Saturday, March 06, 2004
Ok, so here it is...my final blog as an E-Rhetoric student. But don't worry this will not be my last blog entry. Ok, so here goes...
(side note...as I started typing this...our undefeated basketball team just lost to UW...my state school where all my friends go...I am going to pretend it never happened...)
I think that PWR 2 was an awesome course. I liked how it helped you with your writing, but a lot of the focus was on oral presentation. It is good for students and just people in general to get a background in public speaking. The tips I learned about presentations helped me a lot. E-Rhetorics as a class was awesome. I really disliked PWR 1 so for me to say this is a big deal...haha. I enjoyed learning about the tech world and how it has affected the world around us. I learned a lot about how to manage myself on the internet as well as use these different forms of media that are available. One of my favorite aspects was learning the difference between writing for the web and writing on paper. Not only did this class and the projects help me with my writing and speaking skills, but I actually learned more about my own identity as well. Since I am a very analytical person, learning more about why I do the things I do is very valuable knowledge. Through the blog and my actual topic, the psychology of online communication, I learned why I feel the need to converse online...who I really want to be, and how to improve my study skills, etc.
About the research hypertext specifically...I had a lot of trouble. It was a rewarding experience because I had never created a web site before and knew nothing about that type of technology. It was somewhat hard to balance my time with the design and actual writing of the hypertext, but in the end it turned out ok...I still have some final revision to do before I finish it for Monday. I feel like this work I did in PWR will help me in the future because I have learned more about who I am as a person and I know how to present in front of my peers as well as professors. I know how to compose a powerpoint that is effective and will get my information and point across to my audience successfully. Overall, I really enjoyed this class but I have to say, it was the most work I have ever had to do for a class. (oh and Christine, you are my fav prof)
Oh, and Christine, I tried to add an image, but for some reason, blogger won't let me so here is the link to the image i wanted....
http://www.liquidledger.com/raves/images/happyFace.gif
(side note...as I started typing this...our undefeated basketball team just lost to UW...my state school where all my friends go...I am going to pretend it never happened...)
I think that PWR 2 was an awesome course. I liked how it helped you with your writing, but a lot of the focus was on oral presentation. It is good for students and just people in general to get a background in public speaking. The tips I learned about presentations helped me a lot. E-Rhetorics as a class was awesome. I really disliked PWR 1 so for me to say this is a big deal...haha. I enjoyed learning about the tech world and how it has affected the world around us. I learned a lot about how to manage myself on the internet as well as use these different forms of media that are available. One of my favorite aspects was learning the difference between writing for the web and writing on paper. Not only did this class and the projects help me with my writing and speaking skills, but I actually learned more about my own identity as well. Since I am a very analytical person, learning more about why I do the things I do is very valuable knowledge. Through the blog and my actual topic, the psychology of online communication, I learned why I feel the need to converse online...who I really want to be, and how to improve my study skills, etc.
About the research hypertext specifically...I had a lot of trouble. It was a rewarding experience because I had never created a web site before and knew nothing about that type of technology. It was somewhat hard to balance my time with the design and actual writing of the hypertext, but in the end it turned out ok...I still have some final revision to do before I finish it for Monday. I feel like this work I did in PWR will help me in the future because I have learned more about who I am as a person and I know how to present in front of my peers as well as professors. I know how to compose a powerpoint that is effective and will get my information and point across to my audience successfully. Overall, I really enjoyed this class but I have to say, it was the most work I have ever had to do for a class. (oh and Christine, you are my fav prof)
Oh, and Christine, I tried to add an image, but for some reason, blogger won't let me so here is the link to the image i wanted....
http://www.liquidledger.com/raves/images/happyFace.gif
Friday, February 20, 2004
Tonight I went to SAE's formal and on the way home I started thinking about communication with people and the relationships that result. I had a blast at this dance and I didn't know a single soul or the date I was going with. By the end of the night we were all having a great time laughing and enjoying each other's company. I know that if I had met them online, I would not have the same memories or have developed these new friends. Instant messaging might be efficient and new age, but nothing replaces good old face to face contact. I can't imagine having as good a time online chatting with someone than I did tonight out with a random group of people.
On a different note, my research hypertext is killing me. I finally finished the writing, but I am afraid it might not be everything Christine is looking for. Now I have to worry about designing the actual web page. I am excited for this part of the project, except for the fact that I don't know anything about the programs that I am supposed to be using, so my progress will be tedious and slow, compared to the work of someone who knows what they are doing. I am going to try and work really hard this weekend though to make a lot of progress.
And on that note...Good night moon.
On a different note, my research hypertext is killing me. I finally finished the writing, but I am afraid it might not be everything Christine is looking for. Now I have to worry about designing the actual web page. I am excited for this part of the project, except for the fact that I don't know anything about the programs that I am supposed to be using, so my progress will be tedious and slow, compared to the work of someone who knows what they are doing. I am going to try and work really hard this weekend though to make a lot of progress.
And on that note...Good night moon.
Friday, February 13, 2004
Ok, so I am taking your suggestion Christine and using this blog as a study break from my nodes. I don't know why but ADD seems to overcome me as I start writing them. It takes me so long to finish a paragraph, one paragraph and I feel like in the end, they aren't that good to begin with. What is wrong with me? Will I ever get this project done? I am praying that I will. I enjoy it, but at the same time I feel so helpless with this technology that I am learning so much about and I feel like my research won't extend as far as I had hoped. I guess we'll just have to see. Things I still need to do while they are fresh in my mind...tally up my survey and create a graph to use in my node, finish writing all of my nodes, explore more in chat rooms and pick out some convos for the project, pick out some im convos that are fitting to the project...(ask josh how to copy and paste from trillian, is it possible?) Ok, so now that I vented a little, its back to work I am afraid...I am so tired that I don't know what to do with myself...on a lighter note, Christian comes tomorrow and Saturday is Valentine's Day! Yeah! God bless and good night.
Thursday, February 05, 2004
The hypertext project thus far...
I am really enjoying E-Rhetorics as a class, but I can feel the anxiety rising in my throat. I am not the most technically savvy of all people, I mean I can use a computer, email, instant messaging, and many programs, but when it comes to designing a web site, I am completely lost. I am getting nervous because I feel like I don't have enough time to really complete everything that I need to do and I know that this hypertext project will consume me. I am still confused a little bit as to what nodes are...I have been told they are like paragraphs, but why wouldn't you just call them paragraphs if that is what they are? I hope that I picked a topic where I will have enough information to fill many webpages. I am nervous about that as well. It will be a fun experience though and I am looking forward to the challenge and the end result.
I am really enjoying E-Rhetorics as a class, but I can feel the anxiety rising in my throat. I am not the most technically savvy of all people, I mean I can use a computer, email, instant messaging, and many programs, but when it comes to designing a web site, I am completely lost. I am getting nervous because I feel like I don't have enough time to really complete everything that I need to do and I know that this hypertext project will consume me. I am still confused a little bit as to what nodes are...I have been told they are like paragraphs, but why wouldn't you just call them paragraphs if that is what they are? I hope that I picked a topic where I will have enough information to fill many webpages. I am nervous about that as well. It will be a fun experience though and I am looking forward to the challenge and the end result.
Thursday, January 29, 2004
The Internet and Identity...
In my PWR class, we had an assignment to create an identity for ourselves. We would use this alias in Panfora to recreate a MOO or a MUD. Through my alternate identity, I was able to actually state something about myself that was very true and very vulnerable to my classmates, people that I do not know other than the 3 hours a week interaction. I think that in a way these alternate identities are good because at least for me...it is a way to vent to people, to discuss things with an open mouth and an open heart and in some ways, you can learn more about who you are and who you want to be. Some people use these different titles and aliases as shields to be perverted, such as internet pedophiles, and some people use them to truly be who they wish they were...gender swapping. The internet has opened up such a vast new world full of alternate identities, it still amazes me.
In my PWR class, we had an assignment to create an identity for ourselves. We would use this alias in Panfora to recreate a MOO or a MUD. Through my alternate identity, I was able to actually state something about myself that was very true and very vulnerable to my classmates, people that I do not know other than the 3 hours a week interaction. I think that in a way these alternate identities are good because at least for me...it is a way to vent to people, to discuss things with an open mouth and an open heart and in some ways, you can learn more about who you are and who you want to be. Some people use these different titles and aliases as shields to be perverted, such as internet pedophiles, and some people use them to truly be who they wish they were...gender swapping. The internet has opened up such a vast new world full of alternate identities, it still amazes me.
Friday, January 23, 2004
A Virtual Reality?
As I sat reading Howard Rheingold's article, Introduction to the Virtual Community, I wondered how really true the experiences he is talking about are. There are so many people that I have met online and gotten to know very well, yet when I see them in person, it is a whole different scenario. You feel as if you know the person so well, their trials and tribulations, their hopes and dreams...you have lived with them...but in a virtual world. It is interesting to think that you could be walking down the street and pass right by someone you know so well online, yet in real daylight, you would pass right by and have no idea that the person you passed was one of your closest friends.
Another area to think about...True Love Online...
Can you really find true love online? In a virtual community, in a chat room, browsing the web? I have a hard time believing this is a possibility, but I have been known to be proven wrong. What is true love..is it specifically what the bible defines it as being? Patient, kind, never boasts, never jealous...? Is true love something you feel over time for an individual, or is it "at first sight" like many hopeless romantics believe? So many questions, so little time...more for me to think about.
As I sat reading Howard Rheingold's article, Introduction to the Virtual Community, I wondered how really true the experiences he is talking about are. There are so many people that I have met online and gotten to know very well, yet when I see them in person, it is a whole different scenario. You feel as if you know the person so well, their trials and tribulations, their hopes and dreams...you have lived with them...but in a virtual world. It is interesting to think that you could be walking down the street and pass right by someone you know so well online, yet in real daylight, you would pass right by and have no idea that the person you passed was one of your closest friends.
Another area to think about...True Love Online...
Can you really find true love online? In a virtual community, in a chat room, browsing the web? I have a hard time believing this is a possibility, but I have been known to be proven wrong. What is true love..is it specifically what the bible defines it as being? Patient, kind, never boasts, never jealous...? Is true love something you feel over time for an individual, or is it "at first sight" like many hopeless romantics believe? So many questions, so little time...more for me to think about.
Monday, January 19, 2004
My Dream Soul Mate...
To You Who Knows Me Best:
Thank you so much for loving me unconditionally. For putting up with all that I struggle with, all that I throw your way. I believe that the reason our relationship is so powerful is because my battles make both you and I stronger. They test our relationship and in the end we always overcome. You always call when you say you'll call....well usually, no one is perfect. You have never disappointed me and I know that you will be there for me when I need someone. Whether you're here physically or thousands of miles away, if I need someone to talk to, you'll always have an open ear. You're my best friend and I can be completely goofy around you. I feel like I am with my other half when I am in your presence. We have so much fun together...laughing, talking about our hopes, dreams, and fears. You aspire to be all that you love and you never let anyone stand in your way. My soul mate is forgiving and has a passion for God. His smile can illuminate any dark room and his soothing words can calm any troubled soul. With one hug he warms your heart and brings all tears to rest. No one will ever understand why I do the things I do, and what lies at my core better than you. You're truly a blessing from God and I am so happy that our paths crossed, no matter how rough the journey was. You laugh at all of my jokes, whether they are funny or not. You notice all the little quirks about me...my crooked smile, my goofy names and you wouldn't have it any other way. There is so much about you that I love...but most of all I love that you love me...to be continued...
To You Who Knows Me Best:
Thank you so much for loving me unconditionally. For putting up with all that I struggle with, all that I throw your way. I believe that the reason our relationship is so powerful is because my battles make both you and I stronger. They test our relationship and in the end we always overcome. You always call when you say you'll call....well usually, no one is perfect. You have never disappointed me and I know that you will be there for me when I need someone. Whether you're here physically or thousands of miles away, if I need someone to talk to, you'll always have an open ear. You're my best friend and I can be completely goofy around you. I feel like I am with my other half when I am in your presence. We have so much fun together...laughing, talking about our hopes, dreams, and fears. You aspire to be all that you love and you never let anyone stand in your way. My soul mate is forgiving and has a passion for God. His smile can illuminate any dark room and his soothing words can calm any troubled soul. With one hug he warms your heart and brings all tears to rest. No one will ever understand why I do the things I do, and what lies at my core better than you. You're truly a blessing from God and I am so happy that our paths crossed, no matter how rough the journey was. You laugh at all of my jokes, whether they are funny or not. You notice all the little quirks about me...my crooked smile, my goofy names and you wouldn't have it any other way. There is so much about you that I love...but most of all I love that you love me...to be continued...
Stream of consciousness....
What makes people weak in mind? Why do you give in when you know something is wrong? Is there a numbness of mind after it has been done for awhile? How do you get yourself out of a rut? Some say keeping busy is the answer, others say taking a break is needed. Which is right? Is even the most wonderful person in the world self-conscious? Is there really one person in the world that is meant for me? Is it possible to truly like two people? What are the people reading this blog thinking about me right now? Sometimes I feel like life is fast forward, yet I'm in slow motion...there are too many beautiful things in the world and not enough time to experience them all. What would it be like to be immortal? Would life become boring after a certain number of years? People say money doesn't buy happiness. Why is the world centered around money then? Why is it that people with no money have such hard lives and a lot of the time, aren't happy because they struggle to eat and breathe? I wish that there was a universal antidote for mean spirited people...an individual expels so much more energy and time trying to be harsh with people...does anyone else notice that? Does having true faith in something mean that you can never doubt it? Is it really true that what goes around comes around? I wish that I was stronger and could help people more than I have in my life...because it is true that everything you do sets an example for others. I wouldn't be who I am today without the patience and guidance of many...friends are like an elevator, they can take you up, or they can take you down...its so true in life. I want to always surround myself with people that inspire me because I know that I will strive to reach my potential if that is the case. What will life be like 50 years down the road? What will I be like...and who will be the most important people in my life then? There are so many questions that burn in my mind, that float around day to day with no hope for an immediate answer....
What makes people weak in mind? Why do you give in when you know something is wrong? Is there a numbness of mind after it has been done for awhile? How do you get yourself out of a rut? Some say keeping busy is the answer, others say taking a break is needed. Which is right? Is even the most wonderful person in the world self-conscious? Is there really one person in the world that is meant for me? Is it possible to truly like two people? What are the people reading this blog thinking about me right now? Sometimes I feel like life is fast forward, yet I'm in slow motion...there are too many beautiful things in the world and not enough time to experience them all. What would it be like to be immortal? Would life become boring after a certain number of years? People say money doesn't buy happiness. Why is the world centered around money then? Why is it that people with no money have such hard lives and a lot of the time, aren't happy because they struggle to eat and breathe? I wish that there was a universal antidote for mean spirited people...an individual expels so much more energy and time trying to be harsh with people...does anyone else notice that? Does having true faith in something mean that you can never doubt it? Is it really true that what goes around comes around? I wish that I was stronger and could help people more than I have in my life...because it is true that everything you do sets an example for others. I wouldn't be who I am today without the patience and guidance of many...friends are like an elevator, they can take you up, or they can take you down...its so true in life. I want to always surround myself with people that inspire me because I know that I will strive to reach my potential if that is the case. What will life be like 50 years down the road? What will I be like...and who will be the most important people in my life then? There are so many questions that burn in my mind, that float around day to day with no hope for an immediate answer....
Instant Messaging: A Curse and a Blessing?
I am an instant message addict. Just ask anyone who knows me. It is my way of contacting people...whether it be to ask them about a ride, homework, or just to catch up on the weekend. I went for instant messaging, hook, line, and sinker because it allows you to converse with more than one person at the same time, thus saving precious minutes during your day. Once I started using this form of media more and more though, I realized that it can have detrimental effects as well. I began to talk on AIM instead of doing my homework, I would use it as an excuse for a study break. My nights started getting later and later, and I paid for it the next day trying to keep my lids open during class. I can't imagine that I'm the only person who is in this same predicament when it comes to instant messaging...all I know is that I need to ration the time I spend on the computer chatting.
I am an instant message addict. Just ask anyone who knows me. It is my way of contacting people...whether it be to ask them about a ride, homework, or just to catch up on the weekend. I went for instant messaging, hook, line, and sinker because it allows you to converse with more than one person at the same time, thus saving precious minutes during your day. Once I started using this form of media more and more though, I realized that it can have detrimental effects as well. I began to talk on AIM instead of doing my homework, I would use it as an excuse for a study break. My nights started getting later and later, and I paid for it the next day trying to keep my lids open during class. I can't imagine that I'm the only person who is in this same predicament when it comes to instant messaging...all I know is that I need to ration the time I spend on the computer chatting.
