concerned, the use of flooding unsuspecting in-boxes with fairly routine information and copying in the entire office, is a sure way to attract attention.  The user appears to be extremely active and on top of their game or maybe like the Flanuer, this is just a ruse; a persona.  Conversely, the expectation that in return they will be CCd into a high proportion of emails gives them the anonymity they desire while still engaging in the observing.  The signature block is the usual giveaway, with elaborate titles and emphasis on post nominals lurching out saying, look at me – aren’t I clever and important! And well they might be.  However, the relationship to power is not lost in that the declaration of ego is far too enticing to pass-by the shop window without looking. 

The Flanuer is not confined to any one era but has proved to be able to stroll across time into a new and exciting dimension.Well, that’s just dandy.



References:

Barnes (1997). Passage of the cyber-flanuer. Viewed 19 August 2016. Retrieved from                                       http://www.raynbird.com/essays/Passage_Flaneur.html

Communication and Higher Education (2011). What does your signature say about you? Viewed 19               August 2016.  Retrieved from:
            http://www.commhighered.com/2011/11/what-does-your-signature-say-about-you.html

Morse (1990). An ontology of everyday distraction. Viewed 19 August 2016.  Retrieved from:             https://books.google.com.au/books?id=bHruHIDpQjMC&pg=PA193&lpg=PA193&dq=fiction+effect+margaret+morse&source=bl&ots= om8FINyCUp&sig=x816I56HKOwQP1PXxiro0ubbzo&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjMiYeW9MzOAhWIX5QKHdAKDTYQ6AEIGzAA#v=onepage&q=fiction%20effect%20margaret%20morse&f=false

Prouty (2009). A turtle on a leash. Viewed 19 August 2016.  Retrieved from                                                     http://onewaystreet.typepad.com/one_way_street/2009/10/a-turtle-on-a-leash.html

Thedandyclub (2011). Club President - Mr Beau Brummell. Viewed 19 August 2016. Retrieved from:             https://thedandyclub.wordpress.com/about/