Hui's JOMC221 Journal

Let me introduce in detail my favorite Web site: My Yahoo! I have written about My Yahoo! once last semester for my JOMC223 class. Click on the link above to see that.

I visit My Yahoo! everyday- several times a day. I visit it more often than I visit Blackboard. The first page I see when I start my computer is my Yahoo start page. I do almost everything through this page.

Q# 1> Describe how the writing style of the Web site holds your attention. What are the writing’s strong points?

Almost everything is written by professional journalists. In effect, my start page is a collection of headlines and opening paragraphs. Let me comment on one of them: Ann Coulter’s column.

First of all, remember that I am not a native speaker of English. I like to learn about different cultures as well as the English language. Ann Coulter’s columns always teach me a new words, idioms as well as cultural information. Her writing style is sarcastic, so I have to pick up on her real message. Finally, she writes in a clipped, high-paced way. I like that very much. It suits me and reminds me of my favorite writer, Dave Barry.

Here is an example headline: IT'S OUR PARTY, YOU CAN CRY IF YOU WANT TO. It is from a song by Leslie Gore. I downloaded it from Kazaa. And it is funny, too.

I think this example is very sarcastic and mean: “While dead bodies rotted in the streets of Angola and Somalia, the only "dead soldiers" in evidence in Clinton-land were the empty Cristal bottles lining the parade route.” Incidentally, I learned that Cristal is champagne besides the coincidental history of January, 2003.

Here is another one: “Hollywood liberals could not be reached for comment on the cost of the inauguration because they were being fitted for gowns and jewelry worth millions of dollars in anticipation of Oscar night.” This is an attack on actors in Hollywood. They may or may not deserve criticism; that is subjective.

Q# 2> What are some areas that could be improved? Let’s say you’re hired as the site’s editor-in-chief: Make specific recommendations.

I am learning about American politics and culture but I already know a little bit about communication. Ann Coulter seems to be a demagogue. Her rhetoric sounds like preaching— strong preaching. She is so angry in my opinion. This kind of emotion is attractive and stands out in the crowded Op/Ed world. So, there are so many Web sites devoted to her writing.

I think her writing can be improved by adding more objective information. Whenever possible, her reader’s opinions should be asked for. Example one brings together some important information in one paragraph.

Example 1: “I wouldn't mention it, except for the Times' recent editorial snippily remarking that the amount of foreign aid to tsunami victims offered by the United States within the first few days of the disaster was "less than half of what Republicans plan to spend on the Bush inaugural festivities."

Changed to: “A recent NY Times’ editorial remarked that the United States offered tsunami victims $ xxx.xx within the first few days of the disaster. The Republicans plan to spend $ xxx.xx on the Bush inaugural festivities. Recent inaugurals have cost… (examples). The NY Times’ editor (snippily/unfairly/mistakenly…) complained about Bush’s priorities.

Example two is not interactive. I appreciate being more involved, so an occasional question is welcome.

Example 2: “Hollywood liberals could not be reached for comment on the cost of the inauguration because they were being fitted for gowns and jewelry worth millions of dollars in anticipation of Oscar night.”

Changed to: “Are Hollywood liberals being hypocritical? Oscar night is an annual celebration which costs $xxx.xx to stage. Staging Oscar parties run $xxx.xx. Estimated cost of dresses alone is $xxx.xx. Does this annual event benefit American society so much that participants can complain about Bush’s inaugural costs?

Generally speaking, people pay attention and react to stronger, simpler, more emotional writing. More equivocal complicated writing is more likely ignored. Isn’t it? In any case, I suspect that Ann Coulter’s charms are lost on normal people. Only people with agendas read, then love or hate it.

What are the other elements or features of the site that promote your consumption of it (think of all the elements described in this module)?

How are graphics and visuals incorporated in the site and do they encourage use of the site? How?

My Yahoo! is almost completely customizable. I like that very much. There is a PDF version of my start page on the title link. Take a look. Yes, they encourage my use of the site.

As for Ann Coulter’s essays, there are no graphics, just advertising. I learned that there are several Web sites that offer Coulter’s work. They are all presented in basically the same way.

// posted by Hui Liu @ 1/30/2005 08:00:00 AM