For our second project, Chris and I have decided to create a WikiTravel Itinerary for the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut. The theme of our itinerary will be along the lines of "A Day at Foxwoods"- a planned a day at the largest casino in the United States. We toyed with the idea of targeting the guide towards the under-21 age group, but we thought that may limit the amount of content we can include in the itinerary.
The itinerary I was assigned to analyze, "Culver City and Palms on Foot", is a scenic walking tour of a historic area of Los Angeles. The guide plans a fairly short but detailed look at this less-explored area of the city and neighboring Culver City. This itinerary is targeted towards travelers familiar to Los Angeles or people with a love of historic Hollywood. The strength of this itinerary is in its focus: although not dense in content or actual activities, the author lays out a complete route through this seemingly beautiful part of Los Angeles. Because of the concise structure of the itinerary, it does not leave much room for criticism, since it details your trip step by step.
The 'Understand' and 'Prepare' sections of the itinerary are left blank, most likely because of the detailed subject of the guide. Perhaps the author could have included a brief history in the 'Understand' or a few local tips in 'Prepare' section. The 'Get In' section is well-done, displaying multiple routes from many directions. The majority of the article is the 'Walk' section, which is a step by step tour of Culver City and the Palm. Because of the guide's detail, it is able to discuss and explain the importance of each stop on the tour. Many of the sites have to do with Hollywood and movie history, which gives form to the itinerary's target audience. My only qualm with the guide would be that it only gives things to see rather than do.
Draft:
Understand:
Opened in 1986 as a Bingo Hall, Foxwoods Resort Casino has come a long way in its thirty-five year history. Now the largest Casino in the United States, Foxwoods serves as an entertainment destination for thousands everyday. Although the title "Resort Casino" typically invokes thoughts of gambling and adult entertainment, Foxwoods is a destination for all ages. Between the dozens of shops, eateries, and entertainment venues, Foxwoods has something for everybody. Whether you are trying to hit it big on one of the 7,200 slot machines or just play in the hotel's two-story arcade -- Foxwoods Resort Casino has enough to keep you coming back for more.
Prepare
If you plan on staying the night (and you should) remember to book your room well in advance. There are three separate hotels adjoining the casino and a number of others in the surrounding area. While the hotels neighboring the casino often times have more affordable rooms and offer coupon books with your stay, the convenience of having a room on-site can be invaluable. Reserved a month in advance, rooms in the adjoining hotels can be had for as low as $129.00 per night with longer stays resulting in a discount to the nightly fee.
Bring a few outfits or, if you prefer, do some shopping while you're there. There's no dress code per se (at least not on the main floors of the casinos or the concourse) though some of the dining establishments and clubs do require "proper attire".
Remember, this is a casino. The proprietors want to get as much money out of you as they possible can. While you don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy yourself here, it's pretty much the name of the game. Please keep that in mind.
Getting There:
From Boston:
Take I-95 South to Exit 92 in Connecticut. Go straight at the stoplight. At the next stoplight, turn right onto Route 2 West for eight miles. Take the Foxwoods Blvd exit.
From New York:
Take I-95 North to Exit 92 in Connecticut. Turn left onto Route 2 West for eight miles. Take the Foxwoods Blvd exit.
From Providence:
Take I-95 South to Exit 92 in Connecticut. Go straight at the stoplight. At the next stoplight, turn right onto Route 2 West for eight miles. Take the Foxwoods Blvd exit.
Morning (Afternoon)
Check in is at 4PM every day of the week, except for Sunday, when it is at 5PM. Take this into consideration when deciding on the time you'd like to arrive. While it's nice to get there in the morning and grab breakfast or hit the spas you'll have to keep anything you can't carry on you in your car until check in. Is it worth arriving late the night before so you don't have to worry about that? That's up to you. In any case, both self and valet parking are available, another consideration if you'll be bringing more to the hotel than you can carry on your person.
If you've spend a considerable amount of time on your way here you may want to relax a bit before you head into the casinos or decide to dine. Take a shower (or a bath), relax for a bit, and think about what you'd like to eat tonight and how you'd like to dress. After that's taken care of, make your way to the hotel lobby and ask the concierge about any specials events or promotions. These can range from anything from free shows to free game play when you sign up for a loyalty card.
Evening
If you enjoy gambling, now is the time to be heading to the gaming tables (or the slots, if that’s more your cup of tea). Now that everyone has had a bite to eat and satisfied their hunger they’re heading to the tables to satisfy their need to gamble. This is when the casino is at it’s liveliest and -- arguably -- most exciting. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll win and the odds are almost always against you, listen to what the dealers have to say. The dealers are hoping that you’ll win big and tip them when you do, so your losing is almost as bad for them as it is for you. Additionally, so long as you’re at the tables (or slots) waitresses will be coming by to take orders for refreshments. The drinks are free as long as you’re playing and while tipping isn’t compulsory it is expected.
After you’ve had your fill of rolling the dice, there are still a number of things to do. If you’ve left the gaming areas and you’re up a few dollars most of the shops in the complex are open until 11pm or so. You might consider heading to one of them and buying something nice for yourself or someone you care about. If there’s anything that’s not in short supply here it’s nice, expensive stuff.
If you’ve left the tables down a bit (or a lot, as the case may be) you may want to drown your sorrows with a drink or two. There are bars one the casino floors if you’re not in the mood to wait for the waitresses, though you do have to pay for the drinks. Additionally, a few of the restaurants become night clubs after the dinner rush. Shrine is an example of this restaurant during the day / night club at night business model. Keep in mind, if there was a dress code at dinner, it typically applies after hours as well.
Stay Safe:
As you will quickly notice, it is impossible to take a step onto the gaming floor without seeing signs reminding you to know when it is: “no longer a game.” Although these signs may seem redundant; gambling addiction is a serious problem affecting thousands of Americans. It is extremely important to play responsibly. Unfortunately, some people will not realize they have a problem until it is too late. Foxwoods Resort Casino provides several recourses – including hotlines and counseling—to assist those struggling with gambling addiction. But aside from the security of your bank account and the risk of second hand smoke in some of the casinos, Foxwoods is a safe environment for the whole family to enjoy.
I feel our draft took a different approach to the itinerary than the one we analyzed. The Culver City on Foot guide was an exact step-by-step guide, while in our itinerary, we presented and explained the many entertainment options available at Foxwoods. I feel out take on an itinerary is much more effective, because people like to choose what they do with their time, and out guide allows flexibility for the user.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Reading Response 3
" I strongly believe in the power of weblogs to transform both writers and readers from "audience" to "public" and from "consumer" to "creator." Weblogs are no panacea for the crippling effects of a media-saturated culture, but I believe they are one antidote." - Rebecca Blood
This excpert from the conclusion of Rebecca Blood's "Weblogs: History and Perspective" exemplifies my opinion on the way digital media is effecting the evolution of writing. As I have said before, the blurred line between author and audience is what makes blogs so special. Although this transcendence does not benefit information exchange, because of the lack of Ethos presented by the typical commenter, it helps the reader view any subject from a number of different viewpoints. For example, a conservative news organization, like Fox News, will show bais in many of their stories, but with things like online commenting and Youtube Video responses, the other side now has a chance to express their opinion. Although bias should never exist in a mainstream media outlet, it does, and a responsive audience can help to shine a light on these blantant biases in mainstream media.
This new form of media allows for literally anybody's voice to be heard, and as John Hockenberry's "The Blogs of War" discusses, sometimes everybody's voice is not meant to be heard. As American soldiers stationed in Iraq begin to use blogs to share their stories with the world, a new national threat emerges. The scadal created by the Abu Ghraib Prison abuse is rooted in new media. The instant sharing of images is what allowed these pictures of tortured Iraqis to surface. Although many will say the discovery of these photos is a bad thing, it is because of new media we have become aware of the atrocities taking place, and now we can take measures to fix them. This situation is identical to how advances in video journalism effected Americans during the Vietnam War. Because videographers and journalists were able to document the tragedies taking place overseas, a large resistance to the war emerged. Without independent sources sharing these violent images with the American people, public resistance would be nonexistant, because the goverment would be able to hide what is actually going on if it weren't for these dedicated journalists.
Blogging has changed the way information is delivered. Unfortunatly, blogs are not a bipartisan news source, so if we begin to rely too heavily on blogs for information, our access to viable information will be lessened. As blogs grow, it will be neccessary for an Author to develop credibility, or Ethos, amongst their audience, or else their news will not be seen as valid.
This excpert from the conclusion of Rebecca Blood's "Weblogs: History and Perspective" exemplifies my opinion on the way digital media is effecting the evolution of writing. As I have said before, the blurred line between author and audience is what makes blogs so special. Although this transcendence does not benefit information exchange, because of the lack of Ethos presented by the typical commenter, it helps the reader view any subject from a number of different viewpoints. For example, a conservative news organization, like Fox News, will show bais in many of their stories, but with things like online commenting and Youtube Video responses, the other side now has a chance to express their opinion. Although bias should never exist in a mainstream media outlet, it does, and a responsive audience can help to shine a light on these blantant biases in mainstream media.
This new form of media allows for literally anybody's voice to be heard, and as John Hockenberry's "The Blogs of War" discusses, sometimes everybody's voice is not meant to be heard. As American soldiers stationed in Iraq begin to use blogs to share their stories with the world, a new national threat emerges. The scadal created by the Abu Ghraib Prison abuse is rooted in new media. The instant sharing of images is what allowed these pictures of tortured Iraqis to surface. Although many will say the discovery of these photos is a bad thing, it is because of new media we have become aware of the atrocities taking place, and now we can take measures to fix them. This situation is identical to how advances in video journalism effected Americans during the Vietnam War. Because videographers and journalists were able to document the tragedies taking place overseas, a large resistance to the war emerged. Without independent sources sharing these violent images with the American people, public resistance would be nonexistant, because the goverment would be able to hide what is actually going on if it weren't for these dedicated journalists.
Blogging has changed the way information is delivered. Unfortunatly, blogs are not a bipartisan news source, so if we begin to rely too heavily on blogs for information, our access to viable information will be lessened. As blogs grow, it will be neccessary for an Author to develop credibility, or Ethos, amongst their audience, or else their news will not be seen as valid.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Response to Musical Musings
Matt,
Overall, great work. After reading the introductory post, I realized the purpose of the blog. Correct me if I am wrong, but I saw the point of the blog to be: raising awareness about the history and artistry of music, while attempting to preserve the fading classical influence on modern music. But to be honest, I was not entirely sure how to word your mission. In your description you may want to spell out the objective of your blog, in order to define your blog as an activist blog.
Scope: Music is an extremely broad topic, but in your two posts I can see an emerging trend. The Foo-Fighter's speech directly relates to the topic you stress in your opening post, so I feel the scope of your blog is well defined. Like I said before, you just want to make sure you spell out the aim of your blog, or else it could be very broad and nonspecific.
Audience: Much like the objective of the blog, you never directly assert an audience. As a music lover, I enjoyed the blog and felt as if it was directed towards someone of my taste. Although I do not listen to classical music, I still see the points your are making. If I were you, I would say the blog is directed to music lovers of all types - not just people offended by the direction music is going.
Genre Elements: Your missing all of them. If I were you I would stress the objective of your blog in the description, while forming you ethos in your about me statement. You should say how you got interested in the topic or why your voice matters.
Technology + Layout: I like the setup of the blog. I use Blogger, but I really like the display Wordpress. One major issue is the font change in your first post. You need to make the font size bigger after you give the Webster's definitions; that is one major technical problem that you need to fix. Another improvement you could make would be to add the video of the Foo-Fighter's speech, it is not necessary, but it will show off your mastery of technological formats. With your topic, you have many options with technology. If you embed songs, music videos, or interviews in your blog, you will definitely ace the technology part of the rubric.
Readability: I have no problems with your writing style - great grammar and word choice throughout both posts. The font change really hurts the readability of the first post, but otherwise, I had no problems reading your blog
Overall: I like the topic. You just need to make sure you explicitly define the topic, audience, and goal of the blog. You have plenty of options for future posts. Although our opinions on this topic may differ, I can see you point and enjoyed the way you illustrated it.
Overall, great work. After reading the introductory post, I realized the purpose of the blog. Correct me if I am wrong, but I saw the point of the blog to be: raising awareness about the history and artistry of music, while attempting to preserve the fading classical influence on modern music. But to be honest, I was not entirely sure how to word your mission. In your description you may want to spell out the objective of your blog, in order to define your blog as an activist blog.
Scope: Music is an extremely broad topic, but in your two posts I can see an emerging trend. The Foo-Fighter's speech directly relates to the topic you stress in your opening post, so I feel the scope of your blog is well defined. Like I said before, you just want to make sure you spell out the aim of your blog, or else it could be very broad and nonspecific.
Audience: Much like the objective of the blog, you never directly assert an audience. As a music lover, I enjoyed the blog and felt as if it was directed towards someone of my taste. Although I do not listen to classical music, I still see the points your are making. If I were you, I would say the blog is directed to music lovers of all types - not just people offended by the direction music is going.
Genre Elements: Your missing all of them. If I were you I would stress the objective of your blog in the description, while forming you ethos in your about me statement. You should say how you got interested in the topic or why your voice matters.
Technology + Layout: I like the setup of the blog. I use Blogger, but I really like the display Wordpress. One major issue is the font change in your first post. You need to make the font size bigger after you give the Webster's definitions; that is one major technical problem that you need to fix. Another improvement you could make would be to add the video of the Foo-Fighter's speech, it is not necessary, but it will show off your mastery of technological formats. With your topic, you have many options with technology. If you embed songs, music videos, or interviews in your blog, you will definitely ace the technology part of the rubric.
Readability: I have no problems with your writing style - great grammar and word choice throughout both posts. The font change really hurts the readability of the first post, but otherwise, I had no problems reading your blog
Overall: I like the topic. You just need to make sure you explicitly define the topic, audience, and goal of the blog. You have plenty of options for future posts. Although our opinions on this topic may differ, I can see you point and enjoyed the way you illustrated it.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Activist Blog Genre Draft
About Me: My name is Phil Rozes, full-time student and full-time thinker. If you are anything like me, you can find light in the darkest situations - I'm not saying I laugh at funerals, but some may deem my sense of humor 'innapropriate' - so do not be alarmed if our definitions of comedic timing differ. I enjoy exploring untraveled terrain and have a tremendous interest in the miracle that is the human body. Naturally, these two interests go hand-in-hand, because even though it is literally the closest thing to us, our bodies hold a million secrets.
Description: In today's world - with ninety year-old alcoholics and thirty year-olds going into cardiac arrest - health is everyone's number one concern. Sometimes, especially in terminal situations, the average antibiotic or vaccine just won't cut it. With millions of unanswered questions about the human body, scientists around the world have been experimenting with alternative medicine. With health and longevity such a high priority in today's society, it is important to know what is out there and what is working. Breakthroughs are being made everyday, and ignorance is the only thing stopping millions from being cured.
Mission Statement: Once a week I will profile a different story, study, or anecdote that involves alternative medicine. From meditation to magic mushrooms - if it's not sold at CVS, I'll be talking about it here. Whether it be legitimate scientific breakthrough or an absurd ritual, I plan to put my two cents in on everything out there. I can only hope you learn from this blog, and maybe even bring some of these alternative solutions into your own life.
Title:
Description: In today's world - with ninety year-old alcoholics and thirty year-olds going into cardiac arrest - health is everyone's number one concern. Sometimes, especially in terminal situations, the average antibiotic or vaccine just won't cut it. With millions of unanswered questions about the human body, scientists around the world have been experimenting with alternative medicine. With health and longevity such a high priority in today's society, it is important to know what is out there and what is working. Breakthroughs are being made everyday, and ignorance is the only thing stopping millions from being cured.
Mission Statement: Once a week I will profile a different story, study, or anecdote that involves alternative medicine. From meditation to magic mushrooms - if it's not sold at CVS, I'll be talking about it here. Whether it be legitimate scientific breakthrough or an absurd ritual, I plan to put my two cents in on everything out there. I can only hope you learn from this blog, and maybe even bring some of these alternative solutions into your own life.
Title:
Reading Response 2
After reading both Elizabeth Daley's "Expanding the Concept of Literacy" and Jay David Bolter's
"Introduction: Writing in the Late Age of Print", I have come to believe Bolter's findings about media-literacy hit much closer to home. The interactive reader-writer relationship is what truly makes the new-media amazing; the reader is connected to the writer like never before. Therefore I must refute Daley's claim that young people have been trained to take a "read only" approach to new-media, and my objection is supported 140 characters at a time.
I love Twitter. Is it a guilty pleasure? Yes, but the satisfaction of capturing a human-teddy-bear in a Speedo and Twitpicing it to the world remains unmatched. And although my flock’s numbers are thin, they are regularly rewarded with clever anecdotes and absurd Hashtags. Perhaps my forty followers look petty compared to Justin Bieber’s plus-sized posse, but they are a special audience that understands and appreciates the paradoxical nature of my tweets. Unlike a @FOXnews or @MTVjams, I do not advertise my Twitter alias. In fact, I take drastic measures to ensure Mrs. Rozes and President Dooley do not stumble upon my narratives on the day’s adventures. These, to say the least, sophomoric commentaries, my Tweets, detail the inappropriate exploits of my personal life to my circle of followers. In return, they provide me with vulgar responses and nonsensical rebuttals. Through this magical twenty-first century networking tool, I can ridicule and harass my dearest friends from hundreds of miles away. But underneath the absurdity and naughtiness, Twitter serves an even higher purpose.
Every time I Retweet @PimpBillClinton or Mention an incapacitated follower, I am shaping the landscape of our twitterverse. My feed is a twisted autobiography written by the ones I am closest too. So you see, "read only" might be the worst way to decribe my connection with this form of new-media. I use Twitter to communicate - it is not a one way street - I read, I write, I respond.
I love Twitter. Is it a guilty pleasure? Yes, but the satisfaction of capturing a human-teddy-bear in a Speedo and Twitpicing it to the world remains unmatched. And although my flock’s numbers are thin, they are regularly rewarded with clever anecdotes and absurd Hashtags. Perhaps my forty followers look petty compared to Justin Bieber’s plus-sized posse, but they are a special audience that understands and appreciates the paradoxical nature of my tweets. Unlike a @FOXnews or @MTVjams, I do not advertise my Twitter alias. In fact, I take drastic measures to ensure Mrs. Rozes and President Dooley do not stumble upon my narratives on the day’s adventures. These, to say the least, sophomoric commentaries, my Tweets, detail the inappropriate exploits of my personal life to my circle of followers. In return, they provide me with vulgar responses and nonsensical rebuttals. Through this magical twenty-first century networking tool, I can ridicule and harass my dearest friends from hundreds of miles away. But underneath the absurdity and naughtiness, Twitter serves an even higher purpose.
Every time I Retweet @PimpBillClinton or Mention an incapacitated follower, I am shaping the landscape of our twitterverse. My feed is a twisted autobiography written by the ones I am closest too. So you see, "read only" might be the worst way to decribe my connection with this form of new-media. I use Twitter to communicate - it is not a one way street - I read, I write, I respond.
"Our culture has chosen to fashion these technologies into a writing space that is animated, visually complex, and malleable in the hands of both writer and reader." (Bolter, 13)
This quote from the Bolter reading epitomizes the point my use of Twitter supports. The space is animated, forever changing, and this is exactly what attracts me to form of media like Twitter. In conclusion, the most important part of new-media, and media-literacy, is the undefined line between reader and writer, and one's ability to walk the line.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
In Class Activity 2/7
1. What topic/issue are you writing about?
Alternative medicine/treatments
2. Why is it important? What is at stake? Who is impacted by this issue?
Everyone is concerned about their health; and with so many new treatments being tested around the world, it is important to know what is available and working.
3. Why do you care about the issue?
I am interested in the future of medicine. Also, I have relatives that have had great experiences with alternative medical treatments.
4. Do you have hobbies, work experience, or interest that are associated with this topic/issue?
No, but I am interested in the topic
5. Do you study this topic academically in school?
No
6. What type of "Situated Ethos" do you have on this topic?
I have read in depth about emerging practices, and I have talked to multiple people who have experimented with alternative medical practices.
7. How can you construct Ethos by making careful decisions about how you construct your genre elements?
By using lots of hyperlinks and videos, I can show the reader where I obtained my knowledge, thus citing my sources and giving myself credibility.
Alternative medicine/treatments
2. Why is it important? What is at stake? Who is impacted by this issue?
Everyone is concerned about their health; and with so many new treatments being tested around the world, it is important to know what is available and working.
3. Why do you care about the issue?
I am interested in the future of medicine. Also, I have relatives that have had great experiences with alternative medical treatments.
4. Do you have hobbies, work experience, or interest that are associated with this topic/issue?
No, but I am interested in the topic
5. Do you study this topic academically in school?
No
6. What type of "Situated Ethos" do you have on this topic?
I have read in depth about emerging practices, and I have talked to multiple people who have experimented with alternative medical practices.
7. How can you construct Ethos by making careful decisions about how you construct your genre elements?
By using lots of hyperlinks and videos, I can show the reader where I obtained my knowledge, thus citing my sources and giving myself credibility.
Activist Blog Proposal
Dear Project Manager,
In the past decade, thousands of medical breakthroughs have been made with the help of new technologies. Advancements in medical science have already proved to be lifesaving, and medical experts think we have only just begun to scratch the surface of new potentially lifesaving treatments. But outside the labs, alternative medical solutions are being tested around the world.
From meditation to magic-mushrooms, alternative treatments are being used to treat everything between paralysis and depression. Dozens of narcotics banned in the 1970's are now being tested in government labs across the world. Government funded studies have been designed to explore the healing potential of all sorts of alternative remedies. Scientists have put the ignorant thinking of past officials behind them, and have begun to test drugs in safe and controlled environments.
The results of this new research are not only interesting, but amazing. From the near-instant cure of post-traumatic stress syndrome to miraculous headache relief, the potential in this new research is limitless. In my Activist Blog, I plan to profile a different treatment/story in each post: in order to raise awareness about this amazing research being done around the world. Many of these treatments have negative connotations, but new clinical research can reform the images crafted by ignorant thinkers. We would be limiting ourselves by not experimenting with these alternative solutions to major problems, and my blog will explore the progress being made around the world in this field.
-Phil Rozes
In the past decade, thousands of medical breakthroughs have been made with the help of new technologies. Advancements in medical science have already proved to be lifesaving, and medical experts think we have only just begun to scratch the surface of new potentially lifesaving treatments. But outside the labs, alternative medical solutions are being tested around the world.
From meditation to magic-mushrooms, alternative treatments are being used to treat everything between paralysis and depression. Dozens of narcotics banned in the 1970's are now being tested in government labs across the world. Government funded studies have been designed to explore the healing potential of all sorts of alternative remedies. Scientists have put the ignorant thinking of past officials behind them, and have begun to test drugs in safe and controlled environments.
The results of this new research are not only interesting, but amazing. From the near-instant cure of post-traumatic stress syndrome to miraculous headache relief, the potential in this new research is limitless. In my Activist Blog, I plan to profile a different treatment/story in each post: in order to raise awareness about this amazing research being done around the world. Many of these treatments have negative connotations, but new clinical research can reform the images crafted by ignorant thinkers. We would be limiting ourselves by not experimenting with these alternative solutions to major problems, and my blog will explore the progress being made around the world in this field.
-Phil Rozes
Friday, February 3, 2012
Reading Response 1
"So, whether your passion is nerdy word mongering, street fashions, flamethrowers, (or) extraterrestrial artifacts... a well-focused blog stands an excellent change of attracting the attention of others who share the same obsession." - Suzanne Stefanac, Dispatches from Blogistan: A Travel Guide for the Modern Blogger
In chapter five, "Blogs as Clubhouses", Stefanac emphasizes the uniting power of blogs. Throughout the reading, she stresses that like-minded individuals flock to a site of common interest. No quote illustrates this belief better than the aforementioned passage, because it shows: no matter the topic, if a blog displays concentration and quality, readers with similar interests will identify and respond to the blog.
The stress of Stefanac's advice is concentration and focus. In order for a blog to attract a particular demographic, the writer must hone-in on and explore the audience's common interests. So to put it simply - if you write a blog about food, food fanatics will flock to it, so you better not be talking about how cute your waitress was at the Olive Garden. If the blog is about cats, dog-lovers are not going to be your target audience. Without the audience - a blog is simply a journal, so It is necessary to please and cater to the interests of the reader. I have taken Stefanac's advice to heart, so despite the erratic nature of these blog prompts, I plan to create a focused and coherent blog. This advice appeals directly to out Activist Blog, so I feel her advice will be invaluable when it is time for me to become an activist.
In chapter five, "Blogs as Clubhouses", Stefanac emphasizes the uniting power of blogs. Throughout the reading, she stresses that like-minded individuals flock to a site of common interest. No quote illustrates this belief better than the aforementioned passage, because it shows: no matter the topic, if a blog displays concentration and quality, readers with similar interests will identify and respond to the blog.
The stress of Stefanac's advice is concentration and focus. In order for a blog to attract a particular demographic, the writer must hone-in on and explore the audience's common interests. So to put it simply - if you write a blog about food, food fanatics will flock to it, so you better not be talking about how cute your waitress was at the Olive Garden. If the blog is about cats, dog-lovers are not going to be your target audience. Without the audience - a blog is simply a journal, so It is necessary to please and cater to the interests of the reader. I have taken Stefanac's advice to heart, so despite the erratic nature of these blog prompts, I plan to create a focused and coherent blog. This advice appeals directly to out Activist Blog, so I feel her advice will be invaluable when it is time for me to become an activist.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Week 2 Reflection
Activism and blogging go hand in hand. Think about it - without blogs, thousands of giddy activists would be left voiceless without their online outlet for expression. For my own activist blog, I plan to utilize a blog to raise awareness towards an issue of my choice. The issue? To be honest I am not sure, but once I am sufficiently inspired, I will use the knowledge I gained in today's class to form an engaging Activist blog.
Through our group's research, I have come to the conclusion that style is the most important part of any blog. In my blog, I plan to choose a style and stick with it. From my page layout to writing voice, I plan to maintain a consistent writing method. In every successful blog I have read, the page layout and writer's voice do not waver between posts. Rather than adjusting my writing style from topic to topic, my voice will help personify the blog, developing the blog's 'pathos' through my posts. Like I said in my earlier post; the writer's style determines the quality of the blog, so I plan to utilize my voice to the fullest - no matter the topic or audience.
Through our group's research, I have come to the conclusion that style is the most important part of any blog. In my blog, I plan to choose a style and stick with it. From my page layout to writing voice, I plan to maintain a consistent writing method. In every successful blog I have read, the page layout and writer's voice do not waver between posts. Rather than adjusting my writing style from topic to topic, my voice will help personify the blog, developing the blog's 'pathos' through my posts. Like I said in my earlier post; the writer's style determines the quality of the blog, so I plan to utilize my voice to the fullest - no matter the topic or audience.
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