The first article was by Dirk and was about approaching or 'navigating' genres. Genre used to refer to a formulaic notion of method, by which someone would creating something that follows a basic template, a rubric for design. The problem with that is genre is much more complex than that, and is in no way completely formulaic. While genres may have specific guidelines and conventions that must be adhered to in order to classify them as a specific genre, not everything is written exactly the same. Genres are designed to effectively make communication more efficient, but communication is unique and often spontaneous therefore cant be exactly the same each time. Genres are designed by their respective users, the people utilizing them, and can change to meet the changing needs and expectations of the community.
Dirk also points out that genres help people accomplish goals, but that they are more of a suggestion and not an assured formula for success. As users of multiple genres we experience overlap between them, where there are even more similarities but nothing is exact or perfect. I liked this article because it made an important distinction that genres act as a framework, not necessarily a strict guideline. They shape our social actions while allowing us to effectively communicate new ideas and conventions.
The other article we read was by Devitt and was also about genre, but more specifically about teaching/learning about critical genre awareness.
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