Thursday, January 31, 2008
A Very Bad Site
www.pixyland.org is probably the worst web site ever created!!! this place sucks! It is a site of a 53 yr old man dressing up as peter pan and in womens costumes. And the words 'yepee', and 'wee' are used way too much. I cant believe this guy is engaged. . . to a woman! NAMBLA will miss him. I, my children and my children's children will lose many nights of sleep after that horrible experience.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Writing for the Web vs Print - Article Summary
Authors who write for the Internet usually have to write in more broad terms, which is different when it comes to writing for books or magazines. Because the web is so accessible, broad terms must be applied, but having a genre in mind can be a useful strategy.
1. Structure and design are concerns for Web writers
-Web and Print-Print writers are concerned only with content: other people, such as editors, designers, printers, worry about format and design. To Web writers, all of these non-text elements must be kept in mind, because these elements have an enormous effect on the effectiveness of a Web site.
2.Write no more than 50% for what you would write for print
-Web-Writers should write approximately 50% less when writing for the Web than when writing for print, even when the same material is being covered.
-Print-Although, fewer words and shorter sentences are a basic guideline for Plain Language, the end result is not always a shorter document. Writing in a simple, reader-oriented way can sometimes mean writing more words.
3.Write for scannability
-Web and Print- When people read a screen, they are likely to skip and skim over the text
~Use two or three levels of headings
~Use meaningful, information-giving headings
~Use bulleted lists
~Use highlighting and emphasis
~Put the most important material first
~Put the topic sentence at the beginning of every paragraph
4. The web encourages restless reading
-Web and print engenders differing reading patterns within their readers. Web sites, due to its condensed and nonlinear nature encourages a casual relationship between the reader and the work as well as between the reader and the web producer. This evolves into the reader having a conversation with the work's writer. Print however engenders a passive response within their reader thereby creating a distance between the reader and the writer not found largely in web media
5. Split information into coherent chunks
-Web and print must try to break their information into separate chunks. Due to how easily the short term memory can be taxed to exhalation the practice of chunking information on a per topic basis is universal. However, chunking for the web must take into account the navigational capabilities available to the web as well as screen size and navigational furniture.
6.Web writers can't predict where their readers will start
-Due to the navigational features native to the web, web writers must structure their information into independent parts that are coherent without any outside interference. This consideration tends not to be a concern for print writers because readers would follow the flow of the work and would not jump around the work.
7. Readers "pull" the information they need from the web
web - The web is often described as a user driven, "pull" medium. Readers actively pull from websites only the information that interests them, and other material is ignored. Online documents are user controlled whereas in print the reading the sequence is directed by the author and can be passively accepted by readers.
Using Genre to Compare the Web and Print
The value of genre is that it provides authors with developing texts and it provides readers with framework for reading and understanding.
Conclusion
Many of the guidelines advocated for Web writing are regularly applied to print writing and have long history in the print literature. many of the fundamental writing issues that communicators should consider appear to apply in both print and web environments.
1. Structure and design are concerns for Web writers
-Web and Print-Print writers are concerned only with content: other people, such as editors, designers, printers, worry about format and design. To Web writers, all of these non-text elements must be kept in mind, because these elements have an enormous effect on the effectiveness of a Web site.
2.Write no more than 50% for what you would write for print
-Web-Writers should write approximately 50% less when writing for the Web than when writing for print, even when the same material is being covered.
-Print-Although, fewer words and shorter sentences are a basic guideline for Plain Language, the end result is not always a shorter document. Writing in a simple, reader-oriented way can sometimes mean writing more words.
3.Write for scannability
-Web and Print- When people read a screen, they are likely to skip and skim over the text
~Use two or three levels of headings
~Use meaningful, information-giving headings
~Use bulleted lists
~Use highlighting and emphasis
~Put the most important material first
~Put the topic sentence at the beginning of every paragraph
4. The web encourages restless reading
-Web and print engenders differing reading patterns within their readers. Web sites, due to its condensed and nonlinear nature encourages a casual relationship between the reader and the work as well as between the reader and the web producer. This evolves into the reader having a conversation with the work's writer. Print however engenders a passive response within their reader thereby creating a distance between the reader and the writer not found largely in web media
5. Split information into coherent chunks
-Web and print must try to break their information into separate chunks. Due to how easily the short term memory can be taxed to exhalation the practice of chunking information on a per topic basis is universal. However, chunking for the web must take into account the navigational capabilities available to the web as well as screen size and navigational furniture.
6.Web writers can't predict where their readers will start
-Due to the navigational features native to the web, web writers must structure their information into independent parts that are coherent without any outside interference. This consideration tends not to be a concern for print writers because readers would follow the flow of the work and would not jump around the work.
7. Readers "pull" the information they need from the web
web - The web is often described as a user driven, "pull" medium. Readers actively pull from websites only the information that interests them, and other material is ignored. Online documents are user controlled whereas in print the reading the sequence is directed by the author and can be passively accepted by readers.
Using Genre to Compare the Web and Print
The value of genre is that it provides authors with developing texts and it provides readers with framework for reading and understanding.
Conclusion
Many of the guidelines advocated for Web writing are regularly applied to print writing and have long history in the print literature. many of the fundamental writing issues that communicators should consider appear to apply in both print and web environments.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
1/22/08 Asignment - Special-Interest Website Plan
Purpose Analysis
- There are many other sites that serve the same function of sharing reviews on Home Theater Equipment, but none really resemble the core concept that I am aiming for.
- My site will offer reviews on a wide variety of home theater gear. The better review sites don’t limit themselves to a narrow range of equipment.
- My site will be different in that I am not going to have ads for home theater equipment or try to sell the readers any products.
- Readers will prefer my site because I will offer reviews on products that I actually have dealt with in a real world setting not in a test lab or an office building cubicle. I have a hard time believing that a site can provide a non biased review and try to sell you the product at the same time. I will be brutally honest and base my review on my actual experience with the equipment.
- If consumers find that my reviews are helpful in making an educated decision on what to purchase for their homes.
- Other people that I know that have a similar knowledge base might join me in providing a no holds barred look at a market that is dominated by people who either choose to or are forced to be biased for business reasons.
- I expect a fair number of people to visit my site on a regular basis.
- I expect people to use a search engine to search for a product and find a link to a review on that product on my site. Hopefully after experiencing what my site has to offer they will use it for future reference.
- The strait forward, no BS reviews I plan to offer will be refreshing to readers that are used to a super long review that is filled with fluff and very little useful information
Audience Analysis
- Age – 20’s to 60’s
- Gender – Male and Female
- Income – middle to upper income
- Ethnicity – All
- Geographic locations –
- Religion – All
- Reason they will use your site – no ads or products for sale pure unbiased reviews
- Controversies they are interested in – writing a bad review for a product that has gotten good reviews on other sites.
- Number of times the average reader will visit the site – once a week or more
- Ways that users can interact to the site – post replies and send me messages.
- Ways that users can contribute to the site - can send me messages or questions and I might address them in posts or reviews.
- Ways readers can interact with other readers on my site – posting messages and replying to other peoples posts
- Reasons my site will remain viable and useful for at least 2 years – I will post reviews on current products, some times before the major sites review the same products.
Similar Sites
- http://www.audioholics.com – good content but still driven by ads and links to purchase the products.
- http://reviews.cnet.com – good content and fairly good layout, questionable breakdown on scoring still has ads and links to buy the products though
- http://www.hometheatermag.com/ - based on print version of magazine overwhelming amount of content, tons of ads.
Web Sites
www.drewstruzan.com = This sit is about the artist Drew Struzan, who does the paintings of movie posters and other projects that include album covers and other personal artwork. This is a gallery site only, but does offer contact information.
www.okaydave.com = this is an interesting site about Dave Werner's portfolio. His work looks like a graphic designer's site. It takes a while to navagate the front page, but offers some pretty cool images and videos about his work.
www.okaydave.com = this is an interesting site about Dave Werner's portfolio. His work looks like a graphic designer's site. It takes a while to navagate the front page, but offers some pretty cool images and videos about his work.
purpose analysis
Purpose Analysis
1.Many. some examples are drewstruzan.com, okaydave.com, artyfactory.com; to name a few.
2. Show my work that includes drawings, paintings, etc., and show continuing progress of my work in photoshop and 2d design.
3. My site will provide lessons for drawing, and painting (technuiqes, tips, methods, etc.)
4. This site will show tutorials and steps on artwork that I am familliar with and tips and lessons on 2d design and photoshop as I am learning about them.
5. The classes I am and will be enrolled in will give me information to post about my learning experience in photoshop, animation and other related areas of art.
6. My cousin works in web site design and she will help me run and maintain it as long as I like.
7. Aside from me; friends, family, and future employers wanting to view all of my work.
8. They will like to visit them to see the tutorials and lessons.
9. I will post new info on my learning progress in photoshop and animation.
Audience Analysis
1. between 20 and 35
2. both male and female
3. Income ranges from lower to upper class.
4. ethnicity varies
5. United States mainly
6. all religions
7. For information about my work and tutorials.
8. controversies depend on the art itself.
9. number of visits will vary
10. Interaction can be done through email posted on the site.
11. add comments
12. people would be able to post images on the site.
13. tutorials.
1.Many. some examples are drewstruzan.com, okaydave.com, artyfactory.com; to name a few.
2. Show my work that includes drawings, paintings, etc., and show continuing progress of my work in photoshop and 2d design.
3. My site will provide lessons for drawing, and painting (technuiqes, tips, methods, etc.)
4. This site will show tutorials and steps on artwork that I am familliar with and tips and lessons on 2d design and photoshop as I am learning about them.
5. The classes I am and will be enrolled in will give me information to post about my learning experience in photoshop, animation and other related areas of art.
6. My cousin works in web site design and she will help me run and maintain it as long as I like.
7. Aside from me; friends, family, and future employers wanting to view all of my work.
8. They will like to visit them to see the tutorials and lessons.
9. I will post new info on my learning progress in photoshop and animation.
Audience Analysis
1. between 20 and 35
2. both male and female
3. Income ranges from lower to upper class.
4. ethnicity varies
5. United States mainly
6. all religions
7. For information about my work and tutorials.
8. controversies depend on the art itself.
9. number of visits will vary
10. Interaction can be done through email posted on the site.
11. add comments
12. people would be able to post images on the site.
13. tutorials.
purpose & audience analysis
Purpose Analysis
1.20
www.musa3d.com = CGI artist Musa Sayyed's portfolio site shows some of his work, his resume, his contact information, links to related sites as well as a tutorial on creating an interior space.
www.artstorm.net= CGI artist Johan Steen's portfolio site shows some of his work, his contact information, a link to his blog as well as a mini biography.
www.chrisgrahamart.com= CGI artist Chris Graham's portfolio site shows some of his work, his contact information, and his resume.
dougcope.com= CGI artist Doug Cope's portfolio site shows some of his work, his resume, his contact information, links to related sites as well as some of his physical models.
www.coldmind.dk=CGI artist Lars Gehrt's portfolio site shows some of his work as well as a mini biography.
2. Display the site author's 2d &3d art as well as how such art was created.
3.My site will provide high quality step by step instructions on ho each item was created
4. The high quality and detail of the models themselves as well as easy to understand tutorials on how each item was created.
5.I could use this site to get a job in the CGI animation and gaming fields
6.Fans will help maintain the site for as long as they desire because they like my work
7. 1 person a every 2-3 weeks.
8. 3d modeling and general info
9.New Models
____________________________________________________________________
Audience Analysis
1 14-_ yrs of age
2 Both sexes
3 Income ranges will vary
4 Ethnicity will vary
5 Worldwide
6 Religiosity will vary
7 To enjoy the 3d& 2d art that I have created and maybe learn how to replicate it & make their on models using my art as inspiration.
8 Controversy will depend on the reactions towards the art that I have created.
9 Once or twice a month
10 Users can view 2d and 3d images, view tutorials on how to make similar images, post comments in response to these images that will be displayed on the site as well as contact the site author directly via email.
11 They contribute by commenting on the art on display via a comment posting system.
12 They can interact with each other by reading peoples posts and responding to them.
13 The rise of CGI animation and video gaming show no signs of abating ergo demand for capable 3D artists will be there.
1.20
www.musa3d.com = CGI artist Musa Sayyed's portfolio site shows some of his work, his resume, his contact information, links to related sites as well as a tutorial on creating an interior space.
www.artstorm.net= CGI artist Johan Steen's portfolio site shows some of his work, his contact information, a link to his blog as well as a mini biography.
www.chrisgrahamart.com= CGI artist Chris Graham's portfolio site shows some of his work, his contact information, and his resume.
dougcope.com= CGI artist Doug Cope's portfolio site shows some of his work, his resume, his contact information, links to related sites as well as some of his physical models.
www.coldmind.dk=CGI artist Lars Gehrt's portfolio site shows some of his work as well as a mini biography.
2. Display the site author's 2d &3d art as well as how such art was created.
3.My site will provide high quality step by step instructions on ho each item was created
4. The high quality and detail of the models themselves as well as easy to understand tutorials on how each item was created.
5.I could use this site to get a job in the CGI animation and gaming fields
6.Fans will help maintain the site for as long as they desire because they like my work
7. 1 person a every 2-3 weeks.
8. 3d modeling and general info
9.New Models
____________________________________________________________________
Audience Analysis
1 14-_ yrs of age
2 Both sexes
3 Income ranges will vary
4 Ethnicity will vary
5 Worldwide
6 Religiosity will vary
7 To enjoy the 3d& 2d art that I have created and maybe learn how to replicate it & make their on models using my art as inspiration.
8 Controversy will depend on the reactions towards the art that I have created.
9 Once or twice a month
10 Users can view 2d and 3d images, view tutorials on how to make similar images, post comments in response to these images that will be displayed on the site as well as contact the site author directly via email.
11 They contribute by commenting on the art on display via a comment posting system.
12 They can interact with each other by reading peoples posts and responding to them.
13 The rise of CGI animation and video gaming show no signs of abating ergo demand for capable 3D artists will be there.
Purpose Analysis and Audience Analysis
Purpose Analysis
1. 10-20 range? Several in other languages (aka French or Japanese)
2. Offer a pattern and general information.
3. A free pattern and detailed instructions. Often, websites for BJD patterns are very limited in scope (especially, when it comes to the instructions of what to do with the pieces of the outfit after you cut it out).
4. I will continue to add patterns. So often, BJD pattern websites offer one or two, if they're really daring patterns. For new sewers (especially those interested in making clothes for such dolls) find little patterns outside of simple shirts and pants. Where's the fun in that, if your doll's character is supposed to be Marie Antoinette?
5. Because, I enjoy sewing. I figure that people who also enjoy sewing would keep coming around if there were new patterns say once a month or so.
6. Other people in the fandom. One site I am very familiar with, has about four moderators for just the pattern section. I suppose they would help for as long as they are interested in the hobby.
7. It's not a huge fandom, but there are many of us, world-wide. So, I'm not sure what to put here...
8. Patterns and general info.
9. New patterns!
Audience Analysis
1. 15 - 60 (based on the statistics at the biggest group for BJDs, DenofAngels)
2. Female/Male, leaning more to the female side.
3. Fairly wealthy (or willing to save for extended periods of time), considering a "cheap" doll can often be on the upside of 200 dollars
4. All
5. Everywhere, the dolls are originally manufactured in Asian countries (Japan, Korea, and China), but are sold world-wide.
6. Every religion, no religion, all religions. We're a diverse group.
7. To learn more about BJDs and acquire patterns to make outfits for their doll
8. Copyright issues? That's the only thing I've seen them cause a huge fuss over. We're generally a fairly subdued crowd...
9. Considering I use the pattern websites about once or twice a week, I would assume the same for someone who makes new outfits for their doll to do the same
10. E-mail correspondence and a link to DOA (where all doll owners go and chat)
11. Anything they have to offer (and is still appropriate), will be added. I'm all for creative ideas.
12. FAQ? Ways to see what other people have asked, etc.
13. For as long as the hobby is around, people will still be interested in my site. I don't know if these dolls will be popular forever, but dolls have been around for quite a while. Maybe the patterns can be used for other type dolls too? I could possibly include ways to resize patterns, etc.
Examples:
Undead threads (pattern site)
http://trimline.addr.com/undead/undead.htm
DOA pattern database
http://www.denofangels.com/patterns/
These two probably have the most content of any website I have been to so far. Beyond these, I have visited a couple others, but in general they only have one pattern (that's free). Some are trying to get you to buy pattern books, or other such merchandise (say, already made outfits). But the fun is lost if you aspire to make your own outfits for your dolls. I have only seen one pattern book for sale that really sold itself well. It had pictures of the outfits created, and a picture that was part of what the pattern actually looked like. Otherwise, the sites that offer just one pattern, they're often fairly useless in the grand scheme of things (one I found offered a cosplay outfit. You make that once, and then what?).
The two linked above offer some great patterns, but the spelling in Undead Threads leaves alot to be desired... as does the fit when you print off the patterns. I found it outright irritating when I had to make the pants a good inch longer! There needs to be some guiding in how to print the patterns off, if that was a printing error on my part.
The DOA pattern site offers alot, but it doesn't have a big variety for the smaller sized dolls (MSD. The kind of doll I would aim my site for). SD (60 cm dolls) are much more popular, so patterns for them are actually easier to find. My site would offer patterns to the MSD (45 cm dolls) owners.
1. 10-20 range? Several in other languages (aka French or Japanese)
2. Offer a pattern and general information.
3. A free pattern and detailed instructions. Often, websites for BJD patterns are very limited in scope (especially, when it comes to the instructions of what to do with the pieces of the outfit after you cut it out).
4. I will continue to add patterns. So often, BJD pattern websites offer one or two, if they're really daring patterns. For new sewers (especially those interested in making clothes for such dolls) find little patterns outside of simple shirts and pants. Where's the fun in that, if your doll's character is supposed to be Marie Antoinette?
5. Because, I enjoy sewing. I figure that people who also enjoy sewing would keep coming around if there were new patterns say once a month or so.
6. Other people in the fandom. One site I am very familiar with, has about four moderators for just the pattern section. I suppose they would help for as long as they are interested in the hobby.
7. It's not a huge fandom, but there are many of us, world-wide. So, I'm not sure what to put here...
8. Patterns and general info.
9. New patterns!
Audience Analysis
1. 15 - 60 (based on the statistics at the biggest group for BJDs, DenofAngels)
2. Female/Male, leaning more to the female side.
3. Fairly wealthy (or willing to save for extended periods of time), considering a "cheap" doll can often be on the upside of 200 dollars
4. All
5. Everywhere, the dolls are originally manufactured in Asian countries (Japan, Korea, and China), but are sold world-wide.
6. Every religion, no religion, all religions. We're a diverse group.
7. To learn more about BJDs and acquire patterns to make outfits for their doll
8. Copyright issues? That's the only thing I've seen them cause a huge fuss over. We're generally a fairly subdued crowd...
9. Considering I use the pattern websites about once or twice a week, I would assume the same for someone who makes new outfits for their doll to do the same
10. E-mail correspondence and a link to DOA (where all doll owners go and chat)
11. Anything they have to offer (and is still appropriate), will be added. I'm all for creative ideas.
12. FAQ? Ways to see what other people have asked, etc.
13. For as long as the hobby is around, people will still be interested in my site. I don't know if these dolls will be popular forever, but dolls have been around for quite a while. Maybe the patterns can be used for other type dolls too? I could possibly include ways to resize patterns, etc.
Examples:
Undead threads (pattern site)
http://trimline.addr.com/undead/undead.htm
DOA pattern database
http://www.denofangels.com/patterns/
These two probably have the most content of any website I have been to so far. Beyond these, I have visited a couple others, but in general they only have one pattern (that's free). Some are trying to get you to buy pattern books, or other such merchandise (say, already made outfits). But the fun is lost if you aspire to make your own outfits for your dolls. I have only seen one pattern book for sale that really sold itself well. It had pictures of the outfits created, and a picture that was part of what the pattern actually looked like. Otherwise, the sites that offer just one pattern, they're often fairly useless in the grand scheme of things (one I found offered a cosplay outfit. You make that once, and then what?).
The two linked above offer some great patterns, but the spelling in Undead Threads leaves alot to be desired... as does the fit when you print off the patterns. I found it outright irritating when I had to make the pants a good inch longer! There needs to be some guiding in how to print the patterns off, if that was a printing error on my part.
The DOA pattern site offers alot, but it doesn't have a big variety for the smaller sized dolls (MSD. The kind of doll I would aim my site for). SD (60 cm dolls) are much more popular, so patterns for them are actually easier to find. My site would offer patterns to the MSD (45 cm dolls) owners.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Website
Im thinking of doing my website based on my portfolio. If anyone has already done that, i'd like to check it out.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
First Post
This is the first post atec. 3320
Jonathan House
Im a junior atec major at U.T.Dallas, but this is only my second semester here. I've worked at Advance Components for over four years, and valet park occasionally. I enjoy the animation and game design aspect of ATEC, and would like to do something along those lines as a career. I'm very into movies, music and games. I love whatching Football, especially the Dallas Cowboys. My hobbies are drawing, painting, music, gaming, etc.
Jonathan House
Im a junior atec major at U.T.Dallas, but this is only my second semester here. I've worked at Advance Components for over four years, and valet park occasionally. I enjoy the animation and game design aspect of ATEC, and would like to do something along those lines as a career. I'm very into movies, music and games. I love whatching Football, especially the Dallas Cowboys. My hobbies are drawing, painting, music, gaming, etc.
This is scaramanga(Khr1$) the paranoid schizoid of 3320's Amazing Group ONEEEEEEEEEE. Currently I'm in a sort of administrative limbo within the magical and overwhelmingly evil confines of UTD's vile and desperately evil ATEC department of DOOOOOOOM. Here within these Dark confines I construct my ultimately vile creation known by the equally vile name of Masters of fine arts in Arts & Technology Degree of Despair. This creation will allow me rule over the 3D animation movie industry with an iron fist, bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm bananas
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm bananas
Intro Post
First Post for ATEC 3320
Larry P.
I am a Sr. ATEC Student at UTD. When I graduate I intend on pursuing a career in video game level design. I currently am a Home Theater Installer for Best Buy / Geek Squad, and my interests are playing video games and watching movies. In my spare time between working full time and going to school full time I like to be lazy or play sports when forced.
Larry P.
I am a Sr. ATEC Student at UTD. When I graduate I intend on pursuing a career in video game level design. I currently am a Home Theater Installer for Best Buy / Geek Squad, and my interests are playing video games and watching movies. In my spare time between working full time and going to school full time I like to be lazy or play sports when forced.
Introduction
This is my first post for ATEC 3320_001.
I am Lezlie and I am a junior at UTD.
My major is (no surprise here) Arts and Technology.
I am hoping to one day land a job in something fun, like animation or advertising design.
My hobbies, which sound incredibly lame, are collecting/reading/buying books and sewing.
Yes, I can fix the holes in your shirts... for money. Kidding (about the money part. I can fix your shirt)!
Beyond that, I suppose you'll have to ask for yourself...
I am Lezlie and I am a junior at UTD.
My major is (no surprise here) Arts and Technology.
I am hoping to one day land a job in something fun, like animation or advertising design.
My hobbies, which sound incredibly lame, are collecting/reading/buying books and sewing.
Yes, I can fix the holes in your shirts... for money. Kidding (about the money part. I can fix your shirt)!
Beyond that, I suppose you'll have to ask for yourself...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)