On 7/21/06, Anthony wikilegal@inbox.org wrote:
On 7/21/06, Bryan Derksen bryan.derksen@shaw.ca wrote:
Anthony wrote:
As I explained in my other post, my comments were much more restrictive than that. If you have to resort to original research in order to create a plot synopsis, *that* is what I have a problem with.
The only way I can see needing original research to come up with a plot synopsis would be to go on set and observe the filming of the show, or maybe personally interview the scriptwriter or something. Once the show's been broadcast or put on DVD it's a published primary source.
It's a primary source on what? Not on itself.
I think we're at the point where we're just repeating ourselves at each other, but I'm about to leave on vacation so someone else will have to take over repeating for me here. :)
This is somewhat confusing to me, because it seems so obvious to me that watching a TV show and then writing about it is original research. Anyway, here's what I found about what is a primary source:
"The distinction between types of sources can get tricky, because a secondary source may also be a primary source. Garry Wills' book about Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, for example, can looked at as both a secondary and a primary source. The distinction may depend on how you are using the source and the nature of your research. If you are researching Abraham Lincoln, the book would be a secondary source because WIlls is offering his opinions about Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address. If your assignment is to write a book review of Lincoln at Gettysburg, the book becomes a primary source, because you are commenting, evaluating, and discussing Garry Wills' ideas."
It seems to me, based on this paragraph, that using "Episode 5 of Season 3 of Friends" in an article about that episode, would be the *creation* of a primary source.
Anthony