Reaction Paper #7

Here it is.. it goes along with the video we watched in class:

http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/magazine/16-03/ff_free?currentPage=all

1. How has going digital changed the notion of "free"?
2. What does the author say are the main advantages of free?
3. Are there any points the author makes that you disagree with?
4. Would you pay $10/year to visit your favorite free website or would you find something else that is free? If no, What could your favorite website do that would make it worth paying for? Anything?

Chapter 5&6

Chapter 4 lecture

Reaction Paper #6 due 2-25

Here it is:

This one involves playing a video game. Here is the page:

http://hcsoftware.sourceforge.net/passage/

Go to the "downloads" and you can get it for Mac or Windows.

AFTER you play the game (it takes 5 minutes or so), write a response and reaction of what you think the game means (or what it means to you). (Think about the title, too)

Ok, now wait until you've written your interpretation. Now move on..

Read this statement by the maker:

http://hcsoftware.sourceforge.net/passage/statement.html

...how does this compare to what you thought the game was about? Was there an emotional response for you? If so, how can something so simple draw an emotional reaction? Do video games have as much potential for an emotional story as movies? If movies are considered art, what about video games?

Citizen Kane extra credit

Hi folks,

Here's an opportunity for some extra credit (Due by finals week).

First step: watch the movie Citizen Kane (the DMACC library has a copy)....

Then, write up why the movie is considered one of the best films ever made according to the experts (and if you agree). (you can easily do a Google search for Citizen Kane reviews)

Be sure to back your points up with examples from the movie. Don't just say, "it is considered the best because of the cinematography." Give me examples from the film that show why the cinematography was so great.

You might want to watch it with the commentary by Roger Ebert (but be sure to cite it if you reference it).

Remember to cite your sources ( "According Cinematography Today magazine, etc etc," ). You can cite a website but it must be credible. Books, magazine, film history texts, printed sources will be best. No Wikipedia!!

You can earn up to 20 points. 800-900 words.

Test 2

** Remember no class this Tuesday, 2/16

This test is a little different from the last one. I'd like you to pick four questions to answer.

Each will be shorter than the questions last time, about a half page to a page, double spaced for each answer.

Again, your book is the main source for answers, but feel free to use other sources. Just remember to cite them. And same rules as last time.. you can talk it over with fellow classmates, but must write it yourself.

Due via email or handed in (Urban) Thursday 2/25

Pick four short answer questions:

1. How have blogs changed news gathering?

2. What are the main differences between print, broadcast and online news?

3. What four dimensions do advertising specialists use to evaluate media selection, and what trade-offs can occur?

4. What are the functions and dysfunctions of advertising in our society?

5. Define public relations and give examples of what someone working in public relations might work to accomplish.

6. Describe the steps involved in planning a public relations campaign.

7. Talk about different businesses or areas that public relations is practiced, and how they may differ.

8. What are some criticisms of journalism in today's society, and how might they be fixed?

9. What core elements characterize newsworthy events, and how and why do news organizations focus on them?

10. From the time of the Industrial Revolution on, what advances helped pave the way for modern day advertising?

This is interesting.. a bit about Chatroulette, created by a 17-year-old in Moscow.

Reaction Paper #5 due 2-18

Here it is:

http://www.moskalyuk.com/blog/yes-50-scientifically-proven-ways-to-be-persuasive

Discuss a few of these tactics that you have seen work (or not work) in real life (with examples if you can).

Which 5 stand out as tactics advertisers should use more? Why?

Are there any that seem unethical to you?

Jon Stewart and Bill O'Reilly talk about a few different issues, including FOX news bias.

Reaction Paper #4 due 2-11

Here it is!

1. Pick a show that you'd expect would have product placement. The Jay Leno Show or 24 or anything on MTV one would be a good one. (A nature show probably wouldn't be)
2. Take out a piece of paper and make two columns. One for regular commercials and one for product placement.
3. Keep careful track of each product mention or visual within the show. Sometimes the mentions are pretty subtle. Keep your eye out for any brands. Keep track of each commercial during the break.
4. List some of the product placement examples you witnessed in your paper and how they worked the product in.
5. Analyze the findings. How much product placement was there? Did the products overlap with any of the regular commercials? Was the product placement seamless or awkward? Did the target audience for the products seem to make sense for the typical audience who might be watching the show?
6. What are your thoughts on product placement? Are you ok with it? Why would some people not be ok with it? Does it bug you that shows have to integrate the products into their shows? Would it be better if it were kept out of shows? Do you think it works?

Chapter 13