Genre permeates the blogosphere

One of languages most influential aspects to interpretation is genre. It is a dialogue of cultural interpretation and enables and restricts meaning. The action of genre is that "texts or cultural products are grouped into classes based on similarities and shared conventions" (Van Luyn, 2013). It affects the viewers interpretation of texts through a precondition for communication. Writing is the expression of genre. "Writing, essentially is characterized by: clarity; coherence; logical organization; accuracy and correctness; sufficiency; and style" (DiYanni, 2005. pp.15)"The internet diary, then, is a genre overwritten with current and traditional expectations and needs of its users" (McNeill, 2011. pp323).

(Woodward, 2008)

Conventions of writing are not just found through print but online, even in the less formal setting of blogs. Throughout history writing conventions have subtly changed depending on the genre of writing, "The nineteenth century saw the rise of the essay less as moralistic and satirical than as entertaining and even a bit eccentric" (DiYanni, 2005. pp3). These "rules" of blogging can be found through the participated online forum, clearly defined in the forum question and followed through in subsequent comments. McNeill (2011. pp318) found that "researchers of BROG have tested hypotheses about blogs, taking note of form and features...  presence of hyperlinks, photographs, and other non-text media, and comment pages; their studies have also examined bloggers' genders and ages". This then identifies general conventions of blogging and information about the blogger themselves.

Behaviour of bloggers is paramount in the functionality of a social networking site. The ability to view, judge and comment on others thoughts and opinions as well as expressing their own, give these sites their power. Behaviour of the individuals in threatening, demeaning or harsh ways disrupts this easy, smooth experience and decreases the popularity of the site. Strict rules and regulations, "terms and conditions" are therefore put in place, though most users don't read them. This "culture of mediated voyeurism/exhibitionism that permeates the internet, and which carries over to internet diaries from their print culture association with reading others' "private" writing" (McNeill, 2011. pp322) is therefore stopped. Genre in this sense is changed due to the actions and conventions of users.

Reference List:

DiYanni, R. (2005). Introduction: Reading and writing essays, in Twenty-five great essays (pp3-15). New York, NY: Penguin Academics. Retrieved from: http://www.learnjcu.jcu.edu.au

McNeill, L. (2011). Diary 2.0?: A genre moves from page to screen, in Rowe, C. & Wyss, E.L. (Eds.) Language and new media: Linguistic, cultural and technological evolutions (pp. 318-323). Cresskill, NJ: Hampton. Retrieved from: http://www.learnjcu.jcu.edu.au 

Van Luyn, A. (2013). BA1002: Our Space: Networks, Narratives and the Making of Place, Week 6 notes. [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from: http://www.learnjcu.jcu.edu.au

Woodward, J. (2008). What is in a story? [blog image] Retrieved from: http://jameswoodward.wordpress.com/category/story/