Journal 1 - Niko Traylor

• What is writing—the definitions, ideas, thoughts, expressions, etc.—that you associate with writing?

I believe writing is a form of expression. I believe that writing is a way for someone to materialize their emotions. Writing is not innate to me, because it is a learned skill. We study writing and discover new ways to better our writing everyday. I also believe that some could learn how to write better than others and that writing can never be fully mastered.

• What defines successful writing for you?

Successful writing to me is determined by whatever the writer is satisfied with. I was thinking yesterday in class after reading that if writing could never be mastered how is anyone ever satisfied with their work if they know it can be better? Then I realized that's the beauty behind writing, it is up to the writers discretion if they appreciate their work or not, no one else.

• What type of writer do you see yourself as, and why?

I see myself as a very free type of writer. I like to write in different styles depending on the situation. On the other hand though I do not see myself as a very good formal writer. I do not know many rules behind writing and it has always been one of my weakest subject in school.

• Create a list of 5-8 key terms that define writing.

Expression     Mood

Tone               Form

Style               Free

Ideas              Attitude

• What is the major argument that you see these authors making?

The authors are making the argument that someones work can be reviewed and helped greatly by others. He is stating that plagiarism is not a bad thing and can actually benefit greatly because it offers opinions from more point of views.

• What did you learn about writing from this text?

This text supports my thoughts on writing and how expressive it can be. Not many people support the ideas behind this text but since it satisfies the authors they decide to put it out there anyways for their enjoyment. This shows how expressive writing can be.

• Is this article “successful” according to the criteria you defined earlier? If so, how? If not, why not?

As I was saying earlier this article is successful because the authors are satisfied with their work. They expressed their ideas and got out what they have been trying to say onto a piece of work. Their work is materialized and they are satisfied.

• Has your understanding of writing changed as a result of engaging with Johnson-Eilola and Selber's article? Why or why not? 

They offered a new view on writing for me. They offer a good point about the different opinions of writers world wide. As I was saying earlier though there are so many different types of writers and different opinions out there that no work can be perfect.

• Do you want to revise your list of key terms based on this reading? Explain what you would revise (or not) and why (not).

I would not revise my list of key terms because I believe it accurately represents writing.