The Media Rants blog was created by Mr. Puley to give the students of EMS3O (Media Studies) a forum through which to explore the world of media. A large part of understanding the influence of media is to discuss all aspects of it openly and without prejudice. This provides that vital discussion element!
We have been discussing the finer points of copyright in class and, as I hope you see, it is very important and a very real concern in today's technological environment of new media. You have heard the two songs in class and now you can watch / listen to this montage that I found on YouTube. Read the articles posted on Homework Hero and duplicated here and come up with your own opinion. As always, refer to the specific aspects of the case in your response and engage with your peers in discussion. Sharing ideas with the class here will add depth to your own reflection and, ultimately, will make you more successful.
THEN... After you post about the Avril / Rubinoos situation, do some research and find a copyright infringement case that we have not discussed in class. Post it on your blog. It doesn''t have to be music related (but there are a lot of examples here), just something relatively high profile. Be sure to state the facts of the case, provide links (embed YouTube clips for us all to compare), and provide your own opinions based on your specific knowledge of the Copyright Act and the effect that infringement has on both the artist, and on the public as a whole.
Brief posts will not count or be considered, but well thought-out and supported posts will be evaluated using your Media Discussion Rubric!
You MUST post a comment on Avril's case as discussed in class and in your readings AND on something else of your own research! References in MLA format are required (try the citation engine at the bottom of Homework Hero).
**NOTE: The following assignment is your first blog entry for EMS30: Media Studies and involves your response to the study of Paparazzi and the business of gossip that we have been studying. Your response is, ultimately, informal, but must adhere to proper spelling and grammar rules. Be sure to write following the assigned criteria for editorial writing. ALL borrowed information MUST be documented using MLA format at the end of your post. USE INTERNAL FOOTNOTING TO INDICATE BORROWED MATERIAL!
NEW! Police arrest Kanye West at LAX after fight with photographer.CLICK HERE
At the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, Britney Spears made her "comeback". Unfortunately, it was less than stellar (to say the least). Moments after, the internet and gossip pages were full of criticism and ridicule about her singing, her dancing, and her body. Was it fair to critisize Britney's figure? What does this ultimately "say" about us as people and as a society?
Refer to your answers to the article: The Spectacle of Fame, and the documentary, Britney: Speared by the Paps....
What role did the media and the paparazzi play in her emotional “breakdown” and erratic behaviour prior to this event? Is Britney an innocent victim or a contributor to the frenzy? Be sure to refer to as many media products as possible (i.e. articles, documentaries viewed in class, music videos - i.e. Pieces of Me and Rumors). As always, it is necessary for you to provide three things: 1) your opinion - based on your studies; 2) the opinions and ideas of others - with examples and proof; 3) some form of commentary on the issues with suggestions and analysis - with substantiation (examples and proof).
Refer to your answers for the article, As Paparazzi Push Harder, Stars Try to Push Back: Do you agree with the celebrities that are "fighting back" to protect their privacy? Should celebrities expect for their daily lives to be newsworthy? How far, if at all, is too far for the paparazzi?
What is the "Britney Law"?You will need to discuss this in your response.
And, finally....
What is the media saying about Britney's 2008 MTV appearance? Is it positive or negative? What are your thoughts? Conclude your blog with your suggestions for the paparazzi and celebrity news coverage in the future.
If anybody knows how to make an appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards, it's Britney Spears! Click here to see what I mean!
A third of people reportedly suffer from Celebrity Worship Syndrome, a fascination in the lives of the rich and famous that can become a dangerous addiction. Why do people care so much about celebrities? Has celebrity worship become a new form of religion? If so, is it legitimate or false? Do gossip magazines provide "a fix" for those obsessed with gossip? Here are some sites to get you started...
Welcome to the blog for Mr. Puley's 2009 Media Studies class at OP!
To fully understand the wonderful world of media, it is crucial that we discuss what we are exposed to. Continually ask yourself how someone else would interpret a media product and then consider what factors determine that interpretation.
The understanding of media grows exponentially with discussion and that is what this blog is for. We are NOT bashing media, or each other. Stay on topic and post comments, considerations, and criticisms to the material presented and help yourself and your fellow students to grow!
We have been discussing the finer points of copyright in class and, as I hope you see, it is very important and a very real concern in today's technological environment of new media. You have heard the two songs in class and now you can watch / listen to this montage that I found on YouTube. Read the articles posted on Homework Hero and duplicated here and come up with your own opinion. As always, refer to the specific aspects of the case in your response and engage with your peers in discussion. Sharing ideas with the class here will add depth to your own reflection and, ultimately, will make you more successful. 
