Introduction
I began the semester with an idea for focusing on the use of propaganda throughout history. However, I decided to shift my focus to something more closely related to my major. For my photo essay, I shared my experience with building a new computer. Through the photo essay I tried to show how someone is able to get more for her money by taking on small projects herself. In my annotated bibliography and researched argument I tried to take the idea of paying attention to what you are paying for to a more universal level by discussing the internet service providers in America. The first visual/textual rhetorical analysis on propaganda can be tied in with the the projects based on computer topics, because it is also about the negative consequences of misinformation.
Reflection
I chose my final topic because it is related to my major and I am interested in it. My overall goal was to make my reader reconsider her perspective on the technology and internet service industries. I think that many people tend to just go with the flow and accept the current situation due to a lack of awareness. With these projects I was able to draw some attention to the areas that can be and should be changed or improved. Without public interest and demand, progress stagnates. The most challenging piece to write was the researched argument. This was primarily because the topic covers a massive range of information and events over the last 20 years. It was difficult to balance putting in enough information to understand the current situation without getting sidetracked and going to deep into one single aspect of the topic. The most fun project was the photo essay. It was great to be able to make an argument in a less conventional way. Also, I love building computers so it was a lot of fun being able to incorporate my hobby into an assignment. Through the peer reviews I was able to get a very clear perspective of how well I was actually conveying my arguments. Some were less helpful than others but overall it was beneficial. The process also taught me more about what to ask people when they are reviewing my material.
