Thlog 3

For week three, our one class mainly focused on our WP1. To start the class off we were given some tips on improving our writings. One tip was to not write in one sitting. I’ll be the first to admit that I have done most of my writings on one sitting and I think that might have contributed to my struggles and headaches especially in writing papers, assignments, and everything else. Taking my time and splitting my paper or writings to pieces makes things simpler and stress free almost. I did not do this for WP1 but I will for future assignments.

I really liked the concept of peer review. Our main goal last Wednesday was receive and give feedback. I felt liked it helped most if not all us understand the assignment more. Also, another set of eyes on our papers only benefits us. Criticism is a big part of the writing process. Hearing some good criticism/feedback is kind of a confidence booster. Even hearing some harsh feedback can lead to some better works and improvement. From what I was told, I know have a better understanding on my paper and what to write about. I wouldn’t have known this if it wasn’t for peer review and the art of criticism.

Anyways, there’s still more work to do on my WP1 and it’s only getting better from here. I look forward to the next class. 

Thlog 2

So it’s week two and that means thlog two. As a non-writer, I’m really starting to see the value of all these mini writings like this very own thlog. It builds me up for other assignments like the WP1 that is due pretty soon. I really had no clue what to write on at first. After hearing some wisdom from Z and everyone else, I now know what to write and how to start it. Most of my writing troubles come from not knowing what exactly to write about. Combining that and also not knowing how to flat out start the assignment always leads to me getting headaches. This time I hope it will be different but just in case I’ll keep some Advil close by.

In class earlier in the week, we were assigned the reading, “So What? Who Cares?” From what I can remember, the author showed us various ways to identify the reasoning behind our own writing and what its purpose it has to the reader. Answering who cares creates dramatic tension and makes the reader want to continue reading. By not answering the simple questions ‘so what?’ and ‘who cares?’ the reader will see the writing as irrelevant. The writer then loses credibility as well as the reader. The best way to maximize the effectiveness of our writing is by answering both of these questions not just one. The author also gave us templates that answer these questions. I can definitely see myself using these in some future assignments like the WP1, of course with some modifications.

I’m actually pleased with this class so far. I’ll be honest I thought this class would only be problems since you know it’s a writing class. Anyways, I can’t wait for what’s up during next week and continue this growth as a writer.

Pb1b

Technology has come a long way. With just a click of a button, one can randomly generate any genre through a plug’n’chug process. Whether it’s something complicated like a computer science research paper, a simple three panel comic, or a popular meme, technology probably has your back. In reality, the quote, “there’s an app for that” is an understatement. There are limitations when it comes to a genre generator but, each genre has a different set of conventions that creates the generator. Each difference, no matter how small in the conventions, contributes to the uniqueness of the generator that separates it from others.

The very first generator I examined was the scigen’s generating website that randomized computer science research papers. The hardest part of the generator might have been the part where I had to type out my name. After that, my very long name was attached to a complicated but impressive paper. I was able to see right off the bat that the title had been put in the center in bigger than usual lettering followed by the authors name (my name) underneath. Both of these features were meant to grab the reader’s attention with ease. As I continued to experiment with the website, I noticed that the format (abstract, table of contents, introduction, results, conclusion, references) rarely changed, meaning these were considered the fundamentals of these particular research papers. There are facts used throughout the paper making it even more scholarly. On top of the facts, there is at least one picture or diagram placed in the paper. This can be an example of visual literacy, which also increases the credibility while giving the readers more information. The aimed audience of this genre generator might be individuals who are skilled or at least familiar with computer science.

The second generator was the pandyland comic generator that randomized three different panels to make a story line comic involving Simon and Finlay. The creator of the generator had colorful eye catching scenes that made the reader give its undivided attention to it. The content itself involved short dirty jokes and aimless, out-of-nowhere expressions. After a short while, I noticed myself constantly clicking ‘generate’ so I can read comic after comic. The comics were quick. Some made me laugh more than others. This only made me realized that successful jokes were usually the ones with the 'out-of-nowhere' scenes and expressions. The intended audience for this genre generator are for individuals who want a quick laugh and nothing else. Being able to ‘generate’ constantly gives the reader more content and more laughter. The purpose of the generator is mainly entertainment. Visual literacy is also a factor in this genre, sometimes the facial expressions are funnier than the actual words. From the first box to the last, the author randomly creates drama and suspense that heightens the comic all together.

The final generator was the meme generator that randomized popular memes. Each meme followed the same structure and font followed by a witty joke or comment. The website even gave the option to allow personal customization such as uploading one’s own picture. The intended audience is anyone with access to the internet and social media. Most, if not all, of these memes can be found on websites like Facebook and Twitter giving anyone something to discuss and relate to. The purpose of the meme generator is for entertainment as well as creating trends that encourages online socialization.

A generator that I found was the rap name generator from myrapname.com. I couldn’t stop myself from trying it out so below are some of my rap names. The generator is somewhat random but there are many conventions. Each named involved multiple words (adjectives) added on to the original name. There were also some variations of former and current rappers. Most of these names are catchy and creative along with some slang incorporated into them. Anyone looking to jump into the rap scene might want to use this website. 

There are more generators out there on the internet with endless randomization and personalization. Every genre clearly has many conventions that make it up. A genre convention has no boundaries. Every time ‘generate’ is pressed the words might change but the conventions stay the same creating something unique. 

PB1A

Anything and everything can be broken down into a genre. One of the most influential and popular forms of drawings are comic strips. They have been a part of our culture since the late 1900’s and have continued to prosper onto today’s world. Comic strips, at the very least, are humorous illustrations set in sequences, often with captions and bubbles. A comic strip can be casually found in places like a newspaper, a magazine, and even online. Some other conventions of a comic strip include: the length (usually short and sweet), the point or punch-line, the intent to humor or charm, a subliminal message, several panels, a main character(s), an iconic font (comic sans) and so on.

            

Most of these conventions are used the way they are to grab the reader’s attention. With bright, colorful drawings to humorous puns and punch-lines, it almost impossible to overlook a comic strip. The author’s intention also plays an important role in the readers mind. The author might want the reader to think about an important social issue, spread a political message, or simple make one laugh his or her pants off. The role of conventions are endless when it comes to the funnies.

           

The targeted audience or reader of a common comic strip is anyone who has free time on their hands. The reader must have some knowledge of what the author is trying to portray. A comic strip is a boredom breaker. With the rise of technology and the internet, all one bored individual has to do is go through a quick search to get a quick laugh. Technology has made everything accessible, anyone with free time would certainly appreciate a comic strip.  

The purpose of comic strips can vary. They can entertain or stimulate. One thing that they will always do is ignite some reaction out of the reader whether it's laughter, confusion, or sometimes frustration. An author’s goal is to get everyone talking about his or her work because any publicity is good publicity. Also, every comic usually has a sequel or is part of a continuing series. This suggests that there is a large market and fandom for these comics. The author is writing while keeping in mind the needs of his fans and followers. Therefore, it’s the very people who read these comics that influence the content that the author produces. This benefits the product and gives people what they want, in a way, a new form of communication is created between the author and the reader.

Lastly, the tone of a comic strip is usually a joyous and carefree tone. Many of the comic strips first debuted on the Sunday’s newspapers, which means they are aimed towards people who simply wanted to relax. A comic strip is very easy to read and follow meaning they are used as relief from weekly stress.

Comic strips have become a genre of their own thanks to the stories they tell as well as the cheesy jokes used that make us laugh. The conventions that come along only strengthen genre of comic strips.

Thlog 1

It’s been an interesting first week of winter quarter especially with two days of Writing 2 with Zack and the rest of the crew. Our very first assignment was the ‘About Me’ blog and to be honest I had no clue what to write about. It looked like a harmless assignment at first but got harder and harder as I typed on. As a stat major, writing has never been my best subject and I never liked writing in general. But for this class and this assignment, I decided to let that way of thinking out of mind. I wrote what came to mind and found out how easily it was to finish the assignment. As I’m writing this, one reading that comes to mind is Elbow’s article on first and second order thinking. To finish my last assignment I used mostly first order thinking or what Elbow describes as, “intuitive and creative,” thinking. It certainly got the job/assignment done. I think it helps to think of writing as finding the right balance between ‘rules’ and ‘fabulousness’ or first order versus second order. From the readings and one week’s worth of classes alone, I have seen the importance of first and second order thinking in my own works.

Also from one week of Writing 2, I have a deeper understanding of the word ‘genre’. One example that made it very clear, were the ransom notes Kerry Dirk described. Each note had the same message but in a different tone that really didn’t fit the situation except for one. All three notes were part of the same genre but all had completely different meanings and interpretations. I’m barely scratching the surface when it comes to the word ‘genre’ but I know by the end of this quarter I will have better idea and beyond. What a week it has been, I look forward to learning more about genre next week. 

About Me

Hi, my name is Edwin Raya and I’m a rookie blogger. I’m not really sure what goes into one of these but I’ll try to give it my best. I’m currently in my second year as a Statistics Major. I have lived all of my life in Sacramento, California before coming to UCSB. Transitioning to Santa Barbara wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Every friend I have made in the past year has played a role in my life that I just can’t get over. I have a wonderful family at home as well as an awesome family here at UCSB. They are the ones who keep me motivated and on track with my studies. The ones who have shaped me into the person I am today. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to get up in the morning. When it comes to this class, I look forward to the challenges of writing as well as getting to know my fellow peers.  

Ever since elementary school, my favorite classes have revolved around the world of mathematics. That same passion I saw as early as in my childhood followed me throughout high school and has led to where I am today. I simply love math, inside and out. I don’t really want to get into any specifics about my future but all I can say is that I’m thinking big. With the help of my friends and some hard work, I will attain my goals. My experiences brought on by my school have undoubtedly shaped my visions. My friends, coworkers, and classmates are all part of the environment that is molding me into who I am supposed to become and ultimately preparing me to be a contributor to the rest of the world.

If you have made it this far, I’d like to thank you for taking your time to read my weird blog.