Syn
Avid Member
I have a mini-ethnography essay due 11/1. Between family-crises, soccer, and other classes, I am a bit behind on this project. I'll try to explain this as best as I can...
Short version: I have an essay due next Tuesday. The paper is a mini-ethnography assignment. Basically, we are to describe a "subculture," (in this case, the reptile community) and write a five to six page research paper (requirements below). I would like to interview a few members of several forums for reference and quotes.
Long version: *deep breath*
Going with what was stated above, one of the main requirements of my essay is that I "help an outsider get more of a sense of that [Reptile-hobbyists/enthusiasts] culture than they had before."
Other requirements:
-Have a controlling idea (more complicated/diverse than previously thought?)
-What are the primary beliefs of this "culture?" (Down with PetSmart/Co! kidding)
-How is it [I would assume the beliefs are "it"] communicated in speech, visuals, etc?
-How does this group affect or reflect assumptions about its culture?
How does the group complicate assumptions on the culture (example listed on paper: "if you were studying English professors, might you be surprised to see that over lunch they talked about things other than books or grammar?")
If you would like to be harassed *ahem* I mean interviewed, my professor has required that we include your contact information on our works cited page.
It is APA formatting—I will look into if pseudonyms/handles are acceptable—so I will have to get back to everyone on what I will need.
I would like my interviewee base to be diverse, having solely keepers and not business owners/breeders may not give enough "insight."
Warning: Because I've missed a few classes I am out of the loop as far as this paper goes. I may have to update this thread as the days roll on. Hopefully I am doing this right...
I would like to interview the following "types" of people (I will try to edit this post as I find people):
-Large-scale ("Big Name") breeder (wholesale and non-wholesale)
-Keeper (non-breeder)
-Breeder (private, non-business)
-Petstore employee (owner, associate, etc.)
-Retail Petstore employee (manager would be a plus)
-Forum-lurker!! (non-keeper, but reads for information) -- this would be a big one, an outside viewpoint from someone who doesn't specifically keep reptiles (and has not in the past) with a somewhat unbiased viewpoint would be of phenomenal value in this paper... I think.
I can do phone calls but prefer text-based interviews. Text-based interviews would make it nearly-impossible to misquote an individual via text (provided it wasn't edited later on).
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Here is a short “qualification” questionnaire/survey.
Short answers are preferred for qualification, just in case I can’t use your help (too many of x, etc.)…
I wouldn’t want anyone to put a lot of effort into something that won’t be used, I’d feel terrible!
Having said that, if you do “qualify,” feel free to come back and elaborate!
Qualification Questionnaire:
Do I have your permission to use any answers/statements in my Mini-Ethnography Essay?
Example: Yes, and I am willing to provide contact information.
Describe yourself and/or your role in the reptile community:
Example: I am a reptile hobbyist that has considered starting a business, but due to financial reasons, I have been unable to attain my goal.
Referring back to the previous question (“Describe yourself …”),
Did you decide to enter the reptile hobby on your own, or were there outside factors that persuaded you? If you are not a member of the reptile hobby, elaborate if possible. J
Example: It all started after my parents bought a bearded dragon … [etc.]
What are the drawbacks to keeping the pets you do? What are the rewards?
Example: A drawback to keeping [x] is having to clean [x] cages a week. It is time consuming. The rewards are experience, conservation, and meeting new people with similar interests.
Short version: I have an essay due next Tuesday. The paper is a mini-ethnography assignment. Basically, we are to describe a "subculture," (in this case, the reptile community) and write a five to six page research paper (requirements below). I would like to interview a few members of several forums for reference and quotes.
Long version: *deep breath*
Going with what was stated above, one of the main requirements of my essay is that I "help an outsider get more of a sense of that [Reptile-hobbyists/enthusiasts] culture than they had before."
Other requirements:
-Have a controlling idea (more complicated/diverse than previously thought?)
-What are the primary beliefs of this "culture?" (Down with PetSmart/Co! kidding)
-How is it [I would assume the beliefs are "it"] communicated in speech, visuals, etc?
-How does this group affect or reflect assumptions about its culture?
How does the group complicate assumptions on the culture (example listed on paper: "if you were studying English professors, might you be surprised to see that over lunch they talked about things other than books or grammar?")
If you would like to be harassed *ahem* I mean interviewed, my professor has required that we include your contact information on our works cited page.
It is APA formatting—I will look into if pseudonyms/handles are acceptable—so I will have to get back to everyone on what I will need.
I would like my interviewee base to be diverse, having solely keepers and not business owners/breeders may not give enough "insight."
Warning: Because I've missed a few classes I am out of the loop as far as this paper goes. I may have to update this thread as the days roll on. Hopefully I am doing this right...
I would like to interview the following "types" of people (I will try to edit this post as I find people):
-Large-scale ("Big Name") breeder (wholesale and non-wholesale)
-Keeper (non-breeder)
-Breeder (private, non-business)
-Petstore employee (owner, associate, etc.)
-Retail Petstore employee (manager would be a plus)
-Forum-lurker!! (non-keeper, but reads for information) -- this would be a big one, an outside viewpoint from someone who doesn't specifically keep reptiles (and has not in the past) with a somewhat unbiased viewpoint would be of phenomenal value in this paper... I think.
I can do phone calls but prefer text-based interviews. Text-based interviews would make it nearly-impossible to misquote an individual via text (provided it wasn't edited later on).
----------------------------------------
Here is a short “qualification” questionnaire/survey.
Short answers are preferred for qualification, just in case I can’t use your help (too many of x, etc.)…
I wouldn’t want anyone to put a lot of effort into something that won’t be used, I’d feel terrible!
Having said that, if you do “qualify,” feel free to come back and elaborate!
Qualification Questionnaire:
Do I have your permission to use any answers/statements in my Mini-Ethnography Essay?
Example: Yes, and I am willing to provide contact information.
Describe yourself and/or your role in the reptile community:
Example: I am a reptile hobbyist that has considered starting a business, but due to financial reasons, I have been unable to attain my goal.
Referring back to the previous question (“Describe yourself …”),
Did you decide to enter the reptile hobby on your own, or were there outside factors that persuaded you? If you are not a member of the reptile hobby, elaborate if possible. J
Example: It all started after my parents bought a bearded dragon … [etc.]
What are the drawbacks to keeping the pets you do? What are the rewards?
Example: A drawback to keeping [x] is having to clean [x] cages a week. It is time consuming. The rewards are experience, conservation, and meeting new people with similar interests.
