Navigating Genres

Thank you Kerry Dirk! You made points—that other writers would make out to be extremely complicated—so simple! With the use of many examples, rhetorical questions, and even your own personal thoughts, we had no other reason but to be captivated by your information. I loved the fact that you added examples of how we write in various genres in our everyday lives, "…—whether you are telling a joke, writing an email, or uploading a witty status on Facebook." It's funny because many of us don't realize that all social media posts and emails are actually forms of genres. Writing is not so cut and dry as many might believe it to be; it is actually very malleable. I completely agree with your statement: "What is important to consider here is that if mastering a form were simply a matter of plugging in content, we would all be capable of successfully writing anything when we are given a formula." Writing is not so similar to math; therefore, there aren't really specific formulas to follow in order to write in certain genres. Since this is the case about writing genres, not everyone will be a pro at it, and it clearly takes a ton of effort and dedication to conquer. You write things like, "Because it seems only appropriate that given the fact that I am talking about genre awareness, I should make you aware or my own struggles with writing in a new genre," which definitely includes the use of first person (also throughout your entire text) and some humor. The use of first person allows your writing to reflect how personable and genuine you are. This undoubtedly helps us readers want to understand what it is you are trying to get across to us, because it's almost as if you're simply a friend giving us amateurs some tips.