I did my best to attend every lecture, seminar and cinema
screening I could. I found the cinema trips useful; as I had something to write
about, and enjoyable. I also felt the lectures on blogging, particularly the
Noel Mellor lecture, was extremely useful as it helped shape the way I
approached all my blog posts. By keeping a media diary, I was able to see what
genres of program and which types of media I did not consume as often and this
helped broaden the scope of my media consumption.
I noticed, through my media diary, that early on in my work
I stuck almost exclusively to consuming limited media which inevitably
influenced the content of my blog and discussions. I focused mainly on
reviewing music and films. By reflecting on my media diary I noticed the
limitations in my work. By the second week I made an active attempt to leave my
comfort zone and engage in a wider variety of media. I began gaming and
watching reality television and though I did not necessarily enjoy the latter,
I found it far easier to write.
I usually communicated my ideas by talking directly, both in
and outside of seminars, or text messaging my peers. I think the fact I did not
use social media as a platform to do this demonstrates the limited nature of my
engagement to certain types of media.
By attending the blogging lectures and researching and
watching other bloggers and writers, I feel I have developed a more unique
writing style. The unit has demonstrated to me the volume of opinions and
thoughts about all types of media communicated through online mediums. The
blogging element of the unit is something that interested me as I enjoy writing
and hope to perhaps one day pursue a career in journalism.