Final Blog!

Scott McCloud illustrates (Ha Ha!) an insightful picture of digital technologies and the future of comics in his article Reinventing Comics.  The convergence of print into the digital realm (or repurposed print, as McCloud refers to it) isn’t something new.  Walter Ong had written a whole book about the transformation of text in Orality and Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word (1982).  In this book Ong wrote about the same kind of convergence that McCloud refers to.  What was once limited to the oral later adapted to the written which was later adapted to the digital.  It is and will always be a progression and evolution of what was once only oral communication.  McCloud wrote “…the ultimate goal for comics – as far as any art form – will be to find a durable mutation that will continue to survive and thrive well into the new century.” (207)  This could not be more true.  As with any art form, comics can be perceived as art in the form of visual literacy.  The juxtaposition of text with images can have powerful implications in meaning (as we have studied by reading Birdsell and Groarke) but even more so in the digital realm.  However there is still a fine line in being walked between print and hypertext.  Comics introduction and adaptation into the digital medium offers fantastic enhancements.  The inclusion of sound, motion and interactivity make the digital comic something more that what previously existed in print.  The fine line, as McCloud pointed out, relies on the ability to keep the comic from morphing into a medium such as film, or from losing its identity in the face of the hypertext itself.  Will digital technology kill the comic?  I would venture to guess that no, it won’t.  Again, it’s about adaptation.  As with any art form that has entered the digital pool it either needs to adapt and find a way to carve a unique niche for itself or it will be lost, killed, or replaced as a form of art.  

Likewise the monitor is a window or better yet a doorway that frees us from the confines of the paper and print.  McCloud discusses how this doorway opens up the world (of comics) giving us room to stretch our limbs.  Even more than this, the monitor opens doors.  It is simply a threshold to the infinite space that is cyberspace and all that it encompasses:  information, countless and countless doorways to information.  Is there a better metaphor for the monitor than this?  Perhaps, but I like to think that a window or a doorway is simple enough in describing what the monitor represents to us. 

Finally, which one text/link/pdf would I save from demise?  This is a hard question to answer because there is so much out in the world in analog and digital form that has meaning to me.  Before the computer and cyberspace I would probably have to say the Bible, not because I’m a Bible thumper or anything like that, but because it is the one book that brings immense hope and comfort to millions of souls across the planet (not to mention it’s the most widely translated and printed text in existence).  Whether one considers themselves a Christian or not, in the bleakest of times it perhaps contains something that could speak to almost anyone.  I think I’d also want to save my copy of the Joy of Cooking as well, because I like to read cookbooks and it’s the mother of them all!  

Works Cited:

McCloud, Scott. Reinventing Comics. New York: Perennial, 2001. 199-241. Print.

Blog #6: Pomp and Circumstance

Lanham’s An Alphabet That Thinks was only slightly an enlightening article.  I say slightly because I found his C-B-S model of communication (clarity-brevity-sincerity) to be an easy target for shooting holes into.  In theory, Lanham argues that the C-B-S model means that we should be clear, concise, plain, and sincere in our communication both in verbal language and perhaps in text as well.  In this model there is no room for fluff, no room for little white lies, no room for imagery or semiotics, and we should top it off with a healthy dose of sincerity as well.  I struggle with that a lot.  When was the last time I had a conversation with someone that followed this model?  How truthful can one be, without the sugar coating, without the fluffy imagery to get one’s point across and without ruffling feathers?  This is not to say that I lie or am not sincere or that I speak full of imagery, but that being that plain and honest could have devastating repercussions (depending on the situation)…and who wants that??  

Lanham thinks that words can be equivalent to “stuff”.  The C-B-S model is “one based on the exchange of goods, of physical stuff.  Words are like things and ideally should be things.”(137)  By being direct, plain, truthful and conservative with our words (so as not to waste one’s time) we would be adhering to the clarity-brevity-sincerity.  However Lanham also points to rhetoric as “the general term of abuse we now use for everything not conforming to C-B-S code” (139) and has been portrayed as a woman: a temptress, hiding behind her “rhetorical mask” and tempting us with her poisoned words pouring from pouty, glossy lips down into the pits of hell!  Lanham sees the flaws in the C-B-S model.  He is happy to point them out and although it is powerful and important, it is indeed limited because “It argues that all expression should be transparent, not noticed existing only to showcase the meaning.” (141) Does the C-B-S model really showcase the meaning?   My gut tells me no.  I like the fluff, the pomp and circumstance, the imagery and that temptress woman named Rhetoric.  It makes like interesting and, like visual rhetoric, leaves “meaning” up to the listener/viewer to decipher.

 Works Cited

Lanham. "DTC|English 355: Schedule." Paul Muhlhauser, Ph,Doctor. 2010. Web. 19 Oct.

2010.

DTC 355: Blog #5

Textology and the Digital Revolution

James R. Kalmbach in his article Publishing Before Computers gives a brief albeit thorough history of writing.  From the alphabet to the printing press to reproductive technologies like the xerox, people throughout time have not only become authors, but they have become publishers. Kalmbach writes, “Over the years, publishing and the technologies for publishing have evolved from a limited, conserving activity to a pervasive form of social transaction,” and his goal is to “show that even though the technologies change the ways in which these technologies are used, the social forces they respond to have remained fairly constant.” (222)  Those social forces produced digital technology which changed the way we learn and communicate.  This is especially true through Textology. 

 

Textology is the digital revolution of creative authoring and publishing, putting text previously reproduced only on paper into the abyss of cyberspace for the public to both revere and scrutinize.  We still wake up in the morning to our faithful cup of coffee, but instead of reaching for the confines of our newspapers, we log onto the Internet and put our thoughts, ideas, opinions and emotions out into the world before we even reach the bottom of the first cup.  Computers and mobile technology have put the power of text into daily practice.  It’s not that the daily newspaper has been replaced, it’s the layer upon layer of hypertext dispersed across the planet - linking our countless souls.  This linking further propels the social forces that text created and continues to change mankind.  We are kindred spirits with digital technology; evolving and changing the face of literacy, understanding and communication.

I reach for my smartphone and type out a quick message: “How did kiddo do this morning?”  I log onto Facebook, checking and sharing trivial bits of information or relaying the latest emotional status through short, yet never ending, bursts of text.  I use punctuation as a way to pace my thoughts and to impress my emotions. The following is an example of this:

“Holy cow! The soon to be vacant duplex next door was advertised last nite with signs in the front yard that read: FOR RENT. In the 2 hours I've been home, I have seen 7 cars stop in the middle of the intersection to write down the number or call the Landlord. I even had one person knock on my door to ask me when someone would respond to her call. I'm scared. :/”

Just as the alphabet, the typewriter and xerography propelled literacy and communication through time, digital technology and textology will continue to make the power of text dynamic, fluid and ever evolving. 

Works Cited:
Kalmbach, James. "Publishing Before Computers." 2002. Web. 1 Oct. 2010

DTC 355: Blog #4

We’ve covered a lot of material in the six short weeks of this semester.  Having to sit down and pick out the most important thing I’ve learned this semester is proving to be a little hard.  Theoretically I think the most important thing I’ve learned would have to be the power of rhetorical images.  It’s not that I didn’t understand the power behind visual images, but it’s the first time I had been forced to look beyond the surface of an image and to have to theoretically pick it apart and acknowledge its importance in context.  Charles A. Hill’s article was the perfect precedence to the readings to follow and set the stage for putting the power of rhetoric in our digital world.

The other element in our class that has struck a chord with me is the CRAP principles.  It would be dishonest and unfair for me to say that I am satisfied with the theories we’re learning in class.  Although they are fulfilling and interesting, I am a little disappointed that we haven’t had more opportunities to hone our CRAP skills and put design into practice.  Critically thinking about how digital technology has impacted our world is something this degree heavily focuses on but design is also a part of this degree that I could really use practice at because it would enable to me to put all those wonderful theories into practice.  Ours is a visual and digital culture.  How will I make my mark? 

Part II:  Burbules

The links I am choosing to write about begins with the Corn Refiners Association website.  I have previously done some research about CRA’s petition to have the name of high fructose corn syrup changed to “corn sugar”.  Because the story I read online began with the Corn Refiners Association, I began my research there. In revisiting their site I began looking for links and their association to Burbules tropes.  I perused CRA’s home page http://www.corn.org/ and was immediately drawn to their IMPORTANT LINKS section.  Under this section of their home page, only 4 links were listed:  SweetSurprise.com, Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA), American Beverage Association (ABA), and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). 

I was drawn to two of the links not previously researched:  Grocery Manufacturers of America and American Beverage Association.  When clicking on GMA’s site there was no real connection I could decipher at first.  But Burbules metonymy came to mind and (I hope) is the connection.   Yes, corn is a food product and it seems natural to have them listed as an “important” link.  (is it similar? Or is it “contiguity, relations in practice.”) (111)  Likewise, GMA’s first “What’s New” news headline was a story about First Lady Michelle Obama’s address to GMA’s science forum advocating her recently launched Let's Move program and GMA’s http://www.makingfoodbetter.com/, both set in place at efforts to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier foods for children.  (are these better examples of metonymy?)

The other link, American Beverage Association (ABA) is a bit trickier.  After much thought, I felt it was part of the sequence and cause/effect trope.  I thought this because “they do not specify or explain such connections, but simply manifest them…”(115)  CRA’s association (sequence) with ABA is simply high fructose corn syrup.  Every carbonated beverage has this ingredient, as do most other beverage manufactured.  ABA’s move to provide lower-calorie, smaller portion and more nutritious drinks in schools across the country are in many ways a direct effect of the impact high fructose corn syrup has made in its links to childhood obesity.   I could go on and on about this subject and its connections to Burbules, but since this blog is twice as long as recommended.  I’m going to stop here.

DTC 355: Blog #3

This is the same ad used in my presentation.  The reason why I like this ad is because of the underlying theme of patriotism that accompanies this ad.  As a viewer, the theme of this advertisement is a perfect example of affect transfer.  Affect transfer is an example of classical conditioning, "wherein an emotional response from an unrelated object or event is transferred to the product being sold, simply by showing an image of the product followed by an image of the emotional object or event and repeating the procedure many times." (37)  In this instance, Tide is showing an image of their product with a red, white and blue and American flag background.  By displaying their product in this way, they are trying to appeal and tap into the consumers emotional attachment to America and their patriotism.  We often see themes like this in advertisements. As if it is a beacon of light to a thwarted ship in rough waters, we unconsciously see the red, white and blue and think, "That's American!  That's what I want."  Okay, maybe that's not exactly what we think but is definitely a recurring theme in political, advertising, and marketing campaigns that aim to appeal to American's patriotism and belief in all things American made.  It is not unusual, as Charles A. Hill points out in his article The Psychology of Rhetorical Images, for professional persuaders to move to appeal to the emotions of their subjects to incite favoritism.  Strong emotions have, and often times, override analytical approaches to situations, events, images, etc.  What is interesting about affect transfer is that like Pavlov's dog, we are easily conditioned to be manipulated, even if it doesn't feel like manipulation.  This is part of the reason why advertising is a successful multi-billion dollar business!  The purpose lies in persuading consumers to buy and by tapping into or appealing to our emotions has proven to both effective and successful.

Works cited:

rles. "The Psychology of Rhetorical Images." Defining Visual Rhetorics. Ed. Charles A. Hill and Marguerite Helmers. London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2004. 25-40.

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DTC 355: Blog #2

My name is Dena Lacey and this is my embarrassing story.

It was some time in the fall of 2002. I was working at Apple Computer in Austin, Texas as a Sales Support Specialist trying to claw my way up to the next rung of an endless corporate ladder. I had recently been approved to train for another position in the dog race for a title that today eludes me. With much trepidation I sat down at the desk to shadow my trainer, Eric, and jump into using a totally new software program that had more loopholes and less organization than a chaotic board of mismatched Scrabble words. Phone call after fielded phone call left me feeling helpless and stupid as I tried to navigate through the software program and commit it to memory; the minutes and the hours ticking by as the frustration mounted. My trainer patiently explained the program AGAIN and I felt more pressure to succeed despite his patience and reassurance that this was a difficult program to master. To add to my frustration, other work laid waiting at my own desk and a mandatory staff meeting was creeping up on us.

Then it happened. The call came in and like a perfect dream I was able to complete the call, navigate the software and complete the task without help from Eric. We shared an elated high five before signing off the phones and heading to our meeting. As we walked down the hall and stood in the threshold of the conference room where our meeting was being held I blurted out an enthusiastic but warped, “I DID IT!” I say warped because the way in which I uttered these words can best, albeit not necessarily PC, be described as being said like a ruhtard (retard). Everyone within earshot could clearly hear me and the manner in which I spoke these words, and since I was standing in the doorway of the conference room, this would include more than half of my co-workers and peers including my immediate supervisors and, much to my dismay, 3 executive supervisors visiting our campus. All eyes were on me. Even though half the room was laughing at me because they thought the way I made my exuberant statement was funny, I could feel the color and heat rise underneath the surface of my skin; my embarrassment was impossible to conceal. Even a couple of the execs thought it was funny and wanted to know what had made me so happy. From that day on, I was unfortunately known as the “I DID IT!” ruhtard and anytime anybody did something good, they would exclaim, “I DID IT!”

What did I learn that day? Look before you speak, especially when entering a conference room for a staff meeting!

For part two of this assignment, we are asked to answer the question: What is dangerous about amplification through simplification?

In sitting down to contemplate the answer to this question the first thing I thought of was cartoons I enjoy watching like Venture Bros. or South Park. Each of these adult cartoons focuses precisely on amplification through simplification as described by Scott McCloud. By stripping down “real life” to something cartoon political and social norms can be parodied to point out the ridiculousness of an event or situation. What I consider to be dangerous about this is that although it’s funny, the message can be masked by the simple pleasure of the cartoon. Perhaps the cartoonist/creator is trying to make a point and bring awareness to their audience. However, the audience runs the risk of misinterpreting the message or missing it altogether. Worse yet, I have seen/heard people misinterpret the message and adopting this misinterpretation as their own philosophy. As McCloud wrote, “The cartoon is a vacuum into which our identity and awareness are pulled…an empty shell that we inhabit which enables us to travel in another realm.” Sometimes it seems a shame we do this…sometimes.

McCloud, Scott. The Vocabulary of Comics. Print.

DTC 355: Blog #1

According to Foss, Foss and Trapp rhetoric is defined as “the human use of symbols to communicate.” (1) Foss et al have broken down this definition into three parts consisting of “human”, “symbols” and “communicate.” They agree that humans are symbol-using animals that create realities through the use of symbols. That is to say, we as humans have the mental capacity and intelligence to assign meaning to symbols in order to communicate.

“Symbols are distinguished from signs by the degree of direct connection to the object represented.”(2) Foss, Foss and Trapp used the example of a tree. Standing alone in a forest a tree isn’t a symbol, but the word chosen to represent “tree” is a symbol. Likewise, the tree can be symbolic as is the case with a Christmas tree. “Rhetoric” is often easily interchangeable with the word “communication.” Foss, Foss and Trapp say the distinction between defining “rhetoric” and “communication” depends on the person, and whether the meaning of something is intended or not.

Even throughout the history of rhetoric, Foss et al reiterate that rhetoric is linked to education and literacy, indicating that humans and their use of symbols are essential to communication. It is an art incorporating the five canons of rhetoric: invention/discovery, organization, elocution or style, delivery and memory. Although there has been rhetoric has seen its share of evolution through time, it stands firm in its association with human, symbols, and communication.

Merriam-Webster dictionary online: (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhetoric)
Definition of RHETORIC
1 : the art of speaking or writing effectively: as
a : the study of principles and rules of composition formulated by critics of ancient times
b : the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion
2 a : skill in the effective use of speech
b : a type or mode of language or speech; also : insincere or grandiloquent language
3: verbal communication : discourse

Answer.com: (http://www.answers.com/topic/rhetoric)
1. a. The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively.
b. A treatise or book discussing this art.
2. Skill in using language effectively and persuasively.
3.a. A style of speaking or writing, especially the language of a particular subject: fiery political rhetoric.
b. Language that is elaborate, pretentious, insincere, or intellectually vacuous: His offers of compromise were mere rhetoric.
4. Verbal communication; discourse.

I chose to include the expanded definitions given for rhetoric because I thought it was appropriate and conducive to our reading’s definition. Even in trying to explain Foss, Foss and Trapp’s definition of rhetoric I found it hard to just simplify it. The same applies to the definitions I found online. It isn’t a theory; it isn’t black or white. Rhetoric encompasses using the five canons. Words like “study”, “art”, “language”, “effective”, “communicate” all indicate a level of intelligence that accompanies the use of rhetoric. As Foss et al have described in their article, the art of rhetoric originates and requires education.

LAST BLOG about presentations for DTC 475! Woohoo!

Dan A.: Exploring the correlation between video games and virtual communities
Argument: The learning principles of video games are enhanced in online environments, and this enhancement may account for an increase in the number of online gaming community members.

I really like the idea of affinity groups and civic involvement as well as pointing out the possible oppositions with this including violence correlation and causation. If I understand it (and my notes) correctly, I think community building and learning through this is a good focus.

Mike P.: cybercrimes, real vs. virtual

There was an enormous amount of information in your presentation. I think you should narrow it down and focus on one particular aspect of cybercrime including your own personal experience as back up. You're on your way to a good paper.

Lee K.: YouTube’s unique roles – political activism and the perpetuation of hate
Although I can see your point of view with this topic, I was a little confused as to how your argument ties into some of what we discussed this semester. Perhaps focusing on what are YouTube’s policies and rules on posting and filtering and how this factors into your topic? I wasn't quite sure exactly what your argument was.

Angel A: Bridging the digital divide by using the concepts of video games and education
Students need to become actively involved in learning how to use new technologies which can be accomplished by applying the concepts of video games in education.
Why video games?: by using video game concepts students much become active problem solvers. They learn thru advancement.

I think your information is well thought out and you are on your way to a good paper. I especially like your DYN example and think that finding similar successful examples of how this is positively affecting education would be great backup!

Derek N.: Bridging the gap: mobile phones and the digital divide
I like where you were going with this and think you have some solid examples of how the gap is being bridged by the cheaper and readily available mobile phone movement. Although there will still be accessibility issues, mobile phone technology definitely helps!

Kristin D.: Program Hope: addressing the issues of access knowledge and safely on the internet
Wow! I mean, like, WOW! Great presentation and a totally feasible idea that with further tweeking could even be pitched to the State of Washington as a viable and positive way to educated our youth to digital/technological/Internet responsibility. Wished I had thought of it!

Brent R.: Online activity and involvement changes us and the world we live in culturally
Although you have some really good stuff in your presentation, I have to admit it sounds a bit like everything we've been talking about all semester. Tweek your argument a bit more and perhaps site some opposition to your position on your topic.

Cynthia J.: Race and Ethnicity online, representations in cyberspace
I'm surprised nobody else has touched this topic, so you have major props for trying to tackle it! I like your examples of ethnic magazines extending themselves online and trying to draw in minority groups to even the playing field of white/male dominance. I don't have any great advice other than good luck. I would be interested to read your final paper. Great topic.

Alright, folks. Wish I had more for you but I'm all blogged out. Good luck on your papers and thanks for sharing a challenging and great semester with me!