Class Highlights

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with this class, it has truly be one of the most interesting classes I've had at DeAnza. Though before I took this class I considered myself quite knowledgeable when it came to aspects of media, I definitely learned so much more and increased my Media Literacy. A big aha moment was realizing how much of the media is manipulated either to gain my trust as a consumer and push me to purchase their items or how news reports are sometimes untrustworthy.

Considering the first amendment, I feel that I have cultivated a much better understanding as to what it entails and what it truly means. I feel as though I am much more aware of my surroundings and able to better assess the world of media around me.

Television

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdBnoR5rZlc

Length: 1:15
Description: The video that I chose describes the use of YouTube in stream ads and how they are beneficial and becoming a crucial aspect in online media plans. This video encompasses the idea of Advertising that is discussed in our textbook and also provides insight as to how popular of a concept "in stream ads" are becoming in the sense that they have proven to be more successful than TV program ads. 
Chapter 14: Advertising
Quiz Question: True or False? People who view an in stream ad on YouTube are more likely to retain the ad's information than people who view the same ad on TV.
Answer: True

Media Ethics

James Cameron, the filmaker behind the 2009 blockbuster film Avatar, had a lawsuit filed against him in a claim by screenwriter Bryant Moore regarding the hit movie. Moore is suing Cameron for copyright infringement insisting that he used ideas that came from two of Moore's screenplays called Aquatica and Descendants: The Pollination. Moore claims that he gave Cameron the screenplays to those movies in 1993 and 1994  and was denied his submissions soon after. Moore filed the law suit in 2011 seeking $2.5 billion dollars in damages for copy right infringement.

On March 18, 2013 Cameron and the company Fox (that aided in Avatar's production ans is also being sued) were in court in an attempt to dismiss Moore's lawsuit, an action that the judge ultimately denied. Cameron and Moore are thus due to a jury-trial case that will occur within the next 4-6 months.


http://www.deadline.com/2013/03/james-cameron-fox-denied-dismissal-of-latest-avatar-lawsuit/

I found this quite interesting because the lawsuit is still developing in the sense that the public has yet to see what will come of the case, whether or not Moore will win etc. I'm curious as to what will happen seeing how this is not the first case against Avatar for copyright infringement and in all other cases Cameron and Fox have won. I anticipate the future in finding out whether or not Moore will win (in my personal opinion I don't think he should, I don't think his screenplays were similar at all).

VALS Framework

The segments that are divided into categories for advertisers to place consumers in is interesting. When reflecting on the various types, I decided that I should probably be in the experiencers category and once I took the survey I proved myself correct. It said that my "Primary VALS type is Experiencer" and my "Secondary VALS type is innovator". The description of an experiencer was that they are motivated by self expression which is a quality that I agree I do have. The list of "Favorite Things" was spot on as it had Rolling Stone magazine which I am actually subscribed to and look forward to receiving every couple of weeks. The Experiencer category also discussed a need to maintain the latest fashion trends, which I also admit to. This can be viewed as a negative aspect of my personality as I find that I am somewhat of a compulsive buyer and have a constant need and overwhelming want to purchase clothing. I do spend a large amount of my income on clothes and found it so funny that the Experiencer category described this. It depicted a person whom enjoys socializing and being entertained, I don't agree with the being entertained part, but I do agree with the social aspect. I thrive on expressing my opinions and debating my undying beliefs, thats how I find myself to be social.

As for the secondary VALS type which was innovator, I somewhat disagree with the fact that I was placed into that category. I do consider myself to be a "Take Charge" type of person and a leader in particular situations, though I don't consider myself to purchase upscale things. As I admitted before, I do love purchasing clothes, but I always look for bargains and go to places like thrift shops. I do believe that I am independent which was described in the innovator section.

I feel that marketers use things like fashion images in pushing me to purchase clothes from a particular store. For example, the clothing store H&M recently launched their summer line which was headed by Pop star Beyonce, a star figure whom I adore and the fact that she was working with them on this campaign made me want to go buy some of their clothes. Beyonce has appeared in TV commercials promoting H&M and in ads in fashion magazine. H&M was successful in promoting their product and I believe their marketing campaign was successful as I found myself wanting to purchase their clothes.

Electronic News

I find that I am online on a consistent basis. I shop online, connect with friends online, and use it constantly in order to fulfill my daily needs. Even at times when using the internet is unnecessary I use it to cure my boredom. This is typically a useless tactic as it fuels my want to stay connected no matter what. In reflecting on whom in my life has developed an addiction to this habit, I initially thought of my younger sister. She was completely consumed with being on the internet for the most part of the day. It had a negative impact on her as noticeable by her immediate need to connect when she arrived home from school. She became a hermit cooped up her room and refrained from socializing outside the wifi world. My family and I confronted her about this issue and we were finally attempting to halt her obsession. She agreed and we began to monitor how often she would go on the computer or use iphones.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-tips-to-prevent-internet-addiction-and-study-more-effectively/

http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/5_tips_for_curbing_your_Internet_addiction_13889.aspx

Movie Recordings

Favorite Movie of 2012-2013

My favorite movie that I've seen this past year has to be The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Since the movie was based on my favorite, its no surprise that the movie also became one of my favorites. It dares viewers to step outside of the social norm and exist as an individual within a sea of clones. It's absolutely beautiful, boasting the line "We accept the love we think we deserve". It's all about cherishing the relationships you have and establishing your own identity. I saw this movie in theaters and also purchased it on DVD when it came out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5rh7O4IDc0

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_perks_of_being_a_wallflower/

Favorite Movie of All Time

I find it difficult to choose just one movie as my all time favorite so I'll just name one movie that's placed in my list of favorites. Forrest Gump has to be one of the best movies that I've ever seen, I will never get tired of watching it. I love what a genuinely good human being Forrest is. He maintains this childlike wonder perspective of the world that just reflects his undeniable ability to see the positive in others and the world around him. I first saw this movie on VHS when I was younger and as I came of age and learned to truly decipher it's significance, I watched it on DVD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPIEn0M8su0

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/forrest_gump/

Magazine Cover

Name: The Liberals' Truth

Concept: This magazine is different from most news magazines because its' geared towards liberals' ideologies and ideals while attempting to discuss world issues.

Readers: Demographics would include ages 18 and up, all that are associated with liberal beliefs. Both genders would seek this magazine as it would provide interests pertaining to either gender. Income level might be mostly middle class to lower class Americans as those are most often associated as liberal. Interests would include environmentally conscious ideas and how to perpetuate them within society. It would also be relevant to all ethnicities as it would promote racial equality with liberal ideals.

Competition would include magazines like The Progressive. My magazine would more effectively reach out to the liberal community by establishing more credibility with minorities and discussing issues that pertain to them as well. While the Progressive does discuss liberal beliefs it doesn't include issues that discuss racial inequality and how we can effectively place more minorities in things like white collar jobs.

Advertisers that would benefit being in the magazine would be:
-John Stewart (Television Show)
-Democrats running for senate
- Liberal authors promoting books
-Environmentally friendly organizations
-Politically liberal organizations and causes

Premier Issue Articles
-Opinions in interview with Stephen Colbert
-Environment Discussion
-Racial Inequality Stories
-Marriage equality Promotion
-Discussing the economy and how taxes should be distributed

The cover would be similar to that of Time Magazine, a simple business oriented design. Not too many headings, maybe two or three at most to draw the reader towards the magazine and open up to see the inside. Large image to center the magazine with short title. Neutral colors, white, black, dark red. No in your face graphics, this magazine is to be taken seriously and associated with important issues within the liberal community.