3:57 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer

My experience with Zines is about as successful as the demonstrated search in class last tuesday. I still cannot find a site where I can view zines that are well-polished and not about politics. The first article we read had me laughing, "The best answer: Yes and no. Some fanzines are sloppy rants produced by psychopaths. (One of these guys sent me a 10-page death threat in 1992; he was unhappy with a review of his "work.")" -This was personally funny, because I have had an experience much similar to this, but perhaps less severe. I had an angry atheist- rant on my blog- granted I did call his blog content pathetic, I believe that is considered "sniping".. whoops. 

I know the content of my zine article -and I think I will write for the Washington Post, or this Art ZineLink - My article has to do with this documentary that I watched called "My Kid Could Paint That." - So I am considering my audience to either be art-inclined  or just skeptically interested in a possible scandal. I know that the press has covered this story and it is nothing "new" but I found it interesting and plan to (Of course) put my own spin on it. I think that my article will need high quality images- as well as video- As for links- the zines I have been able to find- aren't that hyperlink rich. 
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So Easy a 4 year-old Can Do It.
11:00 AM | Author: Ryan Schaefer
 In this day and age it is important to keep up with times. For this post, my principle focus will be advertising trends of PC companies and how they have transformed in response with "keeping up with the times". Gilmore shows us that we, as internet users, are like editors and/or a team of quality control through his example of the faulty Mac- PC ad. I think we can witness a similar trend happening in Wikipedia, though I think that they actually hire "authenticators" to review the accuracy of what is posted. Anyways, this whole Mac-PC deal made me think of how companies in general have adopted one of two advertising philosophies. 

1.) They stress the simplicity of their product, and in terms of technology I feel that infers a easier way to keep up with times and the internet...etc

2.) The more recent strategy is seemingly identical. The Geiko slogan, " So easy a caveman can do it." is influential but I think it is the "child" element that changes the motives of the ad. Here is the new strategy- 


I think that the fact that this child is able to operate a PC is incredible. This is what I think the ad is saying. 
  • It is showing society that the newer generations are adapting quickly- one could argue that it is like an indirect threat to generations that are computer illiterate. 
  • It is also promoting a change in the norms of society. 
  • I think the ad could pressure some individuals to "keep up with the times" 
  • Lastly I think they are definitely trying to say that Windows is so easy " A Four year-old Can Do It"
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Lost in Translation
11:18 AM | Author: Ryan Schaefer

I can't imagine how it would feel to experience being completely surrounded in a culture any different from my own. I guess I have lived a sheltered life or least in a cultural aspect. Two weeks ago, some of my good friends introduced me to two foreign exchange students from Spain. My friends explained to me that these exchange students were having a really difficult time adjusting to everything. They knew that I would be able to take them under my wing and help the whole  "assimilation process" because I speak a good amount spanish.


I have been bombarded with question after to question. The questions range from inquires about american culture to relational dynamics. I have realized, after answering many of their questions, how confusing american culture is. I tried to explain Mardi Gras to them... it didn't go so well. 


They want me to correct and teach them, but I feel like they would be too discouraged if I actually corrected everything they said. After spending half a day with them, I am exhausted. I know that people thus far have not been eager to help and have left them to fiend for themselves in a world they really don't understand. I have no problem helping, I just hope that someone is equally patient with me when I study abroad in Spain. 

Things Learned:

1.) Not very many people are culturally sensitive. If something is slightly our of the realm of normalcy- People deem it weird and consider it socially awkward.

2.) Use Mean Girls as a way to smooth the assimilation process- they will understand. I promise. 

3.) Exchange students worship Skype.  


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