The Future of Writing

Alicia Oldham
Comp 106
April 2009

THE FUTURE OF WRITING

There was a time when writers would sit down at a table, pull out a pencil or pen and write. Writing is one of the greatest forms of expressions, so people would pull out their notebooks and utensils and write down their opinions and thoughts. So here’s a question…who does that anymore?! In the current times computers have become the new paper and pen. People now like to read stories off the web, blogs and comment on various message boards regarding their opinions. These forms of writing have effected people’s perception of storytelling and personal narratives greatly. It’s comfortable to be able to type out your feelings in a blog for the world to see or give an opinion on a message board. Many writers and journalists have turned to these forms of writing because of the convenience of them. Computers are the future of writing.
In Douglas Coupland’s book Microserfs, the main character Daniel, constantly wrote in his online diary about his feelings, opinions and summaries of his days. This book was written during the 1990s and was during the times where people became reliant on computers. The internet was officially invented in 1989 and from there blogs, message boards and texting were created. As stated before, these forms of writing allow more expression, freedom and it allows the writer a chance to express their feelings to the whole world through the internet. Now a days there are millions of people who keep blogs and even online diaries like the character of Daniel. These forms provide writers an opportunity to be more creative. One example would be emotioncons. An emoticon is a textual portrayal of a writer's mood or facial expression. Through these writers can write out their feelings and even add a emoticon to exhibit their emotions further like “J” for example. Since many people have turned to blogs or texting, the world has changed and many wonder if that is a good thing…or not.
There are futurologists and theorists who are worried about the “complete control” computers have over writing. Some futurists have even said that by the year 2014, print newspapers will no longer exist. In the past when people wanted news, they either turned it on from the television set or read a newspaper that had it there all laid out for them. Those days have passed and more and more people have turned to the internet for the news. Websites such as Google News, have slowly been wiping newspaper industries into extinction. Message boards have have taken over as a way for people to give their opinions whether then in the op-ed section of a newspaper. Even though both of them gives a reader the chance to speak their mind and let the world know it, message boards can reach out to a more vast range of audience. Now there is even a such thing such as “online journalism” that threatens the world of written journalism. William Denver, a theorist and journalist, had said; “In the future, journalism will not be considered a career, but a hobby. There will also be no such thing as writers because of the fact anyone can own a blog and become one.”(Computers Over Pens pg 78) There is a lot of concern in the world of writing revolving around the internet. It leaves many to wonder whether or not writing will continue to be a talent only some can possess, or a common entity that anyone can achieve. Despite of all those opinions the difference between handwritten writing and online writing is vastly different.
As stated before online writing gives the writer a chance to express themselves more clearly. One form of communication that has became popular over time is text messaging. Text messaging is simply sending small messages from cell phones, computes, etc. Many people prefer to text message rather then using notes because it is less complicating. Text messaging is preferred because you can send a simple note to anyone in the world without the hassle of mailing it and having to worry about whether or not they receive it through the postal service. It is also a quicker way to get a response and stay connected to a friend or family member. The cost may be more then of one was to mail a note but the convience is one that people are more then willing to agree to.
When Coupland wrote Microserfs through a series of documents on Daniel’s laptop, it is believed that he was trying to make a point on how important computers and technology have become in our future. Through his writing of the book in these form he was able to freely develop his characters more and add quirks that the audience could relate to. During these times computers were becoming increasingly popular and Coupland’s book can be seen as a foresight into the future. The reason it can be seen like this is because of Daniel’s preferance to have a diary through the computer rather then a notebook. Coupland also used many emoticons throughout the book that can’t be fully used in written works. This made online writing more exciting to do then the written kind. Even though Coupland was one of the first to demonstrate the fascination with online writing, many other sources have also pulled people into the world of computers.
If one were to flick on the tv and watch a television show they are more then likely to see laptops on them. There are even shows that protrays the main character as an avid writer on the computer. One common example of that is the famous sitcom Sex in The City. In the show the main character, Carrie, both began and ended the show writing on her laptop. In one episode she nearly lost it when her computer crashed. All of this just shows people how strong of an influence computers have over our lives now. Computers are the media, on our television sets, and we are constantly reminded of the benefits of them. Overtime many people adopted into online writing.
Computers have taken over the communication world. In the past people were accustomed to reading their newspapers and writing notes or an entries in their diaries. Times have changed and people have found other forms to replace the former with. The newspapers that people have once read have now appeared on computers for people to conviently read whenever the please and it also provides more information then a newspaper typically does. The notes or diary entries that were once handwritten are now being typed through computers or texted through the phone. These forms of communication have broadened our sense of storytelling and personal narratives through emotiocons, “codes” and many other aspects of online writing. Futurologists may have many concerns about the change, but many people are going to have to accept that technological communication is the future and it is best to be prepared for it, because nobody wants to be left behind.

The Podcast that is on Teachers' side!

Name: It's hard out here for a teacher
Complete show length: 5: 25
Episode 1: The many problems teachers face
Intro music clip: "I want Candy!"

Hello students, teachers, and anyone else who is reading this. Welcome to the podcast that is for all teachers across the world no matter what grade level you teach! Many of you are probably wondering what does a student like me understand about a teacher's problems. I understand alot because I once wanted to become a teacher, that is until I witnessed first hand how extreme and pressuring the life of an ordinary teacher is! Many people look at the lives of teachers and think it is incredibly easy. I use to think; "how hard is it to control a bunch of running nosed rugrats?" Let me tell you, I realized it's not easy at all. From dealing with kids with behavioral issues or parents with attitudes, life is hard out here for a teacher! Now with me today is a special friend of mine who can tell you her experiences in the challenging world of teaching. I would like to introduce everyone to my guest, Ms. Waters!

Segement 2: Ms. Water's story of teaching
Song: "No more Drama"

Ms. Waters, welcome to my podcast! Now there is a few things I would like to ask you if that it is okay. Ms. Waters: "It's fine". Okay then let's start!

Me: Why did you become a teacher?
Ms.Waters: I became a teacher to help kids find their way. I admired teachers because they were able to give themselves to their students and I wanted to be able to do that as well.
Me: I'm sure your students will appreciate all you have given to them but are there times when teaching becomes difficult?
Ms. Waters: Teaching becomes difficult for me when there are factors prohibting my students from learning. For me teaching becomes difficult when you are trying to provide a love for the child. You might have a case where there is a child who is hungry and isn't fed properly at home. You find yourself masking your emotions in order to help the child when in reality what you want to do is scream at whoever is causing the child such pain and suffering.
Me: I can see where that becomes difficult. It sounds like you know that situation from personal experience but of all the experiences you had of being a teacher, which one will you remember the absolute most?
Ms. Waters: The most memorable experience I've had has to be when I re-met a former student of mine named Kia. Kia was my first obstacle in teaching. She was out of control with extreme behavioral issues. There were times she would coil herself around me and she absolutely hated home. In spite of her actions, I could tell she loved school. I did my best to provide for her and become a role model for her. Time passed and I was teaching at another school. I remember the office telling me I had a visitor and I had no idea who it was. As I walking down the hallway, I saw a tall dark chocolate lady walking towards me. As I got closer I recognized her as Nakia and I cried. She told me she caught different buses just to come out here and see me and we just hugged and cried in each other's arms. That was definately an experience I will never forget.
Me: Ms. Waters, I thank you so much for your time and I'm sure my audience will agree with me as well!
Ms. Waters: Well thank you for having me Alicia. *Laughs*

Segment 3: Teaching may not be easy but it is worth it!
Song: "In the Morning"

So you know after hearing Ms. Waters, maybe teaching isn't that bad after all. There is something so heart-warming about knowing that you are making a difference in a child's life. I mean, yeah, you still get those knuckle heads who you secretly just want throw out the door, but at the end of the day, teaching is the most significant career in all of America. Teachers are the ones who provide us with the education to be presidents, doctors, lawyers, even Mcdonald's employees. We need teachers, and without them America will be a country full of uneducated citizens. So next time you see your teacher or former one, you make sure to thank them for the contributions they made in your life. Teaching may not be easy to them but once they saw the difference they made in your life...they felt it was worth it.

Idustrial Farming is hurting our environment!

Farming has come a long way through the years. Once it was a healthy farm where agriculture worked in harmony with the natural environment. This began with healthy soil that stored water and nutrients and provides a stable base to support plant roots. In a sustainable system, soil is kept in balance. Crops were rotated through the fields to replace nutrients in the soil. Where there is livestock, animals graze the land, then waste from those animals is used to fertilize the soil. The idea is that as farmers take from the land they also give back. Industrial farms disregard that need for balance. Land is used continuously and not given proper rest. Crops are not rotated in a way that replenishes the soil. Manure and chemical fertilizers are used to “feed” the soil, but through over-application these additives become a problem. Industrial farming is slowly destroying our environment and we aren’t making a difference to stop this because we go and buy their products. Also industrial farms spray harmful chemical fertilizers that can make anyone who digest them fairly sick. So why are supporting them again?
Industrial farming hurt our environment because of the increased ozone pollution and global warming from heavy use of fossil fuels. We all know that most factories cause great pollution to our air and environment so naturally industrial farming isn’t any different. We all breath in the air that is not good for our lungs. Not only that but we need our ozone layer to block out harmful gases our body can’t handle and industrial farming with all of its fuels is slowly decreasing our layer. If we don’t stop the creation of this we could all be in danger.
Animals are a natural part of our lives and they provide a balance in the natural food chain. Some of us even enjoy their company as pets and farm animals and wouldn’t truly want any harm to come to them. Industrial argiculture doesn’t share this popular outlook because they are harming the animals that balance our world for their own selfish satisfaction and for the sake of meat. That’s not the only problem, some how they found a way to pollute our world even more through the pollution of animal wastes. The surface and groundwater are all polluted with animal wastes. We need our water because water is an essential necessity for the human body. You could walk outside to a local pond, river, or lake and see the uncleanliness of it because it was polluted by wastes caused by some factory and that factory tht has done all this damage just might be industrial farming!
There are many things people can do to help save the environment from the selfishness of the farming industry. We can grow our own gardens for one. By growing our own gardens we are protecting our own personal systems by not damaging them through eating food with pesticides sprayed all over it. We can also stop buying their products like their meat and vegetables as a way to send a messge to let them know that we don’t agree with their methods and wont help them continuet their sick treatment of our world and environment. By doing both of these things we are starting to slowly cure the world of factory sickness.
Industrial farming isn’t healthy to our environment at all. It kills our animals and uses their wastes to pollute the world. They put harmful pesticides on our food that causes us to fall ill and even more tragic, they can cause us to die. Also their destructive gases are slowly breaking down the ozone system and that is definatly not something to be happy about. We can stop this and save our world by not supporting them and creating our own means of production for the foods we enjoy having. When we do this we will notice a change in the world, a healthier one. That’s the kind of world we all should live in.

Let Dogs wear their fur!

Alicia Oldham
Comp 106
January 28, 2009
Let Dogs Wear their Fur

There was a time when people allowed dogs to be dogs. You could walk into a local park and see little dogs all scurrying around each other in an attempt to sniff one another’s butt and it was cute! Now a days people’s idea of cute for dogs is dressing them up in ridiculous outfits that make them look like miniature drag queens. Dogs are animals not fashion accessories! I can’t even begin to explain the pity I feel whenever I see a dog being tortured having to wear clothes that are completely unnecessary for them. Dogs have fur and there is no need for them to have to be forced to wear clothing. It is just ridiculous and embarrassing to them.
Every person like cute things, so it’s only natural that people would want to dress different things in a cute way. I think that people should realize that dogs are not “things”. They are living creatures who have feelings too. If dogs could talk, I’m sure they would tell you that the clothing you force them away makes them feel uncomfortable.
Some people may argue that in the winter dogs will be cold but that is truly not the case. As stated before, dogs have fur that keeps them warm so there is no need for clothing. Also what excuse can people make when they make dogs wear clothing in the summer time? You can go down the street and see someone with a dog that's wearing a little jacket. Now, keep in mind the owner isn't wearing a jacket because it is ninety degrees but here is an innocent animal, with fur, having to endure the heat. That is animal cruelty at its maximum. Dogs become hot easily and for them to be wearing clothing is just wrong. The clothing also hinders the dog's movement and thus they are not able to get the proper excercise that they need. They want to make their dog the most stylish pet to look at but they are also making them the most pitiable.
lPeople should stop dressing up their dogs for their own selfish satisfaction and realize how uncomfortable they are causing their dogs to feel. Dogs weren’t created in the world to be our little living rag dolls, we can play dress up with. They are living creatures and believe it or not they are capable of feeling too. Let them be dogs and enjoy their lives by running freely with the wind blowing their fur and not having to worry about being hindered by shameful costumes and clothing. If dogs could talk, I’m sure majority of them would ask you to stop making them suffer, please…no more clothes for dogs.

-PrincessAliPink

Job? R u out there?

No, people I'm not talking about the Job in the Bible, I'm trying to find a job that will pay me some money! I mean yeah, I already have a job and I shouldn't be so greedy because there are those who don't...who cares!! I'm a college student, that means I am one of the poorest people on the face of the earth! I need money like a baby needs diapers, a car needs wheels, my brother needs face surgery...(sorry bro) The point is it costs if you want to become someone that people can't ever call stupid (I take that back, Bush has a degree and he's an idiot). So anyway I'm wasting my life away scanning the internet and putting in applications to places that never call. I'm wasting my gas going in person to apply and they never call either (Note: I officially stopped shopping at all those stores, saved alot of money 2 :) It's hard out here, you would think jobs will hire you when they find out you're a college student (I think they're jealous)! So if anyone know where a job is PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME! lol. Well ta ta, I have to waste more of my life looking for jobs...*sigh*

Let's begin the tour of my mind!

My mind is not the easiest thing to understand, to be honest, there are times I don't even understand myself! So to make it easier for everyone (myself) I created this blog that prys into my inner thoughts. I might blog about my fear of pregnant animals, my hate for my now-broken hooptie or my love for anything pink (except for pink cars...long story). This blog wont be completely about me! I"ll write about my favorite artists, food, clothes...never mind, it is going to be all me. lol. So as the days get colder and slowly pass by me like a blizzard, please enjoy this little weird blog. If the sight of pink burns your eyes, I'm sorry (you don't think I'm going to change it do ya?). See ya, and don't spend too much time in my head, you'll only give yourself a headache...lmao!