Blog #14

The introduction to the “New Media Design” article enumerates a variety of facts and beliefs about the realm of graphic designs, as well as some of the misconceptions and uses of the field. Graphic design refers to the textual and visual information as it is arranged, formed, and communicated within a variety of mediums. Different types of graphic design include typeface, editorial, environmental signage, posters, corporate identity, packaging, general information, and media related graphics. When the different types were being described, it made me really examine the plethora of multifarious graphics that surround us to the point that sometimes it is difficult to remember that every graphic, construction, and image we see has been created by someone with a very specific purpose. Additionally, the differences between old and new media demonstrate the huge impact that the creation of graphics have on specific audiences. The incorporation of interactivity and the ability to enable audiences to act is significant difference between old and new media. The use of the computer makes the characteristics and functions of the new media possible. The possibilities for the future of graphic design and new media has led some to believe that even new modes of communication are being formed that will need to be defined. This article provides a basic background of the field of graphic design but also emphasizes its role and importance within everyday life - a form of communication that yields meaning and understanding for its various audiences.

Blog #13

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lynne Truss’ introduction called “The Seventh Sense” from the book “Eats, Shoots, and Leaves.” Not only was it a worthwhile read based on its content, but her stylistic approach made me literally laugh out loud several times - something that has rarely, if ever, occurred within my academic career thus far. This in itself made me appreciate her stance on the importance of both punctuation and its potential to get lost within the haze of mistakes and lax writing rules as society advances (or in the case of punctuation, digresses). Truss suggests that punctuation is clearly the driving force of writing and provides examples of misplaced or absent punctuation that completely changes the intent of a sentence or paragraph...and in some cases, an entire work. Her description of the lack of emphasis on punctuation and grammar within schools made me realize the prevalence of common mistakes within many different forms of communication. However, after reading Jack Lynch’s, “Grammar, and Nonsense, and Learning: We Look to the Future,” I began to realize that being a “stickler” may not, in fact, be the best course of action if maintaining some semblance of “order” within the English language is of primary concern. His emphasis on appropriateness when employing language is particularly insightful, as well as his argument that for the past century (at least), the efforts made to maintain grammar and punctuation have proven to be futile. Additionally, the use of language as a socializing mechanism and a means of categorically structuring people based on level and choice of language is also extremely eye-opening. I truly enjoyed both of these articles and they have made me that much more of a proponent for this area of expertise.

Blog #12

In Sullivan & Eggleston’s article, “Before You Begin,” the editing process is described and presented as a checklist in order to demonstrate the varying levels of commitment and requirements that are involved within the field. When reading the article, it felt like I was reading a “how-to” guide or “editing for dummies” manual, but regardless the material is concise and useful, pertinent not only to the EWM major but post-graduation as well. The authors enumerate different levels of editing including standard proofreading, editorial proofreading, copy editing, and substantive editing, therefore displaying an increasing level of detail and work attributed to each possible type. The questions of what level of work, who is the audience, when is it due, which format will be used, which references will be utilized, and who will answer questions regarding all information, all arise within the article as key components that are a necessary part of the checklist (provided at the end) to go through each time a piece is edited or editing work is done. I found the article to be helpful and will likely use it as a resource in the future within this class and beyond.

Blog #11

In Kristie Fleckenstein’s article, “Appetite for Coherence,” she describes the necessary role of peer evaluation and reader/writer role acknowledgment for the development of coherence within composition. Coherence is created by the reader, thus the writer must take into consideration both the writer’s perspective but also the reader’s as well. “To be good writers, they must be good readers as well.” The claim that coherence is necessary within a composition refers to the relationships built between ideas that allow for furthered understanding and grasping of the points that the author addresses. Fleckenstein provides a variety of classroom based examples in order to support her claim that not only teachers, but students should be actively involved in the composition and revision process. I personally was a bit confused by the examples as it seemed to disjoint the flow of the article, but I can understand the necessary application and incorporation of them within the article. She proposes that fostering reliance on one’s own judgment rather than the professor’s or thought audience’s will in effect promote coherence within a piece. I appreciate the transitional and linguistic cues that are addressed within the article, but I’m not sure that the actual application of this strategy would be effective without having any personal experience with the process. I do think it is a creative approach for instilling editing/revising skills within inexperienced writers. However, it is evident that ideas and coherence is a necessary and huge component of the composition process.

Blog #10

In Nancy Sommers article, “Revision Strategies of Student Writers and Experienced Adult Writers,” she enumerates a variety of differences between the revision processes as approached by student writers in comparison to more experienced writers. The composition process and the incorporation of the act of revising are largely contingent upon the linear models established for writing – conception, incubation, and production being the three main components. However, because of the reliance on linear models of writing based on traditional models of rhetoric (speech), the presence of revision as a core component is diminished. Yet the possibility of revision is what may be considered the distinguishing factor of text from speech. Revision’s role within composition is seemingly deemphasized, but the author claims that its role is vital to the overall purpose of the composition.
After reading the article, it really made me evaluate my own writing process and specifically my attention to revising, or lack thereof. Based on the author’s evaluation of students’ responses to the revision process, it is evident that much emphasis is placed on word choice and sentence structure without much attention to the overall intent of the composition. However, I personally do not consult a thesaurus for word choice changes, etc., yet it seems to be quite prevalent especially in lower level writing. The oversight for revision, however, may be attributed to the styles of writing taught throughout elementary, middle, and high schools, especially the five-point paper, thesis first, etc. It all seems to be very formulaic. I also think this may be attributed to the emphasis placed on standardized testing and therefore writing for the sole purpose of covering all grammatical bases and rules as determined by the audience. The issue is that the audience is in effect responsible for the writer’s grade, acceptance, etc. and so the idea of the writing being a process of discovery is lost in the shuffle. The basis by which we are taught to write needs to be reevaluated if the incorporation of revision and the idea that “good writing disturbs” is of significance to the quality and future of composition.

Blog #9

The article by Sturken and Cartwright contains a variety of descriptions and enumerations regarding the realm of media and the role different mediums play in the formation of ideas and communication of thoughts from the creator to the receptor. The first section, Media Forms, explains the plurality of different mediums and the way they may in fact be homogenous in their effect though a culmination of a variety of different technologies. Media is the plural form of medium, and no message can exist without being in relation to the medium. Therefore, a distortion or addition to the message is inevitable. Meanings and conventions may be infiltrated within the message even without intent, but the result is not the beginning intent of the message. Additionally, different experiences occur through different modes of media. I think that this is evident within a variety of facets of society, especially through film. Because the medium controls the message that is conveyed, the audience is informed, either implicitly or explicitly, on how to perceive the message and how to feel as a result. Additionally, credibility and presentation are also factors taken into account when regarding a message. The convergence of media also perpetuates the incorporation of external factors with regard to the overall message. In the Broadcast, Narrowcast and Webcast Media section, the differences between the three are reflected upon, therefore revealing the different ways in which media can select a target audience or intent to include all possible viewers/receivers. The expansion of the cable network and therefore of the community base in which the production is centered upon definitely affects the content and intent of what types of messages are being produced. The ability to select specific types of media through specific mediums allows for shaping and molding of different preconceived ideas of the audience. The proliferation of different cable companies seems to imply that there is diversity within the networking, however the abundance is still controlled and censored to what types of messages or ideas are conveyed, typically based on how to best serve the producer’s agenda. I think this is extremely evident with a variety of television shows and networks, including MTV, BET and the like. I was not aware that Disney owned a variety of network channels, but this explains the specific messages that are rendered through programming and shows, aiding in the socialization of viewers. Webcasting allows for a broader span of freedom and personal expression, but legal action has introduced copyright laws, etc. into the spectrum of expression. The section of Media and Democratic Potential proposes that the promotion of open an open flow of communication and expression will in effect promote democracy and democratic principles within society. The example of Paper Tiger Television introduces the counter-cultural initiative that is able to flourish within the different mediums. I agree that this is a possibility, but I think that the distribution and reception of lesser held views and beliefs may continue to be suppressed even while seemingly utilizing freedom of expression. Media and the Public Sphere is concerned with the general embodiment of the public via different mediums. The public sphere is “ideally a space - a physical place, social setting, or media arena - in which citizens come together to debate and discuss the pressing issues of their society.” However, critics of this have considered the persons with potential for discussion as a private sphere discussing public affairs, perpetuating exclusion etc. Therefore, many counterpublics may be considered to be established in that they are subordinate to the majority/dominant public but all have self-serving interests and ideas. I personally think this idea of public space for discourse is evident in the “comments” sections of newspapers/magazines/etc. online, as there are, without fail, endless debates that arise over something as simple as a local “filler” news story. The section National and Global Media Events describes the way in which media/different mediums may act as a unifying force for a sense of collective purpose or community, particularly in relation to major news and current events. Television is a primary medium for this type of instantaneous news release and account of a variety of audiences worldwide. In any major recent event, for instance 9/11 or the earthquake in Haiti, different modes of media - but primarily television, have effected change because of the simultaneous ability to reach such wide audiences.
I think that the presence of media within society is often taken as reality and there is not sufficient questioning of media and its source within society. The perpetuation of stereotypes, social roles, and social expectations is a result of different mediums portraying instances of “reality” when in fact it is ultimately distorted and catering to a given agenda. It is critical to understand where messages are coming from and what purpose they are serving. However, the role of media will remain all encompassing within society so it is up to the new generations to identify possible issues within the different mediums in order to maintain both equality and freedom of expression simultaneously.