Class Highlights

I have learned many things from this class. One I learned was about media ethics. I knew there was a defference between good and bad reporting, however, I didn't know it was that in depth and detailed. Another thing I learned was about propaganda. I was not aware of it beginning as early as the 1900s. A thrid thing I learned was about Iran's internet restrictions. The presentation done by a class mate rought this to my attention. Iran is an oppressed country but I did like hearing that there are people who are combating the laws for their rights. These are just some of the many things I have learned from this quarter of JOUR 2.

Media Ethics/Media Law

There was a story in Novermber (2010) about a Wisconsin newspaper website. The webiste is banning ban certin comments on their stories. The readers of the newspapers are defintiely being censored because this violates their firt amendment right to free speech. The newspaper claims there have been more intelligent discussions since the ban. However this is not fully true because the website themselves admitted to not have properly investigated the issue. So there is no way the nespaper can say their actions are justified.

Propaganda in Advertising/PR

Obama Propaganda

Ad Hominem: This ad personally attacks the Obama by implying the are members of the Taliban, members of the Black Panthers, and they are Muslim.

Appeal To Fear: This ad goes of America's far of terrorism and since the Taliban are mainly Muslim this makes Americans scared or fearful of the Obamas.

Appeal To Prejudice: This ad twists the  word "change" into a negative connotation andoviously people will assume the worse.

Internet

Assuming I did not miscount (probably did), there are 297 sites listed. I know about 24 of the listed social netowrking sites. I do know one website not listed and that is ign.com. It mainly is a gaming website that just recently started its own online social networking community. A site I researched that I have not heard of is audimated.com. This is a music website where artists can interact with fans and sell merchandise. Fans can also have "stores" that allow them to advertise their favorite artists' merchandise. In addition, there is a social networking aspect. I mainly use social networking to keep in touch with my friends and family and also to talk to others about my similar intersts. The sites I use are facebook, flixster, and ign. I have never got into any trouble involving these sites. However, facebook does come in handy if I miss a class. I can use facebook to ask my friends what the assignment is so I am able to turn it in on time.

Television

• Length: 9:51
• Description: This video is part one of the history of pulp magazines.
• Chapter 4: Magazines
• Question: What were some of the characters that began through pulp magazine?
• Answer: Tarzan, Zorro, Conan the Barbarian, Buck Rodgers

Movies

District 9 - This was one my favorite movies of 2009 mainly because of its originality. The story was very interesting, the acting was believable, dialogue could have been better, but originality trumps cliches any day of the week for me. I first saw it opening weekend in theaters. IMDB Link
District 9 Trailer



The Nightmare Before Christmas - One of my all time favorite movies that I've know line for line since I was little. The animation was so fresh and once I discovered most of the movie was shot for shot claymation, I had a deeper appreciation for it. I first saw it in the hospital as a child. IMDB Link
The Nightmare Before Christmas Trailer

Magazines

• Name - Lawnmowers Monthly
• Concept - The magazine will have articles and reader stories about how to properly maintain a fresh, crisp lawn. No matter the size, there is a certain way to care for your grass and highlighting its personality. It is different from a lot of existing magazines because in a society of high tech media and sophisticated hobbies, lawnmowing has been the basis of homeownership and has always been a symbol of wealth in the past and present.
• Readers - This will appeal to people as young as 12 and up to 60-70 year old seniors, as long as they have an interest in lawnmowing. This magazine is gender neutral and target income level would be at least middle class, in case they want to upgrade their lawn equipment.
• The Competition - Country Gardens , Fine Gardening, Garden Compass, Horticulture (these are all agazines magazines)
• Advertisers (5) - John Deere, Round-Up, Craftsman, Lowe's, Rain Bird
• Articles (5) - "Ewww! Cow Poo!: The History of Fertilizer", "Lawnmower 101: Basic Lawn Mowing Tips", "Make it Wet: The Best Sprinker Systems for Your Lawn", "Monthly Mower Power Rankings", "The Great Deabte: Gas vs. Electric Mowers".
• Cover of Premier Issue - The cover would be a picture of green, high grass with the name of the magazine at the very top in white bubble lettering. There would also be a lawn mower on top of the grass with the articles titles surrounding the lawn mower.