How Far Is Too Far.. ? PB #3

Most everyone could agree that the internet is a wonderful tool for communicating. It is an outlet for sharing ideas and information. Though it has many advantages it can also be utilized in a malicious way. This can be seen in the case of Dayna Kempeson. Dayna got into a terrible accident and when firefighters got to the scene, instead of aiding Dayna, they took footage of her mangled body. The firefighters can be heard saying such things as "Smell like she's been drinking. There is a piece of skull right there on the console" and "I was wondering what that smell was. Hold that down for me. Oh, my God!" The video was eventually uploaded to the internet and spread virally. Dayna's parents received news of the video two months after her tragic accident. You can read the full story here.

This is without a doubt a horrible situation. It is heartbreaking to watch her parents speak about the incident. And it is terrible that a firefighter, someone who's job it is to take care of the public could be so heartless. The real question lies though in why this video circulated so virally. In a digital age it is no surprise that our culture is heavily reliant on sharing news through the web, but where is the line drawn on what is appropriate? Would physical hard copies of these photos have been passed around so freely? And how has our reliance on technology shaped our way of handling a situation? It troubles me that the fireman's first response was to take footage of this dying woman, and that his companion saw nothing wrong with it. We live in a world where it seems that the first response we have to a situation involves updating our Facebook statuses.

Technology can be a wonderful thing, but as with all things discretion needs to be used. Etiquette and moral responsibility should not be tossed aside on the internet. We as citizens need to stop hiding behind our computer screens, and stand up for ethical use of the internet. Sharing information is vital, but there is a line, and it needs to be re-traced.

Photo credit: CNN.com

Real Simple Magazine

Thesis:

This national women's multimedia magazine strives to provide it's readers with tools to de-stress, simplify, inspire, and help make their lives more satisfying.

Five Facts:

• Real Simple's reader demographic is equally divided between the age groups of 25- 35, 35-45, and 45-55 years old.
• The design of the magazine appeals to educated women, and is strongly based in a strict color palette, and white space.
• Each issue has a tear out section in the back with a featured recipe, inspirational quote, wallet calendar, and quick organizational tip.
• Each issue has a section called New Uses For Old Things, that uses old household items in new innovative ways.
• Real Simple marketing plan involves sending a free magazine to anyone who wishes to preview it.

Triune Brain

This magazine is word based and relies heavily on the use of the Neocortex. There are many informational and organizational techniques that exercise the neocortex. The limbic brain is also effected by the use of white space, "clean" colors, and beautiful pictures that implement lighting.

Trends

This magazine exemplifies the trend of convergence by being available in both print and on

the web.

Principles

Real Simple uses a wide variety of production techniques, words, pictures, interactive segments, and how to videos. There is emotional transfer in some of the personal stories and examples (love, inspiration, happiness.)The segments are pac

ed in a way that doesn't overwhelm the reader.

Persuasive Techniques

Real Simple relies heavily on the plain folks technique, incorporating tip, advice, and stories that feature and pertain to every day women. Testimonial is also involved as seen in many articles being written by educated and informed consumers. Las

tly, value messages are strongly implemented by reinforcing that a simple lifestyle is the key to happiness.

Mid-Term Exam- Ravishing Reflective Response!

1. I think the most important thing that I've learned so far is how to change my attitude about media. Before this class I went through the motions, without really stopping to think about what I was consuming. This class has taught me to question and analyze the things that I come across every day. As I surf the web ( I can't believe that I just used that phrase) and stumble upon media, I now look in depth at what is on my screen. What messages are being conveyed to me? How is this shaping my attitudes and actions? All in all this class has made me a more educated and informed citizen of (media &) society. Oh and I learned that Twitter is actually pretty cool too.

2. I've learned that I enjoy blogging, it comes easily to me. I also have come to realize that I enjoy media more than I had originally thought. In turn I have become more immersed in this course, leading to me thinking more in depth about the world that I live in.

3. I wouldn't really change how I've approached this class. I always read the chapters and blog on time. I engage myself, and focus all of my attention on the subject at hand. I think I've missed one blog, so I guess if I took the class over I wouldn't have that happen.

4. In all honesty I wouldn't change a thing about this class - it's close to perfect. I enjoy coming here everyday and leave with my head spinning, thinking of media. The only thing I could suggest is incorporating the book more, and additional open discussion about trending topics.

5. Films- The films are a nice break from time to time, but I'd rather watch the short clips on Youtube, most of the time they are more powerful and informative. I thought that Reel Bad Arabs was an excellent choice though, it really engaged the whole class.

Personal/Class Blog- The blogs might be my favorite part. It's a perfect way to implement media into our class as well as share our opinions, views and personal stories with each other. It's a good way to get my classmates opinions that I might not have heard otherwise.

Power Tools- I have mixed reviews about the Powertools. I think they are an important part of the class, and that they teach us many important aspects of analyzing media. They are an imperative part of our learning process but at the same time I feel like we focus too much on them. The class is called Media and Society, not Powertools 101.

Quizzes- I think these are implemented well. They are good "check up" on the lessons. Also I like when we go over them, it is nice to hear other student's thoughts and ideas.

Book- I love this book. It's probably the most enjoyable textbook I've had to use. It's current, engaging, relatable, and interesting. PLEASE USE IT MORE.