Alternative to research (methods of investigation)

Task 2 

In this task we are to evaluate 5 websites whether its content would be a good reference for research. We are advised to pick a topic that we want to research ( for me is 2D animation) and look for sites for us to evaluate for its content.



Web URL: http://animation.about.com/od/tutorials/a/introduction.htm

Currency

No date is specified but links are still active

Authorship

The article is written by Adrien-Luc Sanders. Who is a freelance writer, animator, web designer, and graphic designer with a background in computerized design and animation. He has been designing websites for various clients, often utilizing animated interfaces in Flash and Shockwave or creating branded 3D-animated logos. Studied computer science and web programming at the University of Alabama for a short period, then transferred to the Art Institute of Houston, where in 2002 he completed a degree in the Institute's Animation, Art, and Design program.

However, the article Lacks references.

Purpose

The article gives brief information on introduction to computer animation. The article explains about computer animation (2D and 3D animation) Also, explains how easy it is to be found.

Objective

The author writes fairly about 2D and 3D and states information clearly. Has a few advertisements on the site.

Writing Style

Understandable writing with no errors in spelling.

My comments:

I learned that animations used to use a lot of time, manpower, and complex equipment to be created but it has gotten simpler as the years go by and can be easily done at home with a computer. The author also writes that it is easy to find as you can see it anywhere in the web.

Although, the author is qualified to write about this. But, the site lacks examples to fully understand and has no references to help reinforce the points given.

Web URL: http://www.ehow.com/about_6312101_2d-animation-information.html

Currency

There is no indication of date but the sites links are still active

Authorship

This article is written by Dennis costa who works as a speechwriter since 2004 and holds a bachelor of arts in communications. The site has clickable links as its reference though some of the content in the reference sites have been removed.

Purpose

A lot of information about 2D animation as to how it works a brief history and its popularity to the society.

Objective

The article has a fair point of view and no bias is present in it. Small number of advertisements present in the site.

Writing Style

No errors in spelling and is understandable.

My comments:

This website talks a lot about 2d animation, it describes how 2d works it tells us that animation is based on optic illusions. It talks about its early history where motion capture has existed since the prehistoric age. Also, it tells how Disney become successful with their first animation film ‘’snow white and the seven dwarfs’’.  Even with 3d, the methods of 2d are still used even now.

Overall the site is not bad, it elaborates its points accurately despite the lack of examples though it is questionable if the author is qualified to talk about the topic.

Web URL: https://www.udemy.com/blog/2d-animation-2/

Currency

Site is last reviewed on March 3, 2014

Authorship

Written by April Klazema(assuming he/she is a legit expert instructor), no information is given on his/her occupation or qualification. The site (Udemy) however is a platform for online learning.

Purpose

Clear educational guide about the fundamentals of 2D animation with and explanation about 2D animation as well as the common software used. Also, talks about the laws and process of animation.

Objective

No bias is present in the site. The site is an online learning source and is purely educational.

Writing Style

Good grammar, clear elaboration and the information also seems legit.

My comments:

Clear explanation of 2D animation. Gives info about each recommended software’s for starters in animation. Such as, Synfig that can make anything from quick motion graphics to cinema quality animation and is easy to use . Toon Boom Studio is an all in one animation application for beginners that teaches you the fundamentals of 2D animation as you work. Others tools include Flash, Storyboard, Creatoon, pencil and animate.

Clear explanation about the laws of animation. which is squash and stretch, Anticipation, Staging, Straight ahead and pose to pose, arcs and so on. The blog also teaches us useful steps on process of creating an animation that begins with storyboard to post-production.

A good site in my opinion, the blog is written like a professional. A lot of accurate information and examples with no misleading info.

Web URL: http://reymendoza.blogspot.com/p/2d-animation.html

Currency

2014(assumed) but links are present

Authorship

Author is Rey Mendoza, who is a photographer, web designer and speaker.

Purpose

Blogs about 2D animation, almost a bit of everything.

Objective

No bias is found in the blog.

Writing Style

Understandable writing, accurate information with no spelling errors

My comments:

The author explains what are 2D animation as well as giving examples of such animations and has a quick tutorial on 2d animation. Explains the elements of 2D as well as recommended software’s and how to find the best from each software. Writes about the types of 2D animation like Cel animation, Digital animation, Path animation, stop motion animation, sand animation and cut-out animation.

The author also shows the methods used in animation. Examples, like Onion skinning, Tweening, Rotoscoping and cinemagraphs .A picture of movement cycle as well as some tutorials videos. Overall, The blog gives a quick explanation on everything in 2D with lots of pictures and video examples. Which makes the blog less boring to read. Although, im not sure the author is qualified to talk about 2D animation. But, he has clearly did research and made it entertaining to read.

Web URL: http://www.ehow.com/about_6394473_history-2d-animation.html

Currency

No date found

Authorship

Author is Robert Vaux who is a professional writer and editor since 1995 and holds a Master of Arts.

Purpose

Talks about the history of animation and how it first started

Objective

No bias is found.

Writing Style

Good writing and grammar

My comments:

I learned that animation was first started by Winson McCay ‘’the father of cartoon animaton’’ where he animated his work single handedly almost without help. Notably his 1914 film “Gertie the Dinosaur. But, his work takes a long time to complete. That’s when the animations no longer become a work of one man as subsequent animators like John Bray and Raoul Barre noted the inefficiency and opened studios employing dozens of animators to produce films more rapidly.

As the industry grew, the need of memorable characters similar to Gertie also grew. So, Otto Messmer created Felix the Cat. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy followed after a decade later by Walt Disney. Rivals like The fleischers (creators of betty boop and popeye) and Warner bros(bugs bunny, daffy duck and porky pig) rose to challenge when Disney grew.

Reflection :

I learned to be more careful with sites that I use to refer to as my research. I also, learned how to make sure what website are good and bad for research using the CAPOW format.