Farewell Blog

This semester has been a very informative and learning one to say the least. I really enjoyed how Mr. Mitchell made the statement about our writing being an extension of ourselves. This is very true, whether or not you have acknowledged it, you can see it in your past writing. This is where my definition of Ethos comes into play, I adopted my definition from Mr. Mitchell’s comment and made it my own. Ethos to me is putting yourself in your writing, in a sense, being transparent, so that your audience can see what you are about. Without this, your audience has no frame of reference when reading your work because they don’t really know if they are relating to you or not.
When we received our assignment to created a blog account and choose an advertising theme and write about it, I was excited. This style of writing was new to me, and it gave me a sense of comfort because all of us could each others work. When I decided to write about the iPod advertising, I really had a lot of emotions and opinions ready for it. Mainly, because I own an iPod and listen to it everyday and whenever I possibly can. Some points I made in my blog, were the image portrayed by people listening to iPods. I believe the image Apple uses of people dancing and laughing and enjoying themselves listening to their iPod is such a great and accurate picture. I personally feel that way when I listen to my iPod, whether it be in the hallway nearing entrance to Mr. Mitchell’s or riding the bus with random people next to me. In my ad analysis blog on iPods I state, “There are many different angles of common ground present, some being; people owning an iPod, enjoying music while on the go, owning other Apple products, or even knowing someone that has an iPod.” Still to this day I feel that way, and I continue to use my iPod wherever I go.
Recently I posted a blog about communication and the different ways we talk to people. I focused my blog on personal letters written by us to others. I believe that communication in today’s society has become almost completely technological. When you’re on Facebook, you have access to instant message anyone of your friends with a click of the mouse. The communication that occurs then can differ from the communication you would have with that person in a face to face conversation. Or, the continuous messaging on Facebook, or constant 5 to 10 minute text messages can really take away the essence of communication and can most definitely take away the importance of what you’re saying. Example, in my blog title, Communication, I state “Writing letters also, in my opinion, makes conversation more sustainable because rather than texting every 5 minutes or wall posting every couple of days, you write a letter every week or so.” I believe this is the most truest statement I have made in any of my papers, because when you write a letter every week or so, you do it after you have completed all your weekly tasks (homework, study, meetings) and can truly tell that person in your letter what is new in your life and have a better perspective about your own happenings. Rather, than messaging every so often, and telling someone how you feel in the heat of the moment, when a day or two later you might not feel that way any more.
I in my apartment room sitting in my chair at my desk. This is usually where I write my papers and where I feel most at ease. My body feels exhausted from the recent all nighters of studying and test taking. Compared to earlier in the semester I feel beaten down. Over the course of this semester I feel that my writing has grown to a more personal, containing ethos, style of writing. I tend to write and show myself transparently in my writing I think. Early in the semester I think I did the same, but not as much or as effectively. Outside the classroom I have grown to be more independent, by getting a job and telling my parents not to send me spending money every two weeks. This I think, has helped me become a more confident writer. Not only in this class but in my other classes. The ad analysis and Rogerian argument I think it was easier for me than other assignments because it allowed me to chose something I was passionate about and write about it.

Communication

So, when we talk to friends in person we think nothing of it, because we're used to seeing them and can sometimes even anticipate their reactions, right? And when we Facebook a friend with a comment or wall post or instant message, there is nothing weird because, its only Facebook, so you can say just about anything you want. However, when you personally write a letter to someone, there is some variable that makes it different. Could it be that you physically had to write each word and put work into sending it? Or could it be that when you write a letter you don't say the same things that you would if you were in person or on Facebook? I have letter correspondence system set up with my friend back home in California. She goes to UC Berkeley, and since i have been at OU this spring semester, we have written letters. The letters contain your average talking material: what is new? This is new with me. Did you see that new Modern Family episode? I think that writing letters had more meaning and definitely more personal, because you physically have to write it out, put stamps on it, and find time out of your oh so busy college life to drop it off at the mail box. It seems people thinks its Archaic to send personal letters back and forth, when they could just send them a text, call, or Facebook message. Writing letters also, in my opinion, makes conversation more sustainable because rather than texting every 5 mintures or wall posting every couple days, you write a letter ever week or so. This weekly letter has experience you have had and thoughts about the future, there is just more to talk about and it's easier to keep a correspondence going.

Away At College

Living away from home and going to a university is a great experience. A lot of my friends go to other schools out of state or at least 6 hours from home, and they all live in their own place. I have heard great things from family members who say their college experience was amazing and it cannot be explained sufficiently, only experienced. This is my first semester at OU, and i live off campus. Right away i moved in with 3 roommates. The joy of being your own boss, and doing whatever you want when you want is a freedom never experienced. You shop for your own food, you do your own laundry, you make yourself do your homework, and you have the say on whether you want to go out on a weekday or weekend. Also, it is way to start a new beginning. For some, in high school they were shy and rarely spoke out with their opinions or made many friends. When college time rolls around, it's their time to come out of their shell and make a new start. Most importantly, you truly see how much freedom and power you have of your own life away at college when you visit back home. I visited home for spring break, and i was hit with the same house chores, and restrictions. First day home, i had to clean the backyard and "had" to do other errands. Even seeing your friends is different, because you're used to your life away at college, and sometimes they aren't similar to the home life. Overall though, the entire experience is something that you cannot just read or hear about, you have to live it yourself!

Day Without Technology

For my day without technology i decided to not use my phone or facebook. I chose to keep my iPod. Through the entire day i would casually reach for my pocked as if my phone was ringing, but i quickly realized i had turned my phone off for the day. It really is tough. However much people want to deny, its true, that when we stand around waiting for the cross walk, waiting for the bus to come, or waiting for your next class, it seems you cant sit alone without checking your phone. I found it difficult and realized how much i am attached to my phone, and the gadgets it has. I think the easiest way to around not having technology for pleasure, is to constantly be around your friends and doing something. I know when i'm with my friends, and were all talking or eating out somewhere, i hate having to keep checking the vibrating text in my pocket. Plus, its less of a distraction, and is easier to stay plugged into the conversation at had. Because, we have all had that text message that rubs us the wrong way or is not to our liking, and while with friends talking or out somewhere, our attitudes suddenly change and become less sociable.