Blog Post: Web 2.0 Video

The internet--and computers in general--have become a social center for a large percentage of the world's population. Michael Wesch, the creator of this video, does a fantastic job of demonstrating the advantages and the eye-opening realities of using the internet as a communication medium.

"Digital text" obviously has quite a few advantages when compared to barbaric, paper-and-pencil writing. For example, editing is much easier; spell check, cut and paste, etc. are all excellent tools that simplify the writing process when used properly. With computers, we can insert pictures, videos, and hyperlinks into whatever it is we plan on making, allowing us to more easily prove our points and present our arguments. This form of communication is a gigantic step from writing by hand.

With this step comes a few extra responsibilities. Michael may have initially been demonstrating a few possible directions in which the internet can take us, but then he presents some arguments that are, what I believe to be, the main purpose of this video. The web is truly linking everyone together. We really are the internet; there would be no internet without us--its users. As much as we all depend on the internet, that's kind of scary.

The video ends with the phrase "We'll need to rethink ourselves." I can't help but agree with this statement. When writing online, we need to be constantly thinking of our ethos. What kind of a mental picture of ourselves do we want to give to the audience? We need to keep in mind that we're not writing only for ourselves; anyone will be able to read whatever we write. Our pathos and logos need some attention too, of course. When writing online, we'll almost always have an audience that can instantly respond (like in the comment section of this blog); thus, we need to use reason when constructing our arguments, and we need to determine what types of emotions to evoke in the audience.

Blog Post 1: Quotation on Writing

"Writing is a solitary occupation. Family, friends, and society are the natural enemies of the writer. He must be alone, uninterrupted, and slightly savage if he is to sustain and complete an undertaking." -Jessamyn West

Must writing be a solitary occupation? I'm not sure whether to agree or disagree with Jessamyn West's assessment of writing as a profession. Obviously, writing in solitude has its advantages. I, for one, cannot write efficiently when anyone is nearby. The constant threat that someone might criticize my incomplete, unpolished work is too much for me to bare--I'll let them see my work when I'm ready! When I'm absolutely alone, I know that I can do--or think--whatever I desire, which is exactly the state of mind necessary for brainstorming. Overall, there are fewer interruptions, and, if necessary, the hardcore writers can really let themselves go, allowing more time and effort to be directed towards writing.

Solitude can be truly beneficial, but writers shouldn't necessarily think of family, friends, and society as enemies. Writers should use all available resources to their advantage. Family, friends, and society can all be used for feedback--once the writer is ready for feedback, of course. This feedback can allow the writer to see additional points of view, revealing the opinions of audiences that might not have been considered.

Writers should also consider other aspects like time of day and background noise. For example, I prefer writing around midnight while listening to some classic rock. There is no specific rule that says where and when writers should work; writers should do whatever is most comfortable and allows them to freely express their point of view.

Jessamyn West's statement holds much truth. Many reasons exist for writers to work in solitude. In my opinion, writers should find a balance between the two that is the most fitting. The best of writers do this while keeping their ideas original, and, at the same time, letting everything nearby influence their writing.

TEST POST