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.

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.

English 5365

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