Notes & My Research Process

1. Wikipedia & General Search

   1. I generally start on Wikipedia and Google or DuckDuckGo search engines to find genreal information about a title, production, or creator

   2. From this general search I typically find sources for articles that I then use tools like the SMELL test (more inforation in the next drop down) to evaluate the validity and authenticity of sources

2. Streaming Platforms & Web Archives

   1. I really like to review free or easily accessible media, and if I do that I usually don't have to sign up for another platform. If I'm able to find a Web Archive link for a movie I will provide that in a review 9/10 times

   2. I try to stick to main platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Prime, and HBO) if something isn't free. Usually "research" for reviews means watching and maybe re-watching something with intention and attention.

3. Reddit, Social Media, and Review Sites

   1. To find audience reception I look for popular subreddit posts, reviews and ratings that are available and critic reviews. With those I try to establish a general take on what the reception to the  movie is, but by no means am I always right.

4. "Free" Knowledge Sources

   1. Google Scholar: Some sources will allow you to view for free when searching topic related key words on the platform, additionally related non-fiction works are sometimes available for free

      1. Available Journals or Peer-Reviewed Research: Google Scholar is one way to access these sources but sometimes they can also be found posted to university websites for free or available through some library sources.

   2. Library System and/or Libby: Most towns have libraries with can provide access to topical books, DVD or Blu-Ray versions of media, and 

This tool is an acronym that helps you remember to ask important questions when accessing sources, particular those online, and determining the value and validity of the information being presented.

• S for Source: Where is the information being sourced from? Does the work clearly identify the source or is it obscured? Is the source a relevant platform or voice on the topic? Is there a clear conflict of interest?

• M for Motivation: Are multiple side's perspectives taken into account? Is the information a front to sell something or gain something like information? Is there a use of persuasive or emotional language?

• E for Evidence: Is additional information presented to support information or statements made? Are factual claims backed up with evidence? If data is included, is it clearly presented, understandable and not misrepresented?

• L for Logic: Is the information realistic and provides sufficient evidence? Do claims make reasonable sense and see belivable? How was the conclusion reached?

• L for Left Out: What isn't being shared? Is anything being hidden to present the information in a particular way? Do other sources provide the same information and if not, why don't they? Are posed questions answered?

Sources for this information: https://libraryguides.laniertech.edu/c.php?g=814776&p=8653713

https://library.nwacc.edu/sourceevaluation/smell#s-lg-box-31081337

https://jccc.libguides.com/c.php?g=1306883&p=9605405

• Originally: I picked horror staples I hadn't seen and RRH doubled as a structured way to watch old movies I probably wouldn't have otherwise.

• Now: Whatever inspires me or interests me that I want to write about and this is in an effort to not become burnt out. I like to include less popular titles and I tend to get inspired (negatively & positively) after watching a new movie or show. This is where most reviews, deep dive, or franchise marathons started.

  • I look for emtoional and deeper connections in what media I pick but it also shows up often in my reviews and other works. This approach to horror and reviews in general is understandably not for everyone though and if I'm not your cup of tea that's cool too.

• I have a genuine desire to understand the genre and have ready accessible, albeit nerdy, information about the genre to include in conversation. I've struggled with social anxiety but I've found that most poeple have an opinion about horror and will also have a question or two if it's not their thing, which is cool AF.

• Idea Generation: When deciding what topics to focus on or might be related I start with search engines. Typically  I'll read news articles or magazine articles about the media to get an idea of which direction others took things.

  • I try not to do the same exact thing as other people but I'm sure I'm not the first person to perceive these movies and shows in the way that I do in a review.

Bias is present within us all and the best way to combat it is to be aware of it and challenge that thinking. Not acknowleding bias I think even reveals a bias so I'm sharing some of my background in an effort to be upfront about my worldview, POV, and leanings

• Democrat/Independent: I am a registered Democrat who voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. I vote in every election (local, state, and federal) and regularly consume a lot of political content and news. This definitely creeps into most, if not all, of my writing and the conclusions that I take away from the media I consume.

• Mixed Woman: I'm a mixed woman who identifies as Black, I care deeply about issues related to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion. I also recongize that colorism exists and is harmful in the community, which I try to point out and be mindful of in the media I review and consume.

• Pro-Immigration: obviously. USA terrorities are the USA (that deserve equal representation). I believe that everyone is an equal citizen but that even if someone isn't a citizen they deserve to have a humane and equitable path to citizenship in the land of the free that is literally filled with immigrants. I don't believe people are "illegal" and think that's an insane and extreme approach that is counter-American.

• PNW-er: I was born and raised (mostly) in the PNW and definitely align with the stereotypical values and political ideologies of the metropolitan areas.

• Connection to the Midwest & the Deep South: my family's background spans multiple states and I have visited and/or spent time in most as well as lived in a few. I lived down south during Obama's first term in a predominently red area in an interracial family.