Return from the Dead!

After some thinking, I've decided that I would like to continue this blog even though I started this for a grade in my English class. I find that I have a lot of things I want to discuss but no where to really write about them. Then, I remembered that I have this blog from last year just taking up space on the internet.

I have absolutely no idea what I want to write about or if this blog will be specified under one category. Thus, I'm going on the safe side and saying that each blog post will be different depending on what I feel like writing about. I know that my posts will be erratic since I have a very busy schedule so I'm not going to promise to update in an organized manner. That would be unfair to anyone who would actually be reading my posts.

I hope this will not be abandoned by me soon and I hope this split-second decision will turn out wonderful.

Ignite Slide Notes

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Final Blog Post

For my final project,

I decided to do a powerpoint slide and the reason is simple, it's what I know how to do and it looks impressive. However, I decided to change the info a little bit. Instead of focusing on how to introduce someone to the basics of Fan Fiction and what it is, I decided to be specific and focus on controversial issues that pop up in stories (they're usually involving some type of human rights issue).

I made sure that people who don't know what Fan Fiction is and people who do could both be interested in the powerpoint. I did this by keeping it interesting for both sides by not really talking about specific Fan Fiction in-the-know information but general information that everyone has heard. I also discovered a site that I explored for a while and found a gold mine when it comes to research for Fan Fiction.

Transformative Works and Cultures is a website where articles about many things (including fanfiction) are published and posted. My favorite academic who writes about Fan Fiction has posted some of his work on here and even some people that I've never heard of! I love what Henry Jenkins writes and really can't wait to find more of the articles he has on this website and read them. His opinions are close to mine and he writes in such a way that I find easier to understand than how I explain it in my own head.

I do have to admit though that I might got too excited with all the links that I put in my slideshow but what's done is done.

I enjoyed thinking about these controversial issues more. It makes me really recognize which issues are discussed more and which are actually gaining ground with speaking out more than others. I find how writers are capable of writing view points which they would personally disagree with impressive and professional. This really makes me want to give it a go and see if I can do as well as some of the stories I read.

The reason why I decided to choose this though was because of my third mini project. I realized how different every person's opinions can be but also how controlling society's opinions truly are. I wanted to delve into it and I did that.

Just so you know, I cannot post the powerpoint here because Blogger does not have a way to do so.

Mini Project 2

At first, I had planned on gathering information about the significance Fan Fiction had on people (via interviews) and then placing the information on some type of online archive that anyone could access. However, due to a virus that got onto my laptop, I ran out of time to have even a chance at doing this.

Then, I realized I could easily attach the information I'd gathered onto my video from the first mini project. Since I only had a day left to do this, I was pressured. Still, I got it done and, frankly, am proud of the finished piece.

What makes me really feel satisfied after finishing this video is that I was finally able to put my thoughts about Fan Fiction into words. Before, I only had emotions and when I tried to explain it to people I couldn't do so in a manner which brought its significance justice.

I succeeded in this video. I was capable in finally answering someone who asked why Fan Fiction is so important.

I was not only able to gather opinions from my peers, fellow writers, and some academic point of views but also my own. I saw many different points of view that I've never thought of before.

I never realized that there are probably some authors out there who don't like the thought that readers are changing the plot they worked so hard on.

I also never realized how serious the possible copyright battle could be if someone takes offense to Fan Fiction. It really makes me pause and wonder if us Fan Fiction readers/writers are just on borrowed time or if we could possibly win a court case.

I can't wait for the next project because I have a really good idea in my head and I want to know what the outcome will be.

Mini Project 1: An Introduction To FanFiction

When I first began this inquiry project, I knew that I wanted to focus on Fan Fiction in some manner. I realized almost immediately that not as many people as I thought know what Fan Fiction is. So for my first mini project I decided to dedicate some of it as an introduction of sorts.

However, I always thought that there weren't that many academics who have spent time to research Fan Fiction in any way. Thankfully, I found one and read some of the blog posts he's made involving my topic. Some of it is what I used to think of as common sense (this is in regards to the copyright). At the same time, I learned more detail (and also felt slightly insulted when Fan Fiction writers were referred to as "amateurs") involving these topics.

I also realized the significance Fan Fiction has to me based on how it changes the original plots to something that may or may not be close to the original.

Then there was the fact that Fan Fiction opened my eyes to some topics of discussion as well as things I've never noticed or processed in the original works. For example, a minor character may become an important one in a Fan Fiction and that character may develop into something incredible or even have such significance to chance the plot entirely.

I've learned a lot in the past week through research and actually thinking through what I've always accepted as Fan Fiction Common Sense 101.

Now, I know that there are many people that do not have the same interest in Fan Fiction as I have. Therefore, I've decided to make this video for those who have no knowledge about Fan Fiction at all. Hopefully, it's adequate.

Still, I tried to show the feelings and emotions I get when a character I love chooses to do something else entirely in a Fan Fiction than what they did in the original plot. I love the mystery of not knowing what the Fan Fiction writer will decide. Do they already know where the plot is going or will they actually take on some of the advice of the reviewers?

Hopefully, the music and some of the words I have in the video convey this.

I kept the significance this topic has to me more at a subtle level just to keep as much bias as possible away from this important introduction. That's why I leave the copyright information with two questions that could lead to an interesting debate.

Anyways, I've read Fan Fiction for almost 7 years now (yes that is straight through - no pauses in between) and I've learned how to spot a diamond in the rough. How to spot the ones that affect me just like any other good book would. I've caught myself crying or perking up in bed. I've caught myself laughing at jokes and all types of humor. This is my main hobby and it's so addicting to me that I almost refuse to do anything else to replace it.

Ever since I've begun reading Fan Fiction, I've opened my mind more to how much a writer can have the freedom to write as well as debates that come up in some stories. This is only a window into the community of Fan Fiction and I can't wait to open the door for the next mini project.

Mini Project Ideas

I know that we're probably going to be talking about the mini projects in class but I need somewhere to think about possible ideas.

There's of course the classic presentations:

1) Power Point
2) Lecture
3) Skit
4) Video
5) Music

Then there's the not-so classic ideas which I'm trying to lean more towards:

1) Game
2) Interactive Presentation (varies greatly)
3) ... uh.... well.... hmm.... i got nothing

Yeah... not really sure what else to put. I'm also wondering what other things I can look at when it comes to my project. I could make some general statistics or general observations that I've picked up over time and maybe make a jeopardy game?

4) Jeopardy/ Question game

Oh, maybe I can have the volunteers do something funny if they get a question wrong!

At least this got me somewhere for now.

A Writer's Language: Universal or Different?

As we came upon the debate on whether or not students should write their thoughts down in standard English, I came to my opinion almost immediately. I believe that each person should be able to write their drafts (of any writing whether it be for school or not) in any way they want. For this specific debate, that has to deal with home languages or what some would think of as a person's first language.

In some ways I have an easier time with writing since I've always had English as my home language and I'm used to writing in standard English. However, at the same time, this is the writing style that I'm the most comfortable with. Others have an easier time writing in foreign languages or in another type of English (the other types are based on region or how much one's on the computer or texting). To expand, I personally believe that rough drafts are where ideas are placed down. The other drafts mainly are used to fine the ideas into a way others can understand.

Therefore yes, people should be able to write rough drafts anyway they want since this is the purpose I believe rough drafts focus on: getting ideas down onto paper. However, I also believe writing in standard English is good learning for students. Students need to learn how to finalize work and the best way I learned to do this is through finalizing my drafts in English. The only way to see if this is working, for teachers at least, is to use a universal language which is seen as Standard English. Thus, I believe that at some point the ideas written in the most comfortable way for the students should be altered into Standard English.

Some may moan and grumble but the truth is, this is useful for everyone. Since we have to deal with it in the way the education system is right now, we might as well use this to our advantage and learn how to finalize our work.

Have Y'all Noticed the Movement Towards Video Games?

As we watched the Ted Talk which discussed the hidden meanings in children movies, I began to wonder. Movies have had such significance to society ever since they first appeared. They've captured the minds of every generation and have continued to expand into a being of such importance that it's almost unimaginable.

They originally started as black and white, silent, short films. They had limitations for special effects due to the technology at the time. Yet, these films still captured the minds of people who've never seen anything like this before. However, as everyone grew used to the idea of movies being in society, Hollywood - and others like it - had to step up their game. They needed ways to continue to captivate their audience.

They succeeded.

With the special effects adding to the reality of a film, what could be done was expanded. The limitations which this industry once had now seem to be nonexistent. Still, there is another industry which has appeared in the last few decades which is doing the exact same things as the movie industry did (in regards to the expansion and the captivation).

Video games are expanding and some can argue that it's doing so faster than the movie industry did.

Games like Pong laid the first stone down a new path which is being built faster and faster. The industry started out with little squares moving on a screen to detailed animations of humans, creatures, and beautiful scenery. It's still in the process of captivating the imagination of its audience as the expansion continues to flow around the world.

However, what I've discussed above only deals with what the audience sees. There is also the connection to the audience's emotions which really allows these two industries to expand to what they are and will be.

Both connect to what we want, what we have gone through, and what we view with as incredible, indescribable, and a sense of awe. These allow us to let our minds run rampant and keep us coming back.

There is so much which can be said about both industries but what I know for a fact is that the video game industry will continue to expand rapidly. This industry also has the opportunity to surpass that of the movies if they play their cards right.

Critics: The good and the bad

In response to a writing into the day we did in class about Peter Elbow's Believing Game, all I could think about is what I've always believed and been taught. And that is: critics can be amazing with feedback.

First off, I like to get the two separate types of critics labeled:

The first is the one everyone knows. This one is the group where you can get constructive criticism back about anything you put out there. They help advance your work into something better (most of the time).

An example of constructive criticism is so:

      Wow the plot to this has great potential! Sure you need to double-check some spelling and grammar but that's easily fixed with a beta. Also, on this website's format you should try making the paragraphs shorter (even though it's not something we're supposed to do on essays) - it's easier on the eyes. I think that as long as you don't push the relationship between these two characters too much then it should come out as possible. Just pace yourself and don't get trigger happy. Can't wait for the next chapter!


The second is one that everyone should ignore. To get an understanding of this, just look at what they're called on websites like fanfiction.net. They're called "flamers" and everyone ignores what they say.

An example of a "flamers" criticism is so:
    
     Your writing is crap. It doesn't even deserve to be found on this pitiful website. You can't spell for your life and you can't even figure out how to write a sentence correctly. The story itself sucks. I mean, what's the point of writing this? It doesn't even come close to being good. Those two characters are never realistically supposed to get together and it's just sick. Get a life and actually work on something you're good at.

.... It's kind-of obvious why websites have a way of reporting these flamers isn't it?

Even for writers trying to get a book published, sometimes they'll get flames back. People just have to know the difference and ignore the one's that lower your self-esteem.

Now, I've taken a Creative Writing class when I was in high school and it was one of the best classes I've ever taken. I learned so much in that class and one of the things I was taught was to get a tough-skin to rebound these flaming comments on my work. Yet, I also needed to make it a sponge that way I could absorb the constructive criticism that way I wouldn't just stay at one level of writing potential all my life. I need to hear how to make myself better from the second best (the first-best critics being our own selves).

This is personally what I need to become better at something (isn't that what we got when we worked on our rough drafts for English essays?). I don't know it everyone needs that but I always believed that it helps us so much into becoming a better writer/artist/music player... etc.

Again, create a spongey-shield and you should be fine.

Minority? Really?!

As we wrote into our daybooks on Wednesday in response to Mimi Ito on HOMAGO's video, I noticed how they were studying the generations (mine as well as the few before and behind us) which have impacted the digital world through social media like Facebook. In the beginning, I felt excited when she mentioned fanfiction in the list of websites they observed in their study. Then, by the end of the video once she mentioned that the people in our generations visiting these social media websites (and fanfiction - cause I don't really consider this close to Facebook just because of the layout of the main website which people use), I started to feel as if I was a part of a minority.

This then led my thoughts onto a tangent of what else I could be a minority of. Thus, I realized that I am a minority in three major parts in my life:

1) I go onto fanfiction.net for hours and hours (As stated above - it is a minority that does this)
2) I play video games.... a lot (A minority I gladly say seems to be increasing every day)
3) I am into Anime (which is a huge minority group in the world that would lead me on a tangent days long!)

I then started to feel bad since minorities have always had some type of negativity attached to them. If you haven't already felt a small inkling of this, then try to think if you're part of a minority whether it be because of ethnicity, hobbies, or anything else. And then start to think about how rare you find it to discover others around you (physically) that are fit into these minorities as well. That will lead your thoughts onto all sorts of tangents that may leave a bad taste in your mouth. Not fun.

After I finished this tangent, I started to wonder about the social ideas we place on certain minority ideas, opinions, and hobbies.

For example, when I hear about Facebook, I think that everyone is on there. However, from what I got from the video, that apparently isn't the case.

Also, another example is my idea about the Anime minority in the world. I've met so many people that are into this television style (don't forget the manga!) that I've grown up with the idea that many people like Anime. In fact, it wasn't until I came to college that I realized that this wasn't the case.

It's an interesting concept that has many more examples attached to it. One large one that I noticed in my later years of high school was that not a lot of people enjoy writing stories after stories and essays after essays.

Just think about some examples about yourself that you've noticed recently and you'll realize just how many there really are.

There. That was my thought tangent for the video. Hope I encouraged some for y'all.

Reflective Blog Post 1

For the writing into the day done on January 16, 2013, we were to respond to a video explaining the importance video games have on children and how they're significant to the learning experience of those kids. During the video, the man discussing this information stated that there was an issue with having more girls getting interested with video games.

That caused me to want to challenge certain issues he brought about this.

First off, I am a female and I'm a gamer just like any other male out there - I've been so ever since middle school. The population of female gamers is out there and is also gradually rising from a minority to a large percentage of all gamers. Female gamers have also received acknowledgement to their existence through television shows like G4TV's Top 100 Games

As seen on the television show above, female gamers play the same games as males (the Halo series, Silent Hill, etc.). Therefore, questioning how to get girls more involved into video games is an irrelevant question. What will attract the female population to video games will nearly be the same for males: a wonderfully designed control system, great graphics, amazing character development, incredible plot, and anything else in between these or anything else not mentioned.

However, there's always a variation to what an individual gamer wants in a game. I cannot speak for all female gamers out there, yet I can give my opinion on what I seek out in a game and what I want to see. This could be used in comparison to other female gamers to see if there is an average desire for certain aspects of future games.

I like RPGs mainly. Yet, I like them to be simple in their control system (that way there isn't much I need to learn in that aspect). Also, I want a deep plot - one that dives more into the emotional journey characters (well-developed ones at that) will experience whether the characters are ones that you will create or npcs the player will come across. Though that does not mean I want romance - no that is not what games need to change to (if they need to change much at all)

I have also recently discovered the wonders of a first person game whether it be a shooter or any other type (Thank you Skyrim). Yet, a third person view point in a game is still what I favor most.

The only game that I enjoyed that had romance as a big aspect (at least I thought so) in it was Final Fantasy X and that was because the plot that went into it was well-thought-out and amazing to play through. The other games I have are Mario Kart (don't really like sports games), Kingdom Hearts (it plays to my memories as a child), Batman Arkham Asylum, Assassin's Creed, inFamous, Dance Dance Revolution (the older versions and only because it was good exercise, some good music, and my first set of games I got as a child), and much more.

I enjoy games with a thrill (not too much gore - like I can't stand the slow-motion kills found in the Fall Out series for some reason), with violence, strategy, and humor. There has to be a character that will stand out in my mind (Master Chief, the Joker, Sephiroth, Mario, Nathan Drake, Alucard from Castlevania, Snake, etc.) and one that had me jumping out of my seat.

These are only highlights of what I enjoy in a game. If you're not a gamer, go buy a game that interests you and see if you enjoy it. Once you do, you'll be addicted for life. This is a phenomena that will not leave society for a long time to come (I'm so glad to predict that!).