"Genres shape the way we create and produce text", using style and form (Van Luyn, 2013).
In the social network Google+, a broad range of style and form are used, depending on intent and audience. The feature Circles, enables the user to select who they want to share particular information with, as explained in previous blogs The Identity Puzzle and Cleverly 'Placed' . This allows for a diverse contrast in the discourse, language and tone used in specific groups. For example, the comments on a humorous picture that is shared to the public, is casual and conversational. Entries are generally short, and text speak is often used. In contrast, the communication in the community I joined, 'Great Books for Kids', is articulate and a little more personal, all having a common interest. What I share with family is comfortable, warm in tone, and with presupposition. And I can be as bawdy as I like with my friends circle, safe in the knowledge Grandma isn't going to be offended!
generation of today. There is the repeated claim that text speak has resulted in poor spelling and grammar, 'dumming' down our children. I disagree. Text speak is usually crafted as a choice, (an annoying one admittedly), and if it is done through a lack of knowledge, then I question the competence of teachers, parents and society in general, as we have a duty of care to educate our children. And anyway, is it not better that they have made an attempt? After all, one contribution is no less important to our social network than any other.
The most popular online genre is the blog, which McNeill likens to an adaptation of the diaries and journals of yesteryear; A personal narrative with an intended audience ( McNeill, ) McNeill refers to the recognised benefits of talk and writing therapy. On visiting the suggested blog Hyperbole and a Half, I was given a glimpse into the very lonely world of depression, from the authors perspective. I wonder if this blog was as therapeutic for the writer, as it was enlightening to the reader.
In conclusion, the genre of blogging is a medium that supports self expression and reflection. The exploration of sense of self, should be encouraged. And the opportunity to share with one another, perspective and insight, should be highly appreciated.
Reference
List
McNeill, L. (2011). Diary 2.0?: A genre moves
from page to screen. In C. Rowe & E. L. Wyss (Eds), E. L. Language
and new media: Linguistic, cultural, and technological evolutions (pp.
312-325). Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press.
Stop
Clubbing, Baby Seals [Image]. (2013). Retrieved from:
Van Luyn, A.(Producer) (2013). BA1002 Our
space: networks, narratives, and the making of place. [Podcast]. Retrieved
from https://learnjcu.jcu.edu.au
I agree that blogging is heavily about self expression and reflection. It's true what McNeill wrote also about how different the genre of 'diaries and journals' are nowadays. I also believe in what the lecture examined for this week about how language effects the way in which we express ourselves and how having the internet has created it's own specific online language. This new language has already started to seep out into the general public especially since several dictionaries now contain LOL-laugh out loud as a word. Which is a scary thought how it will impact on our society in years to come.
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