NAME: Matthew Palacios

CLASS PERIOD: 4
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ORIGINAL COLUMN REFLECTION

After you have re-read and annotated your column, fill in the document below thoroughly in
complete sentences. New directive: DO NOT DELETE THE QUESTIONS. ANSWER
UNDER THE QUESTIONS AND DIRECTIVES:.
1. How many words (total) is your column?
715 (720 incl.title)

2. What is the topic of your column?

Ownership claims of digital content

3. In third person, (that means you are not the author but a reader) delineate the thesis of the
column by typing a precise first sentence of the precis (review the format carefully.)
In his article I Own ThisI Think, Matthew Palacios explains the issues with claiming
ownership of digital media and the importance of considering them.

4. Who is your audience, and what in your column gives credence to your answer?
The target audience are regular users of the internet, and in particular those users who
participate in the creation and/or consumption of media on the internet. Within the article I refer
distinctly to these two groups and how issues of digital ownership affect them. My audience can
be said to include internet users at large, as the main argument is not specific to the
aforementioned creators/consumers.

5. What research did you do prior to and during the creation of your column?
While developing this column I did research pertaining to the ownership of media on the
internet. The first part of the research consisted of examining website terms of service to see
how intellectual property is protected. I also found sources that gave evidence on the growth of
the internet and the importance of digital security. Research was also done concerning the
purchasing and ownership of digital media. Parts of my columns evidence are supported by
anecdotal evidence and personal observation/experience.

6.

Number and list AT LEAST five (5) rhetorical strategies you mimicked from your
columnist:
1. Statistics (Logos)
2. Rhetorical Question
3. Quotation (Ethos)
4. Antithesis
5. Apostrophe
6. Connotative Diction

7. Number and list at least three (3) additional strategies you utilized in your column:
1. Metaphor

2. Compare and Contrast (Organization)

3. Empirical evidence
4. Ethos (Direct evidence)

8. In a thorough paragraph, reflect on this entire columnist project process. What did
you learn? What were your challenges? What were your accomplishments? Did
any of your prior opinions change, etc., etc.
The analysis of a columnists work proved to be an interesting experience for understanding
another writers work. This project also helped reinforce my skills of identifying rhetorical
devices. I would say that the most challenging part of the assignment was the creation of the
original column. There are few current topics that I am heavily invested in, which made it difficult
to choose a topic for my column. I wanted to choose a topic that would motivate me to write a
substantial column, which led to much deliberation over what that would be. This project was
also an insightful experience into formulating a more involved and developed piece. I feel that
this process has polished my skills in rhetorical analysis. It remains to be seen how I will tackle
the video portion of the project.