Thursday, December 3, 2009
Creative Gallery Update
My creative gallery is progressing very well. I chose to use Google Maps and focus on the subject, "Texts from Thanksgiving" which presents all texts that were sent to the Texts From Last Night website on Thanksgiving from around the country. It turns out to be pretty hilarious and entertaining, at least I believe it is. I am still working on finding and placing random photos to try and represent the content of the text. Also I am trying to decide if I should try and put these texts in some kind of order, but since they're pretty random that might not be possible. Other than that I am almost finished and it is going very smoothly.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Research Essay Final Copy
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AZbJbcyh_h48ZGhuaHdmM3ZfMTFjMzkycmJtYg&hl=en
Amanda Caughie- Essay on “Construction of Authorship”
Michael Foucault once stated, "In dealing with the "author" as a function of discourse, we must consider the characteristics of a discourse that support this use and determine its differences from other discourses. If we limit our remarks only to those books or texts with authors, we can isolate four different features." Discourse is usually defined as a written or oral communication of debate, but in Foucault's interpretation of discourse within authorship, this discourse constitutes sequences of such relations to objects, subjects, and other enouncements. (Foucault) Current representations of this type of discourse are evident in popular websites amongst young adults and college students, which include "Texts From Last Night" and "F My Life." Both of these websites are a construction of thousands of different authors, however, these authors remain anonymous. To relate these sites to one of the four different features of the “author function” that Foucault speaks of would be that “the author function” is not a universal or constant feature of every text.” I believe this to mean that sometimes certain texts do not require having an author and can describe in terms of authorship that "literary texts can be anonymous" and the goal is to always try to find the author who is the one that had actually written the words published. Before analyzing authorship within these websites it is important to learn more about them.
Text messaging has become an overnight phenomenon between young and old as a faster easier way to communicate and even a little more fun than old fashioned phone conversations. This popularity can result from the ever-growing world of technology and many people’s desire to want the newest type of phone and networking outlet. "Texts From Last Night" is an example of how popular it is to communicate through text messaging and how many people enjoy reading anonymous people’s funny situations or over-the-top debacles, that they may have once experienced or know someone who has. This website, textsfromlastnight.com was created in early 2009 by two friends that had noticed a trend building around the country: " the tendency to press send more easily as the night turns to morning, friends social habits, Kwame Kilpatrick, exes, law school, closing down bars and leaving tabs open, general debauchery and/or a common disgust for all the negativity surrounding the "sexting" phenomenon" (textsfromlastnight). This is a clear representation that many people learn about a previous nights events through messages sent and received while controlled by a world of drunkenness. This is a very relatable situation, which can explain the success seen in this website.
“Texts From Last Night” is divided in two sections that can be an easy way for readers to find what they are looking for. These sections include, “Best Nights, “Worst Nights”, but also a “random” section to give readers a mixture of best and worst texts. Within each of these sections, the reader has the opportunity to choose the best or worst texts from “Today,” “This Week,” “This Month, or “All Time.” This is another great way for the reader to choose what they want to read, as well as, searching for the most relatable text to them and something they have experienced once before.
In terms of choosing what texts are published on the website, the owners of the website are the ones to choose what texts will be most popular and also seem to be funny, original, and believable. They cannot determine whether or not a text is actually legitimate, but they will post one that seems to be real and believable. The owners also do not promise that anyone who sends in a text will actually be published. With the hundreds of thousands of texts received each day it is nearly impossible to publish each and every one, but they try their best to deliver a variety of texts and sustain their overall mission of posting funny and relatable text messages. Here are a few examples from the area code “304”:
“(304): i'm dressed up like the coppertone baby and being hit on a guy in a monk costume. the irony is not lost on me” (textsfromlastnight).
“ (304): I can't belive they dont sell booze Sunday mornings. I mean some of us have to work” (textsfromlastnight).
“(304): I can't belive they dont sell booze Sunday mornings. I mean some of us have to work” (textsfromlastnight).
“Texts From Last Night” is a clear example of what is involved in constructing authorship in relation to anonymous authors. When becoming a member of “Texts From Last Night” the person is well aware that once these words are sent and have the chance at being published, the website is the new owners of them. Anything that is used without permission will be subject to copyright infringement. With these rules, however; many still participate in sending in their texts, I believe, for the thrill of having something published that was directly involved in their lives.
Although the text is only given an area code number as the “author,” the original authors and readers can still search out their particular areas by looking for their area code. This is another way it can be very relatable to many of the people involved and reading the texts. Also, in terms of connecting this to authorship, I feel that this website is allowing people to express themselves and is used as an outlet. By publishing these participators anonymously it can give them a sense of privacy, while also incorporating them into Foucault’s “author function” and his definition on discourse.
Many websites are now becoming ways for people to look for an outlet and express themselves in a constructive manner. “F My Life” is a website that allows that to happen and has been another overnight phenomenon. To begin, I think it is important to analyze the expression “fml” that is at the end of every anecdote published. This acronym stands for “fuck my life” and has taken a prominent role in many young adults vocabulary. The acronym itself prevents a person from swearing outright and instead can be more expressive in perhaps a less derogatory manner. Also, “fml” has evolved through the text messaging era and the many abbreviations that are used to type more within a message. Because of the popularity of text messaging, this is again a representation of people perhaps reconfiguring themselves and language around the ever-growing world of technology and creating an even easier and faster language. So, right off the bat, this website is relatable to a younger audience and perhaps a way to try and incorporate older generations.
“F My Life,” or fmylife.com, was created to assist people to “let it all out” and provided something fun to read on an everyday basis. It is the overall mission of the website to give people the opportunity to express themselves and remain anonymous, while also creating entertainment to readers that can relate, relax, and laugh. The website contains many categories of subjects that these anecdotes contain. These categories include, love, money, kids, work, health, intimacy, miscellaneous, and dating horror stories. Each of these makes it easier for readers to search for anecdotes that they can relate to, because each of these categories are everyday headaches for a vast amount of people. (fmylife)
Here is an example of an anecdote from the “Kids” category, “Today, I was watching Pokémon with my daughter when she told me that I reminded her of her favorite Pokémon. Feeling good about it, I asked which one. She pointed to the screen and said "Snorlax!" The fat and lazy one. FML #6310679.” This example showcases that sometimes kids can say the funniest things, without really knowing what they mean or say. This is very relatable to many parents out there and can find this amusing. (fmylife)
“Today, I went on a date with a man I met on Halloween. It appears that his mullet wasn't actually part of his costume. FML #6133031.” This is an example taken from the category “dating horror stories,” a category that many can relate to and feel a little better about their own dating horror stories when reading some of these over-the-top occurrences. (fmylife)
Each of these anecdotes expresses how “FML” is used and also showcase the authors of these anecdotes anonymously with only a number to categorize them. This is in the same relation to “Texts From Last Night,” but instead of an area code a number is used for the author. In a way, this website gives a little more recognition to the original author by granting them an original number, whereas, “Texts From Last Night” only uses the area code that the text was sent in on. Perhaps this is a way for “FML” to make the author’s words more original and prominent, but still remaining anonymous and private.
In terms of “constructing authorship” these websites enhance the words of a person by giving them this creative outlet and a chance for their words to become published on a world-wide website. They are actually constructing an entire series of authors and series of subjects that, I believe, takes authorship to a whole new level. Because the anecdotes and texts are original and hardly derive from another literary text, I believe it is safe to say that these websites exhibit Foucault’s assertions and it is important to point out that Foucault also stated in the excerpt from “The Author Function,” “all these operations vary according to the period and the form of discourse concerned” (Foucault).
Each of these websites is entertaining and creative outlets to everyone involved, whether they are reading or contributing. They are clear representations of Foucault’s “author function” in terms of discourse which “constitutes sequences of such relations to objects, subjects, and other enouncements” (Foucault). The creators of the websites are not preventing the acknowledgements of the original author per say, but instead compiling thousands of texts and anecdotes to create a whole new “work of art.” While they give a clear representation of Foucault’s assertions, they also represent an ever-changing world of technology involved in text messaging and the World Wide Web. In addition to constructing different authors into a concentrated space, the websites are also constructing different authors into a different genre of writing and expression that can leave the author anonymous.
Word Count: 1770
Works Cited:
1. Foucault, Michel. “The Author Function.” Excerpt From Foucault, Michel "What is an Author?"translation Donald F. Bouchard and Sherry Simon. Language, Counter-Memory, Practice. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 1977: pp.124-127.
2. Texts From Last Night. www.textsfromlastnight.com
3. F My Life. www.fmylife.com
Amanda Caughie- Essay on “Construction of Authorship”
Michael Foucault once stated, "In dealing with the "author" as a function of discourse, we must consider the characteristics of a discourse that support this use and determine its differences from other discourses. If we limit our remarks only to those books or texts with authors, we can isolate four different features." Discourse is usually defined as a written or oral communication of debate, but in Foucault's interpretation of discourse within authorship, this discourse constitutes sequences of such relations to objects, subjects, and other enouncements. (Foucault) Current representations of this type of discourse are evident in popular websites amongst young adults and college students, which include "Texts From Last Night" and "F My Life." Both of these websites are a construction of thousands of different authors, however, these authors remain anonymous. To relate these sites to one of the four different features of the “author function” that Foucault speaks of would be that “the author function” is not a universal or constant feature of every text.” I believe this to mean that sometimes certain texts do not require having an author and can describe in terms of authorship that "literary texts can be anonymous" and the goal is to always try to find the author who is the one that had actually written the words published. Before analyzing authorship within these websites it is important to learn more about them.
Text messaging has become an overnight phenomenon between young and old as a faster easier way to communicate and even a little more fun than old fashioned phone conversations. This popularity can result from the ever-growing world of technology and many people’s desire to want the newest type of phone and networking outlet. "Texts From Last Night" is an example of how popular it is to communicate through text messaging and how many people enjoy reading anonymous people’s funny situations or over-the-top debacles, that they may have once experienced or know someone who has. This website, textsfromlastnight.com was created in early 2009 by two friends that had noticed a trend building around the country: " the tendency to press send more easily as the night turns to morning, friends social habits, Kwame Kilpatrick, exes, law school, closing down bars and leaving tabs open, general debauchery and/or a common disgust for all the negativity surrounding the "sexting" phenomenon" (textsfromlastnight). This is a clear representation that many people learn about a previous nights events through messages sent and received while controlled by a world of drunkenness. This is a very relatable situation, which can explain the success seen in this website.
“Texts From Last Night” is divided in two sections that can be an easy way for readers to find what they are looking for. These sections include, “Best Nights, “Worst Nights”, but also a “random” section to give readers a mixture of best and worst texts. Within each of these sections, the reader has the opportunity to choose the best or worst texts from “Today,” “This Week,” “This Month, or “All Time.” This is another great way for the reader to choose what they want to read, as well as, searching for the most relatable text to them and something they have experienced once before.
In terms of choosing what texts are published on the website, the owners of the website are the ones to choose what texts will be most popular and also seem to be funny, original, and believable. They cannot determine whether or not a text is actually legitimate, but they will post one that seems to be real and believable. The owners also do not promise that anyone who sends in a text will actually be published. With the hundreds of thousands of texts received each day it is nearly impossible to publish each and every one, but they try their best to deliver a variety of texts and sustain their overall mission of posting funny and relatable text messages. Here are a few examples from the area code “304”:
“(304): i'm dressed up like the coppertone baby and being hit on a guy in a monk costume. the irony is not lost on me” (textsfromlastnight).
“ (304): I can't belive they dont sell booze Sunday mornings. I mean some of us have to work” (textsfromlastnight).
“(304): I can't belive they dont sell booze Sunday mornings. I mean some of us have to work” (textsfromlastnight).
“Texts From Last Night” is a clear example of what is involved in constructing authorship in relation to anonymous authors. When becoming a member of “Texts From Last Night” the person is well aware that once these words are sent and have the chance at being published, the website is the new owners of them. Anything that is used without permission will be subject to copyright infringement. With these rules, however; many still participate in sending in their texts, I believe, for the thrill of having something published that was directly involved in their lives.
Although the text is only given an area code number as the “author,” the original authors and readers can still search out their particular areas by looking for their area code. This is another way it can be very relatable to many of the people involved and reading the texts. Also, in terms of connecting this to authorship, I feel that this website is allowing people to express themselves and is used as an outlet. By publishing these participators anonymously it can give them a sense of privacy, while also incorporating them into Foucault’s “author function” and his definition on discourse.
Many websites are now becoming ways for people to look for an outlet and express themselves in a constructive manner. “F My Life” is a website that allows that to happen and has been another overnight phenomenon. To begin, I think it is important to analyze the expression “fml” that is at the end of every anecdote published. This acronym stands for “fuck my life” and has taken a prominent role in many young adults vocabulary. The acronym itself prevents a person from swearing outright and instead can be more expressive in perhaps a less derogatory manner. Also, “fml” has evolved through the text messaging era and the many abbreviations that are used to type more within a message. Because of the popularity of text messaging, this is again a representation of people perhaps reconfiguring themselves and language around the ever-growing world of technology and creating an even easier and faster language. So, right off the bat, this website is relatable to a younger audience and perhaps a way to try and incorporate older generations.
“F My Life,” or fmylife.com, was created to assist people to “let it all out” and provided something fun to read on an everyday basis. It is the overall mission of the website to give people the opportunity to express themselves and remain anonymous, while also creating entertainment to readers that can relate, relax, and laugh. The website contains many categories of subjects that these anecdotes contain. These categories include, love, money, kids, work, health, intimacy, miscellaneous, and dating horror stories. Each of these makes it easier for readers to search for anecdotes that they can relate to, because each of these categories are everyday headaches for a vast amount of people. (fmylife)
Here is an example of an anecdote from the “Kids” category, “Today, I was watching Pokémon with my daughter when she told me that I reminded her of her favorite Pokémon. Feeling good about it, I asked which one. She pointed to the screen and said "Snorlax!" The fat and lazy one. FML #6310679.” This example showcases that sometimes kids can say the funniest things, without really knowing what they mean or say. This is very relatable to many parents out there and can find this amusing. (fmylife)
“Today, I went on a date with a man I met on Halloween. It appears that his mullet wasn't actually part of his costume. FML #6133031.” This is an example taken from the category “dating horror stories,” a category that many can relate to and feel a little better about their own dating horror stories when reading some of these over-the-top occurrences. (fmylife)
Each of these anecdotes expresses how “FML” is used and also showcase the authors of these anecdotes anonymously with only a number to categorize them. This is in the same relation to “Texts From Last Night,” but instead of an area code a number is used for the author. In a way, this website gives a little more recognition to the original author by granting them an original number, whereas, “Texts From Last Night” only uses the area code that the text was sent in on. Perhaps this is a way for “FML” to make the author’s words more original and prominent, but still remaining anonymous and private.
In terms of “constructing authorship” these websites enhance the words of a person by giving them this creative outlet and a chance for their words to become published on a world-wide website. They are actually constructing an entire series of authors and series of subjects that, I believe, takes authorship to a whole new level. Because the anecdotes and texts are original and hardly derive from another literary text, I believe it is safe to say that these websites exhibit Foucault’s assertions and it is important to point out that Foucault also stated in the excerpt from “The Author Function,” “all these operations vary according to the period and the form of discourse concerned” (Foucault).
Each of these websites is entertaining and creative outlets to everyone involved, whether they are reading or contributing. They are clear representations of Foucault’s “author function” in terms of discourse which “constitutes sequences of such relations to objects, subjects, and other enouncements” (Foucault). The creators of the websites are not preventing the acknowledgements of the original author per say, but instead compiling thousands of texts and anecdotes to create a whole new “work of art.” While they give a clear representation of Foucault’s assertions, they also represent an ever-changing world of technology involved in text messaging and the World Wide Web. In addition to constructing different authors into a concentrated space, the websites are also constructing different authors into a different genre of writing and expression that can leave the author anonymous.
Word Count: 1770
Works Cited:
1. Foucault, Michel. “The Author Function.” Excerpt From Foucault, Michel "What is an Author?"translation Donald F. Bouchard and Sherry Simon. Language, Counter-Memory, Practice. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 1977: pp.124-127.
2. Texts From Last Night. www.textsfromlastnight.com
3. F My Life. www.fmylife.com
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Creative Gallery
I definitely believe I know what I will be doing for the creative gallery project. Given the content of my research from Texts From Last Night and F My Life, I feel google maps will be the best way to present this material. Because of the area codes involved on TFLN and the state names given for FML I will be able to place many different anecdotes around the country/world that is based on one overall subject matter.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Creative Response Blog
In reference to my subject for my project I think it would be interesting to combine certain texts and anecdotes from Texts From last Night and F MY Life. They will be coordinated in a way to create a story, song, poem, etc., whichever works best. Another idea could be performing this piece on video and submitting that to College Humor. It is definitely a different way to use authorship.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Rough Draft
Hey Guys, I unfortunately wrote my rough draft in Microsoft Word and forgot to transfer it to Diggo. I will have to post it when I get home, I'm sorry for any inconvenience.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Reflection on Project
Currently, I feel that my project has improved over the course of the semester, however, there is still a lot of work to do and more to understand. I am very apprehensive about the 1500 word essay and feel that I really need to fully understand my project and the subject it is on to complete the essay to the best of standards. I think that my research still needs to be improved in terms of finding peer-reviewed articles on JStor and Project Muse. One issue I am having is finding articles what coincide with my project. I am anxious to see how I am going to put everything together while striving to hit all the requirements for an "A" on the rest of the assignments and overall project. While this class isn't exactly what I thought it would be I do find myself introduced to many new subjects and ideas, which is always a good thing. Since I am new to this type of class I find myself learning a lot slower than usual and gradually becoming more and more frustrated, but I am currently trying to improve and complete this essay to the best of my ability.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Diigo Bookmarks from Google Docs
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AZbJbcyh_h48ZGhuaHdmM3ZfNjJqa2h4M2dx&hl=en
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
What is a multimedia author?
To become a multimedia author, a person needs to be able to collect, construct and present material in a variety of different ways, in addition to using different sources and forms of technology. At the present moment, I am beginning to grasp a better understanding of what multimedia authoring is and how important it is in the world today and in the future. I am also beginning to comprehend what kinds of items to bookmark for the group to research and study for the project. In regards to a theory off of Foucault and Barnes information, I think that no type of multimedia can be without a series of authors to make it interesting and successful and I think that there is no piece of writing that could be considered completely original in this day and age. I am still trying to grasp the meaning of the theories or writing and within our projects.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wordle
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Research Proposal Final Draft 9/15/09
I am very interested in a few of the websites I bookmarked, including "Texts from last night" "Collegehumor.com" and "FMyLife.com" Each of these site offers a variety of different authors and creators, as well as, offering humorous entertainment for readers. Each of these websites has a great deal in common, but most important all are represented by a variety of different authors within the same age group, being young adults from high school to college.
I am interested to learn how each of these websites was created and if there are more similarities between the different websites. I especially want to research what rights the authors have to their written works, as well as, the rights of the creator/s.
Another interesting aspect that I am going to research is the link between Collegehumor.com and the new MTV show "Pranked." One of the most knows links between this website and show are the 2 hosts, Streeter Seidell and Amir Blumenfeld, who also work at Collegehumor.com. I think this will be a great way to display how a popular website can become a popular television show on a large television network. I also want to discover whether or not some of the other websites plan on expanding their brand and if so how.
Another area that I would like to research is each of the websites terms of use and if they require the reader/author to subscribe or create a username. If this is a requirement what are the benefits of becoming a member/author. I also want to research who the masterminds are behind each of these unique websites and if there are single or multiple creators for each site.
Now that I have obtained great comments and advice from fellow classmates I have a better understanding of what I will do my project on. I think looking at these particular websites and the authors that are involved in their success is important. The creators are not the only masterminds behind these popular websites. The authors of the websites are the individuals who send in their thoughts and stories and remain anonymous. Anonymous authorship seems to be becoming a lot more popular.
References:
College Humor: http://www.collegehumor.com/
F My Life: http://www.fml.com/
Texts from last night: http://www.textsfromlastnight.com/
Pranked: http://www.mtv.com/shows/pranked/series.jhtml?kw=sem/g/pranked/
I am interested to learn how each of these websites was created and if there are more similarities between the different websites. I especially want to research what rights the authors have to their written works, as well as, the rights of the creator/s.
Another interesting aspect that I am going to research is the link between Collegehumor.com and the new MTV show "Pranked." One of the most knows links between this website and show are the 2 hosts, Streeter Seidell and Amir Blumenfeld, who also work at Collegehumor.com. I think this will be a great way to display how a popular website can become a popular television show on a large television network. I also want to discover whether or not some of the other websites plan on expanding their brand and if so how.
Another area that I would like to research is each of the websites terms of use and if they require the reader/author to subscribe or create a username. If this is a requirement what are the benefits of becoming a member/author. I also want to research who the masterminds are behind each of these unique websites and if there are single or multiple creators for each site.
Now that I have obtained great comments and advice from fellow classmates I have a better understanding of what I will do my project on. I think looking at these particular websites and the authors that are involved in their success is important. The creators are not the only masterminds behind these popular websites. The authors of the websites are the individuals who send in their thoughts and stories and remain anonymous. Anonymous authorship seems to be becoming a lot more popular.
References:
College Humor: http://www.collegehumor.com/
F My Life: http://www.fml.com/
Texts from last night: http://www.textsfromlastnight.com/
Pranked: http://www.mtv.com/shows/pranked/series.jhtml?kw=sem/g/pranked/
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Rise of the Plagiosphere
After reading "The Rise of the Plagiosphere" I began to think about the technology that is accessible to the public to determine if a paper is plagiarized or not. I think this is a way to deprive a writer of expressive freedom and is in a way a handicap to creative writing. I think there is a thin line between something that is plagiarized and something that is similar in writing, but not the same work. I think in this day and age it is impossible for people not to think of the same things or create the same works and it is important to determine what is original or an improvement over something else and what is a blatant copy of something else. Many authors want to be able to write freely and not worry about whether or not someone else has come up with these same stories and ideas and I feel that they should be free of all those worries and continue to write as openly as they want.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Online Autobiography
1. I did not grow up entirely with digital technology and began using it between the ages of 10 and 13. The first kind of digital technology that I became familiar with was AOL and Instant Messaging. Later on, around the age of 15 I began using a pager and later moved on to a cell phone when I was 17. The Internet in my home was not used regularly until it became popular around the globe. After we hooked up the Internet with the old school dial-up, my family was in constant competition over who could be online and when. Thankfully high speed arrived to help us all get on when we want.
2. When I first started using the Internet and mainly instant messaging I thought it was exciting and fun to be able to talk to multiple friends so easily. I was a huge fan of chat rooms, as well. I was semi-addicted when I first signed on, but I think that is common when someone starts something new.
3. I use the web now for research and school work, shopping, keeping in touch with friends, as well as, keeping my banking in order with on-line banking. I am on my computer several times a day and I know that many of my friends and family is the same way. I am not a huge fan of computers, but I love having the access of the web.
4. I never had a blog until Spring semester of 09 for my English 301 class and I also recently joined Facebook in April after many years of trying to avoid it. It's funny to see that I never use instant messaging anymore when that was the first kind of on-line action that I had.
2. When I first started using the Internet and mainly instant messaging I thought it was exciting and fun to be able to talk to multiple friends so easily. I was a huge fan of chat rooms, as well. I was semi-addicted when I first signed on, but I think that is common when someone starts something new.
3. I use the web now for research and school work, shopping, keeping in touch with friends, as well as, keeping my banking in order with on-line banking. I am on my computer several times a day and I know that many of my friends and family is the same way. I am not a huge fan of computers, but I love having the access of the web.
4. I never had a blog until Spring semester of 09 for my English 301 class and I also recently joined Facebook in April after many years of trying to avoid it. It's funny to see that I never use instant messaging anymore when that was the first kind of on-line action that I had.
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