Writing as a Technology

After reading the Baron and Manguel texts, and completing my own writing tech. project, I keep thinking how easy my life is thanks to the progress mankind has made in writing technology. The Manguel reading, though dense with historical information, was eye-opening for me because I was unaware of just how many forms the book took on before it became what I so easily open today. It is interesting to think that I stray from large hard-cover books because they are too bulky for my taste, and at one point in time, books could be read from several feet away because they were so large.

I found that the two texts were similar in that they both mentioned how the cost-effectiveness of newer writing technologies influences whether or not it will benefit society. Some technologies may be very effective, however, if only a select group of people can afford it, then the technology is not improving literacy and writing in the long run. In addition, it seems that both writers are making a statement about the way that new technologies can so easily take over the old, causing us to change our reading and writing habits. For example, Baron explains that he has an enormous amount of trouble trying to make notes on paper if his computer isn't nearby; he can't connect his thoughts with paper and pen as he can so effortlessly with a computer and keyboard. Perhaps this relates a bit to what Plato was getting at when Socrates stated that writing causes people to forget. As technology continues to evolve and grow more complex, our writing techniques are changing in a way that may make us too dependant on the technology to the point where we struggle when writing without it. I am much like Baron in that I have hard time organizing my thoughts when I write them on paper because I can't record them as quickly as my mind is generating them; therefore, my writing doesn't seem as complete in my opinion.

Another interesting point that Baron made was this: "Not only must the new technology be accessible and useful, it must demonstrate trustworthiness as well." I think this message relates to all of the readings so far in that the reading and writing audience will only take advantage of modern writing technologies if they feel comfortable using it. Manguel, Plato (to an extent) and Ong maintain that while writing and technology is artificial, it allows us to record our thoughts and make them avaiable to others. This is writing technology's most important purpose.

Writing as Technology Show and Tell

Well this project certainly made me think. I first tried thinking of things I could find outside of my apartment, but seeing as how snow and ice cover most items that would be even remotely useful, I chose to check out the fruits and vegetables while I was grocery shopping. When I saw the eggplant I figured it would be big enough to fit 20 words, yet small enough to be "portable." I cut the eggplant in half, then began writing using a stick from outside, but found that it wasn't working well at all. So, I chose to use a similar object, a toothpick, to write with. The vegetable began browning even before I finished writing, which made me realize that this would not be a very reliable writing surface, since it doesn't offer any kind of permanence. The project made me think of Socrates in that I wasn't thinking very much about what I was going to write as much as I was thinking what I would use to write with, therefore, my ideas for writing suffered and weren't complex whatsoever. I know my writing technology is not very impressive, but it served its purpose and though its written message will not last through the ages, it is suitable for temporary use. In the end, this project made me so incredibly GRATEFUL for modern technology, I definitely take my computer, pen and paper for granted.

What is Style?

When I think about style in writing, many different elements immediately come to mind. I think of style as what makes a piece of writing unique, interesting and appealing. Writers can achieve various styles in their writing through the use of voice, tone, organization, sentence structure, word use, description, etc. Even though some might think that style refers to dramatic elements in writing, it can actually be very subtle and straight-forward; consequently, style doesn't automatically mean the writing is "loud." Style allows readers to form their own impressions of the writer and his message, which I think is what makes reading and writing so exciting.

Getting Started

This is the first blog I've ever created or written, and I never realized how simple it is to create one. I'm very impressed! It only took a couple of minutes to make, very easy! I am looking forward to adding to my blog and making it more interesting as I become more familiar with how all of this works. Since we're supposed to add an image I chose to share a picture of my family and I on Christmas Eve. My family LOVES Christmas, as you can tell by our festive gear :)