Reflection of pb4:

 

Our group just finished this PB4 project and I regard this project as probably the most interesting but the most difficult at the same time. Although it took us a lot of time on it, we all satisfied with the final result we got.

At the very beginning of doing this project, my group came out with our own ideas and had a great discussion what we wanted to do and the different ways to approach the final audio piece. We created a Google Drive to share and collect the variety of sources we had about our topic ‘clickbait’. In addition, we had a Facebook group to keep in touch with each other so that we can easily decide the meeting time or catch the process. We completed the annotated bibliography earlier on in the process, which helped us to open more ideas of the topic. At the same time, it provided us more time to prepare other things. Then my group member Nadiah wrote a script before we met up, then we all collaboratively read the script when we recorded the audio piece. Moreover, I think the most successful aspect is the interview and editing part. One day, we just met up each other and decided to do a street interview, asking people what they think about clickbait. After that, we came out about six questions effectively. Although we walked by so many places for seeking the interviewees for such a long time, I would say the process of getting it’s going well because all of the interviewees gave us their own opinions. The point is that most of their answers were going to the deep, we even never think about some of the problems they mentioned in their answers. Furthermore, Nadiah constructed a rough cut that we all were really happy with. From the suggestion we were given from those two professional media makers in the last workshop, some parts of our voices sounds like up and downs so that I changed it a little bit to make the volume of voices to be more balanced. When it comes to the problematic aspect for me is that language barrier. Since I am not a native speaker, speaking everything in English is consumed me sometimes. I am really thankful to my group members because I am not talkative and self-conscious. However, my group member didn’t make a comment in front of me. Instead, they were very patient and encouraged me to talk out anything I want to talk. For the improvement, I think I should improve my social skills and my ability to get along with others. This project also reminds me of the importance of communication with people. Another thing that annoyed me about the audio recordings is that our audio consistent of talking due to we did the street interview. I realized it is difficult to edit it in an interesting and creative way. If not, no one will pay all attention on your talking for 7-8 minutes. I asked for my group’s suggestion, they considered that cut the interviewee’s answers from different people then combines the sentences to make it like a whole story. Meanwhile, the sound effects are important too, it helped us to transfer one question from to another one quickly.

Actually, I have learned a lot of things from this project. For example, I never used Audition before but not I am similar with using it. Besides, I also remembered that one tips which mentioned in the lecture, the tutor suggested that give the audiences some time to breathe instead of cramming too much information. In this case, I knew that silence is also the vital element when we edit the audio. In short, this project is very changeling and enjoyable! All of us are really happy with the final result we got. For working collaboratively as a group, we cooperated friendly and effectively. Also, the time management is worth to mention, we finished it earlier than the due day. For me, I need to improve my English and social skills at the same time. I also realise that it is so vital to open minds and listen to others. I believe these tips can help me as a media practitioner.

Sepcial thanks to Brain and my group!