One thing I wanted to consider in my blog post is the issue of fan fiction and whether or not it constitutes as copyright infringement. While I can understand both sides of the argument and respect the rights of authors or the creators of characters used in fan fiction to protect their creation, I feel that fan fiction is not an infringement of copyright.
I have decided to read some fan fiction to become acquainted with some of its forms and have read some fan fiction for Harry Potter (books), Doctor Who, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (please refrain from yelling nerd, thank you).
My reasons are that the writers of fan fiction do not profit from the use of the characters and that they are not professional writers. If Stephen King began writing fan fiction online, it would attract such attention that I believe it would be copyright infringement. The majority of writers do it for fun and as a hobby.
My other reason that publishing companies should not shut down fan fiction sites is that it is adding popularity to the original franchise. If I heard a friend at school tell me that he or she writer Harry Potter fan fiction, I would ask myself why Harry Potter is so important and has such an impact on my friend. It could cause me to, at the very least, watch the movies or maybe read the books. But it adds to the franchise that fan base will write their own fantasy fiction with those characters.
The other important aspect of fan fiction is that it adds a new layer of cultural perspective to the stories and characters. Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a cultural artifact of her society, so Pride and Prejudice and Zombies becomes a cultural artifact of our society and tells the classic tale from a new perspective with the filter or contemporary American society.
The TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one popular form of Fan Fiction that I have been reading up on and I find that the fan fiction gives a lot of the fans an opportunity to explore and elaborate on gay characters Tara and Willow. While a TV show can have homosexual characters, it is difficult for a mainstream show to focus so much on a homosexual romance. Fan fiction allows the focus to be on an issue like a homosexual relationship, and readers who don't care to further explore this relationship can choose to not read those stories.
I found an article discussing how fan fiction allows space for queer communities to focus on homosexual relationships but was unable to access the full article. I've linked to it and hope to find the article in a database eventually.
http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/1/7/3/9/p117399_index.html
Some people may not consider fan fiction to be quality literature, it is an emerging tool for young adults to begin storytelling and imagine new scenaries within the frame of popular character. Maybe one fan ficiton writer will go on to be a bestseller or become an accountant. In my opinion, fan fiction is a fun and interesting new community for people to share ideas and manipulate their favorite characters and begin to compose their own ideas and beliefs. Fan fiction is not just silly or pointless. It gives more people voices and the role of storyteller without the requirement of finding a publisher and people a mainstream author.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Week 2
I decided that I'd like to blog and follow up to last week's discussion of the "To Read or Not To Read" document. In class, we discussed how misleading the study was and that it was not a reliable source. Towards the end of class, we started to discuss the public's reaction to the document.
In my opinion, there are two possible responses the public can have, and one response is a moral panic. A moral panic would be the negative response and that requires concern, hostility, consensus, disproportion, and volatility. Moral Panics are never solved because the problem, if there is one, is misunderstood or exaggerated.
One student in class suggested that the study may inspire a positive response from within communities. Concerned parents and teachers may form reading groups or try to promote reading as a hobby. Even if the original information is exaggerated, the effect was positive and reasonable.
This brings me to wonder why some issues become moral panics and others have reasonable and appropriate responses. I am guessing that there are many factors that tie into why people 'join' the moral panic or what caused the information to be exaggerated.
This week's reading was a very interesting topic and discusses whether or not the internet is making people 'dumb'. As it could potentially become a moral panic (if hasn't in some places), the topic was very interesting.
I believe that the internet does not make people 'dumb,' but it does affect the way we read and gather information. It appears to me that we are in the middle of a transition where our minds have not fully adapted to use internet at its full potential.
Some people oppose the internet's predominant role in education and the daily live of the younger generations. The major change may make some older generations uncomfortable since it is both new and unfamiliar. And the new form of writing on the internet will change the rules of our language and our grammar. But a spoken language is always changing, so that concern is misplaced.
The internet has become a huge source information. I do have to drive to the library to find information for a research paper or buying a book. The information on the internet also provides lower class societies and cultures access to information without purchasing expensive books.
Although you cannot control the reliability of sources on the internet, it is possible for students and children to be taught how to recognize reliable sources over non reliable sources. The internet offers another great tool and that is expression. While it has been possible to write on paper and express one's thoughts or creativity, the internet provides a space to share those thoughts and receive feedback.
While the internet may provide lots of "throwaway cultural artifacts," it is a space to present those artifacts and share ideas. It's like going to the coffee house and discussing ideas with your peers; only now, those peers may be miles away and from a whole different culture and society. And their culture and society can contribute to your idea.
In my opinion, there are two possible responses the public can have, and one response is a moral panic. A moral panic would be the negative response and that requires concern, hostility, consensus, disproportion, and volatility. Moral Panics are never solved because the problem, if there is one, is misunderstood or exaggerated.
One student in class suggested that the study may inspire a positive response from within communities. Concerned parents and teachers may form reading groups or try to promote reading as a hobby. Even if the original information is exaggerated, the effect was positive and reasonable.
This brings me to wonder why some issues become moral panics and others have reasonable and appropriate responses. I am guessing that there are many factors that tie into why people 'join' the moral panic or what caused the information to be exaggerated.
This week's reading was a very interesting topic and discusses whether or not the internet is making people 'dumb'. As it could potentially become a moral panic (if hasn't in some places), the topic was very interesting.
I believe that the internet does not make people 'dumb,' but it does affect the way we read and gather information. It appears to me that we are in the middle of a transition where our minds have not fully adapted to use internet at its full potential.
Some people oppose the internet's predominant role in education and the daily live of the younger generations. The major change may make some older generations uncomfortable since it is both new and unfamiliar. And the new form of writing on the internet will change the rules of our language and our grammar. But a spoken language is always changing, so that concern is misplaced.
The internet has become a huge source information. I do have to drive to the library to find information for a research paper or buying a book. The information on the internet also provides lower class societies and cultures access to information without purchasing expensive books.
Although you cannot control the reliability of sources on the internet, it is possible for students and children to be taught how to recognize reliable sources over non reliable sources. The internet offers another great tool and that is expression. While it has been possible to write on paper and express one's thoughts or creativity, the internet provides a space to share those thoughts and receive feedback.
While the internet may provide lots of "throwaway cultural artifacts," it is a space to present those artifacts and share ideas. It's like going to the coffee house and discussing ideas with your peers; only now, those peers may be miles away and from a whole different culture and society. And their culture and society can contribute to your idea.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Week 1
1. In your experience, why do some people appear to be good at writing while others struggle?
In my opinion, every person is unique and retains and uses information differently. Some people are more inclined to be good at writing under certain contexts. Assuming they have been educated and taught to write, some people are more inclined to write well. I also think that people who take a greater interest in writing are more inclined to be good at it and put more effort into developing those skills.
2. Is writing a talent, or is it a skill? Is it both? If so, how? What does it mean to say that something is a "talent"? What does it mean to call something a skill?
I think it is both. If you use writing for artistic reasons and to create art, then writing is a talent. But if you use writing as part of a job or for social reasons, it is a skill. I guess the two things depend on the intention and purpose behind the writing.
3. How is writing best learned? Why? What do you think are some of the biggest impediments or difficulties people face when trying to learn to write better?
In my experience, I learned to write college papers in an introduction course. The professor allowed students to pick their topic. It was not limited to being about a book or historical figure. I could tell students were more excited about writing their papers since they picked something they cared about. Learning to write better is made more difficult when students cannot be excited about what they're writing.
4. Close your eyes and take a few minutes to picture someone in the act of writing. Who are they? What do they look like? Where are they? What exactly are they doing? Describe the scene in as much detail as possible.
I have multiple pictures when I think about someone in the act of writing. I see an older white male using a typewriter and with a pile of crumbled pieces of paper on the floor. I also see a young adult male or female typing on a laptop and listening to music on headphones.
5. Where do you think this image of "writing" comes from? In what ways do you think this image actually represents what most people do when they write? Stepping back for a moment, are there writers or types of writing that probably aren't well reflected by this image you just described?
Both of these images represent two different era's of writing. The first one is the older more traditional image of writing. In the past, it was more typical for an author to be older, white, and male since they were more likely to be educated to read and write. While this is a very stereotypical image, it is the most representational image of the 'writer' in the past. The second image I described is the more recent or contemporary image of the 'writer' which includes newer technology like a computer or headphones. Also, the person writing can be male or female and is younger.
6. What is a "technology"? How do you define the term? When you think of technologies, what kinds of things do you think about? Is writing itself a technology? How? Or why not?
Wikipedia defines: "Technology is the usage and knowledge of tools, techniques, and crafts, or is systems or methods of organization, or is a material product (such as clothing) of these things" I would add the technology is new and always changing to improve institutions and society. When thinking about technologies, I think of computers, televisions, cellphone, and other electronic gadgets. I think writing is a technology since a book can introduce new ideas and crafts to society and groups of people.
7. Have you heard the term "writing process" before? What does this phrase mean to you? What is the "writing process" and how does it work?
I have heard the term "writing process" especially in the context of academic writing. When learning to write academic papers, lots of professors recommend following a process in which you brainstorm, research, organize and outline, write, and revise. It's meant to guide a student and help make the writing process more effective and easier.
8. Is writing a private thing, a social thing, or both? In what ways?
Writing is both a private and public thing. Some people choose to use writing in a diary without the intention of others reading it, and sometimes writing is used for mass reproduction or posting on the internet. Writing is also used to socialize. Blogs have become increasingly popular and have changed the way people interact with one another.
9. When people talk about "illiteracy,' what do you think they are talking about? Who is illiterate in this country? What are some of the primary causes of illiteracy? Is illiteracy a problem?
They are referring to people who cannot read and write. I imagine that groups of illiterate people in the United States would include newly immigrated families who did not have education opportunities in their home country and maybe some lower class families. Illiteracy prohibits people from functioning within society and advancing and obtaining good jobs.
10. How have writing and rhetoric changed in the digital age? That is, how has technology affected the way people communicate? Is this a good or a bad thing? Why?
Writing has changed as the language has changed. Any active spoken language is always evolving and changing the writing. With new technology, people are able to speak more directly to one another using the internet. Because of video cameras, people can communicate on the internet with speech instead of writing. It is a good thing because people are able to communicate better and faster. While it changes the way we write and use language, it is inevitable that language will change as long as it is being spoken.
In my opinion, every person is unique and retains and uses information differently. Some people are more inclined to be good at writing under certain contexts. Assuming they have been educated and taught to write, some people are more inclined to write well. I also think that people who take a greater interest in writing are more inclined to be good at it and put more effort into developing those skills.
2. Is writing a talent, or is it a skill? Is it both? If so, how? What does it mean to say that something is a "talent"? What does it mean to call something a skill?
I think it is both. If you use writing for artistic reasons and to create art, then writing is a talent. But if you use writing as part of a job or for social reasons, it is a skill. I guess the two things depend on the intention and purpose behind the writing.
3. How is writing best learned? Why? What do you think are some of the biggest impediments or difficulties people face when trying to learn to write better?
In my experience, I learned to write college papers in an introduction course. The professor allowed students to pick their topic. It was not limited to being about a book or historical figure. I could tell students were more excited about writing their papers since they picked something they cared about. Learning to write better is made more difficult when students cannot be excited about what they're writing.
4. Close your eyes and take a few minutes to picture someone in the act of writing. Who are they? What do they look like? Where are they? What exactly are they doing? Describe the scene in as much detail as possible.
I have multiple pictures when I think about someone in the act of writing. I see an older white male using a typewriter and with a pile of crumbled pieces of paper on the floor. I also see a young adult male or female typing on a laptop and listening to music on headphones.
5. Where do you think this image of "writing" comes from? In what ways do you think this image actually represents what most people do when they write? Stepping back for a moment, are there writers or types of writing that probably aren't well reflected by this image you just described?
Both of these images represent two different era's of writing. The first one is the older more traditional image of writing. In the past, it was more typical for an author to be older, white, and male since they were more likely to be educated to read and write. While this is a very stereotypical image, it is the most representational image of the 'writer' in the past. The second image I described is the more recent or contemporary image of the 'writer' which includes newer technology like a computer or headphones. Also, the person writing can be male or female and is younger.
6. What is a "technology"? How do you define the term? When you think of technologies, what kinds of things do you think about? Is writing itself a technology? How? Or why not?
Wikipedia defines: "Technology is the usage and knowledge of tools, techniques, and crafts, or is systems or methods of organization, or is a material product (such as clothing) of these things" I would add the technology is new and always changing to improve institutions and society. When thinking about technologies, I think of computers, televisions, cellphone, and other electronic gadgets. I think writing is a technology since a book can introduce new ideas and crafts to society and groups of people.
7. Have you heard the term "writing process" before? What does this phrase mean to you? What is the "writing process" and how does it work?
I have heard the term "writing process" especially in the context of academic writing. When learning to write academic papers, lots of professors recommend following a process in which you brainstorm, research, organize and outline, write, and revise. It's meant to guide a student and help make the writing process more effective and easier.
8. Is writing a private thing, a social thing, or both? In what ways?
Writing is both a private and public thing. Some people choose to use writing in a diary without the intention of others reading it, and sometimes writing is used for mass reproduction or posting on the internet. Writing is also used to socialize. Blogs have become increasingly popular and have changed the way people interact with one another.
9. When people talk about "illiteracy,' what do you think they are talking about? Who is illiterate in this country? What are some of the primary causes of illiteracy? Is illiteracy a problem?
They are referring to people who cannot read and write. I imagine that groups of illiterate people in the United States would include newly immigrated families who did not have education opportunities in their home country and maybe some lower class families. Illiteracy prohibits people from functioning within society and advancing and obtaining good jobs.
10. How have writing and rhetoric changed in the digital age? That is, how has technology affected the way people communicate? Is this a good or a bad thing? Why?
Writing has changed as the language has changed. Any active spoken language is always evolving and changing the writing. With new technology, people are able to speak more directly to one another using the internet. Because of video cameras, people can communicate on the internet with speech instead of writing. It is a good thing because people are able to communicate better and faster. While it changes the way we write and use language, it is inevitable that language will change as long as it is being spoken.
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