PB1B

“Genre generator” websites create random examples of genres using numerous conventions and patterns that are apparent in each piece. While the topic and idea may differ, a number of fixed conventions remain constant, which will become evident as the categories are more closely examined. Hopefully, in exploring each of the conventions, one may better understand genre.

SCIgen is an example of a genre generator that specifies in the realm of computer science research papers. The website allows the user to input numerous authors of his or her choice to then create a research paper by those authors. Each time a new genre is generated, although the authors and topic change, some conventions remain relevant. For instance, the structure of a science research paper often remains fixed. They usually start with a title at the top that is followed by the author(s). Next, they have subtitles and headings such as Observations and Experimentation. Likewise, the SCIgen generated genres each contain a title, the author(s), and the subtitles and headings Abstract, Table of Contents, Introduction, Related Work, Conclusion, and References. While some papers contain titles such as Methodology and Permutable Algorithms, the concept of the headings remain the same. In addition to the titles, SCIgen genres each contain graphs and diagrams to convey ideas of the paper. Finally, the last aspect of the papers that I personally observed is that I couldn't understand not even one sentence of the actual context. These science papers each use complicated, scientific jargon that can’t be comprehended without prior knowledge of the ideas.

Another example of a genre generator is Pandyland. This generator creates a comic strip by combining three pictures of different interactions between two characters aimed to stimulate laughter from the reader. Similarly to the SCIgen example, the actual context is different, but the “big picture” is practically the same. For instance, the intent of the bright colors of each comic is to provoke someone to read the short blurb. Furthermore, the dialogue of each picture (if any) is short and humorous, and the actions of the characters from picture to picture is portrayed in a simple manner. This makes for an easy, quick to read comic.

Memegenerator is a website that produces memes, or popular images from media with witty text over it. Like Pandlyland, each generated piece is supposed to evoke laughter. Memes have become an internet sensation because of their humorous characteristics. The illustration is usually very popular. Whether the picture is a movie character or a trendy image, each meme cannot survive without it. The text is short, funny, and clever. One thing to notice is that memes with the same picture also follow similar structures in text. For instance, although the end text can vary, the picture of Matrix Morpheus from the movie The Matrix has text that starts with “What if I told you.” The “Bad Luck Brian” memes all have the same picture of some guy ironically named Kyle. The text on the top starts with something positive and hopeful. However, as the title suggests, the text on the bottom reveals the eventual misfortune of “Bad Luck Brian.” Therefore, even in something as silly and simple as a meme, there are conventions that make this genre unique from others.

A generator website that has helped many students conclude their paper is actually another type of genre generator. Easybib is a website that easily creates a bibliography with the help of inputted data from the user. While the author, title, publisher, etc. are all different, the structure of the bibliography prevails. Whether the user chooses MLA, Chicago, AMA, or more formats, and regardless of if the piece cited is a book, website, newspaper, etc., the website will create a bibliography that is properly indented, has proper punctuation, and is alphabetical order.

As shown in the four examples, while the context of different genres may be different, the conventions of each separate each genre from another. Each website has a set of established characteristics that are found in each generated item. Depicting the common patterns can help someone determine what important features make up each genre. In addition, if one hoped to be bold and innovative by breaking these conventions, he or she would better understand which are acceptable to ignore so that the entirety of the genre is not changed. 

PB1A

There are many different types of literary writings. Textbooks, novels, essays, and even tweets are all divided into separate categories based on their unique characteristics. For example, while textbooks may contain pictures, tweets may include hash-tags. Similarly, because the conventions of a resume are different from other types of writing, a resume is characterized into its own category. If these conventions are commonly found in a particular literary piece, then it can be distinguished as a resume.

A resume’s rhetorical features is what mainly differentiates it from other documents. The purpose of it is to effectively communicate one’s assets to an employer in clear, succinct writing, or in layman’s terms, a life summary. The audience and tone are very crucial features in writing a resume. It is almost always a formal piece of writing intended for an employer of some sort. Most often, resumes are given alongside a job application, so the utmost professionalism in the writing is integral if one wished to be granted the job. In addition, just as important as showing formality is having the qualifications, which is shown in the context. Resumes often include headings such as education, work experience, honors, etc. to help prove one’s competence. This is where one “brags” about himself or herself to justify his or her capabilities. A short statement about each idea in its respective heading is encouraged as sentences are often omitted. Writing in a concise manner is imperative to remember when writing. A solid grasp in each of these facets can create a strong resume that can persuade an employer.

                Some other elements of resumes are often absent in other writings. For example, resumes include confidential information and references. Although other genres of writing also include the author’s name, unlike the others, resumes often consist of phone numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. And not only does it contain extra contact information about oneself, but it also contains contact information about references, or other parties that can verify some of the material on the resume. Bullet points, bold words, and underlining are also found in many resumes. They are often confined to one single page. As one can intuitively acknowledge, resumes are very different from other writings.

                While textbooks, essays, and novels are always finalized and published, resumes are never truly finished until there is no need to inform employers. Because a resume is in fact a self-marketing tool using one’s life as the basis, it is important to note that they are dynamic in that one should always continue to add to its context. Many resumes are created by the method of listing each fact, so as one gains more work experience or honors, one should continually update his or her resume.

                Many forms of writing can allow the author to ignore common conventions of the respective type because the boldness can often lead to brilliance and innovation. However, when viewing a resume, employers often expect one to know and follow the accepted conventions, so it is vital to realize that the absence of certain conventions of resumes is usually more costly than genius. Therefore, when creating a resume, follow the established templates because it is these conventions that make a resume.

"About Me" Blog Blurb

Hey, my name is Mitchell Kim, and I’m from Rancho Palos Verdes, California. I’m a first year majoring in financial mathematics and statistics. This quarter, I’m taking Math 4A, Econ 2, Comparative Literature 30B, and of course, Writing 2. If anyone wants to study together, hit me up!

In my experiences, many people ask similar questions about me. To complete this assignment, I thought it would be interesting if maybe I could answer many of them here because both the questions and answers may describe me as a person. So here we go.

How am I a college student? Once people get to really know me, they learn that I’m pretty dumb. It’s not that I don’t excel in class and get good grades, but many of the things I say aren't that intuitive. For example, last Monday, I asked our classmate if we were going to be writing in Writing 2. In my defense, I have a very curious mind as well as a childish imagination, and because I don’t censor my questions from stupidity and I immediately say what goes through my mind without any real thought, it’s no surprise that I ask dumb questions from time to time since I’m already set up to fail.

Why do I always wear button-ups? I think everyone should show a bit of professionalism in anything he or she does. As for me, although sometimes I seem like an overgrown infant, I am also a gentleman with manners who prides himself on being polite and genuine. I have been raised in a way in which I keep an attitude of empathy and understanding, and I think that maturity is symbolized in the button-ups. Plus, in my opinion, they are comfortable and look nice.

How come I'm always listening to music? Listening to music is very integral in my life. Although it may seem boring, it’s honestly one of my favorite things to do in my free time because it’s so relaxing. The genres most common in my library are R&B, Hip-Hop, and Rap.

This concludes the short Q&A. This blog thing is rather interesting. Walking into class, I was afraid of a boring, writing course that I probably would immediately despise. However, the impression Zack gave me from the first day of class is that his Writing 2 class is the complete opposite, and I look forward to spending parts of my Mondays and Wednesdays with all of you.