Once I started reading the articles I realized I have actually read articles like this on my own time. So bring it on!
I am more familiar with Op-ed articles because I come across them more in my daily life. Scrolling through Facebook, everyone has those friends that are "knowledgeable" about the election and other current events, who use their Facebook page to post their opinions about these topics. Most of the time, they have attached some sort of media, a meme or an article to support their claims. This is where I have stumbled upon some opinion articles. Basically, Op-ed articles are articles written to inform, but are full of the author's opinion as well. I feel like these are easier to read than JSTOR articles, because they feel less academic, but still arguing about a particular current event. I read all the Op-ed articles and this genre is really important. The articles are short and get to the point fast, and their argument is easily recognized. Anyone who stumbles upon these articles can quickly agree or disagree with the author. Because of the election and the publicized rape cases, these Op-ed articles follow along with the current events, disguising news with the author, or websites opinions.
On the other hand, this was my first time fully reading a JSTOR type article. This genre of articles is very similar to the Op-ed articles, just subtract the opinions! These articles reminded me more of a academic research paper, just shorter. Its almost like a summary of a scholarly journal, so it reminds me of an abstract of the journal that you read to determine if you want to read the whole thing. The author gets straight to the point, provides the evidence you need to determine whether their argument is valid or not. Even though these articles are short and precise, they were still harder for me to actually read and not gaze over. These articles also follow along with current topics, but provide an unbiased report with evidence and claims to their audience. They are not trying to persuade their audience, just provide the facts so they can form their own opinion.
Im not sure which genre I will chose to write for my first paper. I am leaning towards Op-ed because they seem more fun and creative. I would be writing in a way I'm not used to, and be able to include my own opinion on a topic. Op-ed would probably be more of a challenge. Writing a JSTOR daily article could be easier because I am so used to writing in a structured way, not providing my own opinion and summarizing different journals and other scholarly articles. We will see which way I go in a few weeks....
I like how you are already thinking about our paper we need to write. What you had to say definitely got me thinking on what sort of paper I am going to write. I also like how you brought up Facebook and people posting their opinions there. I've been without Facebook for at least 3 years and I could not be more satisfied with it out of my life. All I can remember from it are my brothers and I arguing with our other side of the family (the liberal bunch) about politics and the global arena. Just yesterday I overheard them going back and forward about what to say to try cousins latest post which had to do something with presidents and they're overload of vacation time....who cares! not I.
ReplyDelete-Nick Stenman
Hi Katie! I am totally with you on being nervous about our first real paper! Your article made me think about what kind of paper I want to write. This was also my first time hearing about literatures like "Op-ed" and "JSTOR" articles, but once I read them, it came to me that I come across these articles in my everyday life. I agree that these articles are stating fact for the most part. When I read the article "Viral Black Death", I noticed that she kept stating history facts, and quotations from previous victims. She also included hashtags which I thought was cool because she was relating to a younger audience. I am glad you are thinking about what you are going to write because I haven't started thinking about it till now! Loved reading this, see you in class.
ReplyDelete-Vanessa Lim
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey Katie,
ReplyDeleteYou brought up a good point about Op-ed articles constantly being shared on social media sites such as Facebook. I personally go on Facebook every single day, multiple times a day and come across these articles but never put any thought in what TYPES of written pieces they actually are. We're making connections!
It was also my first time reading JSTOR articles and you explained it pretty well that they're like academic articles but a lot shorter.
You got me thinking about what type of article to write for our next assignment and I think I might choose Op-ed as well to deviate from the academic writing that we're all so used to doing.
-Selena Mae