Reflection on Open Letter Draft

In this blog post, I will reflect on the feedback provided by my peers on my final project. I reviewed Grace's letter and Aaron's letter.

"Bathmat Pugs," Olivia Wann. 

The most helpful thing about peer review on the final project, was that it helped me see what my letter was missing. My rough draft is only about a page long, and I sat around thinking of what I could add, and my peers helped me see what was needed. For example, Hunter suggested that I could add a paragraph about how I approach a writing situation.

I think that my letter does a good job of analyzing myself as a writer. I tried to be as honest as possible, which I think you can see when reading it.

One thing that I will add is "an analysis of your writing assignments." I touched on my assignments, but some specific details need to be added.

I only have one quote from my own writing right now, so I will be adding more.

I do explain my choices and their effects that they had on my work in the class. Once again, this will help me add more specifics in my writing.

Draft of Open Letter

In this blog post, I have combined two blog posts from the beginning of the year in order to construct a rough draft of the final project.

"Worried Pugs," Olivia Wann (@nakedpugs via Instagram). 

My rough draft presents a "then and now" of my writing process and time management. For the most part, things haven't changed, and this is what I will reflect on in my open letter. Please feel free to provide feedback. The draft can be found here. 

Reflecting More on My Writing Process

In this blog post, I will answer some questions about myself as a writer in English 109.

"Monday Morning Pugs," Olivia Wann (@nakedpugs via instagram).  

1. I think my biggest challenge this semester was grasping the prompts. I eventually got it, but I really wanted to understand, so that I could address all of the parts. I think my biggest challenge was project two, "You have been asked to write an analytical document by a distinguished professor in your department" (Bottai). This project took a few re-reads of the prompt.

2. I learned that I'm pretty good under pressure. Yes, I care about my grades and work, but I do not let it make me stressed out and worried. I like to have balance in my life- there is no way that I will now or ever spend hours everyday working on homework. I am able to get my writing assignments done pretty quickly.

3. Before this class, I wasn't too familiar with many genres. I now know different genres and understand that not every writing assignment is an "essay." There are many different genres to write in, and I actually love the QRG and Blog genres.

4. I will definitely be more honest and opinionated in my writing. It's refreshing to not write everything so formally, and I think that you see someone's true colors when they're able to express themselves in writing however they want.

5. I think that my most effective moment was in my 3rd project: "Artificial sweeteners are everywhere- stevia, splenda, extra...you’ve seen them. They’re pushed on diabetics especially because they contain no calories and make foods sweet. They’re FDA approved so they may seem safe, but studies show that they can have negative impacts to your body. Since they don’t raise your blood sugar, your brain doesn’t do as good of a job at telling you that you’re full. This can make you eat even more than you normally would. Also, they can cause changes in the content of microorganisms in your gut, which can also cause weight gain." I think that it it effective because it's simple but gets the point across.

6. I think that my least effective moment was in project 2: "When analyzing an act of public argument, it is important that you cover all of your bases. Doing research on the author is crucial because it can give you insight into their credibility and any biases that they may have. Looking into the target audience can show you why they use the techniques that they do to prove their points. Also, look at the strategies that they use. Are they focusing on one more than the other? Why do they use the ones that they do? In the field of nutrition, you must look at all sides of the story in order to provide the most unbiased argument as possible." I didn't really get the prompt as well as I wish I would have.

 

Revisiting My Writing Process

In this blog post, I will look back and reflect on some early blog posts in which I wrote about my writing habits.

"Unmotivated Pug," Olivia Wann (@nakedpugs via instagram).

After reading my first blog posts, I realized that I know myself pretty well. The way that I do things may change a bit from time to time, but old habits die hard! I still focus most of my energy on the drafting process as opposed to being a heavy reviser (I'm more of a planner). As for my calendar, I read about how in  the beginning of the year I hated my job, and it took up a lot of time. Big surprise- I quit! I love my new job, and have been doing a lot better at managing homework time because I work more reasonable hours. I have been putting some things before homework this semester, but I still get my homework done! I have turned in a few late assignments, but it happens. I think its more important than anything to find a balance. If you're freaking out over assignments and loosing sleep, you're just not doing it right.

Reflection on Project 3

In this blog post, I will reflect on the writing process for project 3.

"Done" (via Alfatango).

1. A lot was revised, because the first draft was just a script. I had to revise the script when I was actually filming in order to make it sound more natural. For example, I had to make it sound like how I actually talk, and feel more conversational.

2. I reconsidered organization because planning to film something doesn't always work out. I had to add a slide with the recipe to make the flow better. I also had to film three segments because I had to break to put some of the recipe together so that the video wasn't long and filled with me prepping anything.

3. I felt strongly about my audience and purpose. I didn't make changes because of either of these reasons. I only made changes for the purpose of attempting to smoothly film a video.

4. I hope that all of the changes make me more credible. I know that when I watch a video, I will discredit it if it looks like shit. If it isn't well put together or if the speaker is fumbling over their words.

5. The changes that I made will better address the audience because it will be easier for them to follow, and to keep their attention.

6. I made sentences more conversational because they were to be spoken instead of read. I turned some words into contractions (can't instead of cannot). I also cut out some sentences in the introduction, because it was over 2 minutes itself, and I didn't want the video to be longer than 3 when it was all put together.

7.These changes will help my audience understand that I'm not trying to bore them with scientific facts, or go on a rant. I wanted to explain why I was presenting a recipe without artificial sweeteners, and then do the demonstration.

8. I had to reconsider length. A lot of the videos in this genre are super long, and that just wasn't what I was going for. There was no way that I was going to shoot a 15 minute video because I didn't have the resources.

9. Reflection makes you go over your work, and realize what you could have done better. It isn't the point to realize that you messed up and get upset, but to think "how will this be better next time?"

Publishing Public Argument

In this blog post, I will present my 3rd project and answer some questions about it.

1. Mark with an "x" where you feel your target audience currently stands on the issue (before reading/watcing/hearing your argument) below:

←----------------------------------------------x------|--------------------------------------------------------->

Strongly                                            Totally neutral                                                    Strongly

agree                                                                                                                          disagree

2. Now mark with an "x" where you feel your target audience should be (after they've read/watched/heard your argument) below:

←-------x---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------->

Strongly                                            Totally neutral                                                    Strongly

agree                                                                                                                          disagree

3. Check one (and only one) of the argument types below for your public argument:

         _______ My public argument establishes an original pro position on an issue of debate.

         _______ My public argument establishes an original con position on an issue of debate.

         _______ My public argument clarifies the causes for a problem that is being debated.

         ____x___ My public argument proposes a solution for a problem that is being debated.

         _______ My public argument positively evaluate a specific solution or policy under debate (and clearly identifies the idea I'm supporting).

         _______ My public argument openly refutes a specific solution or policy under debate (and clearly identifies the idea I'm refuting).

4. Briefly explain how your public argument doesn’t simply restate information from other sources, but provides original context and insight into the situation:

My public argument provides original context by presenting the issue of artificial sweeteners, but shows how people can solve the problem themselves (by cooking food with natural sugar).

5. Identify the specific rhetorical appeals you believe you've employedi n your public argument below:

Ethical or credibility-establishing appeals

                    _____ Telling personal stories that establish a credible point-of-view

                    _____ Referring to credible sources (established journalism, credentialed experts, etc.)

                    _____ Employing carefully chosen key words or phrases that demonstrate you are credible (proper terminology, strong but clear vocabulary, etc.)

                    _____ Adopting a tone that is inviting and trustworthy rather than distancing or alienating

                    _____ Arranging visual elements properly (not employing watermarked images, cropping images carefully, avoiding sloppy presentation)

                    _____ Establishing your own public image in an inviting way (using an appropriate images of yourself, if you appear on camera dressing in a warm or friendly or professional manner, appearing against a background that’s welcoming or credibility-establishing)

                    ___x__ Sharing any personal expertise you may possess about the subject (your identity as a student in your discipline affords you some authority here)

                    _____ Openly acknowledging counterarguments and refuting them intelligently

                    ___x__ Appealing openly to the values and beliefs shared by the audience (remember that the website/platform/YouTube channel your argument is designed for helps determine the kind of audience who will encounter your piece)

                    _____ Other: 

Emotional appeals

                    _____ Telling personal stories that create an appropriate emotional impact for the debate

                    _____ Telling emotionally compelling narratives drawn from history and/or the current culture

                    _____ Employing the repetition of key words or phrases that create an appropriate emotional impact

                    ___x__ Employing an appropriate level of formality for the subject matter (through appearance, formatting, style of language, etc.)

                    _____ Appropriate use of humor for subject matter, platform/website, audience

                    _____ Use of “shocking” statistics in order to underline a specific point

                    ___x__ Use of imagery to create an appropriate emotional impact for the debate

                    _____ Employing an attractive color palette that sets an appropriate emotional tone (no clashing or ‘ugly’ colors, no overuse of too many variant colors, etc.)

                    _____ Use of music to create an appropriate emotional impact for the debate

                    _____ Use of sound effects to create an appropriate emotional impact for the debate

                    ___x_ Employing an engaging and appropriate tone of voice for the debate

                    _____ Other: 

Logical or rational appeals

                    _____ Using historical records from credible sources in order to establish precedents, trends, or patterns

                    _____ Using statistics from credible sources in order to establish precedents, trends, or patterns

                    _____ Using interviews from stakeholders that help affirm your stance or position

                    ___x__ Using expert opinions that help affirm your stance or position

                    ___x__ Effective organization of elements, images, text, etc.

                    ___x__ Clear transitions between different sections of the argument (by using title cards, interstitial music, voiceover, etc.)

                    ____x_ Crafted sequencing of images/text/content in order to make linear arguments

                    _____ Intentional emphasis on specific images/text/content in order to strengthen argument

                    ___x__ Careful design of size/color relationships between objects to effectively direct the viewer’s attention/gaze (for visual arguments)

                    _____ Other:

6. I am not linking to diabetic living videos because viewers of this blog will not have access to the videos without a subscription. I am linking to a youtube cooking channel that has diabetic-friendly recipes similar to diabetic living. Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

Reflection on Project 3 Draft

In this blog post, I will reflect on my rough draft, as well as the process of peer-review.

"Fish in Water" (via PDPics). 

I peer-reviewed Jon and Carrie Belle.  Here is my review on Jon's, and here is my review on Carrie Belle's.

Jon reviewed my rough draft.

He shared a copy of my draft with comments, and I didn't get a review sheet filled out in my e-mail. He was encouraging about what I can add to my argument, and he also had some suggestions about the video which was helpful.

I think that just shooting the video will be the hardest. I had practiced and it was really hard not to mess-up. Having a video with a bunch of studders will take away from the information that I'm actually trying to present. I think that taking the time to take multiple takes of the video will be helpful.

I'm feeling pretty good about my project. I know that it will take a lot of work to get it perfect, and cooking the recipe will be a lot of work.

Draft of Public Argument

In this blog post, I will provide a draft of my project 3. Since my final project will be a cooking video, my draft will be the script that I will follow in the video. This is because I will be making the recipe and shooting once in one day.

"Best Gadgets Cooking" (via Popsugar).  

Here is the link. Feel free to comment! My draft is simply my script for my video, which I will shoot next week. I feel comfortable with just the text-based draft because I am going to pretty much follow the script. The only thing that my peers won't see is the recipe demonstration, but I am fairly confident that it will go smoothly.

Considering Visual Elements

In this blog post, I will answer some questions from the textbook regarding visual components of my project.

"Visual Design" (via Mindflash). 

 The background for my project will be my kitchen. This is relevant because it shows that the food is homemade. Homemade foods are associated with more natural ingredients.

I will be using text in order to make a start screen. The font will be something more in the style of handwriting in order to fit the style of natural. A font like this would seem more technical.

I will not be using any pictures or images in my video. I feel like the video has enough visual to it.

I am asking my audience to try the recipe themselves, and explore the options that they have as an alternative to sugar. This is clear in my video because I will explicitly say this.

My audience will know the consequences of not taking action because in the beginning of the video, I will say the risks  of consuming artificial sweeteners on a regular basis.

In this video, there will be a natural flow because it will not be sections placed together. It will be a talk show like video with a recipe demonstrated.

Project 3 Outline

In this blog post, I will create an outline for my 3rd project, the cooking video.

"Video 3" (via easternfisheries). 

For the introduction of the video, I will use the technique called "Define or Narrow the Problem." This makes the most sense because I want to introduce artificial sweeteners to my viewer, and let them know what the issues are. This sets up the video because I will be providing a recipe that shows alternatives to artificial sweeteners.

Major supporting arguments:
Sweeteners are unnatural,  they cause your body to want more because blood sugar has not changed, they can  upset the micro-bacteria in the gut, many were discovered by accident in a lab, they contain chlorine.

Major Criticisms:
There is no definitive evidence proving that they are harmful, they are fine in moderation, genetically modified foods are safe, they are great for people who cannot have sugar (like diabetics).

Key Support and Rebuttal:
Studies have shown that they do negatively impact the body, going natural is always the safest bet when on a restrictive diet.

Topic Sentences:
Although scientists' studies showed that artificial sweeteners were safe when they were first discovered, new studies with advanced techniques and technology show that artificial sweeteners negatively impact the human body.
(http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/artificial-sweeteners-fact-sheet)
-Increase in cancers since Aspartame was approved
-Lymphoma and Leukemia occurred in animals fed artificial sweeteners

When on a restrictive diet, such as low carbohydrate, eating natural and raw foods is often the best option because nature has the best recipes.
(http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/raw-food-diet-a-do-or-a-dont/)
-Improve Glycemic Control
-Lose Weight

Map of My Argument:
Coggle is formatted in questions that I will be answering in my cooking video.

Conclusion:
I will conclude with "Positive Consequences." I want to leave the viewer with the positives of leading a healthy lifestyle by avoiding artificial sweeteners, and how to consume a diet free of artificial sweeteners.

Reflection:
I read Michaela's Blog and Hunter's Blog.  My classmates seem to have a pretty good idea of what they will create for project 3. I think that the coggle was really helpful to allow me and my classmates to get out thoughts down for what will go into the project.

Analyzing My Genre

In this blog post, I will analyze the Cooking Video Genre and provide examples.

"Online Cooking Videos" (via Real). 

Examples:
One
Two
Three
Four
Five

This genre is typically set on television, youtube, on a cooking website, or linked in various other websites.

The subject of cooking videos is obviously food. There are many subdivisions such as desserts, quick and easy, low calorie and health.

This genre is used by people who like to cook. Celebrity cooks make videos, but anyone can make a cooking video too.

The genre is used to teach people how to make food, and also to be entertaining. This genre is used when someone has an idea about a good recipe and wants to share it.

There is often little text included, except maybe portions listed and a title. The main content is visual and verbal.

Most often logos is used. This is simply by the chef talking and explaining things logically. Another may be ethos, because the speaker is trying to establish that they are a good chef and that you should try out their recipe.

The cooking videos are organized with an explanation first. What is the benefits of the recipe, is it healthy, etc. Then the process of cooking, and a wrap up at the end. The samples follow this process, along with just about all other cooking videos.

Since cooking videos are verbal, there is no set sentence style. Verbally, the style is typically well rehearsed and  formal, meaning you don't say things like "um" or "so."

Word choice is usually descriptive. You are trying to convince your audience that what you're making is good, so you want to use adjectives.

The genre of cooking videos as a whole includes people who like to cook. This would typically exclude people under 18 or so. Cooking videos are usually watched by the person in a household who cooks. This genre excludes people who don't watch TV or use the internet.

The genre assumes that people value health and cooking.

The genre treats food as most valuable. This would mean that they don't value eating out or buying things pre-made.

Reflection:
I read Grace's Blog and Hunter's Blog. They are both doing text based assignments (a power point and a blog post). I definitely wanted to take this as an opportunity to move away from a written project, but more power to them as writers!