Journal 8

In the Hall piece, he says “Initially, Second Life looks no different than any other modern computer game. You go though the standard tutorial process in which the game teachers you how to move about in the world.” Although this quote may seem unimportant I think it is significant because without realization Hall is reinforcing the idea that there are several of computer games out there and this is just another one. He implies that he has previously played another game and this was similar. Computer games are neat, but at the same time they are nothing new. They have been around for quite some time now and innovators have to go to extremes to set their games apart from others. Also another quote that Hall ends with stood out to me. “Though the game allows players to defy reality, what actually ends up happening in world is really no different than what happens in the real world.” This just goes to show that innovators have made quite an accomplishment in establishing computer games that can mimic our society so closely. Our world that we live in is so technologically advanced that bringing reality to an 18 inch screen is not difficult. Just like Haas and Raschke I agree that technology has become a very big part of our society. Haas says specifically “…writing has never been and cannot be separate from technology.” I completely agree with this statement, everything we do today has something to do with technological innovations. Almost every time I turn on the Television I see a new commercial for the newest cell phone, computer, or video game. I would also have to say that there is not a single day where I have gone without using some sort of technological device to communicate whether it be a computer or a phone. The little things we take for granted such as calling our parents daily or checking the weather online are provided to use by those individuals who have made our world so technologically advanced. One big factor that plays a role in computer usage is the innovation of websites such as MySpace and Facebook. I am not sure the exact number or statistic but I am pretty positive there are an immense number of individuals who use these applications daily. Aside from these applications, there are others that obligate us to use a computer; for example, the Blackboard system here at Florida State University. Whether is take attendance, checking grades, checking e-mail, downloading syllabi, or registering for classes, everything must be done using Blackboard. These applications have made it simple to do certain tasks that could potentially take a while such as attendance or grades. Using the computers in our English class has been fun for me! I like our free writes in the morning but it has also been difficult. I am a very simple person in terms of technology and creating websites and writing on blogs has been a challenge but it has expanded my horizons.

Journal 7

As a person of a race I can relate to Langston Hughes. I am half Korean, Cherokee Indian, and Irish. Clearly it is evident my ethnicity is foreign. Growing up I was never discriminated against however I did at times feel different. All throughout my life I have always been asked, “So, what is your ethnicity?” This is a common question that I have gotten used to answering. I am very proud of my heritage even though I have never been to Korea. My family plans to make a summer trip in the future to visit all of my mother’s side of the family. Hughes makes a very good point, “You are white, yet a part of me, as I am a part of you. That’s American. Sometimes perhaps you don’t want to be a part of me. Nor do I often want to be a part of you. But we are, that’s true! As I learn from you, I guess you learn from me…” America is a melting pot and the cultural diversity makes it what it is.
I chose this picture to represent the many different cultures that reside in America, but we are unified in the sense of being American.

Journal 6

My portfolio I would have to say is not the best. Because I am not very technological, I feel like that really held to my disadvantage. However, what is displayed on my homepage is definitely me. I have a fun picture and colors that are bright to represent me. These little things account for what I want viewers to see me as. Although my interest in creating a webpage is somewhat minimal, because of the fact that it is not one of my strengths, I do understand the idea behind creating a good one.
By displaying my work on a website it is easier for readers to understand the overall tone and image of a paper. This is possible because not only is it just the text in black and white, but you can add any kind of color any where you want. In addition the font can be adjusted to portray your tone. In a sense it is more exciting to have a portfolio online rather than in a plain portfolio. I want my readers to understand in my work that there are different tones, in some areas I am serious but in others I can be sarcastic. This is easily captured by readers when you have fun fonts or just simple ones. Also the visual pictures can aid in this as well. Especially in my second paper on Hugh Hefner it is easy for the readers to understand who he is (if they do not know of him) and what messages he gives off. I choose specific pictures to coincide with my writing to make it more understandable and enjoyable to read.
In conclusion, there are certain areas where I try to use visual texts to my advantage especially when trying to convey a certain tone, however when it comes to my homepage and certain areas like that, I simply will never be very good.