Response to Readings #1

I have frequently wondered, while writing something that to the best of my knowledge is original, what the chances are that a certain well formed phrase of mine would be similar to something someone else may have typed up. It's really a game of guessing a statistics, and since my middle school years, it has bothered me. Of the myriad documents and entries everywhere, confounded by multimedia authorship today, there are bound to be writings that possess some random quality that may be characteristic of my work, and it leads me to wonder if I could ever truly have an original thought. Is everything I write a regurgitation of something else, tucked away in memory or subconscious? It makes me wonder if I should shun some of my favorite authors--Kingsolver, Irving, Grogan, and many more--for fear that my admiration will lead me to emulate a style that is not really mine. Maybe I exaggerate, but plagiarism is so broadly defined that the distinction is rarely as clear as I need it to be.
Although writing does make me apprehensive in that respect, I can identify with the business view as well. Money makes the world go around, and everyone needs to make a living. Yet when the money making inhibits the spread of creative influence, I would argue that measures must be taken to balance the two extremes. In order for that to happen, two things must occur: there must be a definitive line between plagiarism and legally using another individual's work, and the stigma from building on what another author has said must be lifted. If that means reference pages must accompany novels, than maybe they should be considered. But this must be done in some way so that the business extreme isn't being catered to--the story of two lovers being torn apart by extenuating circumstances shouldn't have to reference Romeo and Juliet.

If only there was an easy way to do that.

English 303

My family didn't get a computer until I was in middle school, but my grandparents and cousins had one before that and I used them at school, so I would say that I grew up a digital native. I have had a cell phone since 8th grade, and an ipod since high school.

We used the internet to play games when I was younger, but I pretty much did homework and instant messaged my friends in high school.

The earliest thing I remember doing on the web is playing computer games with my older cousin Justin: Asteroids, Wing Commander, and a few others.

I use the web to check my bank account balance, email (MIX and AOL), and for homework, research, Facebook, and to log hours for volunteer work and tutoring. I no longer use AIM--I hate it. I have no Myspace. I'm looking into using Skype in case I am accepted to study abroad and need a cheap way to call my family at home.
I hate using aspects of the web I'm not familiar with for classes, it stresses me out until I get the hang of it, so the first few weeks of 303 and 305 aren't going to be fun. Other than that, it's okay.

I have my English 303 and 305 blog, but I have no webpage. I spend 2 hours a day on the web, depending on what writing I'm doing (mostly essays and email, etc.)

I'm familiar with all of Office 2007, Publisher 98, and Adobe Photoshop.