1. Lambert 1
(Robert) Curtis Lambert
English 101
Professor Bolton
25 July 2012
Rhetorical Situation Analysis
Purpose: I chose to write my research paper, “The Maligning of Media Piracy,” based on
my text analysis essay, “The Persistent Piracy Plethora.” The subject of the text analysis essay
was Lawrence Lessig’s, “Some Like it Hot,” found on pages 88 through 92 in The Norton Field
Guide for Writing with Readings and Handbook. My intent with this research paper was to
expand the reader’s thinking on how we have become so complacent with the advent of new
media technology, and the pirating of artist’s works that always accompanies new technology,
especially new forms of media. The research paper was written to inform and clarify how
important it is for the consumer to be aware of the part they play in media piracy, through Peer-
2-Peer file sharing, as well as illegal downloading of movies, music, and television shows, even
if not for monetary gain. My purpose was to offer the argument that we can’t have it both ways;
we can’t say “be patient, new laws take time,” and then say it is against the law to download
music and moves we have not paid for. I hope to prove that time does not have to be the enemy
of new and emerging forms of media, especially where piracy of their work is concerned.
Genre: My research paper was written as a counter-argument; opposing the belief by
many in the judiciary, that a sense of urgency is unnecessary when dealing with the impact of
media piracy on the economy and the livelihood of the artists whose work is being reproduced
without compensation. I wanted to present the information as informative, and well researched,

2. Lambert 2
but offering the opinion that a sense of urgency on this topic is not over-blown. It was intended
to be a counterargument in the presentation.
Audience: The audience for this essay would be people in the media industry or those
interested in how the laws surrounding Peer-2-Peer file sharing are evolving.
Stance: I personally have a vested interest in this topic since I am a member of the
[combined] film/television actor’s union: SAG/AFTRA. This topic of media piracy and how to
garner appropriate residuals to actors, and all other production staff that are owed monies, has
been the hot button issue for decades, beginning with the invention of the VHS tape. I want to
make sure my rights, and those of my peers, are protected in a timely manner to the best of the
laws ability to do so. I am aware that my stance on this subject is biased at its core, however, it
was my desire to present both sides of the argument fairly, without compromising my own
opinion of the urgency needed to address outdated and stagnate laws on the subject.
Media/Design: I did my very best to write an essay free of error, both grammatically and
in content. I have read, re-read, and re-read again trying to clear up any misunderstanding or over
use of verbiage and errors, as well as correct MLA formatting of all cited works. I know it is not
perfect, but I am pleased with the end result as it stands now. I would accompany my essay with
a works cited area to give applicable credit to the authors of all researched and referenced
materials, in addition to a Power Point presentation for public discussion.
Research: The research component, although thorough, did not alter my opinion on the
subject in any way. In fact, Julian Sanchez, along with the testimony before The Subcommittee
on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property of the Committee on the Judiciary House of
Representatives of the 109th Congress, 1st Session shocked me with their casual approach and
continual dissention on any decision and urgency needed to update the current media piracy

3. Lambert 3
laws. It is my belief that the naysayers [Sanchez and the Subcommittee Judiciary, among others]
would have a very different opinion if the copyright infringements were directly affecting them. .