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Brandon Cruz

Discussion: Your rhetorical life - 53 views

I think the past couple of months have been the most rhetorical months of my entire life, if you will. With the presidential elections in full swing I found myself right in the middle of the action...

anonymous

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  • Sophist
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      The Sophists were a group of traveling teachers in Ancient Greece who were hired by citizens who were looking to become better, more persuasive teachers. Today, the term "sophistry" carries a negative connotation, as it refers to arguments that use rhetoric for malicious reasons, like to confuse or distort.
  • What is it, anyway, and why do people say such terrible things about it?
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      This comment makes me feel like rhetoric isn't such a bad thing even though I hate it.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      I think the reason why people do not like rhetoric is because it is very diverse.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Why do you hate, rhetoric?
  • truth exists in an absolute way, and the only proper use of rhetoric is to lead people to it.
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      This helps in my understanding of rhetoric and makes me want to use rhetoric to see the truth.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      I like this way of looking at rhetoric.. not just convincing people what you believe but leading them to the truth.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      Also i think if you believe in what the truth stands for it makes it easier for you to bring people to it.
    • Cybil Scott
       
      It always depends on where the person wants to take you. What truth they consider to be the right one. Always worth pondering over because people get sucked in without even knowing it.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Cybil brings up a good point here. In a world where many truths, be they religious, scientific, philosophical etc. exist for many different people, it is often the execution of rhetoric that leads people to believe in one thing over another.
  • ...50 more annotations...
  • People should use rhetoric to try to persuade each other, so that in the end, after hearing arguments on all sides of a question, they might arrive at the best course of action.
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      This is a good way to look at rhetoric. It gives me a new perspective on it.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      I think this is one of the best explanations of rhetoric i have seen so far.
    • Bob The Builder
       
      Using rhetoric to persuade each other is an excellent idea because it helps make an answer to a question more objective and it reduces any biases.
  • Anyone who has lived with a cat or a dog can think of numerous ways these animals practice rhetoric in Kennedy's sense -- exert rhetorical energy -- to express their feelings and to get humans to do what they want.
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      I never thought of rhetoric being used by animals but now that is explained to me, I guess I could see where it is possible!
    • Charlotte Randolph
       
      I would have never thought about animals using rhetoric. I found it very interesting that they would use it in such a simple way. They convey what they need throught their sounds and actions.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      Wow, i never thought of an animal using rhetoric to make sense. My dog will get his leashe when he has to go out or when hes hungry he will put his head on my leg while i am sitting down. Also he eats around the same time everyday and he will start following me around and pacing back and forth till i get him his food.
    • Brandon Cruz
       
      My dog does many of the same things. So really, rhetoric is communication. If we did not have a need to express different ideas we would not need language.
    • Bob The Builder
       
      When I read the line above that states "rhetoric is manifext in all animal life..." I thought that sounded ridiculous. But by reading this line, I now understand what they are talking about and, in fact, it seems very true.
  • Even when rhetors do not intend to persuade outright, still they must be concerned with their credibility
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      Thinking about this comment, I reflect back to when I speak to my friends and pretty much anyone and I realize that in some way or another I am always trying to persuade them of something. Even when I don't realize it!
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Yes. And I'd like you to carry this idea to the papers you write for this class. You'll want to pay careful attention to whom the intended audience is, and then make your own rhetorical writing decisions based on what you know about that audience's expectations.
  • [R]hetoric is inoperative when the audience lacks the power to respond freely to the message
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      This is so true! If you are trying to persuade someone to be on your team, but they are already on your team, then why are you trying to persaude them?
    • Sean McMillan
       
      This statement solidifies the importance of the audience when it comes to rhetoric. You could have the best argument in the world, but without the right audience it could be meaningless.
  • Asian writing is more likely to spiral on itself, reiterating ideas in various ways. Many students who come to us from foreign countries have to learn not only to speak and write in English, but also to follow the rhetorical conventions of a foreign culture.
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      I never knew this. Interesting fact!
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      I had no idea. Must be tough!
    • Sean McMillan
       
      you don't really think of rhetoric as being any different from any other language or culture. I guess it's all relative.
    • Brandon Cruz
       
      I couldn't imagine going to study in China and having to write like that. Hats off to the students over here.
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      This is an awesome paragraph and really helps to describe what its like being immersed in something you don't know and how we still use what we learn after we are not involved in it anymore!
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      These two paragraphs help me with understanding alot about rhetoric and how to use it!
  • Everyone practices rhetoric
    • Angela Moneck
       
      This entire section of the work makes it more clear how everyone uses rhetoric. When I think of rhetoric, I just think of advertisers and authors who use it to persuade their audiences, but I really didn't realize how much we use rhetoric until you see an example like the dog and cat example in the sixth paragraph.
    • Cybil Scott
       
      It's kind of exhausting when we think about all the rhetoric we see on a daily basis. Especially in advertisiing!!!
    • Bob The Builder
       
      This is an excellent title for a section because, while most of us do not realize it, we all do practice rhetoric on a daily basis. Because its such a broad topic, people dont realize how often it is used.
  • The rhetoric is a kind of smoke screen, or a trick with mirrors meant to deceive.
    • Angela Moneck
       
      I like this metaphor. It makes the story a little bit more interesting. I don't feel like I'm just reading something out of a textbook when I read this. It makes me want to read further to understand exactly what they are trying to say.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      I agree with Angela about liking this metaphor. So many people think that rhetoric is a "trick..meant to decieve" but really they probably use it all the time without even noticing.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      Yeah i really like this metaphor also, and i agree with the second comment i dont think alot of people realize how often they use it.
    • Garrett Granger
       
      I think this comment is very accurate. Sure, people may not realize how often they use this technique, but when in use, rhetoric helps to steer the listeners opinions in the speakers direction.
  • the emotional energy that impels the speaker to speak, the physical energy expended in the utterance, the energy level coded in the message, and the energy experienced by the recipient in decoding the message.
    • Angela Moneck
       
      I really like the way this was put-it makes me think further into what he means.
    • Cybil Scott
       
      I love this. It's such a huge statement on the basis of the world, and in philosophy. Talking about energy and the way it comes through people is another subject altogether.
    • Angela Moneck
       
      I like the way that he put this-it really makes me tihnk further into what he's saying.
  • Put another way, rhetoric is a way to affirm values and hopefully avoid armed conflict: it's better that people work out their differences with words rather than with swords or guns.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      It would be nice if that could always work and we could avoid wars and other conflicts!
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      Yeah i agree, wouldn't it be nice to bring some troops home or had a couple of wars and such avoided?
    • Cybil Scott
       
      Wow. If we could work stuff out by just using words, wouldn't the world be quite a different place!! There's only one requirement though, everyone would have to be educated and intelligent. So until then, if we're gonna be dumb we gotta be tough.
    • Brandon Cruz
       
      I wish the world would work like this. I feel that people today are so concerned with being "right" that they forget to try look at all of the angles my self included. Many of are just so stubburn that we will never be able to think this way.
  • But the domain has shifted many times in subsequent ages.
  • Even when rhetors do not intend to persuade outright, still they must be concerned with their credibility; with what their audiences already know and needs to know; with how their audiences are likely to feel about the subject; with how to begin, how to end, how to arrange the middle -- all these and more, to earn the greatest possible cooperation from their readers.
  • In the academic community we would do well, all of us, faculty and students, to think of ourselves as rhetors -- even as rhetoricians, students of rhetoric. Because in some ways we are.
    • Charlotte Randolph
       
      I think this is very true because we use rhetoric in papers we right in school to convince the readers of what we are discussing. Faculty uses rhetoric to persuade their colleagues and students almost every day.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      I think at some point everyone uses rhetoric probably once a day if not once a week to try and get something across.
    • Garrett Granger
       
      Again, I have to agree with this statement. As college students, we use rhetoric everyday to try and prove ourselves. More specifically, logos is used almost everyday at the university level.
  • Discourse that affects an audience, that informs, moves, delights, and teaches, has a rhetorical aim. . . . Rhetoric implies choices, for both the speaker or writer and the audience. When we practice rhetoric we make decisions about our subject, audience, point of view, purpose, and message. . . . Furthermore, the audience must have a choice in responding to the message, must be able to adopt, modify, or reject it.
    • Charlotte Randolph
       
      I liked this paragraph because I think it is very true, when we practice rhetoric we are making a decision about what we want to convince our audience of and how to do it. At the same time the audience makes the desision of how to take the information and accept it or not. This is really evident in a debate, because you as the speaker make the decision of how to convince your audience and they in return decide how they will respond to it.
  • Hitler's Germany
    • Cybil Scott
       
      Hitler was indeed a truly evil person with a hidden agenda who exterminated over 6 million people. Unfortuantely, as many people realized he was a very skilled public speaker. He was popular for a reason. He was extremely good at persuasion and making people think what he was accomplishing was good for the nation as a whole. This is where the danger lies. One always has to think critically and see beyond the rhetoric.
    • Vincent DiDomenico
       
      I agree with Cybil. Rhetoric is, as Hitler has proven, a powerful form of persuasion. We must always remember, however, that it is just that--a method of persuasion.
  • winning
    • Cybil Scott
       
      A mind-set that many people should change. It's never about being right or winning for the sake of winning.
  • Speech would not have evolved among human beings unless rhetoric already existed
    • Cybil Scott
       
      So philosophical and deep. I could debate on this for hours!
    • Garrett Granger
       
      This is a very interesting statement. It seems very possible that it could, in fact be true. If we accepted everything we were told, there would be no reason to respond when spoken to, except for a gesture of acceptance.
  • Ethos: how can I establish credibility, to show I've "done my homework" on the subject I'm writing about? What face should I present to the reader: that of a student? a professional in training (Word Works #55-56)? Pathos: who are the audiences for the writing? What can I assume the audiences already know and feel about the subject (#76, 77)? Logoi: how can I make sure my information is complete and my arguments logical (#78)?
    • Bob The Builder
       
      Because i often confuse ethos, pathos and logos, these questions are great examples to distinguish one from the others. It is especially useful because these are questions we (the students) constantly ask ourselves.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      I agree that these examples of the types of rhetoric helped me distinguish between the three! Every time I write a paper or just an informal writing assignment I ask myself many of these same questions.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      Yes i also often get the three confused but these examples helped out big time!
  • "How `true' is a truth if you can't get anybody to accept it?"
    • Sean McMillan
       
      very good quote. Sad but true. Just because your speaking the truth doesn't mean there isn't someone else with a better argument.
  • he took the domain of rhetoric to be uncertainty and probability, particularly in the law courts and the deliberations of democratic government
    • Michael Gutierrez
       
      This is important because rhetoric is only as trustworthy as the speaker.
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      I think that this is looking at rhetoric from one perspective, however I think that rhetoric can also be used as a good thing. Helping people make the right decisions, not necesarilly a "trick with mirrors"
    • Sean McMillan
       
      very true, rhetoric can be used to just inform. It's not always used to just trick or persuade. Its a good way to pass on information.
  • In fact, rhetoric is manifest in all animal life and existed long before the evolution of human beings.
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      This is a good observation applying the notion of rhetoric not only to humans but to all living things. Wolves for example have a very strict hierarchy that is strictly regulated. The leaders in these poeitions utilize body language and strength, along with experience. Which is all a part of rhetoric.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Great comparison, Alex. Thanks.
  • Rhetoric has always been a tool that can serve either good or evil,
    • Sean McMillan
       
      This statement clarifies that rhetoric can and does get used in situations when the authors not necessarily right. As stated before with the hitler reference, someone with a good understanding of their audience and rhetoric can do some harmful things.
  • People moving from one culture to another must cross not only a language barrier, but also a cultural barrier -- part of which is rhetorical.
    • Dena Rennie
       
      This is undoubtedly true. To give another example like the one listed below here. Being a sign language interpreting major, here is a cultural barrier problem I have seen. In Deaf culture, Deaf and hard of hearing individuals value directness and being blunt about subjects. If you have put on a little weight, it is nothing for a Deaf person to sign HEY YOU LOOK DIFFERENT, BEFORE THIN NOW FAT HAPPEN? (cultural note, that is ASL syntax, i couldn't really add the facial grammar glosses- but that would be the basic sign order. Prepositions and conjuctions are usually implied) This may be very difficult to accept for a person who is not associated or well-versed with the Deaf community because one may think they are being rude, when really that is how the cultural as a whole is. I have noticed sometimes Deaf and hard of hearing people get frustrated sometimes with people who beat around the bush because they feel that the person that they are communicating with is trying to hide something. This sometimes causes problems, especially if the interpreter forgets to interpret the cultural differences (which happens upon occassion).
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      An absolutely fascinating comment, Dena. Those of us who are not hearing impaired know that without body language it is often difficult to communicate clearly. For people who depend wholly on body language, it is even more important. Thanks for sharing.
    • Angela Moneck
       
      I think you made a really good point with your example. When I think of different cultures, I think of someone who maybe lives in Europe compared to the United States, but your example opened my eyes to a differnt way in looking at cultures. :)
  • Cultures vary over space and over time.
  • Cultures vary over space and over time. What was true of rhetoric for the ancient Greeks and Romans is not necessarily true for us.
    • Angela Moneck
       
      This is a very true statement. Culture affects many different aspects of our lives, so I can definitely see that it would affect how rhetoric is viewed. Even someone from a different culture today may not see the same rhetoric as we see.
    • Garrett Granger
       
      I find it interesting how this statement suggests our form of rhetoric is different from the Greek and Roman forms, when we still classify rhetoric based on Aristotle's three appeals.
  • the shock of entering the "Burkean parlor."
    • Angela Moneck
       
      I really like this phrase and it's explaination, a lot. I've learned about culture shock in many of my classes, but seeing it in this way makes it so much more clear to me how difficult it must be for a person coming from one culture to enter into a competely different culture and have to adjust to the customs of the new culture without knowing basically anything about the culture ahead of time. One of the things they have to adjust to is the rhetoric of the culture.
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      This really is an interesting way of puting that cultural barrier into perspective for those of us who have never been forced to experiance is.
  • However, the discussion is interminable. The hour grows late, you must depart. And you do depart, with the discussion still vigorously in progress.
    • Angela Moneck
       
      This part, to me, goes with the fact that culture changes all the time. When the person enters the conversation, it is impossible for them to catch up in every single bit of the discussion, and when they leave, the discussion is still going on, making it impossible to know the entire rest of the conversation. It is, in a way, saying that it's impossible to know every single bit of a culture because it is ever-changing.
    • Cybil Scott
       
      Such is life.
  • The "Burkean parlor" might be taken as a parable for a lot of things: for entering the culture of a different country (as many of our students have done), for entering college or a new job, perhaps for life itself.
    • Angela Moneck
       
      Before reading this sentence, I only thought of a person being entered into a new culture from a differnt country, but now I know that it can mean many different tihngs.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      I also interpreted it as say going to a new country for the first time but it is now easy to understand how it can mean different things.
  • When we study the organization and style of journal articles and conference presentations in order to write and speak in a similar or different manner, we are being rhetoricians. When we teach our students how to write in the discipline, how to handle the conventions of subject matter, arrangement, language, format, and documentation, we are being rhetoricians.
    • Angela Moneck
       
      This is another example of how rhetoric can be used in every day life.
    • Cybil Scott
       
      I think we are rhetoricians all the time; when we speak to someone else that is. I don't think we can be rhetorical to ourselves.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      I said it earlier and this makes sense to me also, i think people especially teenagers use rhetoric everday.
    • Sean McMillan
       
      rhetoric is definatley everywhere. It's used from trying to decide where to eat dinner to matters of national security. Rhetoric is a skill set that can help anyone in life.
  • A year later the student happens across the original article, reads it again easily, and wonders, What was so hard about that?
  • A year later the student happens across the original article, reads it again easily, and wonders, What was so hard about that?
    • Meghan Winn
       
      This is definatly something that has happened to me before! Whether it's a new subject in school or just something I happen to be interested in, the first few times I look into it I have no idea what they are talking about but later on it seems so easy!
  • A student (and that could be any of us) tries to read a journal article in an unfamiliar field. It could be in physiology, education psychology, rhetorical theory. The student struggles with the article, rereads paragraphs, writes notes all over the margins trying to understand the gist of what's being said.
    • Garrett Granger
       
      I could be completely misinterpreting this, but I think that it would be the content of what is being discussed that causes the confusion, not rhetoric. I understand that there are many forms of rhetoric, but don't they all have the same purpose? In some way or another, rhetoric persuades and informs. Again, I could be looking at this the wrong way. I'm interested in seeing other thoughts on this topic.
    • Cybil Scott
       
      When someone thinks to hard about anything they make it more complicated that it is. Creativity and clarity usually comes when you least expect it, or when you are not thinking, and this should be applied to everything. Quietness of mind.
  • For instance, two of the main "arts" or rhetoric, memory and delivery, have taken entirely new forms in this age of word processing and desktop publishing.
    • Brandon Cruz
       
      This is interesting to think about. Instead of us being able to write and re-write something to make it more rhetorically sound, ancient Greeks only had one opportunity, while speaking, to get it right.
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      This is interesting, as I discussed last week anything that stays around for a while has to evolve, and adapt to the times.
  • Aristotle taught that there are many areas of human experience where the truth is hard or impossible to determine
    • Bob The Builder
       
      I've learned that this is very true. It goes back to the old saying that not everything is in black and white. We often find ourselves in the gray area.
  • Some of the most dramatic scenes are those in which the characters attempt to persuade other characters: Agamemnon's disastrous attempt to rally the troops; Nestor, Ajax, and Odysseus trying to persuade Achilles to rejoin the battle; Hera seducing Zeus to distract him from the war; Priam persuading Achilles to give up the body of Hector.
    • Bob The Builder
       
      This line caught my eye because many of these stories, such as Zeus, Odysseus and Achilles, were taught to us when we were younger and, at the time, we never knew that rhetoric was being used.
  • Another assumption behind the slogan "cut through all the rhetoric" is that rhetoric is only what certain people use, such as politicians and orators, and they only use it on certain occasions.
    • Bob The Builder
       
      I think this assumption is often made because it is such a broad topic that most people do not understand what is considered rhetoric.
  • Even the writer of a parts list has to decide on nomenclature, arrangement, and the appearance of the list on the page or computer screen for the greatest clarity -- all rhetorical decisions.
    • Bob The Builder
       
      This is a good example of how the simplest writing, such as a list, uses rhetoric.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      I don't know why but some things seem to get alot more complicated when you start thinking rhetorically.
  • Also, Westerners want their writing (not in all genres, but in exposition and argument) to drive forward, from beginning to end, in a linear fashion.
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      American's are very to the point when looking at accomplishing goals. Sometimes a little bit to much and it hurts us. However this also why we are number 1. Rhetoric is definitely a clutural aspect as it fluctuates. Rhetoric really is devided into many different ways, depending on who is trying to be convinced. Rhetoric is constantly changing and must be in order to be used effectively.
  • But all of us function as rhetoricians
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      This is a great example. Teachers are people that we look up to, and expect to understand the topic at hand. We put our faith in their history, and knowledge in that specific topic to help us understand better.
  • In fact, we would do well to think of most of our communication as rhetoric, as a series of decisions and strategies for earning the cooperation of our audience.
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      This is exactly what rhetoric is compacted in one sentance. Very good brief description I think.
    • Sean McMillan
       
      I agree, great wording. It helps cement the face that rhetoric isn't just some overblown academic technique, but a instinctual ability that you've been honing since childhood.
  • Today, many rhetoricians argue that most speech and virtually all writing must be regarded as not only rhetorical, but as persuasive in some important ways.
    • Michael Gutierrez
       
      I think it is interesting to see how how writing and speech have been viewed throughout history. From the Ancients to current day Rhetoric has been looked at in many ways. I dont agree with most rhetoricians today who argue that most speech today is Rhetorical. The main purpose of a speech in my opinion is not to persuade but to motivate.
  • The student has been initiated into the discourse community and is getting ready to join the conversation.
    • Michael Gutierrez
       
      If a person wants to be good at anything the key word is practice. The student referred to in this paragraph was completely lost in the beginning but soon the tasks ahead of him became simple. This is because of his dedication and practice. The same can be applied to rhetoric. In order to give a good persuasive speech one must practice practice and practice some more. Rhetoric is more than just language its a art.
    • Sean McMillan
       
      practice is definatley important. The more you practice rhetoric no matter how foreign it may seem at first, the better you become. And the better you become the more persuasive or informative your argument can be.
  • It might be interesting, too, to think of our students' writing as rhetoric, and help them understand it as rhetoric.
    • Michael Gutierrez
       
      Once again I dont think all writing should be looked at as rhetoric. Most writing should not be rhetoric in my opinion.
  • In the Middle Ages, rhetoric was concerned with sermons and letter- writing. In the Renaissance, its domain was extended to poetry and all else that we call "creative" writing. During the Enlightenment, rhetoricians and natural philosophers studied the role of language and rhetoric in the making of scientific knowledge.
    • Michael Gutierrez
       
      It is interesting to see how the view of rhetoric changes with the changing of culture.
  • Anyone who has lived with a cat or a dog can think of numerous ways these animals practice rhetoric in Kennedy's sense -- exert rhetorical energy -- to express their feelings and to get humans to do what they want.
  • Rhetoric implies choices, for both the speaker or writer and the audience. When we practice rhetoric we make decisions about our subject, audience, point of view, purpose, and message. . . . Furthermore, the audience must have a choice in responding to the message, must be able to adopt, modify, or reject it. . . . [R]hetoric is inoperative when the audience lacks the power to respond freely to the message
    • Dena Rennie
       
      This is very true (I accidentally read too far last week so now I'm switching since I wrote on the latter half last assignment). Rhetoric is about choices for both parties. The speaker/writer chooses the direction they wish to persuade their audience to feel, and hope that they choose to accept that direction. This is seen everywhere, but as the Presidential Debates are going on as I write this in the background, we will use this an example. McCain and Obama are both posing their choices tonight. They are posing their strategies which choices should be made about our country. Each of them discuss their point of view, and why it is important to them why do carry things out in such a way. We, as the audience, whether watching on TV or at the debates- will make a choice after the are finished (or maybe even before they are finished). Those choices could be to support Obama, McCain, or we can choose to support neither and simply not vote as neither, one may feel, is truly qualified. Even if you don't want to make a choice, eventually you will. And the beauty of this great country is that you're free to choose any of these options. In countries where freedom of speech or choice of how you will place your vote is obsolete- there really is no use for rhetoric, because you lack the power to respond to the messages they give. We might as well put the two names in a hat and draw for President without the power to respond. This is why I'm glad I live in America. We have the choice to respond to rhetoric. We still have most of our liberties that allow us a voice, a number of countries in the world don't have as they under communist rule.
  •  
    Rhetoric has been around for thousands of years, and the reason why is because it evovles to better suit the times. It is almost a fundamental ellemant of what rhetoric is. What possibly would have persuaded someone thousands of years ago possibly would interest us today. The way we speak and persuade has changed, and that is a part of the evolution of rhetoric.
  • ...1 more comment...
  •  
    Even when rhetors do not intend to persuade outright, still they must be concerned with their credibility; with what their audiences already know and needs to know; with how their audiences are likely to feel about the subject; with how to begin, how to end, how to arrange the middle -- all these and more, to earn the greatest possible cooperation from their readers.
  •  
    Rhetoric, like most things has a formula, an equation that if performed correctly achieves the goal of persuasion and credibility.
  •  
    Even when rhetors do not intend to persuade outright, still they must be concerned with their credibility; with what their audiences already know and needs to know; with how their audiences are likely to feel about the subject; with how to begin, how to end, how to arrange the middle -- all these and more, to earn the greatest possible cooperation from their readers.
Alex Gutierrez

Free the Airwaves - 0 views

    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Read through the argument presented by Google here and assess the approach the author or authors have taken in order to be persuasive. Is there anything regarding the presentation of their argument that stands out to you? Feel free to "highlight and comment" on specific excerpts (as you did last week with "What are you good at?") OR you may choose to leave a "floating sticky note" anywhere on the page by clicking the drop down arrow next to "Comment" and choosing "Add a floating sticky note to this page." Additionally, you may choose to respond to a comment already written by one of your classmates. Should you choose this approach, please note that simply agreeing or disagreeing is not sufficient. You must explain why.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      This is a great discussion...
  • can't even be imagined today.
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      I think this is a good way to get people interested in what they are proposng. They are drawing people in by saying that the benefits are so great you can't even imagine them.
    • Brandon Cruz
       
      Agreed. This even gets me excited! It makes me wonder what kind of technology could they come up with. Everyone loves technology (well almost everyone) and this statement jumpstarts reader's minds to think of the cool new things they could be using if only they would use those airways.
  • but for society in general
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      This approach is preetty successful in my opinion. They are saying it is necessary for society. I feel this approach gets the attention of many different audiences in many different ways.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      Not only do i think they are saying it is a necessity for society, i think they are trying to say that it is right for everyone. All 3 levels of the economic society.
  • ...26 more annotations...
  • crucial
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      Using words like this makes me want to sign the petition simply because it sounds so important and urgent.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      Yes i agree, crucial is definately one of those words that stick out when you read them.
  • Make no mistake
  • Make no mistake
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      I think using phrases that most people know helps their cause because it makes most people feel comfortable.
  • public interest here is paramount
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      There is the whole "good for society" bit again. I'm not saying that it is or isn't good for society, but comments like these repeated over and over sure makes it seem that way!
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      I have gotten the impression over the years that anything that is really good for the society has some sort of flaw in it and they come out sooner or later. But i do agree that when i keep seeing the fact that they are trying to please everyone it does keep me intuned.
  • vast unused
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      Words like these make the space seem unlimited. These words make me feel as if there are no problems with using the space and even if there were problems, there is so much that it wouldn't matter anyway!
  • far lower cell phone and Internet access bills
    • Charlotte Randolph
       
      When soemthing like this is said, it really catches my attention, I mean who doesn't want lower bills!
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      I definately agree, with the way the economy is and not knowing if it is going to get better. Who would not want to save some extra cash.
  • far lower cell phone and Internet access bills.
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      This comment makes me want to sign the petition for the sheer fact that I will be saving money!
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      They didn't provide any information on what this will do to the environment, if anything at all. Just thought I'd mention that!
  • public interest here is paramount
    • Charlotte Randolph
       
      Comments like this get people's attention. It makes me think, wow they are thinking of what is best for me and the rest of the public.
    • Cybil Scott
       
      This is going to make an incredible amount of money when everyone has to switch over to digital cable, because EVERYONE who watches TV will have to.
    • Natassia Watson
       
      It would be great if this wireless revolution ever came to pass but not just because we would all save a lot of money. I also think that in the same way that everyone in the entire country has access to some form of TV even if they don't have cable we should all have free access to the internet. There are still a considerable amount of Americans who don't have regular internet access and so for them this could really be life changing.
  • broadcast in digital only starting in 2009
    • Cybil Scott
       
      This is going to make an incredible amount of money when people switch over to digital cable. EVERYONE who watches TV will be required to.
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      I did not necessarily think that this switch was going to affect everyone. I thought it was only going to affect those who still had standard cable. What about for people that have Satellite? or for People that have the Verizon Fios? Alot of companies offer pretty cheap starter plans and special promotional packages,and make you sign a contract and get you that way so you can't go anywhere. Anyone know if it for sure is affecting everyone?
    • Brian Russo
       
      You are correct it will only affect people who have standard cable. If you have satellite or even a television with a built in digital tuner you will be unaffected. While in my opinion, google is only trying to persuade the readers to sign their petition so that they can make more money, they also appeal to the readers by saying that it will save them money on their internet and phone bills, which is an extremely effective way to grab the readers attention. Who doesn't want to save money? I didn't know that so much of the "white space" isn't being used, nor did I know what "white space" was, but the fact that they explain just how much isn't been used catches the readers attention. They say that freeing the white spaces is "crucial" to the future of the internet. Using words like crucial makes it seem even more important and urges readers to sign the petition.
    • Sean McMillan
       
      This helps to establish a connection with the reader. By them stating this will help their company but then go on to explain that it's not their driving force helps comfort the reader.
    • Denise Sanchez
       
      I agree with Sean. Google addresses the fact that they will profit from the use of free "white spaces." Their honesty towards the public does create a sense of comfort and trust. To further support their position, they present the readers with benefits they would acquire such as lower prices on phone bills and internet access.
  • better access to the Internet
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      When something as already as good as the internet that is used just about everyday can be improved, who wouldn't want that? Throwing in phrases like this, especially if they are true, really catch my interest.
    • Bob The Builder
       
      Access to the internet is already remarkable, I can barely imagine how much more it could improve. If they were to "free the airwaves", web opportunities would greatly improve society.
  • signing our petition
    • Dena Rennie
       
      After reading the petition, I believe that this is a good idea. In the area where I grew up in Illinois, if you do not live in town, it is almost impossible to get high speed internet. My sister lives 10 miles outside of the town in which we grew up and she can only get a dial-up connection. Also, speaking from experience where you are doing an immense amount of research for a class project- a wireless high speed connection in the classroom is a saving grace for those students whose only access to the internet may be limited to what they have at school.
    • Cybil Scott
       
      I agree, I came from a really small town where it would have been amazing to have wireless internet, or even anything above dial-up. I just didn't have the patience to even experience the internet because it took forever. Once I came and lived in the city I didn't know how I survived before. I think it would be quite an amazing thing for everyone to have acess to the internet in this sort of way.
    • Brandon Cruz
       
      I agree as well. This would also give people who can't afford internet better access to it, especially for school.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Great discussion...
  • Three-fourths of the white spaces are completely unused today
    • Bob The Builder
       
      Stating the fact that only a quarter of the white spaces are used was an excellent way to start off their argument. Society has done so many excellent things with just this small portion of white space, imagine what can be done with the other three quarters.
    • Hinal Patel
       
      After doing a little research on what "white spaces" were, it is amazing that three-fourths of them are unused. I think this opportunity will make wireless much more efficient. I agree with the point above because using this fact is truly a great way to start the argument because it gets the readers attention. It may seem a little hectic to switch to total wireless, but with all the other options given, the switch seems like nothing.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Example comment...
    • Angela Moneck
       
      The article uses many different, and effective, ways to draw the reader in and to persuade them. The first paragraph states that a wireless revolution could be reached including "numerous new products and services." This is an effective way to draw readers in and make them want to continue reading. I mean, who doesn't want to be exposed to all these new and exciting products and services? They state two different times that they would like the reader to make their opinion heard-in the last paragraph, and also in the paragraph in which they say, "we hope you'll add your voice…by signing our petition." This can also be an effective way to persuade the reader because they are not only saying it once, but twice. The reader may feel important after "making [their] voices heard." They are honest about why they "care" about the issue and later state that they are not trying to speak for individuals other than themselves, but they are just trying to explain why they believe it is so crucial. This is persuasive in a way because it allows the reader to trust them. Also, the word "urge," although a small word, has a big meaning-it makes the reader feel like it is urgent to do what they are telling them to do.
  • far from certain
    • Cybil Scott
       
      I think the use of this phrase emphasizes the argument that the other option is better and faster.
  • We hope that once you've explored the facts for yourself, you'll want to make your voice heard
    • Garrett Granger
       
      The authors at Google do a great job of grabbing the reader's attention by speaking of the technological advances that would result from the global accessibility of "white spaces." The promise of technological progression is appealing for good reason. Advancements in modern technology are taking place at a mind-blowing rate, and people are excited to see what the future has to offer. Google makes an attempt to form a relationship with the reader by suggesting that they are teaming up with multiple companies to benefit not only themselves, but "society in general." This gives the reader the impression that Google shares the same views and supports similar causes. Google really gets people excited when they mentioning the words "lower" and "bills" in the same sentence. The thought of saving money really grabs people's attention, which is probably why this information was presented at the end of the article. The art of grabbing onto the reader and leaving them with a good impression was well executed in this article.
  • to the future of the Internet
    • Brandon Cruz
       
      It's more like it's crucial to the profit increase of Google. Not that I'm against it but this whole article is trying to pursuade us to to sign this petition so Google can get more hits and way more money. It's just funny how they make it sound like they "care" so much. Like I said, though, I will proabably sign it.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      I think the writers of this article did a very good job pursuading their readers that this change would be in their best interest. First of all it is very informative and tells you what the "white spaces" are and what would be accomplished by making them more available for use. After reading this people will want to know more about the "new products and services" and also about the "future of the internet" and the "far lower cell phone and internet bills." All of the techniques used were very pursuasive and made you trust their opinion.
  • more people doing web searches and using our software products
    • Jonathon Ellington
       
      I feel that this is ultimatly a capitalist venture that is relitivly unconcerned with its users. Google is just trying to forward their agenda and monopolize the internet. Huge profits for them, and what will this give us the consumer? Less of a wait time for mindless distraction on sites such as facebook and online games.
  • kick-start a revolution in wireless technology,
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      I think this is amazing. It is just another step towards becoming more technological. I think there is almost a limitless amount of stuff that can be done with technology and that I think is main focus for many in todays world.
  • This fall, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will decide whether to make this spectrum available for anyone to use.
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      I'm not sure exactly why this would not be made available. What are some of the downfalls of having this. Are there any?
  • will enable a new generation of innovation and competition from which consumers -- especially those to whom the white spaces could soon deliver high-speed online access -- should benefit tremendously
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      Isnt this what it is all about. Access would open up new arenas for improvements and innovation I think.
  • free the airwaves now.
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      Here is a pretty good, clear and concise statement. We obviously know what the purpose of this article is.
  •  
    Read through the argument presented by Google here and assess the approach the author or authors have taken in order to be persuasive. Is there anything regarding the presentation of their argument that stands out to you? Feel free to "highlight and comment" on specific excerpts (as you did last week with "What are you good at?") OR you may choose to leave a "floating sticky note" anywhere on the page by clicking the drop down arrow next to "Comment" and choosing "Add a floating sticky note to this page." Additionally, you may choose to respond to a comment already written by one of your classmates. Should you choose this approach, please note that simply agreeing or disagreeing is not sufficient. You must explain why.
  •  
    Make no mistake: open access to this unused bandwidth would surely be good for our own bottom line (not to mention those of many of our industry peers);
Dena Rennie

Peer Review Project One Thread - 148 views

i was signed into my gmail account- it wouldn't let me get to the error page until i signed into my gmail

draft first one project

Ryan Meehan

Week Three - 0 views

Ryan Meehan

Defining Rhetoric | Diigo - 0 views

  • Rhetoric can be used through visual, oral or written language.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Rhetoric permeates almost every aspect of our lives. Can you imagine a time in which you are not acting rhetorically?
  • Plato said that rhetoric is the "art of enchanting the soul." Rhetoric is defined as "study of the technique and rules for using language effectively to please or persuade."
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      That Plato's quite a character. I'm not sure if rhetoric "enhances the soul," but it is certainly a means through which one can enhance an argument. Next week, we will explore a few popular common rhetorical appeals that will help us identify and name different types of rhetoric.
  • A person would not use colossal locutions from their extensive vernacular when speaking to a group of five-year-olds.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Haha. Well said.
  • ...4 more annotations...
  • Rhetoric is basically used by people to make sure that they convey their message in a way that the audience is able to grasp the concept of what the speaker is trying to get across.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Right, which means that having a keen awareness of the audience to whom you are writing or speaking is of paramount importance. The concept of "audience" will be an important one this semester. I will often ask you to cater your writings to their intended audiences. And the reality is, even though you may not think about it, in most cases you do this automatically. For instance, in this discussion forum, you are probably writing in a style that you feel is appropriate for an audience of mostly freshmen college students.
  • The company usually isn't just saying "Our product is better than theirs" but, rather they use discreet methods to lure our minds into believing that the viewer can not live without this product and that they need to get it right away.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Advertising is LOADED with rhetoric, and it's usually not all that subtle. Have you ever seen an Axe bodywash commercial? How about Cialis? In politics, generally rhetoric can be a bit more tricky. Fortunately, we're in prime season for political rhetoric and we will have a project that focuses on how the candidates each approach "being rhetorical."
  • Rhetoric is the use of style and form to pursuade or simply inform the reader of certain arguments or ideas. Rhetoric uses the literary techniques logos, ethos and pathos to appeal to a variety of readers and viewpoints. Logos is the logical appeal, pathos is the emotional appeal, and ethos is the appeal to the writers or anyones credibility. Using these techniques rhetoric is a powerful and useful way to argue a viewpoint or present and idea.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      Two thumbs-up for being concise AND covering a lot of ground. Also, good work digging up a good academic resource from RPI. I have used that exact source before in previous classes and may very well use it again this semester.
  • or convincing my parents that I need a new car for my birthday.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      This is crucial, and I am pleased that you raised this point. We are ALWAYS acting rhetorically, even when we aren't writing college papers or giving oral presentations.
Ryan Meehan

Week Two - 0 views

Denise Sanchez

What are you good at? - 0 views

  • complaining
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      I really like to complain.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      I also like to complain.
  • demonstrating
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      I am good at demonstrating.
    • Brandon Cruz
       
      I love to show people new things. I don't want to be a teacher when I grow up but, I get this weird sense of accomplishment out of it. I worked at a summer camp a few years ago where I was the high ropes instructor. I dealt with mostly middle school kids who were all scared to death to climb up the thirty feet knowing that the only thing keeping them from falling was a rope. Once they built up enough courage to do it, though, it was awesome to help them through all the obstacles and conquer their fears.
  • running
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      I am a good runner.
  • ...12 more annotations...
  • cooking
    • Brandon Cruz
       
      I wouldn't go as far to say that I am particularly "good" at cooking but it is something that I enjoy. I did an internship during my senior year in high school at Publix Supermarkets in their photography studio where we shot all of the photos for the weekly sales ad that they produce. It was really interesting to see how much work goes into preparing the different meals for photographing. They brought in a food stylist to "style" the food to make it look the best it could for the shot. Ever since then when I cook I almost worry more about the presentation than anything which, often leads to sacrifice in taste.
    • Ryan Meehan
       
      A food stylist. There's a job I never knew existed. Cool.
    • Hinal Patel
       
      I don't seem to be passionate about much, but cooking is definitely one of them. I watch the Food Network Channel almost religiously. I use cooking as an escape from regular life because it is one thing that I can really control. I like knowing that not only are there concrete ways to make something, it's okay to stray away and do your own thing. I started cooking because in my family, girls are expected to start making food early. I just got lucky that I really liked the idea of cooking. I've taken a few baking classes and really wanted to major in culinary arts, but science just seemed more practical. Food is one thing that I can easily move from culture to culture and have now learned what spices go with what places. I'm glad that I have grown up with Indian food all my life because I find that starting to cook Indian has made it easier for me to cook other types of food. It also gives me something to connect to with the women of my family because sharing recipes is something I can finally be a part of. Cooking is something that comes in handy with many things and my passion for it keeps building with every new thing I make. I realized that if I could be anything, it would be a host on my own cooking show, but since I feel better on the other side of the screen, a hobby is all it will be.
    • Brian Russo
       
      Cooking is a pretty big deal in my family. Pretty much everyone in my family is an excellant cook, including both of my parents, grandparents and all of my aunts and uncles. This is more than likely due to the fact that my heritage is predominantly Italian and Italian people historically love to cook and eat as well. Nonetheless, cooking is something I consider myself very good at and apparently others do as well, as I have received numerous compliments on my cooking. As in a restaurant, where customer satisfaction is all that matters, your main objective as a cook is for whoever you're cooking for to be completely satisfied with the meal that you've prepared. It feels good and satisfying to know that your cooking was enjoyed and appreciated. Even though I really enjoy cooking, a hobby is all it will ever be. I don't plan on making a career out of it. In fact, I only started to cook almost out of necessity. Both of my parents, who are now seperated, work for the airlines, with my dad being a pilot and my mom being a flight attendant. Me and my younger brother live at home with my dad, so while my dad is out of town flying, which is usually for about five days out of the week, I've taken on the responsibility of cooking for my brother and whatever friends he has over. Not only does home cooking save a bunch of money, but if you learn how to do it right, you don't need to sacrifice the quality of the food by not eating out. There's also a freedom about cooking that I enjoy. When you go to a restaurant theres specific things to chose from, but when you cook at home, you're menu is limitless. Cooking also gives me a chance to put my own twist on classic meals and make them to better suit my own taste and the other people who i'm cooking for as well.
  • wondering
    • Brandon Cruz
       
      I'm pretty sure I have ADD because I am the man at this. Whether it's in class, at work, or studying my mind is never where it should be. I always find myself losing focus on what I'm working on. One of my favorite things to wonder about is business ideas. I never seem to have enough money so; I'm always trying to think of new ways to produce a little extra cash flow. Nothing has ever followed through, unfortunately, although I have had some good ones
    • Denise Sanchez
       
      Its strange that of all the words listed i would pick wondering, but its the one that applies to me the most. I grew up as an only child and as such I had to invent ways to keep myself entertained. I love reading and watching movies but i can spend hours just daydreaming.
  • laughing
    • Cybil Scott
       
      I think I am equally as good at laughing as I am at offending. I think the two go hand in hand. I don't really know how one can be good at laughing, it just sort of happens. It's the sense of humor that makes it happen. In my opinion if you can dish it out you better be able to take it. My personality involves a lot of laughing; not at other people's expense per se, but I definitely find a lot of things funny in my everyday life. Keeping a good sense of humor about you allows you to not take life so seriously. There tends to be a lot of ironic circumstances in life that are just too peculiar not to laugh at. However, with that comes the occasional offending comment. Some people do not understand my offhand sarcasm. Or my witty banter. I would also include that one of my favorite things to say online or in texting is LOL. Or Hahaha. But this is not granted so easily. I am not the type of person that finds everything funny, because it would devalue the truly hilarious things in life. I am not easily offended, but I can tell when a joke contains an offensive truth. Unfortunately, I do find myself taking it too far or not understanding why a person gets upset, because I'm so used to being easygoing about these things. There are a lot of times when I have to say "Aww, come on, you know I'm just kidding…".
    • Meghan Winn
       
      When I looked at this list of words the one that jumped out at me the most was laughing. I have a great sense of humor; I love to laugh and to make other people laugh. I would say that I'm really good at cheering up my friends and family whenever they are upset about something. I believe that people really like that about me. Life would be way too serious without a good laugh wherever you can find one! Sarcasm is one of my favorite types of humor. I am very sarcastic about a lot of things. Many times people are amused by it but sometimes they can get offended! Most people understand though and know I'm just kidding! I also love watching comedians like Mitch Hedberg or Dane Cook. They always give me a good laugh!
  • instructing
    • Bob The Builder
       
      When looking at this assignment, the word "instructing" stood out to me above all others. It's a weird thing to claim to be good at, but I believe that I am great at instructing. It's not that I'm a bossy person; I just tend to be a huge perfectionist. Usually in group situations I would rather be the leader than a follower because I like giving out orders and instructing people to complete certain tasks. When I took cooking classes with my friends and older sister I unintentionally was always the one giving people their jobs for the day. Maybe I have a slight OCD problem but it just bothers me if things are not organized to my liking so I would rather delegate and make sure things go according to plan. Instructing can also be used in terms of teaching, which I am equally good at. I usually can break material down into simpler and more understanding terms and teach it to someone who is having difficulty grasping those particular concepts. When I took chemistry my sophomore year of high school, my best friend at the time, was struggling every class period and couldn't understand the concepts the way our professor would teach them. Because I did, I was able to break down the lessons and teach it to her in a way that she had no problem comprehending. I guess in certain ways, instructing is one of my best qualities as well as my worst. It makes me an excellent tutor but also a slightly controlling team member. I think I just need to realize everything doesn't have to be perfect.
  • listening
    • Ashlee Duckworth
       
      I believe that I am good at listening. Whenever a friend or anyone in general needs to vent about someone or something, I always try my best to be available. I actually listen and for the most part, if I am not overwhelmed with occurences in my life, I genuinely care. I offer advice when I feel it is necessary. Even if I give bad advice, or even if they do not take it, I still offer it just in case they decide to use it. Having someone that is able and willing to listen to you, whether good or bad news, helps to release stress. Although I think I am a good listener, I am horrible at talking. I do not like to share my feelings with many people. The only emotions I do show are when I am happy or excited. When I am sad or unhappy I do not like to share those feelings with anyone because I do not want to burden other people with my troubles. Even though I feel like sharing my troubles with my friends produces stress for them, I have been told that not talking to them stresses them out more than if I had just talked to them in the first place. So for anyone who is listening and cares to take it, my advice is don't keep your feelings to yourself because it just brings more stress to everyone involved! Let your friends and family know what is going on in your life and both you and them will be less stressed.
    • Angela Moneck
       
      I believe that I am a pretty social person, considering that I am good at both listening and talking. I try my best to listen to people's problems when they need to talk, and I appreciate when they do the same for me. I believe that I have always been good at this, especially through all the high school "drama" with boys, stresses, and fights. All of my friends, especially my best friends, know that they can come to me whenever they have any issue that they need advice on or they just need to get something off their chests. They all know that I won't judge them, I will only listen and give my honest input when I feel that it is needed. I think that good listening skills are a very important trait to have.
  • writing
    • Michael Gutierrez
       
      I would have to say that writing on an interesting topic is one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy all sorts of writing. In writing you either do research and learn allot about a particular topic. Writing is also a means of expressing oneself. One is able to express who one is or where one has been. How much history would we know if our ancestors did not write it down? If Lewis and Clark never wrote in a journal we would know nothing of their travels into the West. I enjoy writing and am fairly good at it because I understand its importance. Many papers that I have written have described my most memorable experiences. Many others have described who I am and what my life has been like. Writing is a way to never be forgotten. Someone may read one of my papers one hundred years from now and know much more about me than a classmate which I never speak with. I am good at writing and enjoy it very much because I think it is one of the best ways in expressing oneself to the world around us. The one thing that I dont enjoy is writing about uninteresting topics. I love writing about history or people. One topic that I dont think I would enjoy writing about would be Physics or Chemistry. I enjoy and am good at writing if it is a topic that I am interested in.
  • writing
    • Dena Rennie
       
      I feel that I am good at writing. It may not even be that I am good at writing, or just that I feel good when I am writing. It doesn't matter if I am writing a poem, lyrics to a song, or writing a novel that I hope one day to finish- when I'm writing, I am at peace. I feel so in control when I write, and at the same time, I feel so helpless how the words just pour from my fingers so effortlessly. I suppose it's only fitting that I would be a writer. Both my parents have an amazing way with words. The first time I came home from spending time with my dad at the age of 16, the letter he gave me to read on the plane ride home brought tears to my eyes. And the sheer passion I see in my mother's eyes when I see her teaching her journalism class tells me that had she made different choices earlier in life, she would be a fearless journalist, desperately seeking the true story behind a political scandal, or a famous novelist like the great authors she looks up to with such high regard. Yes, there is no question that part of my writing abilities comes from both my parents, but the way I write is my own. Whether I am angrily blogging, or happily jotting down haikus, I feel the most like myself when I have a pen in one hand and a notebook propped by my knees cradling my left hand as it scrawls across the pages, or at my computer with a blank screen yearning to be filled with thoughts.
  • reading
    • Meghan Winn
       
      Reading is something I really enjoy. My mom and dad both read a lot and since I was little they always encouraged me to do the same. I'm not very good at writing but I appreciate others' talents. One of my favorite authors is Chuck Palahniuk. I have read many of his books and find the way he tells the story to be very interesting and unique. I wish I could write like that! I regret that I don't read as often as I used to but since I started college I've been pretty busy reading textbooks instead of novels!
  • talking
    • Alex Gutierrez
       
      Talking is one of my favorite things to do. However, it can also be one of my least favorite when the person is not interesting. Striking up an inteligent, interesting, and witty conversation can really be quite pleasurable. I like talking because you meet alot of very interesting people that many times have something worth saying. For instance; I was in the airport about a month ago on my way back from Yellowstone and Glacier National Park just kiling time; when I found myself in a great conversation. The man I talked to was older with a son beginning college this semester, just so happened they were going to be around Yellowstone on one last pre-college family vacation. Of course this immediately warranted some talking. I found myself telling them the few places they absolutely could not miss, along with some that respectfully could be. This, believe it or not, brought alot of joy to me. I knew that they were also, like me, going to experience a moment that really cannot be fully explained through talking alone. Something you really "had to see to believe!" Now that I am home, I realize that I learned so many interesting and wonderful things that really should be talked about. On the flip side, talking can really be annoying and quite unpleasurable. When discussing things that are really your own business like grades, yet everyone and their grandmother has to know. At times when you are in a hurry and need to be somewhere, but you feel bad just turning away from a conversation that many times you don't feel to be very pleasurable. So talking most times is fun, but can also be boring and drawn out. So if you have something to talk about spit it out, and let it be heard.
    • Angela Moneck
       
      Talking is another trait that I am good at. Although I don't particularly like talking in front of large groups of people, I love just talking to friends separately or in a group. Sometimes I find that I even talk too much, but my friends get used to that after knowing me for a while. I work in an environment in which it is required to be able to go up to people I may not know and start up a conversation. I may not always have been good at talking to people I don't know, but my job has persuaded me to actually like talking to people I'm not familiar with. I don't mind telling people how I feel, especially when I am upset about something-I can never keep anything inside for too long.
  • coaching
    • Angel Aramayo
       
      When it is all said and done, coaching is something that I have always wanted to pursue. I look at coaching as a way to help kids of any age get through obstacles that may come at them. Coaches are always telling us to never let up on that last lap, always run your hardest and touch the line. Never tell yourself that you can't do it or that something is too hard. You can take the most common used phrases in the gym and put them in life like scenarios. Life throws things at you left and right, if you gave up on the very first try, then how are you ever going to be successful in anything you do. It is very hard to do anything half speed, and if you never put forth your best effort how are you going to know what your potential is? A lot of people often do not even attempt a task because they psyche themselves out before they even try it. Sometimes it is just automatic for one to think that it is too hard, or there is no way one can do that. I want to be that coach or that person that helped someone succeed in the gym and then that person use those very simple lessons in life. A lot of coaches will coach to win games. But the best coaches are the ones who coach to help young kids become better people. Sure, it is a lot more fun when you win, but at the end of the day if you can't take anything home from it then what is the point.
  • writing
    • Jonathon Ellington
       
      Although I am no Ernest Hemmingway I would venture to say that I have a certain propensity for writing. I believe that this stems from my childhood; I would find myself dozing off in the shower where I was suddenly interrupted by my father who had unexpectedly walked in to the bathroom and then began to quiz me on spelling terms. While this may appear weird or bizarre at first glance, it helped me realize the power that words have. Standing there, I would wonder, "Why is he doing this? All I want to do is try to reminisce on the dream that was so rudely interrupted." But no, he was in there every Wednesday morning preparing me for the spelling pretest that was to come later that day. It wasn't until I had grown to the ripe age of a middle schooler that I realized how important writing was, not only could you tell fascinating stories but you could convey a message that would carry a deeper symbolism. During my seventh grade year two of my essays were entered into contests, both placed 1st or 2nd in their respective contests. These results inspired and encouraged me to continue my writing. As senior year of high school arrived I worked diligently to receive as much financial aid as I could. At the end of the year I had received over $15,000 in scholarship money. My first year of college was paid for and with this I was paid handsomely to attend. These events are why I consider myself a writer.
  • composing
    • Garrett Granger
       
      As I looked through the list of words on this page, it occurred to me that nothing really stood out as an actual strength of mine. I mean, I guess I do a good job of listening, talking, laughing, and even complaining, but how can you be good at something everyone else can do? It was the word "composing" that really caught my attention. For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed listening to music. I'm not sure why, but there is an indescribable feeling that comes over me when I hear a song I really enjoy. I guess it's something of a natural high for me. But as great as it is to listen to one of your favorite songs, it can't quite compare to playing one of your own tunes under the heat of stage lighting, in front of a crowd of cheering fans. Before moving to Tampa for college, I played the guitar for a band called South Atlantic. We never really experienced any major success, but we did play shows across the state of Florida. Now, nearly two years after our departure, I still have the desire to continue where the band left off. Unfortunately, composing a hit song has proved to be one of the greatest challenges of my life. I guess there is a reason why it's so difficult to get recognized by major record labels. I don't think that the art of creating a musical masterpiece can be taught. I believe it's one of those talents you either have, or you don't. So I guess what I'm really trying to say is, if I could choose one word from the list to help describe something I wish I were good at, it would definitely be composing.
  •  
    Diagnostic demonstration page for Ryan Meehan's 1102 Online Fall 2008 class.
  •  
    I know how to analyze situations. This is just a test to make sure I can figure this thing out properly.
  •  
    I'm good at a lot of those things but since I have to choose just one I'm gonna go with: analyzing. Its probably why I like the sciences so much because as you know it does requires a lot of analytical skills. I always seem to get a little rush whenever i use the skills that I learned in class and apply them in solving a problem. My analytical skills also extend to other areas of my life. I always thoroughly evaluate all aspects of something before I gt involved, so I can make sure its what is really best for and those around me. Im also good at laughing, I'm not a huge joke teller but when I hear a good joke I can't stop laughing. Even when other people have forgotten about, I still just keep on laughing.
Dena Rennie

Brian Russo - 0 views

shared by Dena Rennie on 16 Oct 08 - No Cached
  • War, and
    • Cybil Scott
       
      perhaps a semi colon here
  • states “Just
    • Cybil Scott
       
      comma after states
  • “the ‘Constitution’s “father” James Madison”.
    • Cybil Scott
       
      ?????? too many quotations?
  • ...16 more annotations...
  • that “no
    • Cybil Scott
       
      comma
  • stifle
    • Cybil Scott
       
      stifles
  • "false, scandalous and malicious writing or writings against the government of the United States, or either house of the Congress of the United States or the president of the United States."
    • Cybil Scott
       
      you may have to site this.
  • Michael Levin
    • Dena Rennie
       
      You need a tab here if it's a new paragraph. =)
  • as torture is justified only to save lives (not extort confessions or recantations), it is justifiably administered only to those known to hold innocent lives in their hands. Ah, but how can the authorities ever be sure they have the right malefactor? Isn't there a danger of error and abuse? Won't we turn into them?”
    • Dena Rennie
       
      I don't know if you're using MLA format or not- but you might need to site this at the end of the quote.
  • “Self-imposed silence is as debilitating to a democracy as censorship.”
    • Dena Rennie
       
      what's the source on this?
  • House Majority Leader Dick Armey
    • Dena Rennie
       
      Can you think of any other way to word that? I know that's his title, but that seems really awkward reading it.
  • t "We
    • Dena Rennie
       
      comma after *that*
  • McCullaghs
    • Dena Rennie
       
      need an apostrophe unless you're talking about more than one McCullagh.
  • In 1978
    • Dena Rennie
       
      you need a comma after the year.
    • Dena Rennie
       
      Really good work overall, your biggest problem seemed to be grammatical errors which are the easiet to make. I don't know what sort of formatting you are using, which makes it hard to judge on what you should and should not site- but other than that I think it's a really good paper. Also- if you have your works cited page ready, that would be good to post sometime soon. Depending on what format style you used, mistakes are easily made with that as well. (p.s.- sorry it's so late, these last couple of weeks have been really hectic for me and I'm trying to get caught back up in all my classes! =/ my bad!)
    • Dena Rennie
       
      also, after reading over it once again, the last half of the paper seems a little less organized than the first half. The first part flows very well, but the last couple of paragraphs seems to jump ideas a little bit. You might try rewording the first sentences of the paragraphs and that should help it.
  • f Declan McCullagh’s dissertation on the
    • Dena Rennie
       
      you might wanna site where you found out its his dissertation. I don't think I remember reading that in the article.
    • Dena Rennie
       
      I like how you positioned these two paragraphs together since they were similar articles. I felt both had a lot of similar content and made it flow very nicely.
  • cCullaghs comments somewhat mirror those of Foner’s, as he gives a brief history
    • Dena Rennie
       
      I think this statement should probably go somewhere closer to the beginning. By now after reading the paragraph, it already seems a little bit of a given.
  • In the case of the people of Omelas, the same principles that apply to the cases of the United States apply there as well. They were a simple group of people, who were not by any means barbarians or killers, but were trying to be happy, and they needed few laws. A culture in which violent is an alien factor, innocent and without the fear of crime can truly thrive without an abundance of rules and regulations.  In the cases of situations like Abu Ghraib, the notorious prison in which prisoners were regularly executed, tortured, and forced to live under the worst conditions.
    • Dena Rennie
       
      You might wanna clarify on who wrote about these subjects since you throw four names out there, and you almost always want to write as if your audience has no idea who wrote what.
  • The New Yorker
    • Dena Rennie
       
      I wanna say this should be italicized, but I'm not entirely sure. I know something should be done to distinguish it- but I am not entirely sure what.
Ryan Meehan

Week 4 - 0 views

Meghan Winn

Hours upon hours of searching... - 0 views

shared by Meghan Winn on 25 Nov 08 - No Cached
  • provided
  • Their dedicated team took over the extremely valuable work provided by Schwab Learning, another non-profit that was the pre-curser to GreatSchools from of January of 2008 and all the information once provided by the Schwab Learn will be incorporated into the GreatSchools website.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      this sentence is very confusing
  • provided
    • Meghan Winn
       
      change of tense (providing)
  • ...30 more annotations...
  • provides parents, guardians, and concerned citizens a voice
    • Meghan Winn
       
      i think you mean it provides them a place to voice their issues
  • in a form of a forum.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      'in the form of a forum' might make more sense
  • would have proven
    • Meghan Winn
       
      'could' might be more appropriate since the site is still there and still has users
  • which by being ignorant is a social injustice in itself.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      kind of makes the sentence confusing
  • you understand your
    • Meghan Winn
       
      avoid the words 'you' and 'your'.. remember the point of view writing tip that we were supposed to read a few weeks ago!
    • Meghan Winn
  • difficulty whether
    • Meghan Winn
       
      if there supposed to be a connecting word here?
  • But it is very impossible to do it
    • Meghan Winn
       
      confusing.. what is 'it'?
  • student
    • Meghan Winn
       
      should be plural
  • who are more knowledgable with knowing how
    • Meghan Winn
       
      'with knowing' should be replaced with a word like 'about'
  • Actually, not only one, several replies back actually.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      you don't need to say actually twice
  • in spreading out knowledge with dealing certain situations.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      doesn't make sense
  • responded to
    • Meghan Winn
       
      you should add something like 'with the idea' between these two words
  • incorporate the schoolwork to basketball
    • Meghan Winn
       
      kind of confusing.. might make more sense to say 'relates the schoolwork to basketball' or 'incorporates their schoolwork and basketball'
  • The fact of the matter is that by using certain sites one can fight the right fight if one can believe in it.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      sentence is not very clear
  • picture has
    • Meghan Winn
       
      'shows' might make more sense than 'has'
  • in depicting in
    • Meghan Winn
       
      confusing
  • you, the parent or guardian, the chance to be this teacher with your child. Though recall that it doesn't mean that it requires you to peer over your child's shoulder, it requires you to help your child in any manner possible because in the end of your child's life, the biggest teacher was you.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      refer back to what I said about avoiding you and your earlier.. you use them a lot in these sentences
  • to make
    • Meghan Winn
       
      'use' could sound better
  • matter that can through
    • Meghan Winn
       
      not very clear
  • what you
    • Meghan Winn
       
      POV- avoid 'you'
  • in search for help
    • Meghan Winn
       
      'in search of help' might make more sense
  • In the future, I hope this site gets more and more popular as the years progress.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      you don't need to say both 'in the future' and 'as the years progress'.. they kind of mean the same thing
  • finding
    • Meghan Winn
       
      change of tense
  • get the education they deserve
    • Meghan Winn
       
      this is not needed and makes your sentence sound very repetitive
  • future ,
    • Meghan Winn
       
      no space needed
  • behind in life for the rest of their lives.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      word choice makes this sound confusing
  • If being an activist becomes a problem then it is no longer activism.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      what does this mean?
  • persuading
    • Meghan Winn
       
      change of tense
  • It is as simple as that.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      repetitive.. you just used this sentence
    • Meghan Winn
       
      You use some very good details and have some good ideas for improving this webpage.
    • Meghan Winn
       
      You had some confusing sentences but I'm sure if you fixed those your paper would be much more clear and easy to read.
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