I'm interested in learning more about semiotics. What are some good books, websites, or other resources? [more inside]
posted by heeeraldo on Feb 5, 2008 - 11 answers

Podcast for Semiotics 101? Does this exist? [more inside]
posted by Riverine on Oct 2, 2007 - 1 answer

There's a lot of threads here about the meaning of art, and also a lot of great stuff about the beauty of CD cover art. What I want to know, is what it all means. Why do so many CDs featuring a white line art border, sort of like Victorian wall paper? Is there a way to tell what sort of music is inside by the picture outside? Is there a secret language of icons or symbology? Or is it just packaging? And if it is, is there some kind of marketing ploy to attract particular audiences? Does a sepia cover with a guitar and boots always mean country music? How am I being manipulated by album art? And where can I learn more about what it means, not just what it looks like? Thanks
posted by b33j on Apr 17, 2006 - 13 answers

What is the meaning of the symbol(s) on the cover of Roland Barthes' Mythologies?
posted by Dante5Inferno on Mar 5, 2006 - 9 answers

PhilosophyPhilter(!) I am writing an academic paper (not in philosophy) that uses some of the terms and basic structure of semiotics, the study of signs and the way that they represent objects and ideas. Does anybody know of a good book that I can use as a reference for this in my paper? I'd prefer not to have to reference online material (wikipedia, and this site are good), but would prefer a real book. I am hoping to point interested readers to concise definitions of the terms, like in a dictionary or encylopedia, and not to honking books by Pierce. Any ideas?
posted by zpousman on Jun 20, 2005 - 14 answers