Gotta love reading for English class. This time, it was another chapter in out book, focusing today on the topics of outlines, structures, and how to put together an argument for a paper. Think about it, even the action of thinking about it is outlining something, and so structuring a paper, you have to delineate what you're going to write about.
When you make an outline, that's the real start of your paper. In that outline, you make note of every point you make, or want to make anyways. The outline itself is the very structure of your future paper, because in the way that it is laid out. In my head, Im able to make an outline as i go along, which makes writing extremely easy to do. I almost never make a formal outline unless it is required of me, but because of my skill in formulating one as I go, I usually am able to write a fully functioning paper.
From that outline your argument takes shape. Researching a point, and your own ideas on a topic are two good ways of producing an argument. If you tie together your own words with the facts form reading up on something, your argument can be clear, concise, and can have your own flavorful spin to it while remaining true to its idea.
A major part of writing an argument into a paper is the use of quotes and citations, sources. Using that actual words form a source provides a first-hand basis for fact and argument that you're making. By providing these things, you prove that you're not the first person to have had this idea, or, you're not the first person to explore this topic in some manner. Quotations are an integral part of forming an argument, and therefore an outline.
Just use common sense. We've all written papers before, we've had to make outlines and argue our points. Keep up the good work, and I'll give you a cookie.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Interviewing, Woo-Hoo
Reading those interviews was certainly an interesting ride. They werent exactly what you'd call an easy read. Reading something thats more dialogue than prose or a creative questioning format makes for droll reading. The fact that it was on military and technology was the only thing that kept it form being a complete snooze.
However by the time I made it to the second interview, it finally began to read like an interview, with questions and the like. Ritzer's view on "Mcdonalised society"? Genius topic; not 100% genius answers. However, the questions seemed to have been prepared in advance, which made it feel scripted, because even Ritzer seemed a little too quick and concise on the response. Being scripted takes away the feeling of authenticity, so it left me with only a slight gain in knowledge.
Like Ellen's, my computer, too, would not allow me to watch the next interview. It may just be a Mac thing, because neither of us could make the plugin work, and we're both intelligent enough when it comes to that sort of thing.
If anyone knows my personality, they know that when I interview someone, its like competing on American Gladiators, Fear Factor, and the Olympics all in one action-packed Steven Segal, Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone thriller. Ok, maybe a little less glitzy than that, but I try to make things interesting and keep things lively. To me, interviewing someone isnt so much about the questions that are asked, so much as it is about the answers and how much they bring to light about the topic. I try o make the atmosphere enjoyable and keep the interviewee as entertained as I am. If its in some format other than spoken word, I try and keep it as humorous and lighthearted as possible.
So even though I may not have a blockbuster documentary on my hands, I try to make my interviews as productive and entertaining as possible, while maintaining a sense of direction and hoping to keep a level of reputability at the same time. Interviews can be great things, if only done properly.
However by the time I made it to the second interview, it finally began to read like an interview, with questions and the like. Ritzer's view on "Mcdonalised society"? Genius topic; not 100% genius answers. However, the questions seemed to have been prepared in advance, which made it feel scripted, because even Ritzer seemed a little too quick and concise on the response. Being scripted takes away the feeling of authenticity, so it left me with only a slight gain in knowledge.
Like Ellen's, my computer, too, would not allow me to watch the next interview. It may just be a Mac thing, because neither of us could make the plugin work, and we're both intelligent enough when it comes to that sort of thing.
If anyone knows my personality, they know that when I interview someone, its like competing on American Gladiators, Fear Factor, and the Olympics all in one action-packed Steven Segal, Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone thriller. Ok, maybe a little less glitzy than that, but I try to make things interesting and keep things lively. To me, interviewing someone isnt so much about the questions that are asked, so much as it is about the answers and how much they bring to light about the topic. I try o make the atmosphere enjoyable and keep the interviewee as entertained as I am. If its in some format other than spoken word, I try and keep it as humorous and lighthearted as possible.
So even though I may not have a blockbuster documentary on my hands, I try to make my interviews as productive and entertaining as possible, while maintaining a sense of direction and hoping to keep a level of reputability at the same time. Interviews can be great things, if only done properly.
How I Creatively Anti-Steal
I take information in all the time; being in primarily lecture-based clases, its a required skill. But how do I manage to not take notes word for word and effectively keep from plagiarizing? Therein lies the secret to success.
When Im in a lecture class, I take notes in a variety of ways, whether it be electronic or tangible. I take out my handy-dandy notebook and put pencil (or pixel) to paper, and get to work chronicling my source of information. I paraphrase what I hear, so that while the information is true, I am able to maintain a sense of my own creativity while also keeping my facts straight. But what happens if i feel that I need a direct quote? Well thats exactly what I do: I put quotation marks down and transcribe what needs to be said verbatim. Writing word for word takes too much time and effectively minimizes any chance of understanding what is heard; instead, you tend to just write the words, not listen to them or understand what you're hearing. Thats where listening and writing simultaneously is a key factor. However, notes must be carefully sourced so that plagiarism is avoided. But how do I do that?
If Im reading a book or website, and I happen to come across a snippet of information i deem worthy for entrane into my thesis or extended essay, I make note that all steps to avoid stealing work must be done. If its a website, I take down its URL and cite it through whichever fashion is easier for me; likewise with books or periodicals, I also cite them in the appropriate manner. If I directly quote something, I mark down in my notes where Im citing something, and then make the proper effort to formalize the citation. Its not difficult to avoid stealing while taking note or writing a paper, you just need to be creative in how you memorize the information and present direct quotations back.
Taking notes isnt difficult if you manage yourself and your notes carefully, its what I do every day. Not stealing is as easy as 1..2..easybib...3....
When Im in a lecture class, I take notes in a variety of ways, whether it be electronic or tangible. I take out my handy-dandy notebook and put pencil (or pixel) to paper, and get to work chronicling my source of information. I paraphrase what I hear, so that while the information is true, I am able to maintain a sense of my own creativity while also keeping my facts straight. But what happens if i feel that I need a direct quote? Well thats exactly what I do: I put quotation marks down and transcribe what needs to be said verbatim. Writing word for word takes too much time and effectively minimizes any chance of understanding what is heard; instead, you tend to just write the words, not listen to them or understand what you're hearing. Thats where listening and writing simultaneously is a key factor. However, notes must be carefully sourced so that plagiarism is avoided. But how do I do that?
If Im reading a book or website, and I happen to come across a snippet of information i deem worthy for entrane into my thesis or extended essay, I make note that all steps to avoid stealing work must be done. If its a website, I take down its URL and cite it through whichever fashion is easier for me; likewise with books or periodicals, I also cite them in the appropriate manner. If I directly quote something, I mark down in my notes where Im citing something, and then make the proper effort to formalize the citation. Its not difficult to avoid stealing while taking note or writing a paper, you just need to be creative in how you memorize the information and present direct quotations back.
Taking notes isnt difficult if you manage yourself and your notes carefully, its what I do every day. Not stealing is as easy as 1..2..easybib...3....
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Research Process
In chapter 5 we learn about the research process and how it correlates to a research project as a whole. But research as a whole is a detailed and complex process, one that extends far beyond just Google'ing all of your sources without any further conquest of knowledge. Like an iceberg, research is a detailed and complex thing that extends beyond simple answers on a superficial level. It is because of research that people are able to shy away from their old ideas, or are able to cling to them with renewed vigor. It used to be that research was slaving over ancient tomes and dusty codices; today research can be completed by simply typing in a query on the Internet. Likewise the old books still remain a constant, but they have lost their influence and sway now that the Public Domain has rendered them digital as well. Technology is a wonderful thing, but even in its greatness, we hamper our own creativity and capabilities when it comes to our knowledge on how to decently research a new topic.
The old adage of how primary sources are always the better source is a questionable stance While yes, it gives primary details from the time that you're conducting your research, it is worth noting that hindsight is always 20/20. Say you were a German during World War Two; the propaganda from that time would now be a primary source, but would you believe that it was factual and reliable? The use of hindsight on old primary sources helps generate a good sense of validity to the source, allowing for you to make an educated use of that source. However, more knowledge on a topic can be learned in ways other than just reading an old journal or looking at an historical picture. Field research, actually going out and performing an experiment, is a great way to learn something firsthand, allowing you to make discoveries on the spot. Read and experimenting are both great ways to ensure a varied and comprehensible set of answers to any research topic. Finally, don't forget to source what you find. Sourcing, and annotating are huge plusses for any research done, because it keeps track in an organized manner about what was learned, in what manner, and, in the case of annotations, just why you used that source and how.
Keep in mind just how everything was done, from the reading to experimenting to the sourcing. With all of that in tow, you can begin to write a successful research paper, utilizing a wide variety of fields from which you can learn. It's not easy, but it can be done, and it can be done well. Remember kids, knowledge is power.
The old adage of how primary sources are always the better source is a questionable stance While yes, it gives primary details from the time that you're conducting your research, it is worth noting that hindsight is always 20/20. Say you were a German during World War Two; the propaganda from that time would now be a primary source, but would you believe that it was factual and reliable? The use of hindsight on old primary sources helps generate a good sense of validity to the source, allowing for you to make an educated use of that source. However, more knowledge on a topic can be learned in ways other than just reading an old journal or looking at an historical picture. Field research, actually going out and performing an experiment, is a great way to learn something firsthand, allowing you to make discoveries on the spot. Read and experimenting are both great ways to ensure a varied and comprehensible set of answers to any research topic. Finally, don't forget to source what you find. Sourcing, and annotating are huge plusses for any research done, because it keeps track in an organized manner about what was learned, in what manner, and, in the case of annotations, just why you used that source and how.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Yeah, I'm 6'2, From LA and Have a Mercedes, So What?
Brad Paisley's song Online sums up the topic perfectly. The video is even better. If I'm some dweeb living in my parent's basement, I can create an internet profile that says I'm more than that; Im a model, an athlete, a musician, famous, rich, the world's most interesting man. And if I back that up with information, faux facts and tidbit along with pictures or stories, would people believe me? Ironically enough, when people make an online avatar, the adage of dress to impress or first impressions count, really do matter. When you look at someone for the first time, or their avatar, you immediately judge them and make a note to yourself what qualities you think they have, or, if you investigate the person, what you think of their qualities. And what happens if that person isnt who they say they are, and are in fact the total opposite? In that case, the avatar has won the challenge; the person's avatar has successfully fooled you into believing that that person was at first something they werent. The avatar is what we want people to believe when they first see us, truthful or not.
Me personally, I prefer the honest avatar. I model it after myself, usually with a backwards cap, some musical instrument or gaming system in the image, likewise jeans and converse are a neccesity. That sums me up, a laid-back, musical gamer. However not everyone is so open and honest with what they show as the real "them." The song Online says exactly that, that people will say and do anything in their avatars to make friends, impress people, among al sorts of other things. Avatars have allowed us to either hide behind lies after lies, or be simple and truthful about ourselves.
In short, today's world is dominated by avatars, some honest and others not. Avatars allow us to mislead or invite others to an image that can be a fallacy or the real us. The creator of the avatar is the one who should be judged, not the avatar itself; that creator is honest or deceitful, you be the judge of him.
Friday, September 16, 2011
My Best-cyber-Friend
The internet has unlocked a new potential for how people interact. Relationships can be maintained from thousands of miles away, and people who have never met before can speak to each other cleanly and clearly as if they were in each other's very living rooms. But how and why is this mass communication possible? Social networking, the internet, media, and all other sorts of contact between total strangers or the closest of friends has revolutionized how people build and develop relationships.
For example, this past summer there was a Facebook group created for the entering Clemson freshman class. The Clemson University Class of 2015 Facebook page, open to any and all entering freshmen. It started from a humble beginning; people joined in slowly, trickling in at first. I joined it at that stage when it was roughly 200 something members. I've been able to watch this group explode from 200 members to over 2000 members now. We have been able to make new friends from across the country, different nations even, so much that now we can run into someone randomly on campus and realize that we've already been friends online long before we've met in person. Some of my best friends here at school, I "met" online before I met there in person. Even now, this group of people has evolved to meet our changing environment.
We began as a networking group, getting to know people who were deciding and finalizing Clemson as their school of choice. Over time, it became a group asking who was from what state or country, what they wanted as their major. Then it became a discussion on who was going to what orientation and what schedules people had constructed. Overall, there was always that one guy who had the answer to every question possible (cough, Pierre, cough). People networked, connected, built bridges in a cyber web that have lasted to even now. This group has connected us in so many ways, I'm actually very grateful to have it because without it I wouldnt have some of the friends I have today.
Society is a place that doesnt have to exist in the real world; the electronic one seems to suit many people just fine. Things like Facebook have allowed us to communicate and get to know total strangers who have so much in common with each other. After all, our best friends today live in our phones and computers as much as they do in their dorm rooms.
For example, this past summer there was a Facebook group created for the entering Clemson freshman class. The Clemson University Class of 2015 Facebook page, open to any and all entering freshmen. It started from a humble beginning; people joined in slowly, trickling in at first. I joined it at that stage when it was roughly 200 something members. I've been able to watch this group explode from 200 members to over 2000 members now. We have been able to make new friends from across the country, different nations even, so much that now we can run into someone randomly on campus and realize that we've already been friends online long before we've met in person. Some of my best friends here at school, I "met" online before I met there in person. Even now, this group of people has evolved to meet our changing environment.
We began as a networking group, getting to know people who were deciding and finalizing Clemson as their school of choice. Over time, it became a group asking who was from what state or country, what they wanted as their major. Then it became a discussion on who was going to what orientation and what schedules people had constructed. Overall, there was always that one guy who had the answer to every question possible (cough, Pierre, cough). People networked, connected, built bridges in a cyber web that have lasted to even now. This group has connected us in so many ways, I'm actually very grateful to have it because without it I wouldnt have some of the friends I have today.
Society is a place that doesnt have to exist in the real world; the electronic one seems to suit many people just fine. Things like Facebook have allowed us to communicate and get to know total strangers who have so much in common with each other. After all, our best friends today live in our phones and computers as much as they do in their dorm rooms.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
My Latest Verbal Spill
Interesting word choice: spill. But that's exactly was it was, a spill of words. This latest essay, our first major grade and giant essay was a spill of words, a stream of consciousness. Not once in the writing process did I stop for more than a few minutes to regroup and edit my work as I went. As a whole I enjoyed the paper because it allowed me to really get into my own flow of writing. After asking a few friends and family to read it, it seems that I've developed my own characteristic style, and this is one of the most clear epitomes of how I work. And that's a good thing, to me it is anyways. I think that this was a good assignment because we could take it in any direction we wanted, so long as we stuck with the general idea of rhetoric and worked with the ad. For my ad, it let me work with my newfound appreciation for the value of a Mac computer, and that the money invested in it is just that, an investment. I'm more happy with this computer than anything I've ever bought for myself, and that includes all the guitars and saxophones I've used over the years (an fyi, thats a lot). Overall, I liked this assignment, just as much as I've enjoyed doing these blogs. I was able to be creative, and maintain my own stylistic touch.
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