Twitter example
Downloading is illegal but that does not seem to stop the general population from stealing the songs, movies and t.v. shows that they want.

Comparing Essays, Blogs and Twittering

So far this semester we have experienced writing in a few different mediums. In doing so it is easy to see how each type of writing influences the way in which one handles the assignment. Take the essay we wrote for example. I noticed that while writing that, I felt more careful to use proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. When given an essay assignment, the school mode automatically kicks in. Essays are, in my mind, associated with school and grades and using everything that I have learned in English class starting with grade school, in it. After writing it I proofread it multiple times and made many corrections. Essays have definite standard of doing everything correctly.

While comparing essays to the blogs we have written, there is a definite difference seen. I have never written a blog before this class, but I find them to be more laid back. They are an opportunity to write your opinions, thoughts and ideas down in not necessarily such a structured format. There are no rules to writing a blog. Transitions, topic sentences, a thesis and other essay type criteria do not seem necessary. They are a way to get your mind cleared and for those who are interested to read and even respond. I find them to be more casual and conversation like.

Twittering is an even more foreign experience for me. I found it difficult to summarize one of the topics in class within 140 characters. While twittering, I noticed the length of what you write becomes more important that what is actually written. I found myself editing and chopping more and more off just to make sure it fit within the requirement. While I do not think twitter will ever become a valuable part of the education system, I do see how it can be entertaining. It is an easy way to keep track of people or let others know what you are doing. I do not think it is an effective way to summarize an article, but it is an easy way to keep in touch and up to date on your friends and family members.