Logos, ethos, pathos - The power of speech: Journal 7

Based on the feedback I've received from my initial presentation, I'll try and respond to the audience's...expectations, per se.

Who are you, and what authority do you have on the topic of your project?

Granted, the first time I answered this question, I didn't have a strong focus - since I was still constructing the speech in my head. There was so much to talk about, and there was nobody that I had so far which could help me in this endeavour. Much of it was stand-alone, and until I could get more people involved my authority on the project is pretty much everything.

It's understandable then why my ratings on this section was low - I'll have to come up with a better introduction to get my point across.

How clear and consistent is your reasoning for why you want to make this project?

I wanted to tell people about a story, which tries to tackle the integrity of the player. Can the player maintain his own morals throughout the story and not be led astray? Is there something that I can convey to the player about principle, code of conduct, something which will matter to them? Many games nowadays allow the character to choose their own path and live with what they've done, and while that's fine...
I want to make a game that rewards those who persevere through hard determination, a 'true end' to a malleable story. For those whose faith did not waver, and their integrity held fast despite the difficulties they face, only they will get the best experience out of those who did not.

Apparently, the audience's response to this was poor. Apparently, the audience doesn't like ideals - no likes for the 'why', or the reason of it all. I have received a lot of low score on this section, and much criticism on failing to address the final product and on how it would be made.
Well. If they are so rigid for the need of results, then I will have to address the issue with more clarity. But I won't change the ideal behind my project, just because the audience doesn't want to hear it.

What are you communicating with this project that the audience you are targeting doesn't already know?

The project is a 1-2 minute short animation film, followed by the first demo level of the game. What I would add in addition for the audience, is that the hardest difficulties often reap the best rewards. To people in general, is it not the struggle, the journey through the hardships that makes it most memorable and precious to the individual? In an era where everything is quick gratification, this is something that, as a society we are starting to lack -- the trials that makes us who we are, and what we are.

...Yet, again, the results were...not encouraging. If the current era prompts quick satisfaction to everything, then it must be pointed out and brought to attention. If my project can show the audience - reveal, for the lack of a better word - the issue at hand, then I am certainly heading in the right direction.

How will people remember your project?

How will people remember a story, an experience or an ideal? By becoming a part of it, I believe. In this section I will need to strengthen the interaction between the short animation film and the demo game. Being a part of a story makes for a stronger impression than merely showcasing a presentation to the general masses.

I will need to find better words to persuade the audience here.

What are you motivating people to do in your project?

When I gave the speech about this section, I wanted to aspire people to do something they think is meaningful. Of course, there is the ulterior motive of trying to get potential clients to invest in my project and perhaps take it beyond its current limitations, but trying to make them interested, as well as enjoying the preview would be a daunting task to accomplish.
Based on the reviews, I'll need to focus more on the aspirations and motivations here - and phrase them in such a way to convice the audience - or client - about the prospects of my project.

How will you bring your project to life in the minds of the audience?

I mentioned here that I will bring the project to life using a visual representation. Just like a game show or a game trailer, I want to create something compelling that would create a monumental impact to the audience. Through storytelling as my primary medium, and graphics as my visuals, I want to give them an experience that they will enjoy, as well as look forward to if my project is able to acquire the right fundings and resources for a full scale production. By focusing the speech here and pointing out the process in breathing life into this project, I think I can also help tie it back to the first section of this presentation --

-- and perhaps change the audience's mind on the capability of my project.

The Golden Circle

Previously, I have used this word,

德

The Traditional Chinese character "De", as the basis in describing my project. If I want to incorporate and view where this character would be placed in Mr. Sinek's discussion about the Golden Circle, then this character will most likely be found in the "Why" section. The heart of the circle.

Why, you might say? Because I believe that within everyone, lies 'something', a certain character that resounds deeply within themselves. Be it virtue, principle, moral, all the things that encompasses the philosophical part of the human heart, everybody has some view of it, and at least some interpretation of it to themselves. The character,

德

 

Encompasses that idea, that broad selection into one single entity. Just as we are taught and exposed at an early age to the concept of principle, I want to bring my own view about what I believe in this 'character', place it in an arranged setting for debate, and communicate that idea towards the audience. To make it open for interpretation, suggestion, and to re-open their minds towards this particular concept, for it is most certainly lacking in the current day world.

 

And what better way to express it than through storytelling of a video game? Not only can I create a suitable story that can challenge the integrity and character of the viewer, I can also place them in certain events that tackles their belief in what may be just and what may not be. Would the player/audience be able to maintain the integrity of their character, their faith in what they believe in, or throw away their faith for their own 'virtue', even if it may be harmful to others?

 

That is the question I want people to think about. To question and re-affirm their own faith in their own beliefs, and make themselves a better person in the end.

 

Hopefully.

 

So for 'Why', my objective is clear. Now the question is, "How" would it work in conjunction to the player, the audience, and "What" would the end result be?

 

I already know what I want the result to be. A product that is a video trailer, tasked with the objective of hitting the audience/player's core belief, which they then interact and...well, either reaffirm or not.

Now, for the "How", I know what I need to begin this ambition;

 

Someone who shares the same belief I do in this. Someone who can help me with the technical aspects and help share what I believe to others.

 

So, in terms of making a diagram for this...

 

From the inner world, to reality. This is the path that I must take. In the future, I do sincerely hope that what I do is to be able to bring ideas to reality, to work in fields that bring preconception into something tangible - and especially...
To make people aspire to what I believe is 'De'. For nothing stays longer with you, than your own faith in your own 'De'.

Word of the day

德

The Traditional Chinese character "De". A controversial character that is difficult to describe and explain in english, but nonetheless an important word in most Eastern Philosophy. It will be explained more when class hits.

Project Discussion: A rival appears!

I've talked to Wesley Fulkerson today, about his project. If I am not mistakened in his idea, he plans on creating an actual, physical maze for an audience to participate in, while having it evolve/expand upon further exploration. His inspiration of this idea was acquired from some of the other capstones he'd seen before, such as the 3D projection technology that was shown a semester or two back. Other inspirations include the pokemon franchise, with its elaborate tunnels and whatnot.

So far, he is more focused on the technical aspects of actually getting his idea functional, before planning on the story element of it. Perhaps it is because of his programming background, or...?
Whatever the case is, I will find his capstone to be most interesting if he successfully pulls it off.

7P's - once more, with passion : Journal Entry 3

So, let's see what I WAS planning on doing in my past journal entry. I wanted to make a video game trailer that is 2 minutes long at most, followed by the first level of the game. Let's see the new revision I made for my 7Ps Framework.

NEW Purpose: Nope - the purpose is still the same; to create a compelling trial game that can be enjoyed by the gamer audience. The purpose, while mainly for entertainment, has not deviated from the goal of attracting potential attention from employers and clients.
Product: Obviously, it'll be a PC based platform, and it'll be a game software that will be using UDK and 3D based softwares to run. That goal hasn't changed as well.
People: The gaming people, and obviously potential employers and clients that are in the gaming industry.
Process: It'll be a primary collaborative effort to use the resources available in the labs to design this game.
Pitfalls: Obviously, finding people and getting a collaborative effort of getting it done on time is going to be the biggest challenge. Can I hit the goal which may be placed a bit too far out of my reach, and can I make it in such a way that it can inspire people to view my work and appreciate my results?
Prep: I got one more semester - this one - left before my capstone begins. I'll need to lay down the framework and begin it ASAP so I don't find the pitfalls waiting for me in the near future.
Pratical Concerns:

Herein lies the biggest question of all. Can I motivate and dedicate myself to such an endeavor...? Rethining this section has netted me an unsettling feeling. Can I get this done on time? Can I make something worthwhile to celebrate on? Would this work? The list goes on.

Just imagine - the capability of telling a story, and sharing that visual image, that feeling to others so they can enjoy it as a game, as a video...
Would they be able to see it in the same light as I do?

To be honest, I don't know. And because of that uncertainty...I am at loss on how to even begin such a journey.

Journal Entry - Week 2

Welp. The Professor is sick, and we got a TA substituting for her class. We learned the 7 P's, but I believe we'll be able to get something more detailed when the Professor comes back next week for further lecturing. Also - weather is unbearably cold. It'll be a good week. For the Assignment -- 7Ps Framework Purpose: Why are you doing this? Who is it for? - For myself, and to give it to the general gaming audience. Also for a portfolio reel and a demo product to get a job, of course! Product: What will it do? How will it support the purpose? - A video trailer that'll be 2 minutes long max, followed by the first level of the game made in UDK. People: Who needs to be involved? How are they involved? - The typical production pipeline for animators, modelers, programmers, conceptual art, the whole nine yards. Process: What tools do you need? Time? Space? - A powerful computer, a workforce, time, and the softwares needed such as Maya, UDK, Adobe softwares, etc. Pitfalls: Plan for failure. Back up? - 2 minute video trailer can be done, without the game. Prep: Research? - cgsociety.org, etc. Pratical Concerns: - Finding the people to help me with it, and using the equipments available on campus to promote and work on the project.

PreCapstone 420 - Week 1

Location: Second floor, located next to the stairs. Mission objective: Acquire useful intel about PreCapstone requirements. Secondary Objective: Network with potential clients and achieve a collaborative group for PreCapstone endeavours. Tertiary objective: Finish assigned missions given by High Command to ensure successful completion of this course. Further notes - The amount of personnel within said location has almost maxed out. Many individuals have collaborated together prior to the entry of this course, resulting in fewer resources available for use when the time arises. It is unsure as of now whether there are any individuals left which may be of assistance to my cause, as many of them have wide and diverse fields of talent which may - or may not - coincide with my own. Further observation is required.

Who are you?

Assignment Instructions
Note the point count for this project. You will be graded on evidence of a thoughtful and creative approach to the questions listed below, both in your project and your blog entry. Each question is worth 100 points.

For the final project create an original tangible or virtual project that explores the concepts of identity and purpose. Try to create something that will leave a lasting impression. Address these questions:

Who are you in the eyes/perception of others?
How do you see/perceive yourself?
Why are you here? (your definition of here)
What are the implications of your identity to others? (you decide to whom the implications apply - you or others, but be specific)
How are you effected by the identity of others? (are you different around various people - why might that be)
Is identity static? (make sure to show in your project your answer to this)


Be prepared to share your project in 2 minutes or less on Dec. 12, our last day of class. Post your dialogue with the questions listed above to your blog, along with a sample from your project. Upload the URL to that blog post here. Remember, this project is worth more than the rest of the semester points combined, so it would behoove to take this one fairly seriously.

_______________________
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Who am I in the eyes of others?
There's no simple word to describe this. I can try and describe all the words and labels the people I've talked to gave me, describing me as an intelligent person, knowledgeable, witty, charming, all that fun stuff. Through my actions, they can label me as a person who speaks his mind, a man influenced by many things...
In the eyes of others who know me personally, I am the cumulative result of my own actions that has now branded me with such a label.

But how others perceive me is inherently different from how I perceive myself. I believe I am all of what others say, yet being none of it at all. I see myself as a traveler, in a world full of rules and guidelines, a world where I am becoming aware of its rigid structure and its immovable culture - and watching many people wade through it without much thought, nor any reaction to its...density.

I see myself more or less aware of this as I wander through a world like this.
A traveler in a static world.
A wanderer in a world that slowly fails to give purpose and ambition to people - to give people the ability to yearn, to create, to explore.

To believe.

So why am I here, in a world that is slowly decaying in change?
To change it.

To bring ambition back.
To create dreams.
To make people believe for a cause.
To make people aspire to become something greater.
To never give up.
To have faith.

People may call me a traditionalist - even an idealist, perhaps. My implications to others may just be that - a man who preaches ambitions and aspirations. But even if I am labeled as such, I know where I lie, and what I want to leave for other individuals. Even if it is a goal which no one will appreciate, or a goal which people will dismiss...

I do it because I believe.

But how will I leave it? Will it become just an identity in which I shroud myself in?
What will I pass on?
How would I do so?

It's like a book, the content itself being the things that the author wants to leave behind to others. Dreams, ambitions, aspiration...
So if I bring a book, devoid of content...what will I add into it?

What can I give, which I can pass on to others?

I'll bring a book.

And we'll see how it goes in class today.

What the Bleep do we know?

Based on your experience in this course (overall) and the final project in particular, discuss how some of the ideas rasied in the movie we watched today, What the Bleep Do We Know?, might impact your personal and professional development. How has exploring large topics such as what is presented in the movie and final project assignment helped you with critical thinking and creative exloration? Post your answer to your blog and submit the URL here to earn your points. This assigment is worth 50 points. That should help anyone who needs it to be able to make up some missed points from earlier in the semester. It also reflects the gravity of this topic.

........
........

The movie was rather informative, though each individual in the video had their own subjective view on what is reality, and how we define it to be. Personally speaking, I believe that the video gave us an interesting perspective on how we, as individuals with our own perspective and viewpoint, can perceive things differently from one another. Each argument brought up by the individuals within the video is a valid point, and can be defined as a certain approach to seeing their world as it is.

How it shapes our professional and creative mentality, is that it allows us to - at the very least - recognize that there is always another viewpoint, a set perspective on how we can approach a subject. One can say it is through the influence of our own biological features. Another can argue - without difficulty - that we are under the influence of quantum mechanics - where we create the world whenever we approach a said area.

Everything is valid, and can be argued as the truth. There is no "one" right view that overwhelms the other - and the video points that out rather well. One must always be humble in the idea of alternative methods, and understand that reality isn't just one 'static' image.

And only when we realize the broader picture of reality, do we come ever so closer in understanding our own placement within it - either through enlightenment, or through our own struggle to sedate the curiosity within us.

Fear Result -

Now, with all the fear presentations done and over with, the reaction of what I got for my fear - arachnophobia was more pleasant than not. It seems like a few peers amongst the group shared such distaste for those damn critters, and I got a good scream out of one or two of them. Perhaps my presentation didn't give as much kick as I thought it would; I went with a scientific approach, and in the situation the fear got toned down as a result of me describing the effects of it before presenting it to their dismay.

Sigh.

Perhaps it would have been better to ask someone to bring in a giant spider to scare the bejeezus out of people - but I know for sure that if someone did bring one, I would certainly be unable to attend class at all, as long as that atrocious thing is in it.

The double-edged sword of bringing in something I fear, I'm afraid.

As for the presentation that I responded most strongly to, I believe it was the one in which a particular fellow brought in drugs, describing his inability to cope with himself - and was then forced to use drugs to alleviate suicidal tendencies and such. That presentation got a strong response from other people too, especially when people chimed in to share their emotions - I believe one girl cried after recalling a rather traumatic experience which fell in relation to the person's presentation, leaving a stronger impact by itself.

The concept of fear

Fear. The sense of what I would like to call, 'survival instincts gone rogue'. It is a type of emotion which creates a stressful phenomenon to the human body, either compelling it to avoid encountering said fear, or to repel it convulsively with said fear. Usually, fear is a good thing - it is the body's way of telling when to avoid dangerous things from occurring, and keep the human body breathing - or surviving, however you want to coin it - in life-or-death situations. A good dose of fear ensures that the person is at the very least aware of the dangers ahead. The body sense gets heightened, the adrenaline is pumping...

Fear is basically human survival instincts. However, in some cases, fear can go rogue - a traumatizing or profound experience can leave an imprint on the person's psyche and/or body, which can cause a loss of control of the limbs or mindset, depending on how deep the experience goes. For this kind of fear, I will name it physical fear, for simplicity's sake.

Often, physical fear is developed at an early age of childhood, especially before the mind is properly developed. A bite from a dog, drowning at an early age, heights, syringe shots...such fear is most likely the result of some intense experience in which it leaves a lasting impact on the person's psyche or body itself. And when there is anything that is closely associated with their fears, the body remembers, or the mind replays the scenery in a darker tone or atmosphere...so on and so forth.

There is another kind of fear I would like to call it as mental fear. Mental fear is a bit less dramatic than the physical, but can become a physical/mental ailment to the person's body depending on their first-impression. Mental fear is performing things in which the person is uncomfortable with - and is usually seen in social events sometimes. Taken out of their comfort zone, the person is brought into an unknown situation in which they cannot dictate - like a speech, dance, etc, and they find themselves avoiding said action if their overall impression with it is negative. These can be remedied often early on - but still, it can degenerate into the more problematic physical fear if left alone for years on end.

In the end, fear is something which makes us human. It is encoded into the very aspects of our lives, and helps ensure that at the very least, we are aware of the dangers ahead and alerted enough to make a good decision.

As for the fear which I shall be presenting for the fear presentation...
...
....
......

It's a secret. But I'm pretty sure that at the very least, the audience will either be unnerved, or cringe with a repulsive attitude. Some may even find it frightening, if there are others like me. Unfortunately, since my own fear prevents me from maximizing the possibility of scaring the audience...
We shall see how it actually goes, with my own restrictions in play added to this.

Bliss

A time in my life when I created something I was really happy about...
Odd thing to ask, but nonetheless, another thing to think about.

I remember a time when I first drew something that other people said 'wow', and it made me happy. I don't recall what I drew, as it was almost in my elementary years, but it did put me in the direction to go to where I am now -- working with things that are related to art and design.

It was something that was...special, per se.

Limitations

They say layers help add depth to a character. They say layers help develop the character's persona, the attitude and the mentality in which it is bestowed upon. But if a character has too much layers, can it be more of a limitation than it is a benefit?

Yes, it can.

There was an instance - or, perhaps many of those instances - in which I found having such a limitation affects the general means to accomplish an action. For example, when I try to describe myself, I find it unable to do so, or with extreme difficulty. With so many layers that cover me, and having so many layers for so many years...

What am I, at the core but a persona that is lost? With so many layers that hide what is within me, what am I?

I do not know.



I do not know.

55 Alive!

In this scenario, 30+ extra years will be added to my life. By then, many things might happen.

A family. A place to live. Some kids. Things of the past like achievements and possibilities will be grounded away to practicality and efficiency, and perhaps worrying about paying the mortgage or taxes to the government. Things might happen in between. Some event in the world that prompts me to change. Some action in the years that prompts a recollection to be shared.

By the time of this post, I am not so sure what I can see from a paperclip. This...thing of an object, being part of a small gear which has no application over me.

30+ years of experience may have changed what I know, what I represent. I do not know - for those years have not made their impact on me yet.

Come to think of it, my views on everything might change. From a world where things are viewed once with intuitive dreams and thoughtless fantasies, to a place where everything is just another practical application to a weary world, a weary heart.

I do not know what the future brings, nor how I will change in the next 30+ years.

Perhaps I'm getting too old in this scenario. I'm rambling on too much. There's so much to say, but nothing to anchor the thoughts down. I can preach about the world with its problems of dealing with realists and moral ideals, or the weary mind from such a long and traverse lifespan that this scenario has entitled me with. I can give my own opinions on how the world was in my childhood, or how things weren't so connected back in the old days to the generations of today, in this scenario.

But even with so much to give, and so much experience to share, what do people really need in the future? A stable home? A comfortable life? Excitement? Dedication?

I do not know. I am not a man of particular importance, that much I know. My opinion may not share the same grounding that other people have, nor would they hold much weight to be listened to. That much, I know.

But if there's one thing that I do know, in this scenario of 30+ years...
I do know, that the only thing I can actually pass down to the generation of the future, is the heart. To put a heart in the cold, lifeless machination we call practicality and efficiency in a place run by money and selfish gains, to a world where such an ideal has been lost, either through such means or through the cogs of the world itself.

The heart to move things.
The heart to do what is moral.
A heart to drive things.

A heart to be human.

Odd, isn't it? To see the world and the importance of the heart through a single paperclip. To review everything there is from an aspect that seemed pointless and insignificant. I mildly wonder though, whether I can share that absurdity when I eventually reach the age of 55.

I wonder.
But we shall see.

5 again - seeing sideways

I used to do make a lot of paper origamis - but usually it's all make believe and whatnot. I would make some super complicated ship-thingy and do some pretend-fights, and when the teacher comes around I just hide it in my notebook or binder - since I can put it between the pages.

Seeing the youtube video and considering the paperclip idea, I didn't touch paperclips in that time. Never had an interest in something that is already developed.

Class Memories - Seeing Sideways

The one thing that really struck out during our "I can't see clearly now" debate, was the discussion about an anniversary for one the classmates' friend's death. While every other person had something that was interesting and unique in their own rights, we were mostly silent during that particular discussion - a drastic change to our usual, jovial behavior.

The mood immediately shifted to a more foreboding, impressionistic atmosphere, and that stood out pretty strong during that period.

I can't see clearly now... - Seeing Sideways

So, about a week ago, my friend asked me if I wanted to join him in fishing. While I was still trying to figure out about how to deal with this abnormal project I was given for this class...well, having heard of his prowess with the fishing pole, I was intrigued to see how good his skills was - and since it was at a place near the rivers, I thought it might give me some good inspiration for class as well in the meantime.

So, I went to fish with him two days ago near Caterac falls, about an hour's drive away from Indianapolis. The sun was awfully strong when I got out of the car, and the familiar scent of the riverbed quickly engulfed me when I approached the creek itself.
I took my jacket off in the meantime, the cold air that permeated through the surroundings being negated by the harsh brightness of the sunlight itself. Bees were flying, minding their own little business of collecting some stuff from the sunflowers on the trail, and the gnats were doing their pesky little job of annoying the crap out of people.

While I set up shop near one of the shades underneath some rocks, readying a crane pole to fish for...well, whatever was in the water, just then, I remembered a story I heard long ago.

And the content of what I remembered fitted perfectly for the assignment for the class. Now what did I just say about getting inspiration from the place?
The good mood that I acquired from the revelation quickly turned sour from watching my friend's godlike skills in fishing. By the time the sun settled in the horizon, I caught nothing...

And my friend, with that silly grin on his face, caught more than 40 fishes, the little orange bucket he had near him teeming full of those little bastards.

In a mental note, I told myself never to bet against him when it comes to fishing next time...

..

...

.....

Oh right. Anyways. The story I remembered when I was at the river creek? If I remember correctly, it went on like this;

"Long ago, before there was words, people conveyed their feelings through the use of stone letters. They would go and find a stone that would fit the feeling they have in their hand - a rough edge on the rock would show concern, or sharp, pointy sides would reveal a troubled feeling...a smooth stone would be happy and peaceful, so on and so forth. When they pass the stone to someone they care, they would essentially be conveying their feelings to the other using the stone itself."

The story came from a movie called Departure, which was a movie about the passing away of people and how a person comes into terms with it. Seeing as how the assignment focuses on things other than sight, I thought this would be a perfect example to bring to class, and see how the people would react to it.

N385 - Seeing Sideways

All right. Suprise, surprise...
I initially had two ideas being done at once, but urgh - logo design is a pain in the neck to work on. In the end, with less than 6 hours to finish this task and having to scrap the logo design I was working on the entire night, the only one I have right now with me is me a doodle of oriental calligraphy for the result.

Now, I'll let the audience ponder at what the hell this thing is while I try and get some shut-eye for now.





















Oh, before I forget... if the audience can't figure this one out, perhaps a 'tilted' perspective to the right is needed. After all, the class itself is to see things in a...sideways perspective, is it not?

Seeing Sideways - Egg project update

Oh yeah. Almost forgot - made a new egg design just in case the former egg idea I had didn't float against the scrutiny of the audience's criticism.
That, and it was a backup plan anyway that I should've added to the blog.

Seeing Sideways - I remember this...or do I?

It's rather interesting to see that the most simplified form of the egg project is actually the one that makes the most resounding impact to the audience itself. The one I remember that made an impact on my attention was the heart-shaped egg being discussed rather fondly by the professor, followed by the act of trying to get it to work in front of the projector. Perhaps it is because of how long it took, or the unusual process of using the projector light to eclipse the heart-shaped egg that it made a rather fond impression to me during class.

Or, because it was amusing to see the professor attempt in vain to make the egg work, failing the first couple of times before it finally succeeded with one, simple use of camera-phone and some good ol' E-mail.

But that's just me.