Introduction:
The audiences project was entertaining to me because it really made me reflect on how differently I communicate to my mother, friend, and professor. In my letter to my mother, I alluded that everything I do makes her nervous, then manipulated her into appreciating Second Life because it will not hurt me. When writing to Caroline Moles, I attempted to make my letter humorous and therefore appealing. When writing to by professor, I introduced the topic with a hint of humor, but then my writing style was all business. Below are the letters to my mother, CORE Professor, and Caroline Moles.
To my Mom:
Dear Mom,
I love you! We have talked many times about how school is for me, but the program we are doing in English 103 called Second Life makes learning fun. We have discussed how aggrevating remembering passwords are already, so this is good practice with having a blog and a wiki too. But, remembering a password for Second Life is worth it, because as soon as I log in, I am hit with excitement the moment it finishes loading. I am used to walking into the office where you are usually checking flight reservations for vacations that you don't actually book, but now I can actually take these vacations - for free. And I don't even have to sit cramped on on airplane with flight attendants bumping my knee with the food cart. I can TELEPORT to places you never took me - like Harlem. I can take sweet pictures of all the famous places I have visited - like the Sistine Chapel and The Casablanca. AND you don't even have to buy me a digital camera. So what is the educational purpose? I have basically stated it already; I can go on field trips and learn about values, culture, and society - without paying a dime. So it is fun, educational, and password protected. I miss you guys.
Love, Mike
Response:
Dear Mike,
First, we miss you more, and I think your sister really misses you as she does not like the feeling of being an only child. Second, WOW this is pretty exciting -- you are going to see so much without ever leaving the University -- now that is something that I really like because I do not have to worry about you driving, your plane going down in bad weather, you missing a connecting flight, someone stealing your wallet, someone's other cultural values, and ultimately whether you are safe. I like this very much. Finally, I know I have the reputation of planning vacations but never taking them (only half true) but maybe this time you could plan one for us. As you know we have only been to Paris, and we would love to visit Italy or Greece, so in your travels, maybe you could check that out for us and give us some ideas......we love you, Mom
To My CORE Professor:
Dear Professor Delers,
You are a good teacher and I am enjoying class. But, lately, I have been enjoying English 103 even more because we joined a program called Second Life, where I literally created myself in a virtual world. I am telling you this because we are learning how to target specific audiences and tell them about this class and also Second Life. In Second Life, my avatar has the ability to teleport to various landmarks for FREE. The program is honestly amazing and I really look forward to exploring different famous places. I have already examined the Sistine Chapel and the Casablanca. I can observe the architecture, examine the culture, and learn about the values of the society. Second Life takes education to a whole new level. Students often have trouble actually seeing what they are studying about and I feel that Second Life can let you make that jump towards understanding something much easier. "A picture says 1000 words" is nothing compared to this; I get so caught up when looking around Second Life that I have trouble seperating it from real life. They even built a University of Richmond in Second Life! There is real business in Second Life and even real architects who can adjust landscape and create any building they desire. There really are no limits to Second Life. I recommend you try it some time!
Sincerely, Mike
Response: Hi Mike,
The Second Life projects sounds interesting. Is Joe Essid your instructor? I've heard him talk about Second Life a few times and he makes it look very interesting. He's also a great writing teacher so I am sure that you will learn a lot in his course.
Olivier
To Caroline Moles
Dear Caroline,
I figured since you wrote to me I should write to you also, even though I think Mclovin (Ryan) is much cooler than you. Speaking of cool, I am beginning to like having a Second Life! You and I were very skeptical at first, being that nothing can be as fun as our first lives and therefore it would be pointless to try and beat it in a second life. But, I have to admit, this is pretty awesome. I like being able to go wherever I want, whenever I want. I love not paying for things - it feels like I am stealing a plane ticket every time I go somewhere in Second Life. I have already brushed the dirt off my shoulder in Harlem, paid my respects for the Sistine Chapel, and chilled with strangers in Casablanca. I would have never gone to these places if it was not for Second Life. The other thing I like about Second Life is that I always look good and never need a shower or need to get changed and no one will judge me because it is not possible for me to smell bad. Second Life is cool and I look forward to learning more about it.
I will see YOU in class,
Mike
Response:
Dear Mikey, I would first like to address the fact that you think Pap Smear is cooler than me. He, in fact, is not. On the topic of Second Life, I totally agree. Our initial hesitance is long gone now that we've begun to explore more landmarks and actions. I am glad you and I are both ready to jump on the SL Train and start a wonderful semester long adventure! Toodles! Love always, Caroline
Comments (2)
Joe Essid said
at 5:40 pm on Sep 26, 2009
Mike,
I like how you use very different approaches and stylistic changes here. Your mom worries a lot; you did a good job of appealing to her fears (any appeal to emotion is called pathos, by the way). It is a classic tactic.
Be sure you have a reflection at the start to make this stronger overall. Note how group members have reflected on what they changed and why.
Specific issues:
--"bumping me knee" Read that aloud.
--Be sure to fix the line-returns on the letter to Caroline. It's all on one line right now.
Jane D said
at 4:14 pm on Oct 27, 2009
Stud,
This is by far my favorite of all your projects. I am mentioned in it numerous times, thus upping its value by like 14. I can't make any suggestions now because this has already been turned in, but it looks pretty good to me. I hope you got an A+++++. Haha like that would ever happen in this class ;)
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