Apr
27
Reflections on my mates
Filed Under Uncategorized
Upon examining my classmates’ blogs I found that each one had a different style. Some of the blogs, like Ashley M.’s title and tagline, “Writing Process: Putting some Elbow grease into my writing…ha” had personal touches that reflected a little personality into them. And Ashley needs to make hers different because she, Margaret, Kerri and Rachel’s all have the same templates. I think it is odd because there are so many different templates to choose. I was actually surprised how different each one was from the last. To make myself clear I thought that each one would be similar to mine. I figured that each of my classmates used their blogs to post their work and other required assignments that Dr. Allen gave us. I think that looking at my classmates’ blogs to see their work gave me a great opportunity to see what others are doing.
It was through my examining of others blogs that I was amused and in one case shocked. When I read Dave’s blog I found it typical. Until I read his memoir paper. When he begins to talk about a black Hamlet, I was taken back. The way he used stereotypes and what he thinks is black ebonics were mildly offensive. I understand that he wanted to stress the importance of going in a completely different direction with his introduction but I think that it was inappropriate. His was the only example I found of my classmates’ writings that I found surprising in a bad way.
Good surprises included Jules’ blog and her Tolkin infatuation. I knew she liked Tolkin, but damn Jules, I didn’t know you were in love with him. I first noticed that she had the picture of the Elves from the Lord of the Rings films. That should have tipped me off that she liked Tolkin, but then I noticed she referred to him in her postings. She really likes him.
Another thing I really liked about having access to others blogs are so that I can read what my friends have posted. I didn’t get to read Kelsey’s memoir because we were not in the same group, so I really liked having the ability to check out what she wrote without having to ask her for it. The reason I like this is because when people ask to read my work I always want feedback but am usually afraid to ask for it, just in case they don’t like it. So without telling her that I am reading it, I don’t make her self-conscious. By reading her memoir I learned about my friend facts that I don’t think I would have normally learned. I learned she was or is OCD, ADD and had some tough times in her life. Those are things I would have never known because they don’t come up in conversation. Her blog really let me in, so to speak, to see a different Kelsey.
Upon reflection I am happy that I took this class. I am glad that I got more comfortable with my writing, and I can see that my classmates are too. By looking at their pieces of work, I see what they are doing and that gives me ideas and sparks my own creativity. I think that the blogs are a revolutionary way to share one’s work and gather feedback about it.