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.
Showing posts with label eng 103. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eng 103. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
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....
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