Jill Saba
April 27, 2011
WSC 002
Paper 3
The Transformation of Writing Space
Technology is constantly making advancements to keep up with the changing times and consumer demand. Currently society is slowly straying away from printed text and moving to digital media. The idea that almost anything can be done or accessed with one click of a button and the fact that hypermedia allows for instant and flexible writing attracts many users. Digital media is opening up new forms of writing, expression, and communication.
The digital media is becoming imperative to society. It seems almost impossible to walk down the street nowadays without somebody being on a cell phone or an iPod or some form of technology. The digital media allows for an easier access to the world around us. Rather than going to the library and getting a book, someone can just buy the book through his or her nook, on an iPod, or even through an online library with just a click of a button. Some authors are trying to disguise their books as digital media. But is this change or this evolution in writing unnecessary or detrimental to society? The technology of writing is constantly changing with time and what Bolter refers to as electronic space is giving a new dimension to printed text. Our minds need entertainment and to constantly be stimulated which is why the computer and hypertext are so attractive.
In Writing Space Bolter states, “the relationships between popular films and novels is further proof that the visual is now regarded as primary” (56). Bolter states that film and movies are the modern ways of telling stories. However this is not the first time that images are being used to convey a story; many ancient stories have been drawn on the walls of caves or painted with any materials that could be found. Although films and movies today are different from the ancient cave drawings, Bolter makes a valid point that many times film is the modern way of telling a story. In the PBS Frontline special “Digital Nation” college students, elementary and middle school students, and even adults in the work place, were followed and interviewed on how much they use current technology. Many students agreed that they rarely pick up and read a book any more and if they have to they would rather just watch the movie. I know from personal experience that when I have to choose between homework, studying or going online and following the endless links, I choose the latter. Although, sometimes I do enjoy reading the novel before seeing the movie because the novel leaves more up to the imagination; in a novel there are no distractions or endless links, just black text on a white rectangular page. In the typical novel there is no dimension to the page, and the pages are in an order that cannot be changed. However this one-dimensional world of a novel gets lost in the new digital world.
In my blog post responding to chapter one “Introduction: Writing in the Late Age of Print” of Writing Space I wrote, “although I do enjoy books, I don't know if it is the book itself that I enjoy or the idea of the book. Like Bolter said ‘the printed book remains the embodiment of text’ (3). People still view books and other printed texts as more intelligent or reliable. I like the feeling of a book in my hand, but for some reason I get just as distracted reading a book as I do on the internet, it's just a different kind of distraction. When I am reading I wander off in my mind, where on the internet, I wander through links and then more links until I am so far away from my original intention for being on the internet in the first place.” Many readers still value a book as more reliable or that the book contains more knowledgeable information. However, books and other forms of printed texts come with their own forms of distractions. Our minds need to constantly be stimulated, which is not necessarily bad. I do enjoy a good book, sitting down in silence, opening the book and letting the text be your guide; every word bringing you deeper and deeper into a story until you are so far in there is almost no way out, you have become a part of the story. I do believe that there are some things that words can do that pictures and images cannot, however that statement can go both ways. There are many things that images can do that words cannot. A typical page in a book can be boring, black text on a blank white page, almost getting dizzying after a while. Bolter later states in chapter four “The Breakout of the Visual”, “the attempt to make words do what pictures do might be taken to mean that pictures are primary and words are secondary” (56). Even though the printed book is still viewed as more reliable and more intelligent (and maybe it is but this might be do to the fact that the internet allows for an easier access for anyone to become an author); as technology is advancing pictures and digital media are becoming crucial and even books are starting to change to look more digital.
Digital media and the Internet have given so many people the ability to become authors or to write almost anything that is on their mind. It is easy for almost anyone to open a blog, a Facebook account or even write a Wikipedia article about anything from a to z. The digital media is changeable, flexible, easy to edit. Unlike a book more than one screen or page can be open at the same time and it is up to the viewer on how they want the screens arranged. “In the modern printed book, the space is simple and clean. Different texts do not compete in adjacent spaces for the reader’s attention, as they still do in a magazine or newspaper” (67). What this quote is talking about is the modern book versus the newspapers, magazines and even digital media. In magazines and newspapers, the images and text divide up the page and the pages can vary in size. Unlike the formalities of a book where text and images rarely co exist, the digital media thrives on using images and text together.
Many have questioned hypertext, its reliability, and its endless links to endless amounts of information. But is too much information a bad thing, can there be too much information? Hypertext allows the user to go from one topic to a completely different topic with one click of a button. At times this can be distracting and easy to stray away from the original purpose for being on the computer. However these links can also open the users mind to other possibilities or ideas or places that the users would never have thought of going. With hypertext and hypermedia images and words can work separately and serve their own purpose, but also in a sense are one in the same. Bolter states “Hypermedia can be regarded as a kind of picture writing…” (58). Hypermedia is made up of text and images that can be linked through hypertext.
The digital media has not only allowed for a new style of writing, but also a new form of communication. Over the years texting has become widely popular in society. Texting opens the door for instant communication from almost anywhere. In chapter four of Writing Space, Bolter writes about MUDs and MOOs. Originally a MOO was a chat room much like AIM or Skype; the chat room allowed instant communication with anyone around the world. As the MOOs evolved, images and avatars began being used, although most images were still two-dimensional. Today, many of these chat rooms allow users to create their own personalized virtual world. Users can walk around, chat with others, build a house, and even obtain a job or a romance. In the virtual world, people can be completely different, almost be anyone they want to be.
Another form of communication that is through digital media is video chatting. Anything from business meetings to a quick hello with a friend or family member, people can talk through video. Many computers are being made with built in webcams. Even cell phones are being made with video chatting. For example the iPhone has a camera for FaceTime, which allows any two people with Apple products to video chat. In the PBS Frontline Special “Digital Nation” that I mentioned above, it showed in one company, workers actually had meetings through a virtual world where they created avatars and would have a meeting through the avatars. Similarly to the change from printed text to digital, forms of communication are evolving too.
The technology of writing is constantly evolving. The digital media is opening up new forms of writing, of expression, and communication.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
A Partial Literacy Narrative
Jill Saba
WSC 002
Paper 4
5/9/2011
A Partial Literacy Narrative
I write for many different reasons. I write for school, for my professors, for a good grade. I write for my family, my friends. I write for myself or for others. I write to get something off of my mind of just because I can. There are many different forms of writing and I do not think I could ever write for one specific reason. However, whether I write because I have to or because I want to I am still writing.
My writing style may change depending on my audience or the medium I use. Typically when I write for school I try to complete my thoughts and sentences, however, if I am blogging or writing with a crayon the reasons for my writing change and therefore my style of writing changes. When I am writing on Facebook or sending a text, again, my reasons for writing have changed; here I am most likely writing to communicate with someone else. Sometimes I write for enjoyment or to get something off of my mind.
When I read the title “Why I Write” and was told to write about it I immediately began writing every possible reason of why I write, beginning each phrase with ‘I’. Than I began reading Joan Didion’s article Why I Write. Didion’s article was different from my passage in the sense that she is giving background to why she writes where I was giving the reasons. Didion states “I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear” (2). It seems as though she is writing entirely for herself and no one else, almost as though the readers are the lucky ones, the one who get a look into her mind. I want to be that kind of writer, I want to let myself be vulnerable for a minuet and let the page be my escape, my telling the reader that I have a voice that should be heard.
When asked to give new writers advice on how to write, I was at a loss. My writing itself is not complete, I still need advice or maybe I should for once just take my own advice. Writers need to be expressive and think outside the box. You do not necessarily have to write for your readers but almost more for yourself. Make the readers want to read your work. As I mentioned in “Why I Write”, as a writer you almost need to be vulnerable and let the page be your escape. Your writing is supposed to express you and only you. Writing is not necessarily easy, no matter what form it is. I have gone to write a comment on Facebook and typed then deleted the comment dozens of times before it was finally what I wanted. On my blog Here and Now there is an entry a sentence starts out like and I completed the sentence with building a house. Not only does a sentence start out like building a house, but writing as a whole is like building a house. The introduction is like the foundation to a house. The foundation and structure has to be just right or it can ruin the whole house, however you don’t know exactly how the house is going to turn out in the end. The foundation to a house and the introduction to a paper are important because the introduction is what draws the reader in, it is the first thing the reader will see, it needs to be strong and secure. Similarly a foundation to a house needs to be strong and secure, the introduction is the foundation, without a good foundation there is no paper.
I believe that writing and text can be powerful to a reader. Having the traditional black text on a rectangular white page allows for the reader to really focus on the words that are on the page rather than visuals. One examples of this was with the Taylor Mali videos. Personally I enjoyed the text video more than the one of Taylor Mali himself. I liked how the text changed depending on what the word was and what the emphasis on that specific word was supposed to be. For example when Mali spoke louder or with more force, the text was written larger or bolder. Or whenever Mali said "like" it was written in a cursiveish font almost giving it a somewhat sarcastic feeling. In the text version of the video I appreciated what Mali was saying more. The video had more dimension and angles and gave a different feeling than the video of Mali did. The use of fonts, sizes, and style played a role in how the words and their meanings were perceived. Yet only black font was used, so there were no colors to distract the viewer. And there were no other people or images to distract the viewer from what Mali was saying, where in the video of Mali himself, I was constantly trying to read what his shirt said under the word "Scrabble" or looking at the people in the audience. I believe that a writer has done their job if they are able to create an image with words.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Chapter 6: Refashioned Dialogues
Observe: This group used a navy blue background with white text. The dark background made the light text stand out and easy to read. The group used visuals that not only fit in the with the text they choose but that were also engaging. All of the texts and visuals were in the same direction, and the size of the text generally stayed the same. The visuals were both photos and videos.
Infer: Something that the group discussed was how "the web allows individuals not only to represent themselves in words and images, but also to publish these representations to an audience of millions at almost no expense" (119). The web has allowed for almost anyone to become an author, whether it is through social networking sites, like Facebook, or through online articles and encyclopedias, like Wikipedia. People are albe to express themselves differently now because of this digital media; they are able to use pictures and words. But what does this idea of "almost no expense really mean?" Money wise maybe not, for the most part it probably wont cost them anything, but because the digital media allows almost anyone to become an author it seems as if some people post just to post and aren't really thinking about what they are posting which can cost them in a different sense, in a figurative sense.
Question:
1) Is digital media and the idea that almost anyone can publish something changing the way people write?
2) Does the digital media make texts rely heavily on pictures where they might not have needed them before?
3) Should digital media be used to teach students how to read and write?
4) Does digital media and the internet allow for users to create their own paths to follow?
5) Digital texts will sometimes make themselves look like printed text (for example the photo that was used of the New York Times printed and the New York Times digital); are printed texts ever made to look like digital texts?
6) Does the web rely to heavily on images?
Infer: Something that the group discussed was how "the web allows individuals not only to represent themselves in words and images, but also to publish these representations to an audience of millions at almost no expense" (119). The web has allowed for almost anyone to become an author, whether it is through social networking sites, like Facebook, or through online articles and encyclopedias, like Wikipedia. People are albe to express themselves differently now because of this digital media; they are able to use pictures and words. But what does this idea of "almost no expense really mean?" Money wise maybe not, for the most part it probably wont cost them anything, but because the digital media allows almost anyone to become an author it seems as if some people post just to post and aren't really thinking about what they are posting which can cost them in a different sense, in a figurative sense.
Question:
1) Is digital media and the idea that almost anyone can publish something changing the way people write?
2) Does the digital media make texts rely heavily on pictures where they might not have needed them before?
3) Should digital media be used to teach students how to read and write?
4) Does digital media and the internet allow for users to create their own paths to follow?
5) Digital texts will sometimes make themselves look like printed text (for example the photo that was used of the New York Times printed and the New York Times digital); are printed texts ever made to look like digital texts?
6) Does the web rely to heavily on images?
Chapter 5: The Electronic Book
Observe: The prezi has a dark blue background with white text. The background didn't distract or take away from the text. Also there weren't many visuals, but the when there were they fit well with the text. Also some of the texts were turned in different directions which gave dimension to the prezi. Also the size of the text changed throughout the prezi.
Infer: At one point during the presentation the group was discussing the refashioning of books through digital technology or ebooks where people can download a digital copy of a book. This makes reading a book completely different from before because now the reader can jump around in the book. Also it makes the book a lot smaller because all the pages fit into one, flat, devise (for example the Kindle or the Nook). Also many of these ebooks nowadays allow people to go online, download almost any book, magazine, or newspaper, and even share the books with others. These give a whole new meaning to the idea of a book.
Another point the group was discussing was encyclopedias, which have also been condensed into digital copies. It seems as if nowadays it is 'the thing to do' to make almost anything possible into something electronic, something faster, and easier.
Question:
1) Are these electronic books taking away from the intentions or the purposes of a printed book?
2) Are texts going to get lost in the transition from the printed books to electronic books?
3) Because everything is becoming electronic and getting smaller or condensing, are writing styles and purposes going to change?
4) What do you believe is going to happen to printed text and books?
5) By having these electronic books and encyclopedias does it make information easier to find or are there to many links and distractions?
6) Is the technology of writing constantly evolving and changing?
Infer: At one point during the presentation the group was discussing the refashioning of books through digital technology or ebooks where people can download a digital copy of a book. This makes reading a book completely different from before because now the reader can jump around in the book. Also it makes the book a lot smaller because all the pages fit into one, flat, devise (for example the Kindle or the Nook). Also many of these ebooks nowadays allow people to go online, download almost any book, magazine, or newspaper, and even share the books with others. These give a whole new meaning to the idea of a book.
Another point the group was discussing was encyclopedias, which have also been condensed into digital copies. It seems as if nowadays it is 'the thing to do' to make almost anything possible into something electronic, something faster, and easier.
Question:
1) Are these electronic books taking away from the intentions or the purposes of a printed book?
2) Are texts going to get lost in the transition from the printed books to electronic books?
3) Because everything is becoming electronic and getting smaller or condensing, are writing styles and purposes going to change?
4) What do you believe is going to happen to printed text and books?
5) By having these electronic books and encyclopedias does it make information easier to find or are there to many links and distractions?
6) Is the technology of writing constantly evolving and changing?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Chapter 8: Critical Theory in a New Writing Space
Observe: The visuals that were used in the presentation fit in well with the text surrounding them. The prezi had a plain white background with black text; the background was simple and did not distract or take away from the text and visuals. Sometimes the font sizes changes, however it gave a good dynamic to the presentation.
Infer: The group discussed how the canon has a definite ending where now with hypermedia it is infinite. With a click of a button you can be almost anywhere. The internet does not just end somewhere, it is constantly moving. The group also discussed how printed texts are visually simple. Generally speaking there is only so much one can do on a single page. Yes images can be layered or turned to fit differently in order to fit more on one page however overall there is only so much the reader will see and there is not as much for the reader to get distracted by.
Question:
1. Printed text is generally visually simple; can hypermedia and digital text also be visually simple or will there also be more dimension to the page and more distractions?
2.Will there always be a "new writing space"?
3. How does semiotics play a role in creating digital media and has it played a role in past writing technologies?
4. What exactly is hyperfiction?
5. Does the new writing space and digital media take away from or limit the importance of printed texts?
6. Is the new writing space necessary for the evolution of writing?
Infer: The group discussed how the canon has a definite ending where now with hypermedia it is infinite. With a click of a button you can be almost anywhere. The internet does not just end somewhere, it is constantly moving. The group also discussed how printed texts are visually simple. Generally speaking there is only so much one can do on a single page. Yes images can be layered or turned to fit differently in order to fit more on one page however overall there is only so much the reader will see and there is not as much for the reader to get distracted by.
Question:
1. Printed text is generally visually simple; can hypermedia and digital text also be visually simple or will there also be more dimension to the page and more distractions?
2.Will there always be a "new writing space"?
3. How does semiotics play a role in creating digital media and has it played a role in past writing technologies?
4. What exactly is hyperfiction?
5. Does the new writing space and digital media take away from or limit the importance of printed texts?
6. Is the new writing space necessary for the evolution of writing?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Presentation: Chapter 4: The Breakout of the Visual
I feel that one of our accpmplishments is that our group was able to get the message across the way that we wanted to. By using the images and quotes from Bolters book, we tried to break down each section and describe what Bolter is trying to get across in the chapter. Also we chose the light blue background with the black text so that the text would be easy to read and so that there would be no distractions from the text and what we were saying. Sometimes the text changed in size or fontbut that was not necessarily on purpose, although it did work out well.
Overall we were able to get our point across and present our message through pictures and quotes from the text.
Some of the things that I would like to improve was the speed of the presentation and my memory. The presentation went a little faster than I planned or I thought it was going to and I also forgot some of the things that I wanted to say so I wish that I wrote it out better before hand. Also I couldn't figure out how to make the video work at the end. I enjoyed working with prezi, but at points it was really confusing and I couldn't always make it do what I wanted it to do. Another thing I would like to improve is there are some spelling errors or typos.
Overall we were able to get our point across and present our message through pictures and quotes from the text.
Chapter 3: Hypertext and the Remediation of Print
Observe: The background of the prezi was calming and it didn't distract from the text. There was a lot of dimension, the test was scattered. All the text was the same size and font. The prezi was easy to follow and they made it clear that there were different sections to the chapter by going back to the title in between sections.
Infer: A main point throughout the prezi was the idea of hypertext. One point about hypertext that was made is that there is too much information to follow in hypertext that you can stray away from your initial intention. Hypertext is a link that will lead you to a whole other thing and although links can be distracting or make you stray away from your original intentions, but the links can also help you in finding something else that is helpful or interesting that you might not have thought of.
Also another point is that you can choose that path that you want to follow, with a computer you can cater it to your needs.
Question:
1) Is to much information a bad thing; can there really be to much information?
2) Are the links a distraction or helpful?
3) Will our culture ever get rid of books?
4) Is hypertext in a sense an upgrade version of the book?
5) Are these advances in technology and in our ways of viewing text bad?
6) What do you think the next technological advance will be?
Infer: A main point throughout the prezi was the idea of hypertext. One point about hypertext that was made is that there is too much information to follow in hypertext that you can stray away from your initial intention. Hypertext is a link that will lead you to a whole other thing and although links can be distracting or make you stray away from your original intentions, but the links can also help you in finding something else that is helpful or interesting that you might not have thought of.
Also another point is that you can choose that path that you want to follow, with a computer you can cater it to your needs.
Question:
1) Is to much information a bad thing; can there really be to much information?
2) Are the links a distraction or helpful?
3) Will our culture ever get rid of books?
4) Is hypertext in a sense an upgrade version of the book?
5) Are these advances in technology and in our ways of viewing text bad?
6) What do you think the next technological advance will be?
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Prezi
Prezi on Bolter chapter 4 "The Breakout of The Visual"
-Stefania, Jill, and Amanda
http://prezi.com/n3-wfu4oh_6z/copy-of-copy-of-the-breakout-of-the-visual/
-Stefania, Jill, and Amanda
http://prezi.com/n3-wfu4oh_6z/copy-of-copy-of-the-breakout-of-the-visual/
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Freewrite: in the dark
I think that the first time I realized that language and writing could get me something that I wanted was a couple years ago when I was a sophomore in high school. I really wanted to do a forign exchange program that would allow me to spend a semester abroad i n Spain. I brought it up almost everynighgt at the dinner table and everyday on the car rides home from school. I would look up websies adn show them to my parents to try and convinvce them to let me go. I had funally gotten my mom to agree but it was taking my dad a little longer. That is when I decided to start writing.
I met with my principle at school and we started looking at the different programs that I could choose from. I started printing out the applications and filling them in. I got recommendations adn everythjing. Finally and I dont know how, but my dad was on board. I really really wanted to go and I made this happen by using spoken and written language. My dedication to the application process showed that I was serious adn I shouldn't wait around for things to happen. but I need to go out and make them happen.
I met with my principle at school and we started looking at the different programs that I could choose from. I started printing out the applications and filling them in. I got recommendations adn everythjing. Finally and I dont know how, but my dad was on board. I really really wanted to go and I made this happen by using spoken and written language. My dedication to the application process showed that I was serious adn I shouldn't wait around for things to happen. but I need to go out and make them happen.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Response to Prezi
"How does this electronic space refashion its predecessor? How does it claim to improve on print's ability to make our thoughts visible and to constitute the lines of communication for our society?"
The electronic space gives a new dimension to printed text. The text can be different colors, in different direction, spread out over the page, and even made to be upside down, making the viewer pay attention in a different way than when reading text. Nowadays this style of presenting text is needed to keep the viewer or readers interest. Our minds need to be constantly stimulated. The use of pictures and videos are other ways to represent what our mind is thinking, sometimes creating a clearer image for the viewer.
The electronic space gives a new dimension to printed text. The text can be different colors, in different direction, spread out over the page, and even made to be upside down, making the viewer pay attention in a different way than when reading text. Nowadays this style of presenting text is needed to keep the viewer or readers interest. Our minds need to be constantly stimulated. The use of pictures and videos are other ways to represent what our mind is thinking, sometimes creating a clearer image for the viewer.
Writing Space Chapter 2
In the chapter "Writing is Technology" Bolter takes the reader through the different materials used to write with from scrolls to computers. All these technologies of writing are different in the style they are written (by hand or printed), and they style of how they look. However, the writing space is almost the same on all of them. "The technology of ancient writing is not only the papyrus, the ink, and the techniques of making book rolls; it is also the styles and genres of ancient writing and the social and political practices of ancient rhetoric. The technology of modern writing includes not only the techniques of printing, but also the practices of modern science and bureaucracy and the economic and social consequences of print literacy" (19). Both styles of writing are technologies, but are looked at differently. When I see an ancient scroll I see a lot of thought and effort put into writing every word. When writing on a scroll, in a sense, you only get one chance to get it right or you have to start all over again, where when writing on the computer you can re-type and edit the text. I enjoy how Bolter relates the ancient technology of writing to the new technology of writing.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sample R
In Sample R, the writer mentions Kress' argument about the differences in the ordering of text and images. Although writing is supposed to be sequenced whereas images can jump around, can't this work vise versa? When we created our montages in class, different people were trying to get across different messages with their montages meaning that the images needed to be put in a particular order to get across that particular message. For example, if someone is supposed to representing the a progression in time, then the images need to be in chronological order. Although images do not always need to be in a certain order, sometimes to convey a certain argument the images do need to be in a specific order. However, I do agree that most of the time text needs to be in some sort of sequence to make sense.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Stitch Bitch Inkshedding
"Hypertext is schizophrenic you can't tell what's the original and what's the reference."- Shelley Jackson
Others Responses
- If you're reading something online and there are links connected to only certain words it can be difficult to keep track of what is original text and what words are being used as a reference and are therefore linked to. Using schizophrenia as a metaphor to describe the hypertext is personifying and gives a sense that the final text, including original and hypertext references, does not know it's true identity. It's constantly switching back and forth.
-Hypertext is a confusing state bouncing between original text or referenced work. There is no clear cut identification with hypertext.
Responses Put Together
Throughout "Stitch Bitch" Jackson uses a lot of personification when describing hypertext. In this particular sentence Jackson relates hypertext to being schizophrenic. With schizophrenia, thoughts jump around and it is hard to pay attention. Jackson relates this to hypertext because it is difficult to tell what is the original text and what is not, also with hypertext it easy to jump around through different and to get distracted.
Writing Space
Writing Space- By: Jay Bolter
Chapter 1- Reflection
Originally I thought the chapter was going to be all about the history of writing, but I was wrong. I like how Bolter opened with "The Late Age of Print" moved to "The Future of Print" and then discussed both together. Although I do enjoy books, I don't know if it is the book itself that I enjoy or the idea of the book. Like Bolter said "the printed book remains the embodiment of text." People still view books and other printed texts as more intelligent or reliable. I like the feeling of a book in my hand, but for some reason I get just as distracted reading a book as I do on the internet, it's just a different kind of distraction. When I am reading I wander off in my mind, where on the internet, I wander through links and then more links until I am so far away from my original intention for being on the internet in the first place.
Many people today publish text through the internet. From blogs to articles, the internet has become a fast and easy way to get published. Although the text is changeable, it never disappears; once published online it is there forever. Some people write just to write, not for any purpose, but solely because they can. The fact is though, nowadays is publishing a book and publishing on the internet really so different? Where are most books written or typed, on the computer right? However I do agree with Bolter that it is easier to change what is published on the computer than what is printed. I have written an essay, printed it out, and then realized that I made a mistake and I had to re-print the whole page, where on the computer, I simply just re-typed the mistake. I like when Bolter writes how we believe that we are "traveling" or "visiting" a web page, because that is exactly how it feels; like a journey. But sometimes, when I get really absorbed into a book, I feel like I am journeying through with the characters through the book.
Personally I like having a book, I like the feeling of the pages, and the look of the printed text. But I have nothing against computers. I like that everything is so easily accesible and that most of the time all it takes to get from one subject to another is a click of a button.
Chapter 1- Reflection
Originally I thought the chapter was going to be all about the history of writing, but I was wrong. I like how Bolter opened with "The Late Age of Print" moved to "The Future of Print" and then discussed both together. Although I do enjoy books, I don't know if it is the book itself that I enjoy or the idea of the book. Like Bolter said "the printed book remains the embodiment of text." People still view books and other printed texts as more intelligent or reliable. I like the feeling of a book in my hand, but for some reason I get just as distracted reading a book as I do on the internet, it's just a different kind of distraction. When I am reading I wander off in my mind, where on the internet, I wander through links and then more links until I am so far away from my original intention for being on the internet in the first place.
Many people today publish text through the internet. From blogs to articles, the internet has become a fast and easy way to get published. Although the text is changeable, it never disappears; once published online it is there forever. Some people write just to write, not for any purpose, but solely because they can. The fact is though, nowadays is publishing a book and publishing on the internet really so different? Where are most books written or typed, on the computer right? However I do agree with Bolter that it is easier to change what is published on the computer than what is printed. I have written an essay, printed it out, and then realized that I made a mistake and I had to re-print the whole page, where on the computer, I simply just re-typed the mistake. I like when Bolter writes how we believe that we are "traveling" or "visiting" a web page, because that is exactly how it feels; like a journey. But sometimes, when I get really absorbed into a book, I feel like I am journeying through with the characters through the book.
Personally I like having a book, I like the feeling of the pages, and the look of the printed text. But I have nothing against computers. I like that everything is so easily accesible and that most of the time all it takes to get from one subject to another is a click of a button.
Monday, March 21, 2011
"Like You Know" By: Taylor Mali
Personally I enjoyed the text video more that the one of Taylor Mali. I liked how the text changed depending on what the word was and what the emphasis on that specific word was supposed to be. For example when Mali spoke louder or with more force, the text was written larger or bolder. Or whenever Mali said "like" it was written in a cursiveish font almost giving it a somewhat sarcastic feeling. In the text version of the video I appreciated what Mali was saying more. The video had more dimension and angles and gave a different feeling than the video of Mali did. The use of fonts, sizes, and style played a role in how the words and their meanings were perceived. Yet only black font was used, so there were no colors to distract the viewer. And there were no other people or images to distract the viewer from what Mali was saying, where in the video of Mali himself, I was constantly trying to read what his shirt said under the word "Scrabble" or looking at the people in the audience. However I did enjoy how animated Taylor Mali was while talking; he was constantly moving his hands and making gestures, which I really enjoyed. It felt as if he was trying to include his audience and really make them feel as if they are a part of what he is saying.
Stitch Bitch- By: Shelley Jackson
I enjoy how Jackson opens each section with a single sentence stating what we are or aren't.
"Body Not Whole"
Shelley Jackson opens up Stitch Bitch in an interesting way. I don't exactly know why Jackson chose to write in this particular writing style about this particular topic, but it is interesting and holds some truth to it. It is true that we never see many parts of our body or can even feel them. I like how she breaks our bodies down into pieces, from the inside out. She opens the section with one of her single sentences, "we're not who we say we are." Who knows exactly why she opened with that sentence, but it is fitting. It is true that we are not who we say we are, sometimes we are a lot more and sometimes we are a lot less. I had to read this section a couple of times, but not because it didn't make sense, but because her choice of words is so colorful that I really needed to pay attention as to what she was talking about.
"Banished Body"
In our minds we imagine our body one way than what it really is. Our mind is filled with ideas and 'stories' as Jackson puts it. "It's not what we wish it were." What we really look like is different than what our mind tells us we look like and tells us what to look like. Jackson really gives human attributes, feelings, and roles to our body parts, showing what each one does.
"Body Not Whole"
Shelley Jackson opens up Stitch Bitch in an interesting way. I don't exactly know why Jackson chose to write in this particular writing style about this particular topic, but it is interesting and holds some truth to it. It is true that we never see many parts of our body or can even feel them. I like how she breaks our bodies down into pieces, from the inside out. She opens the section with one of her single sentences, "we're not who we say we are." Who knows exactly why she opened with that sentence, but it is fitting. It is true that we are not who we say we are, sometimes we are a lot more and sometimes we are a lot less. I had to read this section a couple of times, but not because it didn't make sense, but because her choice of words is so colorful that I really needed to pay attention as to what she was talking about.
"Banished Body"
In our minds we imagine our body one way than what it really is. Our mind is filled with ideas and 'stories' as Jackson puts it. "It's not what we wish it were." What we really look like is different than what our mind tells us we look like and tells us what to look like. Jackson really gives human attributes, feelings, and roles to our body parts, showing what each one does.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Four Letter Word Project- MOVE
For my four letter word project I chose the word 'Move'. At first I had trouble finding just the right word to use because I wanted a word that had a double meaning. I chose 'move' because the word can either mean moving literally from one place to another, or figuratively as in 'that speech moved me,' moving as a feeling rather than physically. I wanted to have a reoccurring image throughout my montage to show an image moving through the piece. I chose to use The Beatles' abbey road cover because in the image the four Beatles are walking across the street which is a form of movement. I began my video with the physical version of movement and then segwayed into the feelings of movement.
I created my montage on onetruemedia.com and I unfortunately cannot post a link.
I created my montage on onetruemedia.com and I unfortunately cannot post a link.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
'Hubris at Zunzal'
Hubris at Zunzal
By: Rodney Jones
Jones writes- "No image like the image of language..."
Throughout most of the poem, the author does a good job at using descriptive language. At some points you can almost feel the water of the ocean and smell the coconut drink or hear the person shouting from the beach. However, in my opinion, I feel that the line "no image like the image of language" does not give a clear visual image. The line seems like an unfinished thought.
By: Rodney Jones
Jones writes- "No image like the image of language..."
Throughout most of the poem, the author does a good job at using descriptive language. At some points you can almost feel the water of the ocean and smell the coconut drink or hear the person shouting from the beach. However, in my opinion, I feel that the line "no image like the image of language" does not give a clear visual image. The line seems like an unfinished thought.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Images in "A Painful Glimpse Into My Writing Process"
Knifes Stabbing the Heart- Right off the bat the image of a human heart beating fast is suddenly surrounded by knifes. The knifes are all different colors, shapes, and designs. Each knife comes in separately, but not in any specific order. The knifes come in fast and almost violently to symbolize stabbing the heart.
Cookies- I am not sure if this is what White was intending for the cookies to symbolize but when I first saw the cookies in the video I saw him as eating his feelings. Because the narrator talks about his struggles of trying to figure out what to write, I saw the cookies as another way of comforting him.
Words- After the hands did jumping jacks, random words starting popping up on the page. Sometimes I feel when trying to right I get the most random assortment of words in my head. Some of the words are written in white with a blue background and some words are written in black with a yellowish background. The words seem somewhat random, but at the same time somewhat planned. The word 'certain' is repeated a couple times and some of the words the stood out to me were 'able', 'chronology', 'allow', and other words that have to do with writing and inspiration words. Then there were random words like 'fish' thrown into the mix.
Cookies- I am not sure if this is what White was intending for the cookies to symbolize but when I first saw the cookies in the video I saw him as eating his feelings. Because the narrator talks about his struggles of trying to figure out what to write, I saw the cookies as another way of comforting him.
Words- After the hands did jumping jacks, random words starting popping up on the page. Sometimes I feel when trying to right I get the most random assortment of words in my head. Some of the words are written in white with a blue background and some words are written in black with a yellowish background. The words seem somewhat random, but at the same time somewhat planned. The word 'certain' is repeated a couple times and some of the words the stood out to me were 'able', 'chronology', 'allow', and other words that have to do with writing and inspiration words. Then there were random words like 'fish' thrown into the mix.
Freewrite "A sentence is like..."
A sentence starts out like building a house. First you have to get the foundation and structure just right, however you don’t exactly know how the house is going to turn out in the end. The foundation and beginnings to the house are important for the rest for the rest of the house although many people don’t focus on the foundation or even see it. Similarly in a paper, the introduction is important in setting the tone and structures for how the rest of the paper is going to be.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Freewrite Cellphones
I don’t think that it is ‘odd’ per say because almost everything, especially electronics, adapt and change as time changes and people are always looking for the next best thing or something new. Also people want to be able to do everything in as little time and as fast and easy as they can and being able to text or email or go online and send people messages straight from a cell-phone saves people a step. Also when I was younger I didn’t understand what the letters on the phone number buttons were for and now to me it seems as if they serve more of a purpose.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Responses to Billy Collins Questions
Question: "Why did you make the metaphors difficult to interpret?"
Response: The poem seems as if it was written for a laugh and to me was exactly supposed to make sense. Starting right from the title, Billy Collins is already telling the reader that the poem is going to be tedious and a receptive series of metaphors. However I feel that Collins didn't just make up random metaphors, it seems like he is trying to prove a point of how ridiculous he feels the original poem was.
Question: "By making this poem are you trying to criticize the original poem or is it for a different reason?"
Response: I think that Billy Collins wrote this poem with the intention that the reader would laugh at his ridiculous metaphors. I don't know that he was exactly trying the 'criticize' the original poem, or maybe he was, but I thought that he was trying to joke around. He started and ended "Litany" with the two lines from the original poem and it seems to me that....
Question: "Do you believe your rewrite of this poem was better than the original poem?"
Response: I don't know that Billy Collins poem was necessarily supposed to be better than the original one, but I think he was trying to make a mockery of the original. It also seems as if Collins was trying to prove a point by using ridiculous metaphors in "Litany".
Response: The poem seems as if it was written for a laugh and to me was exactly supposed to make sense. Starting right from the title, Billy Collins is already telling the reader that the poem is going to be tedious and a receptive series of metaphors. However I feel that Collins didn't just make up random metaphors, it seems like he is trying to prove a point of how ridiculous he feels the original poem was.
Question: "By making this poem are you trying to criticize the original poem or is it for a different reason?"
Response: I think that Billy Collins wrote this poem with the intention that the reader would laugh at his ridiculous metaphors. I don't know that he was exactly trying the 'criticize' the original poem, or maybe he was, but I thought that he was trying to joke around. He started and ended "Litany" with the two lines from the original poem and it seems to me that....
Question: "Do you believe your rewrite of this poem was better than the original poem?"
Response: I don't know that Billy Collins poem was necessarily supposed to be better than the original one, but I think he was trying to make a mockery of the original. It also seems as if Collins was trying to prove a point by using ridiculous metaphors in "Litany".
Thursday, February 24, 2011
"Apple's iPod: I've Got the World on a String (Shaped Earphone Chord)"
6 Reasons Why It Moves Me
1) I like how you summarized what an iPod really symbolizes in one word "simplicity"
2) It shows a lot about our culture how the iPod is constantly changing and updating to conform to the wants and needs in todays societies.
3) You make a good point about the "trademark white earbuds that signify Apple product..." I never really think about products in the sense that they are designed in a certain way to catch peoples attention that it is a certain brand and in the end may make more consumers buy that specific product.
4) "Owning an iPod is now not as much a status symbol as it is almost a rite of passage..." it is almost rare to see somebody using a different mp3 player than and iPod, I remember begging my parents for a year for an iPod
5) "iPod is a cultural icon..."
6) Anything is now accessible by the touch of a button.
Reasons Why It Unmoved Me
1) The conclusion was really long
2) The use of a lot of facts and numbers and years and so on in the introduction
3) There was a lack of personal experience in the essay
1) I like how you summarized what an iPod really symbolizes in one word "simplicity"
2) It shows a lot about our culture how the iPod is constantly changing and updating to conform to the wants and needs in todays societies.
3) You make a good point about the "trademark white earbuds that signify Apple product..." I never really think about products in the sense that they are designed in a certain way to catch peoples attention that it is a certain brand and in the end may make more consumers buy that specific product.
4) "Owning an iPod is now not as much a status symbol as it is almost a rite of passage..." it is almost rare to see somebody using a different mp3 player than and iPod, I remember begging my parents for a year for an iPod
5) "iPod is a cultural icon..."
6) Anything is now accessible by the touch of a button.
Reasons Why It Unmoved Me
1) The conclusion was really long
2) The use of a lot of facts and numbers and years and so on in the introduction
3) There was a lack of personal experience in the essay
"It Gives You Wings"
Reasons Why It Moves Me
1) I like how you pointed out the advertising methods used to make consumers want to buy Red Bull
2) The part how you showed that the color red and the bull both symbolize "power" is a great connection to what producers want the consumers to feel when drinking Red Bull
3) I agree that Red Bull is not targeted to a specific type of consumer, and you made good connections to how Red Bull is helpful in todays fast-pace society.
4) "Red Bull provides such instant gratification..." similarly to many other products in todays society is a good connection
5) I thought that you really captured the personalities in todays culture. We are fast-paced and inpatient and also wanting the next best thing right away.
6) The producers of Red Bull know how to target consumers who live a hectic and fast-paced life but creating an energy drink that gives you so much "power"
7) I like the connection you made to college students not only using it to stay awake but drink it before going out on the weekend to help keep them energized.
Reasons It Unmoved Me
1) MLA formatting
2) Organization of paragraphs
1) I like how you pointed out the advertising methods used to make consumers want to buy Red Bull
2) The part how you showed that the color red and the bull both symbolize "power" is a great connection to what producers want the consumers to feel when drinking Red Bull
3) I agree that Red Bull is not targeted to a specific type of consumer, and you made good connections to how Red Bull is helpful in todays fast-pace society.
4) "Red Bull provides such instant gratification..." similarly to many other products in todays society is a good connection
5) I thought that you really captured the personalities in todays culture. We are fast-paced and inpatient and also wanting the next best thing right away.
6) The producers of Red Bull know how to target consumers who live a hectic and fast-paced life but creating an energy drink that gives you so much "power"
7) I like the connection you made to college students not only using it to stay awake but drink it before going out on the weekend to help keep them energized.
Reasons It Unmoved Me
1) MLA formatting
2) Organization of paragraphs
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Jim Carrier 'All You Can Eat'
Compounds
“A shrimp farm is a saltwater feedlot”- salt/water feed/lot (2 compounds)- page 168
Freshwater runoff
Ponytail- page 164
Sinking Shrimpfleet
Old-timer- page 163
Playful Combinations
“Gulf shrimpers, the last cowboys of the sea…” (page 166)
Skinners- “reminded me of cowboys…” (page 165)
Gold rush days- (page 166)
Dumpster Dive- (page 161)
Neologisms
Marifarm
Recast Words
Trash, by-catch, juvenile (page 166)
A circus of boats (page 165)
Boats galloped
"...they begin devouring one-celled algae called diatoms..." (page 164)
Raised Shrimp
"These babies molt through a dozen stages as tiny spiderlike creatures..." (page 164)
Pun
As sharp as cocktail sauce
Stuck in my craw
Verbs
Trawl
Gallop
Evoked
Whet
Molt
Devour
Dismay
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Materiality; Standards; Justifying Choices
A response to Will's post
"When writing a serious paper, a reader should not see what the writer is feeling by visuals. Instead, the writer should paint a picture with words."
I agree with the fact that it is the writers job to paint a picture for the reader. It is to easy to simply add a picture or to change the color of the font and although that is creative and expressive, it is not exactly ideal for an essay. The way the paper is structured and formated can set a mood for the reader. If the reader is supposed to feel as if they are reading a professional paper, it is the writers job to formate their paper in a certain way. Maybe society did set these norms on how to write a paper, but these norms were made for a reason. Although there might be times where we need to stray away from these norms, there are times where we need to follow them.
"Society has set these rules and by not following them, one can become outcast and less accepted."
I agree with the point that if we were to stray away from these rules and norms that society has set for us we might be less accepted. It is interesting to think about that by simply changing the font we used, our paper might not be accepted.
In academic essays, writers are almost always made to conform their essays to fit societies norms. The writers are restricted from choosing their choice of medium and although this might be for a good reason, we are not all the same and we might need to express ourselves differently.
"When writing a serious paper, a reader should not see what the writer is feeling by visuals. Instead, the writer should paint a picture with words."
I agree with the fact that it is the writers job to paint a picture for the reader. It is to easy to simply add a picture or to change the color of the font and although that is creative and expressive, it is not exactly ideal for an essay. The way the paper is structured and formated can set a mood for the reader. If the reader is supposed to feel as if they are reading a professional paper, it is the writers job to formate their paper in a certain way. Maybe society did set these norms on how to write a paper, but these norms were made for a reason. Although there might be times where we need to stray away from these norms, there are times where we need to follow them.
"Society has set these rules and by not following them, one can become outcast and less accepted."
I agree with the point that if we were to stray away from these rules and norms that society has set for us we might be less accepted. It is interesting to think about that by simply changing the font we used, our paper might not be accepted.
In academic essays, writers are almost always made to conform their essays to fit societies norms. The writers are restricted from choosing their choice of medium and although this might be for a good reason, we are not all the same and we might need to express ourselves differently.
Ideas
"In thinking about a certain idea, many sentences and ideas can be drawn by using detailed words within this idea."
The repetition of the word "idea" makes the sentence somewhat confusing to understand. I am not exactly sure what the sentence is supposed to mean, but I think the point that the writer is trying to make is that many other sentences or thoughts can be derived from a certain idea. Because of the repetition of the words the whole point of the sentence is lost. If they had just made the sentence simpler it would be easier to understand.
The repetition of the word "idea" makes the sentence somewhat confusing to understand. I am not exactly sure what the sentence is supposed to mean, but I think the point that the writer is trying to make is that many other sentences or thoughts can be derived from a certain idea. Because of the repetition of the words the whole point of the sentence is lost. If they had just made the sentence simpler it would be easier to understand.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Questions for Billy Collins
1) Why did you choose the metaphors that you used?
2) What qualifies as a good poem for you?
3) Why is a love poem a joke to you?
4) What did you find wrong with the original poem?
5) Do you feel that your poem is better than the original or are you solely trying to prove a point?
6) Why did you incorporate metaphors about yourself in the poem?
2) What qualifies as a good poem for you?
3) Why is a love poem a joke to you?
4) What did you find wrong with the original poem?
5) Do you feel that your poem is better than the original or are you solely trying to prove a point?
6) Why did you incorporate metaphors about yourself in the poem?
Friday, February 18, 2011
It's 48 degrees
It is 48 degrees today and I am super excited. I love that I don't have to get all bundled up to go outside today. I love that it is sunny and warm, it was about time for a change in weather. I love snow and stuff but I can't wait for spring and today finally feels like it might become spring soon. I also like that I don't have to wear boots or a jacket today. I was looking forward to warm weather all week and I think it might even be over 48 degrees now. All I want to do is sit outside and soak it in because knowing the weather around here tomorrow it will be gone.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
My Paper in My Own Way
If I were to write this paper in my own way I would in some sense make a scrapbook. However, I wouldn't make a traditional scrapbook, but I would use pictures and different medias of writing to portray different parts of my essay. I might make certain words larger or in a different font or color, or maybe cut words or letters of a magazine. I would use pictures that relate to my own essay. I would need some time to make it to the point where I was happy with the result visually, but I like when there are visual aspects to catch the reader's eye. I enjoy doing arts and crafts so I don't think I would have a problem with doing the essay and I think I might even have fun with it. Although I might write out the essay the 'conventional way' first, because that is what I am use to.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Flight of the Kuaka
In "Flight of the Kuaka" Don Stap uses colorful yet descriptive language to describe the nature of certain types of birds. I am not much of a bird follower, but I didn't mind reading Stap's article because he was able to draw the reader in. His writing flowed and was not difficult to follow. Besides the names of the birds he doesn't use terms that the reader might not understand. Even when using the names of the birds, Stap understands that they are not easy to remember and uses the full name every time. When describing the birds he did not leave anything out, from their color to their weight to what they eat.
When Stap was describing the birds flight paths he did not leave out any details from how high they were flying to the terrain they were flying over. Stap seemed to be just as enthused about the birds and the subject in general as Warnok and Gill are. I enjoyed the paragraph about when Gill was following the flight path of the Bar-tailed Godwit because I felt like I was flying along side the bird. I enjoy reading an article where the author is passionate about the subject. His descriptive language made it evident that he wants the reader to be able to understand. Because of his language and his straightforward approach to the subject made the article somewhat enjoyable to read.
When Stap was describing the birds flight paths he did not leave out any details from how high they were flying to the terrain they were flying over. Stap seemed to be just as enthused about the birds and the subject in general as Warnok and Gill are. I enjoyed the paragraph about when Gill was following the flight path of the Bar-tailed Godwit because I felt like I was flying along side the bird. I enjoy reading an article where the author is passionate about the subject. His descriptive language made it evident that he wants the reader to be able to understand. Because of his language and his straightforward approach to the subject made the article somewhat enjoyable to read.
'Don't' Metaphors and Definitions
4. “The East Indians would describe the Africans as impulsive hedonists, who were always living for the moment and never thought about the future,” he says.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Understanding the quote
"When you do these large-scale educational studies, there are ninety-nine uninteresting reasons the study could fail," Duckworth says.
When performing any experiments there are countless variables that can change the outcome. Although some variables can be controlled, a lot of the times experiments are preformed more than once to ensure that the result is exact. Especially because the experiment is a large-scale one there are more chances for failure, although most of these failures will be insignificant they could change the whole experiment.
When performing any experiments there are countless variables that can change the outcome. Although some variables can be controlled, a lot of the times experiments are preformed more than once to ensure that the result is exact. Especially because the experiment is a large-scale one there are more chances for failure, although most of these failures will be insignificant they could change the whole experiment.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Gift Cards Revised
Shopping is a daily activity in most peoples lives. From groceries to clothes to electronics, people seem to always be buying something. Gift cards are a simple way to get somebody a gift if you don't know exactly what they want. Gift cards come in a variety of kinds from general gift cards that can be used at almost any store, to specific store gift cards, to gift cards that can be used to go to the movies or to go out to eat. These small pieces of rectangular plastic are a way of giving someone money but disguising it as a gift. A lot of times customers are looking for quick and easy presents to get that looks like they at least put a little thought into it and gift cards are the way to go.
Sometimes when my mom doesn't know what to get people, but she doesn't just want to give them a card with cash inside, she will get a gift card for them, something that they will use but she knows they will like. She likes to feel that she put at least a smidgen of thought into the gift. I enjoy receiving gift cards because when I don't have a lot of money to spend I don't feel bad going shopping or to the movies or getting coffee because I can only spend that money from the gift card at that specific place. A lot of the time my aunt will send me gift cards for my birthday or for the holidays because she lives far away but still wants to give me a gift. Also many stores also offer the option of sending someone an e-gift card which can be sent through email which saves people the trip to a store.
Gift cards are also a great way for a business to promote itself. Many times on TV, commercials will play advertising gift cards for Dunkin Donuts or other mainstream places. Many gift cards can be more than just a piece of plastic. I once bought a Sephora gift card for my friend and it came inside a compact mirror. Sometimes gift cards are changed depending on a holiday or even a season. Many gift cards during the winter will have snowmen or mittens on them, sometimes they will have presents for the holidays.
Because gift cards are quick and easy to get, makers assume that many consumers will buy them. A lot of times stores only give store credit in the form of a gift card so that more money will be spent at their stores. I even seen some stores offer a gift card for a certain amount when you purchase something at their store. Manufactures will do anything to get people to spend more money at their stores and gift cards are an easy way to do that.
Sometimes when my mom doesn't know what to get people, but she doesn't just want to give them a card with cash inside, she will get a gift card for them, something that they will use but she knows they will like. She likes to feel that she put at least a smidgen of thought into the gift. I enjoy receiving gift cards because when I don't have a lot of money to spend I don't feel bad going shopping or to the movies or getting coffee because I can only spend that money from the gift card at that specific place. A lot of the time my aunt will send me gift cards for my birthday or for the holidays because she lives far away but still wants to give me a gift. Also many stores also offer the option of sending someone an e-gift card which can be sent through email which saves people the trip to a store.
Gift cards are also a great way for a business to promote itself. Many times on TV, commercials will play advertising gift cards for Dunkin Donuts or other mainstream places. Many gift cards can be more than just a piece of plastic. I once bought a Sephora gift card for my friend and it came inside a compact mirror. Sometimes gift cards are changed depending on a holiday or even a season. Many gift cards during the winter will have snowmen or mittens on them, sometimes they will have presents for the holidays.
Because gift cards are quick and easy to get, makers assume that many consumers will buy them. A lot of times stores only give store credit in the form of a gift card so that more money will be spent at their stores. I even seen some stores offer a gift card for a certain amount when you purchase something at their store. Manufactures will do anything to get people to spend more money at their stores and gift cards are an easy way to do that.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Pantene Commercial
The main character of the Pantene commercial is a young girl who struggles with her dreams because she is deaf. Her life is broken just like her violin. Her being deaf caused problems for her, suppressing what she was actually capable of. The people who attacked her and the old man on the street wanted to make her feel inferior because her disability. However, she finds a way to put her life back together like the taped violin and still creates something beautiful.
In the end when she was playing the taped up violin the scene kept changing from her on stage to a meadow. In the meadow a butterfly emerges from its cocoon and in some ways it represents her emerging and growing into something beautiful. The butterfly emerging from the cocoon also shows her overcoming adversity and playing something beautiful that no one though she could do. When the butterfly flies off into the open field it symbolizes new opportunities for the girl.
The way that the wind was making the grass in the meadow sway was in some way represented hair flowing. As the grass is swaying she is running through the field, which represents her new freedom. Although most of the commercial didn't seem to have a lot to do with hair, it was well done. Everybody wants somebody similar to the man that helped the girl in overcoming her disability.
In the end when she was playing the taped up violin the scene kept changing from her on stage to a meadow. In the meadow a butterfly emerges from its cocoon and in some ways it represents her emerging and growing into something beautiful. The butterfly emerging from the cocoon also shows her overcoming adversity and playing something beautiful that no one though she could do. When the butterfly flies off into the open field it symbolizes new opportunities for the girl.
The way that the wind was making the grass in the meadow sway was in some way represented hair flowing. As the grass is swaying she is running through the field, which represents her new freedom. Although most of the commercial didn't seem to have a lot to do with hair, it was well done. Everybody wants somebody similar to the man that helped the girl in overcoming her disability.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Crayon Assignment
1. When I first found out that our homework was to use crayons I was kind of excited but kind of unsure at the same time. I haven't had drawing for homework in such a long time so I had no idea how it was going to turn out. I first wrote everything out on a separate sheet of paper in pencil but it was hard to judge how much was going to fit onto the paper because I have trouble writing small with crayons. Writing with the crayon was somewhat uncomfortable because I couldn't find a good surface to use and it was tedious. My handwriting was messier than normal and I had trouble writing in a straight line. I was afraid that not everything was going to fit so at points my handwriting was bigger. In the end I had left over space on both sides so I drew because I had a crayon so I felt inclined to draw something.
2. Writing with a crayon can be difficult and hard to erase mistakes making the process tedious but if it is what the culture grew up using and learning different techniques it probably wont be as hard. The culture would be colorful and it would be easier to make words or sentences stand out in writing. Making doodles or randomly drawing would definitely be easier and more fun.
3. I did miss a little having assignments that used crayons and drawing, it reminded me of elementary school, but it also reminded me in how far technology and my moving up in grade levels has come. As fun as it is do to once in a while I wouldn't want to do it all the time.
2. Writing with a crayon can be difficult and hard to erase mistakes making the process tedious but if it is what the culture grew up using and learning different techniques it probably wont be as hard. The culture would be colorful and it would be easier to make words or sentences stand out in writing. Making doodles or randomly drawing would definitely be easier and more fun.
3. I did miss a little having assignments that used crayons and drawing, it reminded me of elementary school, but it also reminded me in how far technology and my moving up in grade levels has come. As fun as it is do to once in a while I wouldn't want to do it all the time.
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