Aims of the portfolio task

As a group, we decided the almost dumb down the text enough so that somebody with no media training would be able to understand the key points it was aiming to make. Also, we tried to make it humourous as it is said that satirical and humourous writings are often more memorable as they are easier to read. Therefore, by making it funny, we would make the reading more approachable.

Paragraph 6

Mr. Advertising and Mr. Culture-Industry are quite good friends. Often, they have been thought of as having likening qualities to Mr. Propoganda. They constantly repeat themselves over and over to their friend, Mr. Consumer to try and sell him something. They use long words and over-complicated methods in the attempt to over power Mr. Consumer, who is seen as absent-minded and therefore doesn't pay close attention to the way in which he is being told.

Reflection- this style, although dumming it down considerably, allows the reader to get a clear defintion of what it means. Personifying parts of the media allows for easier communication and means that the reader will definatly understand.

Rachel Sutcliffe

Paragraph one of the portfolio task

I decided to do mine as a cartooon strip, i hope you can read it ok.

by Hannah Templeman

paragraph 3 Craig Stemp

When we think of celebrities, our favourite songs and the television programs we watch (and record on sky plus) there are similarities. However naturally, there are also differences and with that they all make entertainment what it is and each in its own way. Although these differences keep us hooked and only leave us wanting more, without us realising it, every gossip piece we read or every new pop star to come onto the scene is the same as the next. How many times has the young innocent teen done something billed in the press as ‘outrageous’ or been given a get out of jail free card when they were caught drink driving? It’s funny how break up stories become popular news just before the new celebrity fragrance line is been launched too. It’s clear that every story is planned and to be honest and quite frank we’ve heard it all before!

paragraph 2, Skills portfolio 7

You can relate the mass media and ownership to many things, even the game of monopoly. There are all different types of monopoly: Disney monopoly, star trek monopoly..the list goes on! But underneath all their bravardo, they are essentially the same game, following the same rules. Just like mass media culture. The big media bosses at the top are now unlikely to hide the dominance and power they retain in the industry as with this power comes fear and therefore obedience and acceptance of this power. Likewise, players who own such top-end propeties as mayfair and park lane rarely bother in hiding their winning streak and are the most likely to become competitive. The mass media make out like they are a 'business' or 'industry' so that they can carry on making inane programmes, radio shows etc. and get away with it because it's all 'just business'. Similar to that very annoying monopoly player who's clearly cheating but getting away with it because they've done it so many times you're used to it. At the end of the day when the big media bosses get their paychecks, the implications and social repercussions of the media material they have produced is the last thing on their minds! At the end of the game, whoever wins monopoly is unlikely to care what they did to get there (cheaters!) as long as the, albeit paper, cash and rolls in...

by Clare Strong

Skills Portfolio 7 Paragraph 5

We are constantly being bombarded by media images which promise us a better life; whether it be buying that new car, dying your hair a new colour or spritzing yourself with the newest celebrity-endorsed scent. Yet this promise never, ever actually seems to become a reality. We are supplied with an array of options, yet whichever one we choose, it never seems to be the right one. As consumers, we are constantly searching for the product which is going to provide an escape, yet we are always left with the same old life we had before that brilliant, oh-so-cool, life-enhacing invention. I’ve yet to meet someone who has met the love of their life, married them and had their children, all thanks to Jordan’s new perfume. Who knows, maybe they do exist, but I’m going to pretty much garuntee you that they don’t, and probably never will. So why do we keep buying in?

Abi Stickland

Skills Portfolio week 8 section 7

Everyone has the right to feel free and enjoy themselves, whether it is alone, in the dark with the monthly playboy reading or together, experimenting with the usual congenial dancing on top of a loved one. With religion going down the pan these days, courting has become some what of a past time. However with our sixpences few and far between these days we never get to try anything erotic and new with our found sense of freedom in the bedroom.

I've been having relations with a rather frolicsome lady lately and I’ve come to realise that I just can’t read people anymore. Even at the most intimate times of our human interaction, behind those beautifully shining white teeth and that musk body odour, i find myself lost in thinking of new audacious things to try. Thank goodness for the triumph of advertising, which as introduced me to many sexual fantasies over the years. As a consumer i have felt compelled to buy and use these products upon my affairs.

Tim Smith