After a thorough examination of my first semester blog posts, I noticed a trend; I blog mostly about social and political topics. Especially within the last few weeks (when the Republican-nomination race has developed most), news websites that I use to find topics to blog about, such as CNN and Fox News, are constantly updating us with new stories about the candidates. When I do blog about candidates, I usually offer a brief summary of their latest story and then proceed to connect it to American values. I even throw in some of my own political commentary for the sake of adding a personal touch to my own page.
In the midst of all this personalization, I’ll admit that my commentary took off to a new level and tended to be very critical. If you look at any of my first six posts, you will find a lot of rambling and not much factual support. It took me a while to realize this flaw. Luckily on Thanksgiving break, I actually took the time to read all of my posts and comments. It was surprising to realize how much I lacked rational evidence and from that day forward, I knew that I had to become more constructive.
Because I examined my page a few months ago, I had time to rethink and experiment with how I wanted my posts to sound to the reader. I wouldn’t want him or her to think that I’m a judgemental prick who doesn’t back up my claims. So, I started doing additional research for each story I’d want to blog about and I would try to find the same story from multiple sources. If you look now at my last six posts, you will find that I have turned my angst-filled rants into fact-based analyses of important people and events.
I feel like reinventing myself on my blog page has also helped me write essays. I have been struggling with relating evidence to my claims in papers, and since blogging is essentially mock essay writing, I have been improving my writing technique. Not only is blogging great practice for writing essays, but it forces us to stay in touch with current events. I haven’t paid this much attention to the media since eighth grade when we had to do current events reports every week.
In conclusion, I hope that I will stay motivated enough to sniff out more good stories in second semester, which will help me progress as an essay writer.
In the midst of all this personalization, I’ll admit that my commentary took off to a new level and tended to be very critical. If you look at any of my first six posts, you will find a lot of rambling and not much factual support. It took me a while to realize this flaw. Luckily on Thanksgiving break, I actually took the time to read all of my posts and comments. It was surprising to realize how much I lacked rational evidence and from that day forward, I knew that I had to become more constructive.
Because I examined my page a few months ago, I had time to rethink and experiment with how I wanted my posts to sound to the reader. I wouldn’t want him or her to think that I’m a judgemental prick who doesn’t back up my claims. So, I started doing additional research for each story I’d want to blog about and I would try to find the same story from multiple sources. If you look now at my last six posts, you will find that I have turned my angst-filled rants into fact-based analyses of important people and events.
I feel like reinventing myself on my blog page has also helped me write essays. I have been struggling with relating evidence to my claims in papers, and since blogging is essentially mock essay writing, I have been improving my writing technique. Not only is blogging great practice for writing essays, but it forces us to stay in touch with current events. I haven’t paid this much attention to the media since eighth grade when we had to do current events reports every week.
In conclusion, I hope that I will stay motivated enough to sniff out more good stories in second semester, which will help me progress as an essay writer.
Jason, A thoughtful and honest self-assessment. Nice job refining posts second quarter. They are more focused, better supported, and yes critical -- in the best sense of that word.
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