Reflections

It amazes to learn that there are so many bloggers online and how people use the internet to their advantage. Creating this weblog was not an easy task to undertake as there are many things to put into consideration. According to Penman (1998), a document’s functionality is dependent on its structure matching readers’ habits, expectations and context of use. For example, the content that was posted up bearing in mind, the target audience and what they expected from this blog, I have gained further understanding on the internet as well as print media and publishing issues that concerns us. I have also gained in-depth knowledge and understanding on document design by applying document design and publishing theories in this blog.

According to Reep (1996), document design refers to the physical appearance of a document. Document design varies depending on the medium it is to be published in, its target audiences, its purpose and the context. Good design is a balance between function and form (Wheildon, 1990). Function is the purpose of the document and form is the design. A good document design is supposed to attract readers with its graphic designs and at the same time engage the readers through its content. There must be a balance and cannot lack of either one. I have understood that design is important to attract readers but the content is important to engage the readers so that they will stay interested and continue reading.

I have learned that document design is not, or should not be, mere decoration and abstraction (Wheildon, 1990). It also has to complement the context of the document and to make sure that it is soothing on the eyes so that the readers would not get tired of reading too quickly. According to Parker (1990), good design stems from a thorough knowledge of the building blocks of graphic design and specifying them appropriately, based on the format and function of an individual project. This blog’s purpose is to inform readers and to apply document design and publishing theories and to discuss media issues.

The format and layout of this blog is simple and there are not too many distractions from the main purpose of this blog which is to inform, provoke thought and discussion on media issues. Cookman (1993) stated that, we must convey a message as simply and attractively as possible. The main idea is to get the message across. Good design is effective communication (Cookman, 1993). A document is considered to have a good design when it communicates effectively.

To sum it all up, Parker (1990) said that the general principles most designers consider in all documents are balance, proportion, sequence, and consistency. The layout of a document must be organised so that the readers do not get confused or frustrated from reading. It is important that the layout is not too cluttered and messy so that it is easy on the eyes and easier for the readers to read. Document design is indeed very important in order to serve its purpose.


Refences:

Cookman, B 1993, Desktop design: getting the professional look, 2nd edn, Blueprint, London.

Parker, RC 1990, Looking good in print: a guide to basic design for desktop publishing, 2nd edn, Vetana Press, Chapel Hill, NC.

Penman, R 1998, Document structures and readers’ habits, Communication news, vol.11, no. 2, pp. 10-11.

Reep, DC 1996, Technical writing: principles, strategies, and readings, 3rd edn, Allyn and Bacon, Boston.

Wheildon, C 1990, Communicating or just making pretty shapes: a study of the validity -- or otherwise -- of some elements of typographic design, 3rd edn, Newspaper Advertising Bureau of Australia, North Sydney.

Are Blogs Credible Sources?

Blogs are known as the alternative source of information because not everything is reported by the media. However, how much of it can be true? Blogs can be defined as online journals. But due to the popularity of blogs, there have been more diversified uses for it. Blogs are also used for corporate, governmental and private uses. Generally, blogs are full of personal experiences and opinion pieces depending on the administrator.

Blogs have created a controversial issue when it comes to credibility because there are millions of online users everyday who stumble across blogs. People tend to believe what they read or at least it leaves an impression unconsciously. Unlike the printed media, there are no constraints to what we publish online. Day (2005), said that the world wide web is becoming the communications platform for the 21st century – a free and anarchistic means by which any of us can have a voice unconstrained by the traditional barriers and costs of publishing. But it is our duty to watch what we put up online because it is our social responsibility.

In the article entitled “Dr M: Bloggers should always write the truth” published by the Star Online on April 19, 2007, Dr Mahathir urged bloggers to always post the truth on their blogs because their freedom to write anything could negatively affect the development of the country.

It is vital that the truth should be posted up because the information may cause a negative issue to rise. Readers should always check the blogs’ administrators or background to determine the credibility of the source. According to Shcriver (1997), reading is a social act in that it depends on a community that shares meanings; yet it is also an individual act in that it depends critically on the reader’s unique knowledge, attitudes and values. We understand texts and images better when we can relate to what we read. When we read blogs, we also bring up past experiences and knowledge for better understanding.

In my opinion, blogs are not a credible source. However, it is a good medium to express thoughts and share experiences as well as point of views. Blogs are not to be taken seriously unless we can prove that it is a credible source. Blogs are good for discussions and to gain different perspectives. We are all entitled to our own opinion but let us watch what we post up on the web and make sure that it is the truth because we do not know who we are influencing. And most importantly, do not take blogs as our only source of information because we do not know how much truth lies in there.


References:

Day, M 2005, ‘Online players come of age’, Australian, 21 Oct., p. 20.

‘Dr M: Bloggers should always write the truth’, The Star, viewed 28 October 2007,
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/19/nation/17480990&sec=nation

Schriver, KA 1997, Dynamics in document design: creating text for readers, Wiley Computer Pub, New York.