Blogs are the perfect paradox of the information age: they’re easy to start, but if over 150 million exist, how do you attract readers and connect with them? This mini-course looks briefly at the background of blogging — history, technology, and economics — and the different roles that blogs play. Quickly we turn to examine the writing and rhetoric of personal and genre blogs. We’ll look at how writers frame their niches, appeal to audiences, construct personae, and use design and new media. With these elements in mind — and lots of writing prompts to get you typing — you’ll create your own blog, and maybe carve out a niche of your own.
Course Requirements:
Weekly class blog responses, two formal reflections, personal blog project.
Intended Audience:
Open to all interested students.
Class Format:
Seminar