Internet Society

After reading up on e-books, I found another medium for literature that I haven’t really explored before: online literature.  As it turns out, there is an entire organization committed to “to facilitate and promote the writing, publishing, and reading of literature in electronic media,” and it is called the Electronic Literature Organization (ELO).

Initially I thought that e-lit was all short anime or 50 Shades of Grey-esque stories.  Turns out I’m wrong.  As defined by the ELO, electronic literature is “works with important literary aspects that take advantage of the capabilities and contexts provided by the stand-alone or networked computer.”  It encourages “artists, writers, teachers, developers, and scholars” to connect and promotes e-lit as a “digital art.”

What excites me about the prospect of online books is twofold: there’s same reason I like the Nook I am about to buy — I can take it anywhere.  Secondly, the ELO talks about uploading ancient works into its system, which will be helpful throughout college; I won’t have to request books that I can’t find in University Library.  However, I also read an article from DigitalHumanities.org that surprised me by saying the exact opposite: “It is a sector of digital humanities focused specifically on born-digital literary artifacts, rather than on using the computer and the network to redistribute, analyze, or recontextualize artifacts of print culture.”  The article was from 2009, which makes me wonder if the idea of e-literature has transformed since then (the ELO article was from June of 2012, so I’m guessing it has).  But maybe different people have different ideas of what e-literature should be about.

Personally, I think e-literature should be a combination of everything – old works and new, the internet is the perfect place to distribute all that artists have ever had and will continue to offer.  It is 2013, and it is about time we start providing all books, stories, novels, and pamphlets to all corners of the world.  The internet is the perfect place for that.  I applaud the ELO for its work towards “foster[ing] and promot[ing] the reading, writing, teaching, and understanding of literature as it develops and persists in a changing digital environment.”

It’s time to read  explore!

I was initially hesitant to delve into the e-book life because of course I still the smell of the pages of new (and old) books.  Looking through the shelves at the library, trying to find a certain title excites me.  Seeing Borders and certain Barnes & Nobles shut down saddens me.

But lately I’ve been exploring the e-book world more and more.  Besides the obvious better-for-environment, I like the idea that I can bring my Nook or Kindle everywhere I go (thank you SCU tuition for not allowing to afford an iPad).  My backpack is already loaded down with textbooks (although I’m seriously considering buying or renting these on my soon-to-be e-reader), so the prospect of one or two fewer books really is tempting.

I’ve narrowed it down to the Nook Color HD and the Kindle Fire HD. They are both $200, and I’m not that interested in paying seventy bucks more for the larger versions of the same tablets.  Both are in color, have extensive digital book libraries, and run off of wireless.  Both allow users to download apps ranging from Netflix to Sudoku.  Both are backlit and advertise no-glare technology.  Both have lending features.  The Kindle has a camera.  The Nook has more pixels.

They seem identical in price, but upon further inspection, the Nook comes with a charger.  The Kindle has a separate $10 charger, and  it costs $15 extra for an ad-free experience (the Nook doesn’t do this).  Because they are so similar in pretty much all aspects, it looks like I’m going with the Nook.  It seems to be a pretty good investment for a big reader like me, and I’ll let you know how it goes.

This doesn’t mean you won’t still see me in University, trailing my fingers along the pretty spines of paper books.

MacBook Pro

A friend of mine recently told me about his plans to pursue an Industrial Design degree at Arizona State next year. I hadn’t heard of Industrial Design (ID) before, so the example he gave me was that of Macbooks. He asked me to describe a Mac in a couple words, and the first ones that came to mind were “pretty” and “easy-to-use.” He explained that this was exactly what an Industrial Designer did – made products pretty and easy-to-use for consumers. It seemed like a cool idea, and when I googled it, I realized there is a lot more ID goin’ on than I knew.
IDSA.org defines ID as “the professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer.” So, basically, pretty and easy to use. But IDS also told stories: one about how text messaging and apps regarding HIV-status was saving babies’ lives in rural Zambia and another about the Embrace Infant Warmer, which is basically a sleeping bag “designed for premature and low-birth-weight babies to prevent hypothermia in developing countries.” I learned that Industrial Designers pride themselves on their commitment to sustainability and cost efficiency.

I also discovered bedazzled hearing aids aimed at making hard-of-hearing women feel more comfortable and a biodegradable toothbrush that for every one bought, one is donated to someone in the Middle East (similar to the Toms Shoes idea) from IndustrialDesignServed.com. I realized that ID wasn’t just about making things pretty and easy-to-use. It’s more than that. It’s about taking products and technology and improving them. It’s about saving lives.

This idea of ID design holds the conception of taking older products and making them new and improved for consumers to use. This allows products developed in the past to remain current and a desired product by the public.

Growing up, authors were always a very big deal. In my mind, because I always had a love for books, an author was like a super hero. Someone of intelligence, poise, and rhetorical punctuation and precision.

Even throughout history, those who could write were regarded in high esteem, and to have something publish and open to the public was honorable. Today, due to the internet, nearly anybody can become an “author.” This feels like society is allowing just anyone to become my super hero.

With all of the websites and programs that exist today, all that is required is enough knowledge to register, log in, and start writing. Whether what you have to say has meaning in the slightest, or literary elegance, you are able to publish something that is yours in the public sphere, and can deem it whatever you like. While some feel that this has increased communication and opened doors for people in society, I feel like it has taken away the essence that once came with being an author.

 “What Matter Who’s Speaking: Access, Wikis, and YOU” is an article that discusses how modern day modifications to sites like Wikipedia and WordPress allow anyone with internet access to become a writer. English professor at UCLA Susan Lewak  concludes that there is no longer a need for “authors” or “readers” because people have the ability to sign up for the account and type away.

Lewak directly states that “Wikis matter not because they are created by “authors” or “readers.”  They are significant because they are created by YOU.” Although the fact that it is created by the individual leaves some room for significance, it takes the magic out of being a writer, or just being the reader.

As a child, reading was one of my most enjoyed past times– it was the closest thing I had to magic. The way the authors brought far off worlds to life through their compositions inspired me and moved me to perhaps one day become as great as their stories. In my opinion, the dream of becoming a renowned writer is dimmed considering everyone else ability to claim it, as well.

As a child, I was never allowed to own video games. My parents didn’t mind if I played them at friends houses, but I was not allowed to own any systems, devices, or portable games. They even limited my possession of computer games.

Although we never discussed it directly, because I stopped caring, I think it is safe to assume that their reasoning behind their decision was because video games can consume children, and even adults. The games become so real, and addict people to the point that they start to intertwine their real lives and their gamer lives.

On the other hand, games have been created for pure learning sake. On a website called www.WolfQuest.org, a game has been created to demonstrate the ecology and life adaptations to students. Although their is still a risk of students becoming addicted to such a game, the intentions of the game are for education, so their existence is somewhat more accepted.

Someone who believes in the playing of video for preparation of the future is  Ian Bogost of the Georgia Institute of Technology. In his publication The Rhetoric of Video Games, he discusses his belief in the capabilities of video games to teach us about life through the situations they present to gamers.  To demonstrate this, he explains how his son learned about saving money and delegating money in order to pay off necessities by playing a game called Animal Crossing. Even though it does not use the exact scenarios that occur in actual life, it simulates what adulthood is like.

This seems practical– this application of using a game to teach children at an early age

Grand Theft Auto shows explicit violence.

about the future to come. However, it is not practical when children play games like War Zone, Grand Theft Auto, and Halo all day, which induce violence.

In addition, although video games can be educational, they also keep those who play them indoors, usually sitting glued to a screen. This depletes their social life, and active life, leading to health problems like obesity and personality disorders.

Bogost states that “video games have the power to make arguments, to persuade, to express ideas,” and while this is true, it is not necessarily good in all circumstances. For games such as Animal Crossing, it seems harmless, but for games that deal with war and violence this could and has proposed danger.

Overall, video games have developed to be very intriguing aspects of media, and have served some great purposes through their educational nature. Yet, at the same time, some games do exist that can cause damage.

As an English major, paper assignments are the norm. Whenever I am assigned a paper, I strangely get the slightest twinge of excitement because it is one more space for me to release my own thoughts on the directed topic. Although sometimes I am not interested in the topic whatsoever, I often find a way to relate it to what I do enjoy.

For so many years, students and professionals alike have remained in the same habitat while writing: an office or a library. This is common because they are places that are established for doing work. Some people find that this is the only way that they are able to focus, because there is no noise to disrupt the content they are reading on their computer screen, or the passages that they are flipping through a book for. But has anyone ever considered what that outside noise, or interaction, may inspire? Truth be told, writing a paper or whatever it may be can actually be made easier, sometimes, if done in a new place, with new sources of inspiration and research.

Olin Bjork, a professor at Santa Clara University and  John Pedro Schwartz, a professor at the American University of Beirut, composed an article that suggests the concept of changing one’s atmosphere in order to change their writing. Writing in the Wild: A Paradigm for Mobile Composition, is an article in which the writers argue due to all of the progress our society has made in technology, like smartphones and iPads, students and writers in all should take their assignments elsewhere and let their compositions become inspired by new sources; they also suggest finding research in a new way– through experience and setting.

I can actually relate to this concept directly. Over Thanksgiving break I traveled toKentucky to visit my sister. On the flight there, I had every intention of taking myself to their library while my sister was in class and finishing some assignments for when I returned. Obviously, I got to Kentucky and did absolutely nothing. On the flight home, I continuously debated trying to do my work on the plane; the lady next to me kept making conversation, and I had no idea how I would get any comprehensible thought written down.

Despite the odds, I decided to attempt my writing assignments amidst the chaos on the plan. And, to my surprise, my thoughts came to me so much easier and more fluent– nothing I was writing was forced, and I felt good about it. While writing, I kept my conversation going with the lady seated next to me, and I found myself actually including bits of what she was saying into my work.

Whether it was the influence of the lady sitting next to me, or the fact that I was not in a traditional work environment, the change in atmosphere facilitated my efforts. Geoffry Circ suggests that bringing “new atmospheric objects” into the classroom, like candles, and introducing “new objects of study,” professors may be able to “foster new habits of thought and enliven student writing” (Sirc 2002).

Luckily, data can be displayed in various different ways. For some people, reading text and trying to decipher the message being conveyed is nearly impossible. These individuals are only able to interpret data by looking at a chart, diagram, or some sort of visual representation is better for their understanding; it is the only way that they can understand.

In the book Designing Visual Language: Strategies for the Professional Communicators,  by Charles Kostelnick and David Roberts, the paramount usage of various ways of visual data display are analyzed and discussed further. Specifically, in chapter seven, interpretation and its relation to data displays are explored, and it is concluded that the way in which data is displayed can influence one’s interpretation and perception of that data.

Although variations of data displays are commendable so that more people are able to understand information, the multiple ways provided to representing data also allow the representer to illustrate, or even skew the data, so that it is conveyed in a certain light. For example, on page 247 an example is provided that displays membership trends of a large nonprofit organization. The way in which the information is presented, a table, is rather difficult to read and merely looks like a times table chart. After “scanning the table, [even] Ed (the creator) quickly realizes that in this form his readers can’t see the trends in membership very easily or dramatically.”

Even though Ed realizes this and decides to recreate his data display method as shown in his next two drafts of a pie chart and bar graph, it still presents the idea that creators of data displays have the power to present their information in a murky way in order to hide certain trends, or emphasize what they would like highlighted.

Michael Lenyo is an author who has explored the effects of data representation, and in 2004 he published a book, Crooked Numbers: Using Opinions to Shape Statistics, that explores the subject in more detail. Although his book is primarily about flawed statistical data, he does a great amount of discussion on how the creators of data displays, text or visual graphics, hold power in swaying the audience.

In some cases, creators may feel compelled to represent data. If they are forced to represent their data some how, but feel that the information they have to show is incompetent or not worth they may feel that displaying it in a murky way is the only method that will not sabotage their purpose.

“There  are  many  reasons  why  people  choose  to  manipulate  statistics.   They  may  feel  pressure  from  outside  sources,  they  may  be  constrained  by  budget,  or  they may  have  personal  objectives  or  values  they wish to support” (Lenyo). 

This is an alarming thought because, in some sense, it makes us question every set of data we have ever read and utilized. This fortifies that fact that each individual who ever views data that is not presented by their own creation, could possibly be viewing skewed data, and even biased data. It is the responsible of the interpreter to read the information at hand with knowledge of adulteration and corruption.

Overall, visual data has advanced many aspects of our informational world, and has allowed statistics and information to become more effective for some people. “…Bars, lines, slices of pies, dots, and icons. Although they may rely on text (labels, legends, titles) to define them, graphic elements do the heavy lifting because they alone represent the data” (262). As already stated, these visual elements are great in the sense that they allow some people to understand things that were never comprehensible before; however, I feel it is important to remember the fact that statistics are, indeed, often formed and presented based on opinion, thus not always one hundred percent factual.

Understanding a specified content or program has always allowed people to be unique, specialized, and significant. In ancient times when one was illiterate, a set person who could read and write was designated as a scribe for that person. Thankfully, many more people are literate today, but the access the world has to learning new programs, information, and skills through user designed databases is somewhat taking away from the opportunity to be different.

Obviously, people will always have something that is theres and that someone else cannot do. For example, some people will simply never be able to play the piano. Whether it be they are musically incompetent or cannot keep a rhythm, it just doesn’t happen for some. On the other hand, since I learned to operate YouTube at a very young age, I have managed to teach myself how to play piano without any lessons or money. With the knowledge of how to search for a few key words and click a few buttons, I became the world’s next Beethoven.

Charles Kostelnick is a professor in the department of english at Iowa State University. In his teachings, he focuses primarily on visual communication, literature, and visual art. In his article “The Visual Rhetoric of Data Displays: The Conundrum of Clarity,” Kostelnick discusses comprehension of data in terms of visually interpreting and understanding it. Throughout his article, it is continuously obvious that Kostelnick feels that as digital datasets grow on the web, comprehension and ability to comprehend a variety of domains and their content will grow as well. Even though Kostelnick is more so discussing actual databases with, perhaps, statistical data on any given subject, I see that this idea applies to all skills one can acquire. Like I said previously, I have become a musician via user friendly websites. It’s great, don’t get me wrong– but in some ways it kills specialization.

Ultimately, to increase revenue, results, and knowledge, designers want to “ensure the optimal transmission of data from designer to user” (Kostelnick 117). In my opinion, this is great! We should be attempting to gear sources of information toward a universal audience, allowing more people to understand. However, I am worried that as this continues, the need for outside sources and outward interaction will decrease and society will soon slump into non-interaction.

“Over the next 50 years, technology will likely continue to fuel the revolution in data design, perhaps even surpassing the discoveries and innovations of the 19th century. The innovations in digital data design will afford readers even greater flexibility to visualize data, further democratizing visual access to information and intensifying the rhetoric of participation. As a result, readers will likely have a much larger array of internet-based conventional forms to interpret, as well as encounter many novel forms, all of which will compete for their attention” (Kostelnick 128).

I do not mean to discourage all of those who have learned and gained so much by clarified databases that allow them to understand and comprehend something that may have once been jibberish to them. I do, however, mean to surface the fact that as everything digitalizes, human communication and interaction will digitalize, as well. As more and more people become specialized in whatever they type into their search engine, their need for an actual specialist in the subject will wither. It may seem far fetched, but crazy things do happen in our world, and it is very likely that this could be one of them.

Cell phone providers now make phones that make it easier for seniors to text message. Texting is amazing, no doubt about it; but texting will never be as sincere and intimate as a phone call, letter, or random visit. Prior to this special phone for seniors, I spoke to my Grandma nearly every day on the phone. Now that she knows how to text, I hardly hear from her. I know that not all people conform to the assets that are provided for them, which help them understand, but many feel compelled to learn because the programs and items are catered to them. So then the question shifts from “I don’t understand this information/how to do this,” to “oh there is a tutorial on line? There is a visual demonstration? Sure, why not?”

Technology has changed the face of the earth for the better, respectively. But technology has also taken away from chivalry, dependence, and sincerity. The fact that doctors, accountants, and politicians have data charts and graphs to further clarify information is phenomenal, but when digital games are made so addictive, yet so visually comprehendible that my two year old cousin learns how to play all on her own and operate an iPad while she’s at it, I feel that things have gone too far.

<iframe src=”http://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10150986039402471″ width=”720″ height=”1280″ frameborder=”0″></iframe>

Interpretation is often unique to each individual recieving information. One person who is reading a traditional Shakespearean play may not find the same meaning and derive the same themes as another. Thus, analyzing and constructing meaning to a particular text is relative to the particular individual.

In Introducing Electronic Text Analysis by Svenja Adolphs, techonological text analysis is examined and discussed. Ultimately, it demonstrates how texts as varied as e-mails that are screened upon entrance into our country to classics like Heart Of Darkness, are electronically analysed, and placed through a slot-and-filler system in order to find a concordance output, or similarities in diction that could potentially suggest a theme.

This may work when analyzing something for protection of our nation… for when certian words of alarmed need to be flagged. But does this bean counting method actually work when attempting to asses the way a particular text, or movie dialogue, makes us feel?

As humans, it is logical to say that this is how we operate in communication. First, we listen to words. Then, we continue to listen to see how they coonnect with other words or see if they reoccur in a text or when one is speaking. Finally, we start to construct meaning, given these words. The difference with our own processes and that of technologically analyzing language is that we construct its meaning with our own minds; behind our construction there is interpretation based on our own experiences, our own memories, and our own souls. For this very reason, analyzing and assessing meaning to text, dialogue and even conversation cannot be universal through an advanced technological system.

One cannot truly find meaning behind a text by allowing some program to attain it through bean counting. This only helps us understnad on a scientific, intellectual level. Sure, this is helpful in certain circumstances, but how do I use these theories to talk about Holy writings, or poetry, or aesthetics in language? Literature like this has meaning beyond the words.

In the book Perks of Being a Wallflower, there is a particular scene where the main character, Charlie,  is in the car with his two best friends listenting to a song they all love. As he continues to listen, the lyrics, the words, start to make him feel a certain way. “And in that moment, I swear, we were infinite,” is what Charlie proclaims about the way the song made him feel. Granted, the music, the company he was with, and the place in his life also contributed to this feeling, but the discovery of it was not distinguised until after he heard the words of the song. The language being spoken to him through lyrics was strong enough to allow him to make an interpretation based on his own heart.

Texts can always contain a common constructed meaning, as concluded through electronic text analysis. But I believe it is disgraceful to praise this method in such a high light because words and language will be forever changing in meaning depending on the reader.

It is obvious that the classic To Kill A Mockingbird is about injustice and loneliness, and although I find this theme in the story, I also find a theme of brother and sister, and father and daughter, as reading this texted composed to beautifully by Harper Lee reminds me of my own Father, and the many lessons he has taught me.

Technology is awesome, and has accomplished so many legendary things in our world that words cannot even describe. But I would hate for it to corrupt the aesthetics that exist in literature. No form of analysis that is not done with one’s own mind can help us find heart; it does not tell me why certain books, songs, or movies make me cry, and it does not tell me when something is beautiful.

As time progresses, products, places and people do, too. New cars are produced, places of attraction are revamped to draw more tourism, and people alter their perceptions, likes, and style in order to keep up with the times. Through the mess of it all, society has gotten lost, and lost their thirst for what was once real.

A song taught to many children at a very young age preaches to “make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, while the other is gold” (Lynch). This concept works for people, but I believe it should be applied to places, products, and the total functionality of our economy and society, as well.

“The world of real places and the stuff in them seems to be evaporating” (Lanham 2).  As more and more things are produced, and more and more places are adulterated by artificial attractions, all of the old things that once were are vanishing. We are making new, but forgetting the old. 

Richard Lanham is a notable scholar who studies the history of rhetoric, and publishes books regarding the topic. His newest book, The Economics of Attention, adventures through “a new economy, an economy not of goods, but of information, an economy not of production, but of synthesis, an economy not of consumption, but of comprehension” (Kreuter).

Further more, in his book, Lanham explains that society has been going through a shift, and in this shift consumerism has hit an all time high, and that societies new way of going about life in regards to materialism is a bit tainted.

People are not as attracted to actual products or places themselves, anymore, but instead, and attracted to the label that comes with products and places. Montana has some of the prettiest sights our world has to offer, and Vegas has some of the ugliest. However, because going to Vegas suggests money, partying, and luxury, it sees more attention.

Same goes for products. Levi jeans are ten times more durable than more high end branded jeans, like True Religions or Citizens. Yet, people continuously buy the latter because of the extra sparkle, or back pocket design.

In turn, producers of products or attractions who are more qualitative, or legitimate, still attempt to change what they have to offer in order to remain in the game of this consumerism catastrophe. Overall, consumerism is depleting the realness of our world.

Lanham states that “actual physical location threatens to evaporate everywhere we look… Surgeons can cut you open from a thousand miles away. Facsimile Las Vegas delivers Rome and New York on the same daily walk” (Lanham 2).

Products like iPads, and programs like Skype, lessen the urgency to actually go out and visit someone, or visit a store. They make it all possible from the comfort of our couch. These items have attracted attention because of the connotations that come with them.

Companies keep on competing for how much attention they can get their products to receive, and that is why Lanham feels our world could be identified by an economy of attention. If something can catch one’s eye, and attain their attention, it will allow that product to circulate, or draw that person in for a visit.

This new style of life, of having all that there is to have and in the most expensive form has not only altered the physical aspects of our world, but communicative and intellectual as well.

“…human expression, oral and literate– ‘rhetoric’… has traditionally been defined as the art of persuasion,” but now it seems as if it might as well be called the economics of attention (Lanham 21). One of the overarching themes of Lanham’s article is that this, too, will soon lose its importance and position in society. By “this” I mean argument, topics of discussion, and issues that matter.

Nate Krueter, a blogger from the University of Texas at Austin depicts this issue as follows:

“In an economy of information that is greased by the currency of attention, arguments may become in many cases less important than, or at least only as important as, the style that draws us to engage with a particular argument. Style will determine which arguments we pause to consider.”

In my opinion, Krueter is suggesting that humanity will begin to lose sight of what matters, what is essential to our survival, and what is real.

People will continue to seek more and more information, because they think they need it in order to stay current. The truth, however, is on the contrary. According to Lanham, we are overwhelmed by the amount of information we have. In fact, we have so much that we can hardly decipher one thing from another.

It all comes down to how people want to be perceived in the public sphere, one of judgment and twisted ideologies of how life should be. That is what ultimately drives our society and economy. People are worried about becoming outdated, but what they are forgetting is that things that are important, and products and places that originally stimulated our economy by providing durability, quality, and aesthetics, are timeless.

This all reminds me of the movie 13 Going On 30, starring Jennifer Garner who plays Jenna. In the film Jenna skips ahead 20 years on the night of her 13th birthday. When she wakes up, she is in a state of confusion, but goes onward with her day and soon realizes that she has transported to her future life, and is now 30. After a few weeks, she is exposed to what her life will become, and all of the corruption that fills it, too.

In the end, after reconnecting with her middle school crush, and realizing the the people she has surrounded herself with are toxic, she realizes that she had what she wanted all along, even at the age of 13.

Like Jenna does in 13 Going on 30, society needs to be reminded of what we actually came from in order to truly appreciate what we have now. Things have been so overproduced and revamped that almost everything in our world has lost any sense of authenticity. I think that is the main issue that Lanham is getting at.

The fact that the definition of something as classic as rhetoric can now be defined by something else accustomed to our society’s consumer habits and patterns is absurd. The sincerity, genuineness, and realness of humanity needs to be restored.

Quintilian style and oratory are words that have often been thrown around in my presence. Yet, even though I was present, and the words were present, their meaning wasn’t. Whether it be during some philosophy class, in which I had no idea what was going on, or in mid conversation with an actual adult (because I still consider myself a kid), these words were not unfamiliar. The issue is that their meanings were very unfamiliar. Foreign, even! Upon doing my homework, I discovered the truth behind Quintilian and oratory. What are the chances…?

Marcus Fabius Quilianusint, also referred to as Quintilian, was born in Spain during a year that is still uncertain. It was believed that Quintilian held to professions in his public life: a pleader and teacher of eloquence. It also appears that during the eighth year of the reign of Domitian, Quintilian opened a public domain of education at Rome, in which he taught his rhetoric and pushed forth the art of oratory. After spending nearly twenty years in his school, Quintilian retired to engulf his personal life. It was during this period that he wrote Quintilian’s Institutes of Oratory — a piece of literature that finally clarified just who Quintilian was, and what oratory is.

This piece of literature puts forth the theory and practice of rhetoric, but does so in regards to a foundation and education of the orator. In the introduction, chapter 1, and chapter 2, Quintilian spends majority of the text exploring the idea that an orator must be a “good man” (Quintilian 12:1). I found this interesting because as Quintilian describes the qualifications and characteristics of an orator, he is also expressing what he believes to be a good man, for after reading his “guide book,” it is clear that only a good man can be an orator.

According to Quintilian, a good man is someone who “desires the honorable,” and, regardless of what situation he may be put into, a good man will always maintain his moral and uprightness” (Quintilian 12:1).

As the reading continues, more is discovered about Quintilian’s idea and requirements of a good man. In book 12, chapter 2, Quintilian amplifies his opinion that all things must be learned and studied, because men are not born naturally with such qualities. He exclaims that:

“…the orator must above all things study morality and must obtain a thorough knowledge of all that is just and honorable, without which no one can either be a good man or an able speaker. 2. Unless, indeed, we feel inclined to adopt the opinion of those who think that the moral character is formed by nature and is not at all influenced by discipline. They acknowledge that manual operations, and even the meanest of them, cannot be acquired without the aid of teachers, but say that we possess virtue—a gift that more than anything has raised man nearer to the immortal gods—unsought and without labor, simply because we are born.”

The quote presented above explicitly demonstrates Quintilian’s belief that orators, good men, are only those who are able to learn, and make movements through language.

Aside from becoming morally sound, and learning what it takes to be good, Quintilian emphasizes the fact that an orator should not specialize in any specific topic, but be knowledgeable of all. He advises readers that an orator will “exercise himself on all subjects” but learn to speak eloquently of any subject regarding its “highest nature” (Quintilian 12:2).

Although I am not sure I agree with Quintilian’s proclamations of what justifies a good man, I mostly appreciate and respect his dedication and understanding of the importance an power of words. Not only does he convey the idea that words are so strong, and their connection and placement together are enough to move people if done so eloquently, but he addresses the contrary; the talent of speaking is something he considers to be divine and honorable, but understand that if it falls into the hand of the wicked, it becomes a vice.

Words and language are so important. They express our innermost thoughts and make them come to life. Sometimes they are harsh, and can be detrimental, but often times their power is used to convey a paramount meaning that is essential for our being. Aside from being gifted with the ability to speak eloquently, as Quintilian analyzes, Cicero, a Roman philosopher and orator provides a companion piece titled De Oratore, which further investigates the actual though process of speaking eloquently, thus being an orator.

The reason I consider De Oratore to be in companionship to Quintilian’s Institutes of Oratory is because is takes Quintilian’s piece one step further, and really plunges into the process and power behind being an orator.

Cicero

After returning home to the Roman Empire from exile, Cicero finds himself in a political muddle. He find his home looted, and feel that the power of words was placed into the wrong hands, thus making his state go to chaos. Cicero wrote the following as his own ideal concept of a moral state– he describes the ideal orator that, in his eyes, would have enough power behind his words to quell the uncontrollable state of his home land:

“…he ought first to find out what he should say; next, to dispose and arrange his matter, not only in a certain order, but with a sort of power and judgment; then to clothe and deck his thoughts with language; then to secure them in his memory; and lastly, to deliver them with dignity and grace. I had learned and understood also, that before we enter upon the main subject, the minds of the audience should be conciliated by an exordium; next, that the case should be clearly stated; then, that the point in controversy should be established; then, that what we maintain should be supported by proof, and that whatever was said on the other side should be refuted; and that, in the conclusion of our speech, whatever was in our favour should be amplified and enforced, and whatever made for our adversaries should be weakened and invalidated” (Cicero XXXI).

This passage is so important in understanding both writers wants and desires for the art of oratory because it demonstrates that they care about both their own thoughts and those that are receiving their thoughts. Cicero clearly states that thought must be placed behind one’s words, and this will inevitably lead to the correct judgment and power.

Lastly, and perhaps the most moving part of this all, lies in Cicero’s last words on oratory. He strikes readers with an emotional appeal as he concludes with inspirational words that encourage individuals to be understanding and comprehensive of all, thus allowing us all to understand more aspects of life for each others sake. Even if it does not apply to us, understanding is key. As stated by Cicero himself:

“… you must acquire practice in everything; you must try the strength of your understanding; and your retired lucubrations must be exposed to the light of reality. The poets must also be studied; an acquaintance must be formed with history; the writers and teachers in all the liberal arts and sciences must be read, and turned over, and must, for the sake of exercise, be praised, interpreted, corrected, censured, refuted; you must dispute on both sides of every question; and whatever may seem maintainable on any point, must be brought forward and illustrated… A certain intellectual grace must also be extracted from every kind of refinement, with which, as with salt, every oration must be seasoned. I have poured forth to you all I had to say, and perhaps any citizen whom you had laid hold of in any company whatever, would have replied to your inquiries on these subjects equally well.”

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who left an impact on almost everything regarding the knowledge of mankind. Aristotle’s writings have remained everlasting through time, despite the periods of darkness that he suffered due to the likes and beliefs of society. Although known world wide, Aristotle was born in 384 B.C to Stagira, a town in northern Greece. For 20 years, Aristotle studied under Plate and throughout his education he often criticised the teachings of Plato, but developed a respect as well. After his education, Arsitotle was summoned to tutor who later became Alexander the Great.

After his death in 322 BC, Aristotle’s compilations of work were forgotten for sometime. However, they later were revived in 30 BC by Andronicus of Rhodes, and are now taught, analyzd and praised today.

One work specifically, Aristotle’s Rhetoric, deals with the art of persuasion. From the 4th century BC, in this composition Aristotle works on defining the term “rhetoric” and demonstrating how it’s teachings and methods are the most important to any aspect of persuasion. This composition is divided into three books, and then into chapters. In chapter one, Aristotle defines rhetoric and explains how it is the “counterpart of Dialectic” (Honeycutt). In this chapter, Aristotle emphasizes that appeals to emotion in the art of persuasion often adulterate one’s judgement.

In chapter two, Aristotle presents the concrete definition which states that “rhetoric is viewed as the ability in any particular case to see the available means of persuasion” in any situation (Honecutt). In this chapter, Aristotle also introduces components of persuasion still used today: ethos, pathosm and logos, the appeals to emotion, as well as paradigms and syllogisms.

Furthermore, in chapter 3, Aristotle introduces the three types of rhetoric: deliberative, forensic, and epideictic. Aristotle also mentions the “ends” or conclusions that each orator wishes to reach with their persuasion.

In book two of Aristotle’s Rhetoric, he focuses on the emotional appeal in one’s argument. In chapter one, he presents the concept that the judgement of man as well as the opinion are often altered due to emotions. He explains that in persuasion, one can portray certain emotions in the act of seeking a cetain effect. Chapter two further investigates this theory and explore emotions that can be applied to a rhetorical speaker.

Overall, Aristotle’s explanation and in depth evaluation of rhetoric is convincing and powerful, as it is still used today. In fact, it has become such a noteable source that it is regarded to more currently as the history of rhetoric, and not just a philosophical work. Although somewhat difficult to fully understand and see the entirity of its power just through Aristotle’s writing, a dialogue refferred to as Phaedrus exposes its methods a bit more.

Phaedrus was written by Plate in 370 BC. It tells the story of a conversation Socrates has with his friend Phaedrus while walking just outside of Athens. Phaedrus had just hear a speech on love by Lysias, and shares it with Socrates. Socrates does not find the speech impressive and states that he can provide a better speech on the subject. In the end, the two men discuss the art of rhetoric.

I found this dialogue amusing to read and easy to understand. It demonstrated Aristotle’s idea of rhetoric in a more personable way and presents it in a different light.

Passages such as the following provide an explanation on why it is important to appeal to emotions in the art of persuasion.

“The conclusion: A man must be able to know and define and denote the subjects of which he is speaking, and to discern the natures of those whom he is addressing. Until a man knows the truth of the several particulars of which he is writing or speaking, and is able to define them as they are, and having defined them again to divide them until they can be no longer divided, and until in like manner he is able to discern the nature of the soul, and discover the different modes of discourse which are adapted to different natures, and to arrange and dispose them in such a way that the simple form of speech may be addressed to the simpler nature, and the complex and composite to the more complex nature—until he has accomplished all this, he will be unable to handle arguments according to rules of art, as far as their nature allows them to be subjected to art, either for the purpose of teaching or persuading. Such is the view which is implied in the whole preceding argument” (Socrates).

Furthermore, early on the dialogue, Socrates provides a definition or rhetoric that explains what it can do is implemented correctly:

“The rhetorician can produce any impression that he pleases, in any place or upon any occasion. Is not rhetoric, taken generally, a universal art of enchanting the mind by arguments; which is practiced not only in courts and public assemblies, but in private houses also, having to do with all matters, great as well as small, good and bad alike, and is in all equally right, and equally to be esteemed—that is what you have heard?” (Socrates)

In all honesty, I never put much thought into the art of persuasion, or the concept of rhetoric. It was always something presented in English classes, and a few Philosophy classes, but never something that I fully grasped the concept of. Using it was never an issue, but after going through these readings I feel that I will be able to apply rhetoric in a more powerful method because it is better understood. It seems that Phaedrus is the perfect comprehension companion to Aristotle’s Rhetoric because it encompasses all of it’s aspects in a story like manner, making it easier to understand through example.

In conclusion, it is safe to assume that rhetoric, and the art of persuasion are very important. Whether writing about it in a paper, using it in argument, or reading about its uses in argument, understanding it and being able to detect it are beneficial in defending oneself in any act of persuasion or argument.

In Danah Boyd’s article “A Blogger’s Blog: Exploring the Definition of a Medium,” she takes readers through the idea of blogging and analyzes the structure, creation, and aspects of blogs. Boyd hits on the use of blogging the public sphere, but also note how the concept of blogging is misunderstood by viewers. In her article, I found it interesting that Boyd includes a description of the actual action that is blogging. She describes the “practice” of blogging and explains how bloggers build expressions pertaining to one particular topic under “the same roof,” or their specific blog (Boyd). Boyd explains that blogs are different than typical web pages because they are a collection of on going expression and not static information continually updated. Bloggers are able to identify themselves through their blog and the expressions that they include within their blog.

Boyd makes it clear that blogs serve as a medium in addition to the content they provide. Because of this, blogs will continue to play an important role in communication as well as impact “communicative and social assumptions” (Boyd).

Bloggers see their blog as a reflection of their interests and values. They also contend that the blog does not show them in entirely, but only what they choose to perform in that context. This corporeal relationship deeply affects the way in which people choose to manage their blogs. There is a sense of ownership, a sense that a blogger has the right to control what acts and speech are acceptable and to dictate the norms in general. Part of this stems from the sense that whatever others write affects the representation of the blogger, not simply of the blog. In other words, people’s additions are like graffiti on one’s body. As a result, bloggers have varying degrees of openness to how others shape their blogs. Concerns are more present in people who are negotiating larger audiences or audiences with different expectations.