Notes & My Research Process

1. Search Engines & References

   1. I generally start on Wikipedia and Google or DuckDuckGo search engines to find genreal information about a title, production, or creator (ex: IMDb, Letterbox, TMDB, 

   2. From an initial search I find sources that I then use tools like the SMELL test (more info. in the next drop down) to evaluate the validity and authenticity of.

      1. Some examples: MovieWeb, Cinefiles, Film Site, The Criterion Collection, and The Hollywood Reporter

   3. Social media sies, particularly Reddit & Instagram, that provide insight into audience leanings and potential related research topics.

2. Streaming & 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. Often Free Research 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 & Peer-Reviewed articles: sometimes can be found on university websites for free.

   2. Library Systems: Many United States counties have library systems with can provide access to topical books, physical media copies, and online libraries.

The tool I use most is SMELL; an acronym to ask important questions when assessing  information for value & validity

• S-Source: Where or who is the info from? Does it clearly identify the source or is it obscured? Is the source a relevant platform or voice? Is there a clear conflict of interest?

• M-Motives: Are multiple POVs taken into account? Is the info a front to sell or gain something? Is persuasive or emotional language used?

• E-Evidence: Are facts presented? Are claims backed up by factual evidence? If data is included, is it clear, understandable and not misrepresented?

• L-Logic: Is the info realistic, relevant, and current? How were any conclusions reached?

• L-Left Out: What isn't shared? Is anything hidded, why? Do other sources provide the same info? If not, why? Are posed questions answered?

Tool to counteract "Fake News" - SIFT or Stop, Investigate, Find Better Coverage, and Trace any claims, quotes, and media to the original context

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

https://libguides.nova.edu/c.php?g=1236356&p=9047252

https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/evaluating-sources/

• Originally: I picked popular horror 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. I like to include less popular titles and I tend to get inspired after a watch. This is where most reviews, deep dives, and 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 desire to understand the genre and have ready accessible info to include in conversation.

• Idea Generation: When deciding what topics to focus on I start with search engines. Typically  I'll read news articles or magazine articles about the media to get an idea of which directions 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 media in the way that I do in a review.

I believe bias is always present and that the best way to combat it is to be aware of it and challenge it. Some of my background is below in an effort to be upfront about my worldview, persepctive, and potential biases.

• Politics: I'm a leftist that's always been politically invested and votes in all elections. I believe politics is intermeshed with modern life and we all benefit & suffer from it no matter engagement.

• Identity: I'm a bi-racial African American & White American CIS woman who identifies primarily as Black. I care deeply about issues related to race and racial equality. I'm also a feminist member of the LGBT community that is pro-trans and supports gender and marriage equality.

• Nationality: I was born and raised in the United States and have personal life experience in the pacific northwest, midwest, and deep south. I mostly review Western media because I'm most familiar with it but don't think it is inherently the best media or without large issues.

  • Immigration: I don't believe people are "illegal" and that it is an insane and extreme approach that is inherently anti-historical. People who want to and don't pose a threat deserve to have a humane, timely and equitable  path to citizenship, period.