I'm resisting the urge to call people "barking moonbats" now. Thanks, Blogging Glossary...
Ahem.
Now, I will actually start this post.
So, "What do these readings suggest about the rhetorical conventions expected and/or accepted in the blogging discourse community"? I think what's interesting is the fact that there are conventions in a discourse community founded upon the notion of the Internet as a "free" environment. The blogging discourse community was intended to counter mass media, but there are still expectations we have to meet.
However, I do think it's important that, for example, bloggers expect each other to use proper spelling and grammar. It seems semi-oppressive, but really, if every blogger were to just go around blabbing words willy-nilly, the blogosphere will never really be taken seriously as an alternative to mass media (which is happening already).
In other words, it suggests that rhetorical conventions are, in fact, a necessary part of every discourse community, even those that pride themselves on valuing individuality. However, the Blogging Glossary suggests that blogging is an environment where open mocking of authors is acceptable and, in fact, facilitated by the technology. I enjoy that aspect of the blogging community, actually, so my objection just fell flat. (Can mocking be a rhetorical convention?)
One aspect I found interested about the "Blogging for Dummies" reading was its tendency to go beyond simple rhetorical convention and address complex issues of ethics and morals in blogging. Citing sources is an issue even in cyberspace, it seems. Is it still cool to say "cyberspace"? Quick, somebody mock me!
The issues of ownership got me thinking, as did the conventions Hill describes in creating an "editing trail" for blog posts. Part of the beauty of blogs is that you can go back and change whatever you said, but the fact that you'll be expected to let people know what you changed and when makes it a little more complex. What do you guys think?
5 comments:
I am just going to leave a short posting, mainly as a test since I had problems earlier posting to Mais' blog.
I am especially interested in your comments about conventions (i.e., spelling, grammar, etc.) One of my colleagues at LCHS a few years ago stated that she no longer considered spelling in her curriculum as something either to teach or grade because of the ubiquitous use of spell checking programs. I think most public school teachers today are more attentive to writing elements such as ideas and voice than conventions, but I believe we have to have certain conventions or writing will return to per-modern chaos of having no standardized spelling or punctuation. Frankly one of my greatest fears about using blogs in my curriculum has been that it seems an open invitation to yammer on without regard for conventions. I am grateful that such an "unconventional" environment such as blogging has a concern for conventions.
We'll see if this directs you to my new URL (judysmmblog.blogspot.com) or the old one. Please do not respond to the old one.
One other thing, Jen, can you tell me how to add links to blogging buddies on my blog?
thanks, Judy
I was also struck by the trail of blog corrections comments. The goal for transparency seems sort of out of place in our media obsessed world which seems to want things to appear seamless and perfect and pristine the first time around. I like the idea of showing corrections. That might be an interesting entry point for blogs in the comp classroom - they sort of privilege revision.
PS-Mocking is so a rhetorical convention (also a way of life).
Thank you for illustrating one of the preferred correction techniques (and sorry for the broken link).
I love your discussion about how conventions in blogging are somewhat antithetical yet still critical in getting others to seeing it as a legitimate and credible source of information.
Yes, I believe mocking is a rhetorical convention. "Cyberspace"? are you kidding me? Is it still 1999? Are you ready to get on the information superhighway? Just kidding. Mocking you makes me feel mean.
Ow, Jenny! That hurt... =(
Just kidding. I am rather fascinated by all the names there are for the Internet (or whatever), though a little sad that the imagery of the word "cyberspace" is no longer cool. What a bummer.
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