Modalities meet blogging

All types of writing incorporate different types of modalities, depending on the genre. When looking over my process blog, I use the textual modality, whereas my Enthusiast Blog, Ciao Italia, includes animation as well textual modalities. Blogs are a multimodal writing platform and it is possible, as well as beneficial, to include multiple types of modalities. After examining my blog, I wish to utilize and experiment with different types, to give posts and thoughts more meaning. 

The ability to communicate through multiple modes such as pictures and text is a strength, especially for the online writing genre. Pictures have the ability to make or break a piece of writing. While surfing the web, a simple picture or text can capture the viewers eye. The text has the ability to gain interest. In this sense, pictures and text work harmoniously hand in hand.

Information Architectures and Wikitravel

     Changes to “information ecologies” impact “information architectures” by providing a broad variety that include data, information, knowledge, wisdom. Since the writing is open for the public to change, the reader is benefits because all architectures are incorporated. If anything, Wikitravel should be considered more beneficial due to the fact that anyone can create content. 

     As previously stated, this allows for different types of information architectures to be incorporated into the site. As the founder of Wikipedia explained, it is a place to share knowledge and aims for world knowledge. The people contributing to the creation of understanding are capeable of affecting change to how we organize information, data, knowledge, and wisdom because these people are the ones organizing  and editing the information they provide to give readers a better understanding of the subject matter. With increased online activity, they are changing the way in which society researches. Much research is done online, taking away from travel books.

"On the wine trail in italy"

The way in which the blogger presents and executes "On the Wine Trail in Italy" is exceptionally strong. The blog can be found at http://acevola.blogspot.com/. "On the Wine Trail in Italy" combines personality, humor, knowledge, and real experiences, in a playful yet professional manner.

Similar interest, different "about me"

While surfing through different blogs, specifically those related to Italy, I found a variety of different personality types. Two blogs caught my eye. The first blog is titled "American girl in Italy." It is easy to see why I can relate. At, http://americaninitaly.blogspot.com/ the blogger creates a personal blog with a personal about me including her interests and what she will be writing about. Since this is similar to my tone, I found the about me powerful. However, I also found another blog that takes a more serious tone. The author describes more professional experiences on his blog "On the Wine Trail in Italy" at http://acevola.blogspot.com/. I also found this about me powerful because of its quick but in depth background and description. 

What's this all about, anyways?

When thinking of the topic of my enthusiast blog I decided on Ciao Italia! Ciao Italia is meant to be exactly what it says, Hello/Goodbye Italy. The purpose of writing this blog is to summarize, if possible, my experience traveling abroad. I want my readers to connect and understand the importance of experiencing new cultures, learn from my experiences, and inspire them to go out and learn on their own whether it be studying abroad, which of course I highly suggest! or getting involved in a new community. My audience is anyone interested in learning new culture, Italy, those interested in studying abroad, and those who may be currently studying abroad. I invite all to tag along and experience my journey from start to finish. Although it is up to me to create a compelling blog, I know that the experience and italy will sell itself. Throughout the blog, my tone will be personal and somewhat playful. Starting a new blog has been similar to starting my journey in italy. Nerve-wracking, confusing, and exciting. 

Looking in from the outside: A look at different blogs

Through the gypsies eye interests me personally because my enthusiast blog is also about traveling. I enjoy this blog because of its pictures and real experiences, which I find are two of the blogs strengths. It also offers a variety of different destinations which can attract a larger audience. The weakness I find in this blog is the description. With such an interesting topic, the blogger could get a little more creative and excited about describing the blog. Overall, I am in favor of this blog and can see my self following it.

The future is interesting because it is a mysterious topic that most people wonder about. It is also interesting because the blogger relates what could be considered "out there" to current economic troubles. I can see my self also following this blog but can also see why others may not be interested in the topic.

Stitched personae is not a blog that appeals to me. Although it may be an interesting topic to some readers, I did not want to sit and read through it. I found it too informative as if I were sitting in lecture. The about me is extremely long. However, the photo's included in the blog make it more interesting.

All of the "about me" sections include the bloggers goals for the future which I find beneficial. The blog that had the most powerful about me is The Future. It was short and simple but held much detail at the same time and was very creative. After reading this "about me," I am beginning to explore ways to improve my own "about me" statements.