In Class Free Write

As this semester comes to a close I like to look back on whether or not I have met my goals I set for myself coming into the semester. I then like to see why I didn't meet goals and how to address this going forward. At this point most of all my semester goals have been accomplished, however there is one I did not complete. After I look at this, I then begin to plan for the upcoming semester. I like to set pretty high goals for myself because nothing in life is easy so I don't want aim low but rather shoot high. The next semester looks to be challenging and also rewarding.

With all that send it is very important that I stay focused on finishing this semester and not look to far ahead.

In Class Writing: What did I learn from last night's reading

Last night's reading talked about visual arguments. One thing I learned is that modern history the two biggest visual arguments were the JFK vs Nixon debate and the invention of computers. As I read I kept thinking of how visual arguments use pathos which is one of the most effective tools you can use in making an argument. I think the reading from last night is essential to my group because two of our arguments will use visual elements. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Therefore we must be very precise in what our message is and get our audience to get the message we are trying to send through our visual argument.

Unit 3 Proposal

My team and I came up with a great topic and some great ways to make an argument for it. The issue we chose to enter the conversation of is the NFL fining players for helmet to helmet hits. Our stance on the conversation is that the NFL is becoming soft and needs to go back to its roots of good hard hitting football. Our primary audience's are Roger Goodell, the NFL's Commissioner, NFL fans and the NFL players themselves. In addressing these different audiences we have three different ways to reach them. We will write a formal letter to the Mr. Goodell expressing why the fines are excessive and some other preventative measures in addressing player safety. We want this letter to be formal and informative because he is the commissioner. NFL fans, we think we can reach with a billboard ad showing our stance on the fines we feel are making the NFL soft. Finally in addressing the NFL players we will make modified jerseys showing what the league will turn into if we keep fining players for playing good hard nose football.
The only thing I see being a problem for my group is that we have some grand ideas but I'm not sure if we can accomplish all of them. The team gets along great and given enough time and effort we will be very successful.

In Class Free Write: Thoughts on last nights reading

I did not learn anything from last night's reading because I did not do the reading for today's class. I guess you could say I'm a little out of sync because it has been a prolonged period since our last out of class reading assignment. Heck I almost forgot we had a blog post due today because it has been weeks since we have done that also. This exercise will put me in permanent remembrance that reading's before class are back in session.

Group Project Post

I think a fitting title for me would be the COO (Chief Operating Officer) or Mr. BossMan because that's pretty cool. If you walked into a office and on the desk you saw a name plate that said Mr. BossMan you would know that this guy is kind of a big deal. I think the role I will play in the group is the organizer and person keeping up with deadlines. Some of the responsibilities associated with this is looking ahead and knowing what is due and when. Keeping the team updated and aware of deadlines is a crucial factor in achieving team success. Missed deadlines equals bad grades and I will have no part of that. The role of organizer is a role I take very seriously and think is very important. Because as a group we need to choose a topic to make an argument out of, ideas and personalities will be everywhere. As the organizer I will allow all ideas to be expressed but keep the team focused on the bigger picture and keep us on task. We not only want to meet deadlines but also want the best finished product when turning things in. One with out the other not effective so therefore I feel it is very important for me to fulfill my duty to the team to help us reach our goal.

My group members are Austin P and Will R.

In Class Free Write: Group Work Ideals

An ideal group work situation would be one that every members a) was invested in the project b) showed up to EVERY meeting c) came prepared, offered suggestions and was attentive and d) worked well with others. If I hade a group that all members did these four things I would be happy : ).

In Class Free Write: Argument Analysis Hang ups

One of the biggest difficulties for me was taking an interview and analysing it. I am a visual person and using this form of source was difficult for me. After some time, thought and consultation with Professor Irvin and seeing how others were able to use this source successfully really helped me out.

At first it was also difficult of separating myself from the actually topic that I am analyzing. Because the topic I picked was important to me I flirted with crossing this line occasionally. I do like the fact that we are looking at arguments objectively and this made it possible for me to better conduct my primary source analyses.