may the best writer, win

There are a few key factors an author must consider when they sit down and begin to start writing. From thesis, to support, to organization, all play a vital role in the effectiveness of a piece of writing. This is especially true if a writer is considering to write a rhetorical piece. In the article, "Is Google Making Us Stupid?", Carr shows just this. 


Carr uses the Aristotelian Triad to support his argument that search engines, such as Google, has changed the way we receive information. Carr begins the article by taking a very personal approach and sharing his own experiences with the Internet. This supports his ethos because he is basing his opinion on his own experiences. He also uses sources, such as Google's chief executive, to defend the fact that the Internet is shaping our brain and thought process differently. 


He also uses pathos to get his message across. Carr captures the reader through raising awareness that human beings are not obtaining information like they use to. By raising this awareness and using a hint of caution, Carr's opinion becomes valuable to the reader because it is something they can relate to.


In order for a reader to convey their message properly, the must take after Carr's lead and properly execute the use of logos, ethos, and pathos in their writing. At the end of the day, the reader who does this best will receive more creditability and win over there reader's trust. 




blessings. 

Today's Letters

     As a frequent blog reader and follower, it was difficult for me to pick one blog to critique because of the variety of blogs that I read. For this assignment, I have chosen to critique the blog Today's Letters (www.todaysletters.com). This blog is written by Emily Loerke and occasionally by her husband, Tim.  Each blog post is in a form of a letter and covers a multitude of topics. Many posts provide encouragement, ideas, and thoughts for readers. Emily or Tim update their blog almost every day. I love reading about their day to day adventures and priceless advice they offer.
     One of my favorite posts is called "{10 Things} That Made All The Difference In College" (http://www.todaysletters.com/2011/09/10-things-that-make-all-difference-in.html). In this post, Emily lists ten things that she learned in college and passes her experience forward. Since I am just now getting the hang of college, I value her advice on college and how I can have the best college experience possible. I am thankful for people who are willing to share their experiences with complete strangers!






blessings

A Choice- eBooks vs textbooks

         In the article "Will E-Books Replace Physical Textbooks," Indiviglio explains how students can benefit from eBooks and how some maybe making the switch. Although we have always learned to read physical books, eBooks bring another way to go about reading. Students can download textbooks and avoid the hassle of "overpriced, extremely big and heavy [textbooks]" (Indiviglio). eBooks may also cause a decrease in prices, which will persuade students to make the change from textbooks to eBooks. Although there are many positive factors, "pirating might be the barrier" (Indiviglio). If publishers cannot secure their materials, hackers will find a way to get a hold of it without paying a cent. 

         Although Indiviglio makes very valid and practical points to how students can benefit from eBooks, I believe it will be very difficult to completely change from physical books to eBooks. When we learned to read, we learned with having the actual book itself in front of us. Going from a physical book to an electronic book may be a too far stretch. Also, I know that I personally learn better when I can mark up the pages of the book I am reading and can go back and review the notes that I took. A huge factor in making this switch for students is if Universities will jump on board. Students are more likely to stay with textbooks if the Universities still promote them because this is what we are use to. Maybe one day we all will be reading from an eBook and we laugh at the thought of reading physical books. Until that day, I will continue to stay with the old way of reading books. 

blessings. 

online reading vs. book reading

       After reading this article about how Americans have grown to hate reading paper text, I began to laugh to myself. The reason behind my laughter is because I can identify with them so well. For whatever reason, we have all gotten use to the colorful ways of online reading and how interesting it can be. From colored texts, to pictures, to videos, the writer has the readers audience from beginning to the end. When it comes to reading a textbook or newspaper, the audience has a different reaction.

     

       When I am given a reading assignment with a textbook, it seriously is like torture to sit there for hours and all your eyes see is black ink and white spaces. I think everyone needs a bit of excitement brought into reading especially if you are reading something about the biological foundations of the world. Personally, I obtain information better and receive it better when given a break from all those words, and this is coming from someone who enjoys reading books on a daily basis. 

  

       I am sure that the information textbooks are giving are quite interesting, but it is all about the delivery and layout of the text. I know my brain tends to shut down faster when given a block of text to read. Maybe it is the way our generation is beginning to receive information from the internet that is making the "old fashion way" look rather boring. Whatever the reason, my reading assignment from my textbook for my Psychology 101 class will still be due the next day. It is my responsibility to be able to read both online readings and the not as exciting, black and white readings as well. 

     

       

blessings.