Research Experience

After extensive research on the library databases and the interweb I was able to find some good primary resources for paper. My topic is the collapse of the record industry and it's effects on musicians and record store owners. At first I was going to focus my paper solely on the effects it had on local musicians and store owners; however, I soon realized that if narrowed my topic to that extent I would mostly be relying on dated articles and personal interviews. So naturally I decided to focus on the effects the collapse is having on larger bands and major record chains as well as those closer to home.

My sources cover the topic from two perspectives. One perspective is that of the industry insiders and the other from the musicians or record store owners. Most of the sources present both perspectives at some point in the article which is emphasized depends on the source. The sources that are national publications tend to focus on the industry first and those effected second whereas the sources from local media outlets tend to focus mostly on those effected.

Final Draft Author's Note

1. This is my final draft of my analysis of a public space.

2. The suggestions and changes concerning word choice and vague pronouns definitely strengthen the piece. The piece comes across as more clear and focused for the reader, strengthening the argument.

3. I hope my argument makes you ponder that which is truly “Zeke’s” and makes you smile in the process.

Rhetorical Analysis Proposal

My proposal for my rhetorical analysis will deal with the collapse of the traditional record industry. The effects of downloading music and its easy access online have had a negative effect on the traditional model of how the record industry functions.

I plan on developing my ideas through the evaluation of interviews with store owners, local bands, and current record sales statistics as primary sources. In addition, I will be able to utilize current articles and reviews as secondary sources.

This subject interests me because I’ve always had an interest and knowledge of music, and I’ve never looked at this subject within my own community. Major chains are always closing, but you never hear about the effects on our local “Mom and Pop” stores or the bands in this area. I hope to broaden my perspective and perhaps shed some light on an important issue stemming from these tough economic times.

First Draft Author's Note

1. This is a first draft of my analysis of a public space.

2. I like this piece because – while it was academically driven – it was also personal. I am worried about this piece because it definitely steps out of the type of writing to which I am accustomed as a film major (which is far less formal and structured completely differently) and as history minor (more formal and rigid).

3. Please mark at least three things that you like and at least three things I really need to work on.

Meaning of Space for Local Community

Zeke’s is there for the neighborhood. It gives the locals a place to go where they won’t be disturbed when they don’t want to eat at home. No one bothers you; someone may just say “hey,” but that’s the extent. If you talk, it’s to the waitresses. One waitress in particular has been there a long time. She’s the anchor; she’s the person who makes it all happen in an orchestrated way.

Zeke’s is also there for comfort – food and familiarity. The fish is fried and so are the fries and hush puppies and everything else. You definitely aren’t going there for a healthy experience. It’s just to feel good. Everyone seems to know what they want without giving it much thought. That’s way makes it comfortable – people know they can get what they want.

Observation Experiences

My experience at Zeke’s was not out of the ordinary. I always order the same food, and the same waitress was on duty. However, I must say that it was interesting to look at a place that I’ve been to thousands of times in an analytical way. I had never noticed how dated everything seemed to be. The paint was fresh, but the décor was definitely classic time period stuff. I’ve also never looked at the people quite so closely. Zeke’s is the type of place you go because you know everyone there has been there as many times as you have, so you don’t look around. The ages varied as well as their backgrounds. People there look like they were eating at home – reading the paper, a few cuss words flying, and couples ignoring each other. However, I did spend a bit more time in the area where you place your order. It’s like a circus tent before the audience gets there – lots of characters and decorations and laid back happenings.

Public Space Analysis Proposal

The public space I am choosing is Zeke’s Fish ‘n Chips located off Camp Bowie and Bryant Irvin. I decided on this space for several reasons. First, I have been eating there for quite a while with my family. We moved to the Ft. Worth area about 12 years ago, and we’ve been customers from the beginning. Second, I lived in that area for a couple of years, so I also spent time there with friends. Everyone seems to like it. Because of the amount of time I’ve spent there, I think I can develop a strong argument.

I plan to observe the space either Tuesday, February 10, or Thursday, February 12. I sometimes meet my family on Thursday nights for dinner, so perhaps this date will be best. I plan on being there for the dinner crowd as it seems more varied.

I’ve never looked at Zeke’s analytically, so I’m sure I’ll be surprised at my observation. Sometimes it’s best if you don’t look too closely, so I hope I’m not turned-off to the place after this. I know I’ll probably touch on the location and the building. Most of the people I know are aware of Zeke’s because of its sign on top of the building. It’s a Ft. Worth landmark.

Intro

My name is Garrett Vandergriff. I hail from Aledo, TX a small town just west of Fort Worth and Benbrook. I am a senior planning on graduating in May with a degree in Radio-TV-Film and History. I enjoy music and play and collect guitars (I just recently added a '65 Epiphone Casino to the collection). My other love is writing (short stories and screenplays not necessarily term papers).

I am taking this course to fulfill my graduation requirements. Despite the fact that I am taking the class to graduate in the fall, one always hopes to improve as writer with practice.

Being a history major as well as a RTVF major most of the writing I do when school is in session consists of term papers and essay tests. Then of course there is the everyday writing that we all do constantly sending emails and text messages to stay connected with friends, family, professors, etc., etc. I feel that I am strong writer when my subject interests me; however, if I find the subject the least bit mundane or pointless I have a tendency to meet my assignment with indifference and just wing them which sometimes leads to lapses in organization, style, and structure.

Coming from a small, tight-knit town such as Aledo has without a doubt shaped my identity. When you tell someone that "I am from Aledo" you are usually met with "Where is that?" or "Never heard of it?" Or even if someone knows of it they tend to have their own assumptions about you, usually that you are a football fan or a cowboy. However when I say "I come from Aledo," I think of a tight knit community of people who have known each other for as long as they can remember.