The rhetorical writer in me

In the reading "The Forest of Rhetoric", I enjoyed the analogy of the forest. That's what many concepts of writing, especially rhetoric writing, remind me of. It all seems so vast and unending. But breaking it down into its different categories (or its different "trees" makes it less intimidating and easier to figure out.

I also think that the writer brought up a great point in discussing the importance of kairos, audience, and decorum. I personally lack in the kaiors department. Knowing the proper time to speak is not a gift I have. I thought the writer's example of Hitler, demonstrated the importance of all three idea, especially kairos.

I also realized after the reading that I use pathos for most of my rhetorical writing. Maybe it's because I'm a passionate person (or maybe it's just the female in me) But I use pathos a lot more than ethos. 

Very Tasteful - Wiki Man

Maybe I should have this song as my new ring tone! I bet the peeps in my cap stone would love that!

the benefits of sharing data

The more I learn about web 2.0 the more it amazes me that not many scientist take advantage of it. I do not completely understand why they don't take advantage of all the information from one another and of open scientific data sets. I understand that there are competitive reasons why the scientists prefer not to discuss their data but if it will benefit humankind, I do not understand why they would not do so. I also feel that by sharing this information through web 2.0, it would bring more awareness to the scientific projects that taking place. In the long run, the growing awareness could bring more donations to the scientist and their projects. If they could look away from the competitive race and just look at the big pictures of what all of the data, knowledge, and awareness could do for our society. With technology like RSS, we are able to get notices of updates on any new data. 

the more the merrier

I believe the most attractive concept of web 2.0 is that it is set up so that the consumer holds the power. For example, in one of the articles the writer compares Barnesandnoble.com to Amazon. Both sell the same products but Amazon appears more appealing to users because of its user reviews and other user activity that helps other consumers search for more results. Before web 2.0, most sites fit more of a business model which limited them to grow. Many individuals prefer facebook over myspace because facebook has fewer advertisements. Sites like Wikipedia and Googe attract more people because it invites all users to take part. "The more the merrier" seems to be the theme of web 2.0. 

trust

After further readings on Wiklipedia other web 2.0 resources, I kept thinking about how much trust the users have to have with these sources. I use Wiklipedia on a daily basis. Anytime I come across a concept or word that I don't understand, Wiklipedia becomes a best friend right there waiting with the answers; and yet I never question if these answers are right. I never really question the sources of this information or double check with another site to make sure this information is correct. I believe that other individuals do the same thing

 A different form of trust issues are present when it comes to sites like facebook. We discussed in class the number of individuals who will display pictures of themselves consuming alcohol. Many times these individuals are under the legal drinking limit. Another example would be the trust we put into friends or those around us to not post humiliating pictures of us. I have talked to many individuals who have experiences this.

 Although both these forms of web 2.0 are great there will always be downfall and for the era of web 2.0 one cannot just trust anyone. 

trust

What is Web 2.0? Is it overused and outdated?

I have to be completely honest in saying that I was rather intimidated when I realized that the class was about blogging and web 2.0. I wasn't really even sure what web 2.0 was. After hearing that facebook was an example of web 2.0 I realized what a huge part of my life web 2.0 actually is. I spend way to many hours socializing with friends on facebook or scanning through different articles on wikipedia. Unfortunately that's as far as my knowledge goes regarding web 2.0. I have never blogged up until now and I'm not quite acquainted with what else web 2.0. has to offer. I am a simple gal and have always been hesitant on trying anything technically challenging. Not that blogging is very challenging but the fact that it is new to me does make it intimidating. I do, however, look forward to expanding my knowledge and finally modernizing myself into the web 2.0 era.