Thursday, June 24, 2010
Completed Class - English 5365
Completed English 5365! Thanks for all who visited my blog. I am looking into Fall 2010 classes in the TTU Online MATC program!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Thesis Update
Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is used by many in schools and the workplace. Workplace productivity is increased by allowing tools, specifically Instant Messenger (IM) to be used on workers desktops and remote offices. By teaching the proper use and discretion in using IM in a formal technical communication course, we will have assisted in developing new employees, with necessary tools and skills to contribute to the working environment quickly, and efficiently.
With the teaching of this technology comes additional questions and challenges, teaching or explaining style in CMC. Is there style in CMC? Specifically IM?
Of course there is style in CMC such as IM. IM affects both cohesion and coherence as defined by in the Williams text. Additionally, "Concision" is an aspect of style that is changed and or affected by the use of IM. These aspects of style are areas that can be part of an official university course on CMC. CMC in the workplace is not going anywhere, and it is part of a university's charter to ensure students are prepared with knowledge and tools upon entering the real world workplace.
With the teaching of this technology comes additional questions and challenges, teaching or explaining style in CMC. Is there style in CMC? Specifically IM?
Of course there is style in CMC such as IM. IM affects both cohesion and coherence as defined by in the Williams text. Additionally, "Concision" is an aspect of style that is changed and or affected by the use of IM. These aspects of style are areas that can be part of an official university course on CMC. CMC in the workplace is not going anywhere, and it is part of a university's charter to ensure students are prepared with knowledge and tools upon entering the real world workplace.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Week 11 - High, middle, and low styles from the edited collection
Week 11 - For your blog, Refer to high, middle, and low styles with what you read/worked on from the edited collection.
The prose that I am reviewing from the “edited collection” appear to fall on into the style of “middle”, closely related to an academic style. The authors are discussing the benefits of tool that student use in developing their portfolio of projects, and ten to fall into the academic way of writing as the topic is mainly about academia. The style is generally in the “middle” and tend to not focus on the general reader, but more of the person in academia, technical writing or technical communication in some manner. In reviewing the edited collection chapter, I approached the reading as a general interest reader, not that familiar with the “inside baseball” of academics at the instructor level. At time I struggled to understand what the writers were expressing, but after stepping back , I realized they were using a “middle” style in their writing, not quite at a level that fits the category of “high”, something I was not that familiar with. The areas that were difficult for a general reader were noted in the review comments posted to the edited chapter.
The prose that I am reviewing from the “edited collection” appear to fall on into the style of “middle”, closely related to an academic style. The authors are discussing the benefits of tool that student use in developing their portfolio of projects, and ten to fall into the academic way of writing as the topic is mainly about academia. The style is generally in the “middle” and tend to not focus on the general reader, but more of the person in academia, technical writing or technical communication in some manner. In reviewing the edited collection chapter, I approached the reading as a general interest reader, not that familiar with the “inside baseball” of academics at the instructor level. At time I struggled to understand what the writers were expressing, but after stepping back , I realized they were using a “middle” style in their writing, not quite at a level that fits the category of “high”, something I was not that familiar with. The areas that were difficult for a general reader were noted in the review comments posted to the edited chapter.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Interesting story on what we talked about in class on 03/30
Google has censorship balancing act outside China
Mar 31, 7:32 PM (ET)
By MICHAEL LIEDTKE
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Google Inc. didn't stop wrangling with censorship when the company moved its search engine out of mainland China to shed its restraints on what can be shown on the Internet.
URL: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100401/D9EPUIV80.html
Mar 31, 7:32 PM (ET)
By MICHAEL LIEDTKE
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Google Inc. didn't stop wrangling with censorship when the company moved its search engine out of mainland China to shed its restraints on what can be shown on the Internet.
URL: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100401/D9EPUIV80.html
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Blog Posting Week 10
What is the dark side of the Web, and how does it play into your paper about style and technology?
Funny, if we all agreed on the dark side of the web...surely there would be limits on information access...but wait...just recently in an online news article:
"We are fundamentally guided by the belief that more information for our users is ultimately better," said Nicole Wong, Google's deputy general counsel.
Quoted from article: URL: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100401/D9EPUIV80.html
The Dark Side of the Web – Dennis Baron
In reading this chapter, one can see some of the authors points on how the advent of the web and or computers has allowed for the “dark side “of the web to expand. Certainly, there are hate-filled sites, on a variety of topics as well as sex-oriented sites on anything and everything. I do not see this as a bad thing, especially in the United States. As noted in the chapter, countries like China have taken and do take steps to censor or limit information via the Internet. In my opinion... so what! That is the policy of that country or of several others. As long as we maintain freedom in our country, I see no problem with the expansion of the web, including the so-called “dark side”. These groups, messages and ideas have developed and expanded over time using whatever the latest technology is, printing presses, telephones, cell phones, etc. It is all an offshoot of “freedom of speech”. Should we have rules, laws and regulations for various “dark sides of the We?” Well, it depends! There is no yes or no answer!
For example, in my house, I choose to implement a web filter program to limit access to these sites. I am deciding and as a proactive parent, controlling information , only into my house. Let all the information flow…..responsible folks should be able to determine if they want to limit or restrict sites in the home.
That is just one scenario, what about schools, libraries, and the workplace. Well, perhaps this is where my idea of "freedom for all..."ends. I do not see any issue with a library or school limiting information via the Internet that is coming into each location. These users are not “in the privacy of their own home”….so sorry…you must play by the rules. This same idea should apply to the workplace….you are allowed the privilege to access the Internet at work…..so again play by the rules.
So to the blog posted question: What is the dark side of the Web, and how does it play into your paper about style and technology?
The dark side of the web, I believe is subject to interpretation, just because I do not like your message, I have no right to censor it. Nevertheless, I have the right to not allow the message into my home, via filtering the Web as it enters my personal space or home network. How does it play into my paper? I really don’t think it does. I think Baron is anti-technology and just does not like any emerging technologies. The use of IM and email in the workplace, while some may argue is a waste of time, does not fit into any “dark side of the Web” in my opinion…..just over reaction as to the potential effects by some that may disagree.
Funny, if we all agreed on the dark side of the web...surely there would be limits on information access...but wait...just recently in an online news article:
"We are fundamentally guided by the belief that more information for our users is ultimately better," said Nicole Wong, Google's deputy general counsel.
Quoted from article: URL: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100401/D9EPUIV80.html
The Dark Side of the Web – Dennis Baron
In reading this chapter, one can see some of the authors points on how the advent of the web and or computers has allowed for the “dark side “of the web to expand. Certainly, there are hate-filled sites, on a variety of topics as well as sex-oriented sites on anything and everything. I do not see this as a bad thing, especially in the United States. As noted in the chapter, countries like China have taken and do take steps to censor or limit information via the Internet. In my opinion... so what! That is the policy of that country or of several others. As long as we maintain freedom in our country, I see no problem with the expansion of the web, including the so-called “dark side”. These groups, messages and ideas have developed and expanded over time using whatever the latest technology is, printing presses, telephones, cell phones, etc. It is all an offshoot of “freedom of speech”. Should we have rules, laws and regulations for various “dark sides of the We?” Well, it depends! There is no yes or no answer!
For example, in my house, I choose to implement a web filter program to limit access to these sites. I am deciding and as a proactive parent, controlling information , only into my house. Let all the information flow…..responsible folks should be able to determine if they want to limit or restrict sites in the home.
That is just one scenario, what about schools, libraries, and the workplace. Well, perhaps this is where my idea of "freedom for all..."ends. I do not see any issue with a library or school limiting information via the Internet that is coming into each location. These users are not “in the privacy of their own home”….so sorry…you must play by the rules. This same idea should apply to the workplace….you are allowed the privilege to access the Internet at work…..so again play by the rules.
So to the blog posted question: What is the dark side of the Web, and how does it play into your paper about style and technology?
The dark side of the web, I believe is subject to interpretation, just because I do not like your message, I have no right to censor it. Nevertheless, I have the right to not allow the message into my home, via filtering the Web as it enters my personal space or home network. How does it play into my paper? I really don’t think it does. I think Baron is anti-technology and just does not like any emerging technologies. The use of IM and email in the workplace, while some may argue is a waste of time, does not fit into any “dark side of the Web” in my opinion…..just over reaction as to the potential effects by some that may disagree.
Final Paper Thesis
Internet-Based Workplace Communications is widely used in many offices in today’s business world. The use of these tools have affected inter-office communication and writing styles of many business professionals and not always in a positive manner. While the use of these tools can increase productivity, these tools should be used with caution as to not affect the world of business communication negatively.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Week 7 Blog Topic
Think about all you've read in Baron, Lanham, and Williams--as well as the presentations and discussions you've seen. Define style (again). And, list out as many elements of style as you can. Feel free to borrow from peers' ideas in their blogs, too. You might indicate which are hardest for your to see in your own writing.
The dreaded “What is Style?” question is again asked. Perhaps after several week of reading the assigned texts, I can better formulate an answer. I am not sure about the better part, but I can form a response to “Define style…”
Style in writing is not one thing. It can’t be pigeonholed as “following the rules” or “correct grammar”. It is a concept that is different for everyone, yet similar when we identify common elements of style. I think the difference is in how the individual puts together the pieces of style to form the final results, the writing, or the picture composed of many parts. After reading Baron and Williams, I think a good analogy is jig saw pieces being the elements or parts of style and the final or complete picture the end result, presented in a particular writing style. One difference in writing style and the puzzle analogy is that we all have access to the various tools or pieces that make up style, but each individual puts them together in a different way, presenting their own personal style. We have the same puzzle pieces, but in a writing context, they can fit together in any of a number of ways.
Some of the elements of style we have read about to date include:
Correctness – using the correct rules when appropriate, and perhaps adapting the rules when needed.
Actions – linking characters to actions, using action verbs,
Characters – using short concrete, specific subject of verbs both active and passive
Cohesion and coherenece – sound the same but are not the same thing. Using clear sentences and fitting the together so they are written, read and move smoothly with unbroken continuity.
Emphasis – emphasizing the correct parts in the sentence
Concision – writing in a concise style or being concise in presenting the information
Shape – Break long sentences into shorter, more concise sentences, shape the idea being presented.
Elegance
The Ethics of Style
The dreaded “What is Style?” question is again asked. Perhaps after several week of reading the assigned texts, I can better formulate an answer. I am not sure about the better part, but I can form a response to “Define style…”
Style in writing is not one thing. It can’t be pigeonholed as “following the rules” or “correct grammar”. It is a concept that is different for everyone, yet similar when we identify common elements of style. I think the difference is in how the individual puts together the pieces of style to form the final results, the writing, or the picture composed of many parts. After reading Baron and Williams, I think a good analogy is jig saw pieces being the elements or parts of style and the final or complete picture the end result, presented in a particular writing style. One difference in writing style and the puzzle analogy is that we all have access to the various tools or pieces that make up style, but each individual puts them together in a different way, presenting their own personal style. We have the same puzzle pieces, but in a writing context, they can fit together in any of a number of ways.
Some of the elements of style we have read about to date include:
Correctness – using the correct rules when appropriate, and perhaps adapting the rules when needed.
Actions – linking characters to actions, using action verbs,
Characters – using short concrete, specific subject of verbs both active and passive
Cohesion and coherenece – sound the same but are not the same thing. Using clear sentences and fitting the together so they are written, read and move smoothly with unbroken continuity.
Emphasis – emphasizing the correct parts in the sentence
Concision – writing in a concise style or being concise in presenting the information
Shape – Break long sentences into shorter, more concise sentences, shape the idea being presented.
Elegance
The Ethics of Style
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Week 6 - Better Pencil Reading Post
Topic: Baron provides examples of “a better pencil.” What does he mean by the concept, and how might that impact style? Consider what your approach to your final course paper might be and how Baron’s ideas relate to it.
In reading the assigned chapters by Baron, I was a little confused. I am not sure exactly if Baron is pro technology or anti technology, a Luddite? I get the feeling from his writing that the whole “A Better Pencil” is about more than meets the eye. I sense a bit of sarcasm on Barons writings.
Baron notes “Books are technology…” are they? I guess we can argue that yes, books, printed and bound into a useful format are technology. Is that the extent? The end product of information in a useful, portable format. In a way a book is like the internet. While limited by the content of one book, it is a technology tool used to find information. The Web is also a tool, in a different format, used to find entertainment or information. Unfortunately, this may apply only to a reference book. What about a novel or entertainment in book form? Is that technology also? I do not think so. The book delivering the novel contents is the technology; the chapters and words inside are the entertainment.
Perhaps by better pencil Baron means that technology, including computers and the Web are the “better pencil.” We use both to document and retrieve ideas and information, just in a different format. Over history the pencil has been used to document information, it is retrieved when a person references or reads the written information back at a later time. I am not sure in reading Baron, that he feels style is impacted by tools other than the pencil. His point it seems is akin to the old saying, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Even though we have tools like computers and networks such as the internet, the basics of writing style remain the same, as does the good old reliable number 2 pencil.
In reading the assigned chapters by Baron, I was a little confused. I am not sure exactly if Baron is pro technology or anti technology, a Luddite? I get the feeling from his writing that the whole “A Better Pencil” is about more than meets the eye. I sense a bit of sarcasm on Barons writings.
Baron notes “Books are technology…” are they? I guess we can argue that yes, books, printed and bound into a useful format are technology. Is that the extent? The end product of information in a useful, portable format. In a way a book is like the internet. While limited by the content of one book, it is a technology tool used to find information. The Web is also a tool, in a different format, used to find entertainment or information. Unfortunately, this may apply only to a reference book. What about a novel or entertainment in book form? Is that technology also? I do not think so. The book delivering the novel contents is the technology; the chapters and words inside are the entertainment.
Perhaps by better pencil Baron means that technology, including computers and the Web are the “better pencil.” We use both to document and retrieve ideas and information, just in a different format. Over history the pencil has been used to document information, it is retrieved when a person references or reads the written information back at a later time. I am not sure in reading Baron, that he feels style is impacted by tools other than the pencil. His point it seems is akin to the old saying, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Even though we have tools like computers and networks such as the internet, the basics of writing style remain the same, as does the good old reliable number 2 pencil.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
What is elegant to a technical communicator, would you say? Is that something different than what your current or future profession subscribes to?
I think that what is elegant to a technical communicator in many ways is not that different from what is elegant to most readers. It is just a matter of seeing the information in a different context, the world of technology. I may be slightly biased, as a technical communicator, precise, easy to read and writing is elegant.
My current profession does not really subscribe to any definition or use of the term elegant. For the most part, the documentation I use in my daily job is, for lack of a better term “dry". Most documents are specifications are requirements that provide details on an interface or system enhancement. But if I really think about it, yes, these types of documents can be elegant. Elegant in the fact they provide me with the information I need, when I need it. In most cases there is not a great deal of additional material, mainly the specifications and information needed to test system functionality. There really is no need for any other information in most cases, it may even distract from the vital information being presented.
In the eyes of a technical professional, the material and information may be presented in a way that is clear, concise and readable. In the IT world, these would make for an elegant document as often the documentation received is lacking in many areas. I think this in a way ties into our class discussion on elegance. Some may think a popular romance novel is elegant writing. It may be or it may not be elegant. The determination is in eyes of the reader.
In my current profession, while the documentation is technical and perhaps “dry” to many people, there is certain elegance to the writing. I do not think this is by design as, the technical communicator in my field is task with mainly documenting and presenting information, with little thought toward style. But for those in a technical field, I think they can appreciate the elements of style and elegance that appear in presenting information on subjects that may not be that exciting to the general public.
My current profession does not really subscribe to any definition or use of the term elegant. For the most part, the documentation I use in my daily job is, for lack of a better term “dry". Most documents are specifications are requirements that provide details on an interface or system enhancement. But if I really think about it, yes, these types of documents can be elegant. Elegant in the fact they provide me with the information I need, when I need it. In most cases there is not a great deal of additional material, mainly the specifications and information needed to test system functionality. There really is no need for any other information in most cases, it may even distract from the vital information being presented.
In the eyes of a technical professional, the material and information may be presented in a way that is clear, concise and readable. In the IT world, these would make for an elegant document as often the documentation received is lacking in many areas. I think this in a way ties into our class discussion on elegance. Some may think a popular romance novel is elegant writing. It may be or it may not be elegant. The determination is in eyes of the reader.
In my current profession, while the documentation is technical and perhaps “dry” to many people, there is certain elegance to the writing. I do not think this is by design as, the technical communicator in my field is task with mainly documenting and presenting information, with little thought toward style. But for those in a technical field, I think they can appreciate the elements of style and elegance that appear in presenting information on subjects that may not be that exciting to the general public.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Week 5 Post
What are the most valuable types or strategies to commenty you've seen? What worked or didn't work on the comments offered by Dr. Rice?
The most valuable type or strategy to comment or provide feedback is both positive and negative. I look at any comments as good as far as providing me feedback on my work. Personally, I think I this helps me to become a better student and writer. In providing comments back to other students, I feel the same way. I attempt to provide feedback in a straightforward manner, and not fearing that I may offend the person. The feedback provided is in an effort to provide another point of view to the author.
The comments by Dr. Rice back to me have been straight forward and constructive. He identified areas of my paper that were not working and an assessment of the direction my paper was taking, or in this case, lack of direction. I appreciated the Dr. Rice’s comments and took them all under consideration. I am not a technical writer by trade or training, so In my case I can use all the feedback I can get. Positive or negative feedback, in my case in useful in expanding and improving my writing skills. By being open to Dr. Rice’s and other student’s comments, I gain a better understanding of the field. I feel am fortunate to have the feedback from technical writing professionals and use the comments to improve my skills.
The most valuable type or strategy to comment or provide feedback is both positive and negative. I look at any comments as good as far as providing me feedback on my work. Personally, I think I this helps me to become a better student and writer. In providing comments back to other students, I feel the same way. I attempt to provide feedback in a straightforward manner, and not fearing that I may offend the person. The feedback provided is in an effort to provide another point of view to the author.
The comments by Dr. Rice back to me have been straight forward and constructive. He identified areas of my paper that were not working and an assessment of the direction my paper was taking, or in this case, lack of direction. I appreciated the Dr. Rice’s comments and took them all under consideration. I am not a technical writer by trade or training, so In my case I can use all the feedback I can get. Positive or negative feedback, in my case in useful in expanding and improving my writing skills. By being open to Dr. Rice’s and other student’s comments, I gain a better understanding of the field. I feel am fortunate to have the feedback from technical writing professionals and use the comments to improve my skills.
The Importance Of Style - Revised Edition
I had a lot of work to revise my original paper. Not sure why I was challenged by creating and acceptable paper?
STYLE AND ONLINE NEWS SITES
The Importance of Style for Online News Sites
Style is important in written communication as well as in the presentation of stories to readers of online news sites. One of the most popular ways to get news today is the Internet. As recent poll by Zogby International indicates that a: “majority of Americans view the web as the best source of information” (Webber 2009). Additionally, when asked if they had only a single source for news, what would it be? A majority of adults, 56% picked the Internet (Webber 2009). It is becoming apparent that most people choose online news sites for their news and information. According to Baron: “… newspaper circulation in the United States has been in decline for many years, and as more and more people get their information from screens instead of kiosks, newspapers have been quick to digitize in the hopes of improving readership and the advertising revenue that keeps these digital “papers” afloat” (Baron 2009). With an increase in the number and popularity of online news, we ask the question: “Do Online News Sites Utilize Style?” The answer is yes. Online news sites utilize elements, principles and general guidelines for style in presenting news to readers. This paper addresses the question by focusing on a selected number of online news sites and analyzing the style used in presenting content. For purposes of this research we are not including any traditional newspaper websites. The study of online versions of paper based news sources is the subject for future research. The news sites chosen for this paper do not have a companion print-based version for comparison. The selected websites are news oriented sites with a common thread of “Breaking News” or “Latest Headlines”. The primary focus of each site is presenting the latest general news stories as they develop. In my opinion, style does matter for any online news site. Style is important in driving the popularity of each site and in turn, the revenue potential for each organization. The difference between the researched news sites in this paper is the style that is used in their presentation of the stories.
Generally, users seeking news via web sites are still expecting the traditional, established reporting style to be utilized. While the visual presentation, fonts, colors and many other aspects that the user sees are part of the style, the basics remain the same. The news sites adhere to the basic rule of reporting a story. Most reporters are taught to ask five questions: Who? What? Where? When? And Why? The researched online news sites all have this element in common and it is part of the style for each one. Deviating from the five basic questions is not something any news sites want to do. After all, these questions have withstood the test of time. Why reinvent the wheel? Or for that matter, why reinvent generally accepted reporting questions?
Most readers prefer clear, concise writing in news stories. Stories written with these characteristics reflect two commonly discussed principles of style: clarity and understanding. According to Williams, clarity and understanding are two vital principles related to style in writing (Williams 2009). The principle of clear and concise writing takes into consideration the reader before the writer. This is another important common element of style found in online news sites.
CNN Example
An example from the CNN website shows us a presentation style that focuses on video content. While the main offering appears to be video stories, the site also has a section of text based or written content for the user.
While the CNN site does have text content, the user is first presented with large images and links to videos. From this we can assume the folks at CNN have created a style that is heavy on video content and not so heavy on text base news stories. A smaller, less prominent section has links to text news stories, some with video, most with a still picture. From the linked stories, one thing in common with most of the researched web pages, they still stick to the traditional news style of reporting. The style within each reported story on this site varies depending on the subject and context in which it is reported. For example, one story sticks to the fact and presents little else as far as style. This style is very clear and concise.
In this example we can see a demonstration of William’s description on concision. Each word is important in this example and there are no “useless adjectives and adverbs” (Williams 2009). This style is more reminiscent of the days of breaking news coming over the wire where just the facts are reported quickly and concisely. It is interesting to note in analyzing the latest online news offerings, they style used found in certain stories is the same as the style used extensively thirty or forty years ago. While the technology has changed, the use of style in writing news stories has remained the same in many cases over the years.
A different example, also from CNN, follows the basics of style, but has additional content such as quotes from the rescue workers and more background information.
The style used in reporting this story provides additional information and paints a picture for the reader. The use of additional comments and information follow the principle of thinking about the reader first, providing as much relevant information on the story as possible.
Fox News Example
Another online news site style example is from the Fox News website. The style of this website is really a hybrid of video and text based stores. In contrast to the CNN website, which focuses on the video offerings, the Fox websites combines both stories and video into a presentation that does not appear to favor or push one style over the other.
CNN and Fox are news sites with their own style in the written content. Other news sites have a hybrid style or a combination of styles from different sources. For example Google News aggregates news stories from numerous sources. Presented on a single page, each story has its own use of writing style or “something heterogeneous in origin or composition” ("Hybrid," 2010).
Yahoo Example
Yahoo News offering video and text content, and does not push one style over the other. Yahoo provides a news web page that is also a “hybrid” style. Users are presented with a headline that is a link to the complete story. This is a different style and presentation that CNN and Fox News which provide the user with a one or two line preview from the story. With this difference, the news writer must be clear and concise in creating the first sentence or two for CNN and Fox news, allowing the user to get a flavor for the story. For Yahoo News, the writer is tasked with creating a catchy or interesting headline that will drive the user to explore the additional content. The Yahoo news site is found at: http://news.yahoo.com/.
Google News Example
Google news is presented in a straight forward, less splashy style than for example CNN and Fox. The Google News site can be found at http://news.google.com/. While presenting with what appears to be less style, they make up for this with increased utility. Functionality can also be deemed a part of the style of the page. The functionality if offered with the readers interest it mind. Keeping the reader interest at the front of mind is "good manners" (Williams 2009). Google aggregates the news in a “quick and dirty” fashion and post the top stories on its news page. This style works for those users interested in the latest stories in an easy to read format from a wide variety of sources.
Drudge Report Example
Drudge Report is also a news aggregation site. The simple font and straightforward presentation on this news site is great for readers wanting news without a lot of overhead. The site consists of one main headline, surrounded by numerous other headlines in a smaller font. These headlines are really links to another web page and with the story. While some may indicate site lacks style, others argue the style is in the sheer simplicity of the site. As with Google news, the Drudge Report news site is high functional. This presentation on this website style in very unique and some would say plain, but it also exhibits a style. It is a news site that has no content. The site just has links to other sites, but the style work well and has for years. Clear and concise headlines are linked to stories from a wide variety of sources. Users can select the stories based on the brief headlines and not have to wade through an overload of interactive and visual content.
Analysis
Is the content of online news sites written with clarity and understanding in mind? I believe this is true. Each on the example news sites has a style that presents the stories with the reader in mind. Williams indicates, most professional writers know how to “write clearly” (Williams, 2009). On the other hand many are challenged by trying to “organize complex ideas coherently”. For the most part, the typical online news story is written in a clear, concise understandable style. When complex ideas or stories are introduced, organizing and presenting the information to the reader is vital to keeping the reader motivated and involved in the process. Doing this depends upon style. Motivated, involved and satisfied online news readers are return customers. In the business of delivering news content online, repeat customer are the key to increased revenue, presence and market share.
The advent of online news sites and computers in general has advanced and enhanced to tools writers have to craft their own style. One thing the online news sites must avoid in being “too smart by half.” Complicated presentation of a news story takes away from the content and utility a user gets from visiting the site. According to Baron, “Computers, as they improved over two decades, began offering design options that allowed writers to personalize and professionalize their writing. These new choices in turn led to a proliferation of overcomplicated document presentation“ (Baron 2009). These are wise words that apply to today’s online news sites.
Conclusion
Each of these news websites takes into account “style” in their presentation. By focusing on a different aspect of style, each is attempting to appeal to a different age group, gender, income group and any of a number of demographics. Why? In order to drive up hits to the web page and increase potential ad revenue, news pages are created with a certain style. The use of style to appeal to certain demographics. Style and content are important to those websites that wish to remain relevant in today’s online news competitive space.
CNN and Fox News web sites have content and style that is reflective of the individual writers contributing to each story. We may see style similarities on these types of sites based on the fact there may be one online content editor that coordinates the stories and writing in a particular style. On the other hand, sites such as Drudge Report, Yahoo News and Google News, aggregate stories from multiple sources. The presentation of stories on these news sites take on a multiple personality style, or a hybrid style. This is based on the fact each story is from a different source, with a different editor and style preferences.
Which style works better? Personally, it depends on time frames for me. If I am in a hurry and want a quick summary of what is going on news wise, I tend to visit aggregate sites for many stories from many sources. If I am not pressed for time, I prefer to go to a news site that has its own unique style. Baron provides us with a fitting concluding comment: “Having learned to trust the technology, we are now engaged in the process of learning to trust the texts it produces” (Baron, 2009).
References
Baron, Dennis. (2009). A Better pencil. United States : Oxford
University Press, USA.
Breaking News. (2010, February 18). Retrieved from
http://www.cnn.com/
Breaking News | Latest News | Current News. (2010, February 18). Retrieved from
http://www.foxnews.com/
Drudge Report 2010. (2010, February 18). Retrieved from
http://www.drudgereport.com/
Google News. (2010, February 18). Retrieved from
http://www.news.google.com/
Hybrid. (2010). Merriam-Webster online. Retrieved (2010, February
19) from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hybrid
Teleprinter. (2010, February 11). Retrieved from http:
//en.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleprinter
Webber, L. (2009, June 18). Us: internet is most popular source of
news for majority of adults. Retrieved from http://www.editorsweblog.org/web_20/2009/06/
us_internet_is_most_popular_source_of_ne.php
Williams, J.M. (2009). Style the basics of clarity and grace. New
York: Pearson Longman.
Yahoo News. (2010, February 18). Retrieved from
http://www.news.yahoo.com/
STYLE AND ONLINE NEWS SITES
The Importance of Style for Online News Sites
Style is important in written communication as well as in the presentation of stories to readers of online news sites. One of the most popular ways to get news today is the Internet. As recent poll by Zogby International indicates that a: “majority of Americans view the web as the best source of information” (Webber 2009). Additionally, when asked if they had only a single source for news, what would it be? A majority of adults, 56% picked the Internet (Webber 2009). It is becoming apparent that most people choose online news sites for their news and information. According to Baron: “… newspaper circulation in the United States has been in decline for many years, and as more and more people get their information from screens instead of kiosks, newspapers have been quick to digitize in the hopes of improving readership and the advertising revenue that keeps these digital “papers” afloat” (Baron 2009). With an increase in the number and popularity of online news, we ask the question: “Do Online News Sites Utilize Style?” The answer is yes. Online news sites utilize elements, principles and general guidelines for style in presenting news to readers. This paper addresses the question by focusing on a selected number of online news sites and analyzing the style used in presenting content. For purposes of this research we are not including any traditional newspaper websites. The study of online versions of paper based news sources is the subject for future research. The news sites chosen for this paper do not have a companion print-based version for comparison. The selected websites are news oriented sites with a common thread of “Breaking News” or “Latest Headlines”. The primary focus of each site is presenting the latest general news stories as they develop. In my opinion, style does matter for any online news site. Style is important in driving the popularity of each site and in turn, the revenue potential for each organization. The difference between the researched news sites in this paper is the style that is used in their presentation of the stories.
Generally, users seeking news via web sites are still expecting the traditional, established reporting style to be utilized. While the visual presentation, fonts, colors and many other aspects that the user sees are part of the style, the basics remain the same. The news sites adhere to the basic rule of reporting a story. Most reporters are taught to ask five questions: Who? What? Where? When? And Why? The researched online news sites all have this element in common and it is part of the style for each one. Deviating from the five basic questions is not something any news sites want to do. After all, these questions have withstood the test of time. Why reinvent the wheel? Or for that matter, why reinvent generally accepted reporting questions?
Most readers prefer clear, concise writing in news stories. Stories written with these characteristics reflect two commonly discussed principles of style: clarity and understanding. According to Williams, clarity and understanding are two vital principles related to style in writing (Williams 2009). The principle of clear and concise writing takes into consideration the reader before the writer. This is another important common element of style found in online news sites.
CNN Example
An example from the CNN website shows us a presentation style that focuses on video content. While the main offering appears to be video stories, the site also has a section of text based or written content for the user.
While the CNN site does have text content, the user is first presented with large images and links to videos. From this we can assume the folks at CNN have created a style that is heavy on video content and not so heavy on text base news stories. A smaller, less prominent section has links to text news stories, some with video, most with a still picture. From the linked stories, one thing in common with most of the researched web pages, they still stick to the traditional news style of reporting. The style within each reported story on this site varies depending on the subject and context in which it is reported. For example, one story sticks to the fact and presents little else as far as style. This style is very clear and concise.
In this example we can see a demonstration of William’s description on concision. Each word is important in this example and there are no “useless adjectives and adverbs” (Williams 2009). This style is more reminiscent of the days of breaking news coming over the wire where just the facts are reported quickly and concisely. It is interesting to note in analyzing the latest online news offerings, they style used found in certain stories is the same as the style used extensively thirty or forty years ago. While the technology has changed, the use of style in writing news stories has remained the same in many cases over the years.
A different example, also from CNN, follows the basics of style, but has additional content such as quotes from the rescue workers and more background information.
The style used in reporting this story provides additional information and paints a picture for the reader. The use of additional comments and information follow the principle of thinking about the reader first, providing as much relevant information on the story as possible.
Fox News Example
Another online news site style example is from the Fox News website. The style of this website is really a hybrid of video and text based stores. In contrast to the CNN website, which focuses on the video offerings, the Fox websites combines both stories and video into a presentation that does not appear to favor or push one style over the other.
CNN and Fox are news sites with their own style in the written content. Other news sites have a hybrid style or a combination of styles from different sources. For example Google News aggregates news stories from numerous sources. Presented on a single page, each story has its own use of writing style or “something heterogeneous in origin or composition” ("Hybrid," 2010).
Yahoo Example
Yahoo News offering video and text content, and does not push one style over the other. Yahoo provides a news web page that is also a “hybrid” style. Users are presented with a headline that is a link to the complete story. This is a different style and presentation that CNN and Fox News which provide the user with a one or two line preview from the story. With this difference, the news writer must be clear and concise in creating the first sentence or two for CNN and Fox news, allowing the user to get a flavor for the story. For Yahoo News, the writer is tasked with creating a catchy or interesting headline that will drive the user to explore the additional content. The Yahoo news site is found at: http://news.yahoo.com/.
Google News Example
Google news is presented in a straight forward, less splashy style than for example CNN and Fox. The Google News site can be found at http://news.google.com/. While presenting with what appears to be less style, they make up for this with increased utility. Functionality can also be deemed a part of the style of the page. The functionality if offered with the readers interest it mind. Keeping the reader interest at the front of mind is "good manners" (Williams 2009). Google aggregates the news in a “quick and dirty” fashion and post the top stories on its news page. This style works for those users interested in the latest stories in an easy to read format from a wide variety of sources.
Drudge Report Example
Drudge Report is also a news aggregation site. The simple font and straightforward presentation on this news site is great for readers wanting news without a lot of overhead. The site consists of one main headline, surrounded by numerous other headlines in a smaller font. These headlines are really links to another web page and with the story. While some may indicate site lacks style, others argue the style is in the sheer simplicity of the site. As with Google news, the Drudge Report news site is high functional. This presentation on this website style in very unique and some would say plain, but it also exhibits a style. It is a news site that has no content. The site just has links to other sites, but the style work well and has for years. Clear and concise headlines are linked to stories from a wide variety of sources. Users can select the stories based on the brief headlines and not have to wade through an overload of interactive and visual content.
Analysis
Is the content of online news sites written with clarity and understanding in mind? I believe this is true. Each on the example news sites has a style that presents the stories with the reader in mind. Williams indicates, most professional writers know how to “write clearly” (Williams, 2009). On the other hand many are challenged by trying to “organize complex ideas coherently”. For the most part, the typical online news story is written in a clear, concise understandable style. When complex ideas or stories are introduced, organizing and presenting the information to the reader is vital to keeping the reader motivated and involved in the process. Doing this depends upon style. Motivated, involved and satisfied online news readers are return customers. In the business of delivering news content online, repeat customer are the key to increased revenue, presence and market share.
The advent of online news sites and computers in general has advanced and enhanced to tools writers have to craft their own style. One thing the online news sites must avoid in being “too smart by half.” Complicated presentation of a news story takes away from the content and utility a user gets from visiting the site. According to Baron, “Computers, as they improved over two decades, began offering design options that allowed writers to personalize and professionalize their writing. These new choices in turn led to a proliferation of overcomplicated document presentation“ (Baron 2009). These are wise words that apply to today’s online news sites.
Conclusion
Each of these news websites takes into account “style” in their presentation. By focusing on a different aspect of style, each is attempting to appeal to a different age group, gender, income group and any of a number of demographics. Why? In order to drive up hits to the web page and increase potential ad revenue, news pages are created with a certain style. The use of style to appeal to certain demographics. Style and content are important to those websites that wish to remain relevant in today’s online news competitive space.
CNN and Fox News web sites have content and style that is reflective of the individual writers contributing to each story. We may see style similarities on these types of sites based on the fact there may be one online content editor that coordinates the stories and writing in a particular style. On the other hand, sites such as Drudge Report, Yahoo News and Google News, aggregate stories from multiple sources. The presentation of stories on these news sites take on a multiple personality style, or a hybrid style. This is based on the fact each story is from a different source, with a different editor and style preferences.
Which style works better? Personally, it depends on time frames for me. If I am in a hurry and want a quick summary of what is going on news wise, I tend to visit aggregate sites for many stories from many sources. If I am not pressed for time, I prefer to go to a news site that has its own unique style. Baron provides us with a fitting concluding comment: “Having learned to trust the technology, we are now engaged in the process of learning to trust the texts it produces” (Baron, 2009).
References
Baron, Dennis. (2009). A Better pencil. United States : Oxford
University Press, USA.
Breaking News. (2010, February 18). Retrieved from
http://www.cnn.com/
Breaking News | Latest News | Current News. (2010, February 18). Retrieved from
http://www.foxnews.com/
Drudge Report 2010. (2010, February 18). Retrieved from
http://www.drudgereport.com/
Google News. (2010, February 18). Retrieved from
http://www.news.google.com/
Hybrid. (2010). Merriam-Webster online. Retrieved (2010, February
19) from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hybrid
Teleprinter. (2010, February 11). Retrieved from http:
//en.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleprinter
Webber, L. (2009, June 18). Us: internet is most popular source of
news for majority of adults. Retrieved from http://www.editorsweblog.org/web_20/2009/06/
us_internet_is_most_popular_source_of_ne.php
Williams, J.M. (2009). Style the basics of clarity and grace. New
York: Pearson Longman.
Yahoo News. (2010, February 18). Retrieved from
http://www.news.yahoo.com/
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Question 2
Question 2: Provide an example of action or character in something you’ve read or something you’ve written recently, and how that might improve according to Williams.
Recent examples of something I have read that definitely can be improved according to Williams are available to me on a daily basis. I just have to look at tasks assigned to me to figure out in the software context, what was broken, what has been fixed and how the fix can be validated. I am purposefully using generic high level terms in these examples as they may have proprietary information or offend author in general. For example, here is one:
“Some Route reports have the wrong timestamp”
Not really much information in this example. What exactly are or is “some”
What is wrong with the timestamp? What is the correct time stamp? Do we even need a timestamp? For the most part, there is not much to work with in the statement. Generally, providing more action and descriptive information in reporting of technical issues is better for the reader. Simple identifying the reports in question would go a long way to improving this sentence. According to Williams, the statement is devoid of characters. The term “some” is also vague and passive in nature. What does it imply? A few? A majority? A small number? It is hard to determine from this statement.
For the most part, the initial example can be corrected by providing additional information and expanding the sentence. On the other end of the spectrum, a recent example that is more difficult to understand is:
debugBinding method in JdbcPersistentClass.java throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundException while loading PosiImpl.java. Posmpl.xml references to MutablePositImpl object which loads a big subset of database columns. Hence the columnIndex variable loaded form PositImppl.xml in debugBinding method is lesser than fieldIndex that represents the actual fields in PositImpl.java.
Accessing tableMapping[columnIndex - 1] in debugBinding method throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundException.
This one is along the lines of the example discussed about governmental intervention. What is the subject, the verb, the characters? It will take the reader a great deal of time just to figure out the parts. Additionally, in presenting technical information, using descriptive words like “big” may not be the best choice. All in all these two examples and at different ends of the spectrum, but both could benefit from an analysis and improvement based on William’s Style chapters on Action and Characters.
Recent examples of something I have read that definitely can be improved according to Williams are available to me on a daily basis. I just have to look at tasks assigned to me to figure out in the software context, what was broken, what has been fixed and how the fix can be validated. I am purposefully using generic high level terms in these examples as they may have proprietary information or offend author in general. For example, here is one:
“Some Route reports have the wrong timestamp”
Not really much information in this example. What exactly are or is “some”
What is wrong with the timestamp? What is the correct time stamp? Do we even need a timestamp? For the most part, there is not much to work with in the statement. Generally, providing more action and descriptive information in reporting of technical issues is better for the reader. Simple identifying the reports in question would go a long way to improving this sentence. According to Williams, the statement is devoid of characters. The term “some” is also vague and passive in nature. What does it imply? A few? A majority? A small number? It is hard to determine from this statement.
For the most part, the initial example can be corrected by providing additional information and expanding the sentence. On the other end of the spectrum, a recent example that is more difficult to understand is:
debugBinding method in JdbcPersistentClass.java throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundException while loading PosiImpl.java. Posmpl.xml references to MutablePositImpl object which loads a big subset of database columns. Hence the columnIndex variable loaded form PositImppl.xml in debugBinding method is lesser than fieldIndex that represents the actual fields in PositImpl.java.
Accessing tableMapping[columnIndex - 1] in debugBinding method throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundException.
This one is along the lines of the example discussed about governmental intervention. What is the subject, the verb, the characters? It will take the reader a great deal of time just to figure out the parts. Additionally, in presenting technical information, using descriptive words like “big” may not be the best choice. All in all these two examples and at different ends of the spectrum, but both could benefit from an analysis and improvement based on William’s Style chapters on Action and Characters.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Response to Question 1
Style is the technology, methods, presentation and techniques used by a communicator to present ideas, pose questions, provide information or feedback, or entertainment to the reader or consumer of the information.
We write things down for a number of reason, preservation of the information, presenting the idea or concept, historical purposes, entertainment purposes or any of a number of reasons. Personally, I write things down in an effort to “remember” them. This includes simple things like a grocery store list, to more detailed information such as testing results or configuration information. In my daily life, especially at work, I have found I rarely write things down using traditional methods such as pen and paper. Why, because I use technology such as notepad, word, email and IM to “write” down and communicate information. This leads into the next question “in what ways technology does determine style?”.
On the other hand, there is one thing I have always done on a regular basis, using good old fashions pencil or pen and paper. That thing is writing a list to “Things to Do” for the next day. Why? Probably due to habit more than anything else and reading a self-help book years ago that explained the benefits of writing a list of what you need to do the night before. What about the style? Simple, straightforward and very functional, a simple numbered list with a date on the top. What about the technology? Again, kept very simple. I can jot down the list on a paper notebook and I am done. No log in to a computer, no printer toner to use, just a list I can fold up and put into my pocket for the next day. When I need to reference or check the list, simple, take it out read and check of what has been done, anywhere at any time. I do not have to worry about internet connectivity, applications, printers, or any common technology. There is a certain beauty in this simple, yet functional example of style.
Technology determines style in many ways. The informal style of brief updates or character-limited blurbs is driven by the technology of “twitter. On the other hand “blogs” can be more lengthy (in many cases too lengthy”, and formal or informal in style. Texting, another technology has a style determine to save time and space by abbreviating common phrases, lol, brb etc. On the other hand, the availability of word processing applications can determine and reflect style in many ways, due the availability of numerous “templates” and wizards that guide a user into creating a document of any style, formal or informal.
We write things down for a number of reason, preservation of the information, presenting the idea or concept, historical purposes, entertainment purposes or any of a number of reasons. Personally, I write things down in an effort to “remember” them. This includes simple things like a grocery store list, to more detailed information such as testing results or configuration information. In my daily life, especially at work, I have found I rarely write things down using traditional methods such as pen and paper. Why, because I use technology such as notepad, word, email and IM to “write” down and communicate information. This leads into the next question “in what ways technology does determine style?”.
On the other hand, there is one thing I have always done on a regular basis, using good old fashions pencil or pen and paper. That thing is writing a list to “Things to Do” for the next day. Why? Probably due to habit more than anything else and reading a self-help book years ago that explained the benefits of writing a list of what you need to do the night before. What about the style? Simple, straightforward and very functional, a simple numbered list with a date on the top. What about the technology? Again, kept very simple. I can jot down the list on a paper notebook and I am done. No log in to a computer, no printer toner to use, just a list I can fold up and put into my pocket for the next day. When I need to reference or check the list, simple, take it out read and check of what has been done, anywhere at any time. I do not have to worry about internet connectivity, applications, printers, or any common technology. There is a certain beauty in this simple, yet functional example of style.
Technology determines style in many ways. The informal style of brief updates or character-limited blurbs is driven by the technology of “twitter. On the other hand “blogs” can be more lengthy (in many cases too lengthy”, and formal or informal in style. Texting, another technology has a style determine to save time and space by abbreviating common phrases, lol, brb etc. On the other hand, the availability of word processing applications can determine and reflect style in many ways, due the availability of numerous “templates” and wizards that guide a user into creating a document of any style, formal or informal.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Question for 01/26/09
What is style, why do we write things down, and in what ways does technology determine style?
First class
The first class for ENGL 5365 met last night via MOO. Since this is an online class, we meet via an interactive chat application in which users can chat and share files or links. An interesting set of assignments and projects for the course, which looks to be challenging. We agreed on due dates and discussed the course content and projects.
Most in the class are working on their PhD's, I hope I am able to keep up with them!
Next class is 01/26/10.
Most in the class are working on their PhD's, I hope I am able to keep up with them!
Next class is 01/26/10.
Monday, January 11, 2010
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