Points of Praxis

My Blog Reflects on Visual Rhetorical Theory and Disability Rhetoric and their Connections to Classical and Contemporary Rhetorical Theory

Well, the semester is coming to an end as is this project.  And, while I will continue the blog as a way of reflecting and connecting my courses together, I must say that I've learned so much this semester in regard to electronic literature.  And, as my blog reflects, I think I've learned to be a little more open-minded, also.  Texts are everywhere--literarture is everywhere.  I've even integrated this awareness into my composition classes this semester.  Specifically, rather than read strictly print texts, my students studied several blogs by individuals in various parts of the world. One from an American solider in Iraq, another from a teenager living in NYC, and a third on a pro-ana website.  In essence, I've tried to practice what I've learned.  And, while these texts are "technically" electronic literature by the genres listed on the ELO or by the authors in New Media, they do offer students a way of studying alternative texts that are typically ridiculed or dismissed.   Genres they often produce, genres they value.

Another lesson I've learned on this blog:  the important of audience awareness and audience. Like I said earlier, I owe Cheri so much for posting on my blog regularly.  But, it has felt at times like I was alone on the edge of the cliff, yelling "Helllooooooo."  I think that has been the most difficult part of this assignment--and why I kept soliciting responses from the authors I discussed here.  And, feedback, from Cheri and the authors, was instrumental to the success of this blog.

Also, I've learned that authors are not reclusive, intellectual superiors who will shun me.  Instead, every single author I featured and emailed responded to my inquiry.  I've even passed this lesson on and emailed authors of print texts that I've enjoyed.  I think this is, perhaps, one of the most fascinating aspects of electronic literature--the fact that we can discuss Nick Montfort's work with him, that Ron Burnnett would be kind enough to post commentary on my analysis, and that Peter Howard will explain and refute various points of my argument.

So, I look forward to exploring other electronic works and passing that experiences onto my students in our classes.

posted by: rgregory at 18:05 | link | comments (8) |

Comments:

#1  07 December 2005 - 22:09

 

Rochelle,

I have always found scholars to be a generous group. I suspect that like any of us they want to talk about their work with people who understand it. Otherwise, what is the point, right? There is so little money in scholarly publication.

Let me make a suggestion for you: why not put a statcounter on your site to see if indeed you really are alone. I was surprised when after putting one on the elit blog and my personal website to find out that I get upwards of 50 hits a day.

Go to statcounter.com. If you need help with setting up your site, let me know.

Dene

Dene

#2  07 December 2005 - 22:44

 

My mentor always said that good scholars are good teachers. And, good teachers are good scholars. So, I completely understand your point.

The counter is a great suggestion. I'll work on that. Thanks.

rgregory

#3  08 December 2005 - 06:09

 

That statcounter is so cool. Someone from Spain was checking out my blog for about 5 minutes.

rgregory

#4  08 December 2005 - 21:44

 

Rochelle,

Congratulations on completing your blog site. How cool is that? Way cool! Anyway, I am very impressed.

Lisa

Mo'nonymous

#5  08 December 2005 - 23:05

 

Thanks... You're too kind.

And, thanks for reading it. Always nice to have an audience.

rgregory

#6  14 December 2005 - 01:37

 

Rochelle,

I wanted to tell you that I think your visual rhetoric paper is absolutely terrific. Where are you going to submit it? :)

Cheri

crenshaw

#7  15 December 2005 - 04:03

 

Thanks. When are you going to share your paper with us? I'm dying to read it.

I'm presenting the visualization part in Atlanta. But, now I have to find a place for the index/iconic part.

Still, thanks.

rgregory

#8  17 December 2005 - 12:06

 

Hey Rochelle,

Well, I posted it on the visual/rhetoric board, just for you. :)
I think it needs revision still, but I was a little cramped for time.

best,
Cheri

crenshaw

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