Blog Four: Writing in the Physical and Virtual Realms
This week, I turn my attention from the writing that we wear on ourselves to the writing that informs and defines us as students at the university. A walk around the Case campus reveals that we are quite literally surrounded by writing; it is visible on flyers, plaques, and even the ground beneath our feet! What is less obvious at first glance is the writing which takes place online, adding a second dimension to the Case community. The university’s presence is not limited to the physical boundaries of University Circle, then, but is extended into the virtual realm. The writing that exists within the two realms is, however, substantially different, and plays two distinct roles in the life of the student.
The writing which dots the physical landscape of the university serves a very functional purpose, conveying messages to us about the surrounding environment. Writing on statues, benches, and buildings tell us of the university’s history. By simply reading the words which mark the “Kelvin Smith Library”, one learns that a certain individual named Kelvin Smith played an important role in this history. (By further, one learns more of his role.) Similarly, the writing which denotes “Mather Quad” speaks of ties between Case campus and the former women’s college. In addition to informing us of the past, writing on campus also informs us of the future by advertising upcoming events and opportunities for students. From flyers announcing the freshman class barbeque to sidewalk chalk notes promoting Greek Life activities, writing plays a vital role in communicating information to the student body as a whole. The last role of writing around campus, and perhaps the most basic one, is that of directing us. Just as writing helps to put the university on the map, writing helps to map out the university for us. Signs in the Millis Science Center guide visitors to Schmitt auditorium, while words sprayed on the walkways point lost freshman to important buildings such as “Thwing”, “Wade”, and “Strosacker.” Writing around the Case campus thus speaks to a public audience, and serves a practical purpose in the lives of the students.
In contrast, the writing that takes place in the virtual context is more personal, and allows us to respond to our environment. A number of websites exist which allow students to create virtual identities and voice their opinions. One such site, ratemyprofessors.com, allows students to do exactly as the title suggests: to “rate” their professors in a number of areas, from clarity to helpfulness. Whereas in the “real” university, professors use writing to grade and give feedback regarding students’ work, in this “virtual” setting students use writing to grade and give feedback regarding their professors. The reason that this kind of expression is possible is the second reason that the virtual university is different than the real one: a difference in audience. Whereas writing around the physical campus is composed with a broad, public audience in mind, writing online tends to be written for a smaller, more select audience. The fact that reader is not visible fosters a sense of “privacy” and divide, allowing the writer to share thoughts that might otherwise be withheld. Certain sites allow the writer to essentially “choose” their audience, which enhances this feeling. An example is Facebook.com, which allows the user to control who may see their personal profile, as well as which parts of their profile are displayed. Thus, the writer may manipulate both their audience and identity, which leads to the third discrepancy between the real and virtual realms.
Writing in the virtual context allows us to portray ourselves as we would like, thus allowing us to express ourselves while creating (or reinventing) our identity. We may select what we say about our lives, activities, and passions, as well as what we do not say about them. The name of one popular networking site, MySpace.com, suggests the freedom in this process, as each user works to create “MySpace” and thus “MyIndentity” in the virtual world. Websites such as SecondLife.com take this idea a step farther by allowing users to write their own existence as they create a character (which may or may not resemble themselves.) This creates a unique environment in which one is free to be open and honest, while also having the freedom to experiment to explore the virtual setting.
While writing is essential to both the physical and virtual life of the university, it takes on dramatically different roles in each. Yet each is equally valid, as one serves functionally to instruct us, and the other form serves us in a personal way, allowing us to react to our surroundings, as we simultaneously create our own self.
Comments
Posted by: Roger Baillargeon
Posted on: September 29, 2007 07:06 PM
Thank You for this Very Valuable and Interresting Post.
Hope we stay in touch !
P.S.
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Regards, Roger B.
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