Analyzing My Genre

In this post, I will be answering questions about my genre from Writing Public Lives page 342.

Paumier, Guillaume. "Professional Video Camera." 11/7/15 via flickr. Some Rights Reserved.

Examples #1    #2    #3    #4   #5

Social Context

• Setting- This type of public argument is generally made for a video-sharing website then shared through social media and other outlets like Buzzfeed, Upworthy, etc.

• Subject- The subject varies widely, but the general concensus is that the subject matter is relevant to the target audience and probably centers around some point of contention in society

• Who uses the genre- Bloggers, vloggers, and celebrities utilize this medium to get their message across in a fun and engaging way.

• When and why- This genre is used constantly- the number of videos on YouTube in this genre grows every single day. Youtubers feel the push to create new content for their avid subscribers. These stars use their videos to make a name for themselves and market their "brand."

Rhetorical Patterns of the Genre

• Content to include- Music is utilized as a background element, popups guide the reader to new information, filler video is used to emphasize points.

• Content to avoid- To much dry research without interesting or concise commentary, visuals with text that are hard to read

• Rhetorical appeals- Pathos is used more often in non-business centered videos, because the star wants to connect to viewers as almost a friend type. Logos and ethos are used more in business produced videos because they want to make viewers believe the information and perspective they are giving.

• Organization- They usually open with a greeting or intro sequence. The video then dives into a captivating hook, discussion and analysis mixed with visual support, then ends with a send off or "outro" sequence. 

• Sentence structure- The phrases used by video stars are generally active and are filled with exclamatory feeling because they want to convey intense interest in the topic.

• Word choice- The language is generally informal and can contain slang because it attempts to relate to the more casual side of the viewer.

What Do the Patterns Reveal about the Genre's Social Context?

• Who does the genre include- tech-savvy adults, teens, college students, and young kids. 

• Genre excludes- the technologically illiterate, those without access to tech, older adults

• Role of writers- The videosphere encourages vloggers to act as though they are the expert in something and that their opinions are all interesting and valid.

• Role of readers- The existence of a comment section allows viewers to be an active, participatory audience

• Values and beliefs of users- Viewers value the ability to get their information quickly and believe that if someone took the time to make a video, its worth watching- or at least previewing.

• Most valuable content- Visual examples, animation, good lighting and backdrops, good editing, appropriate music

• Least valuable content- Information that is too wordy or too complex, bad quality filming, bad music

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Reflection

I responded to Charles and Bre's blog posts about their genres, which happened to be the same. Charles and I hold the same view that articles on the internet have transformed the audience into a more involved, responsive entity. This is something that we have to both prepare and provide for in our pieces. Bre discussed the lack of coverage with regards to counterarguments in her genre, and I think this is relevant to my genre as well. I need to remember to address possible points of contention in a way that supports my own argument.