Essays and Commentators!

WOW! Overall, I was very impressed with some of the first drafts and the comments that accompanied them. It's pretty obvious from both those of you who seem to understand and realize the importance of both. I was even happier to see that some of you decided to read and comment on other blogs, as well as those that were assigned. Writing becomes more real, more authentic, when we realize that other people whom we don't know, don't expect, "drop by" to read our words. (Even though I admit it is a bit "forced" in this classroom situation.)

Keep in mind that your blogging--both your writing and your commentating--contribute 20% to your grade. It is an active means of class participation, as much as responding or questioning orally. It gives "quiet" people an opportunity to voice their ideas as well as the more verbal among us.

There were three blogs I was unable to comment upon, so there are no comments (YET!) on those. I don't know what the problem is, but we'll try to figure that out. If you were not one of those three, you may still have no comments--that's because there are always slackers among us. To be fair, people often underestimate their ability to comment--or they forget--or they just don't do it for their own reasons. Again, remember: I am not asking you to do my job; I'm asking you to improve your writing, which involves reading a lot and writing a lot. How well you comment is almost as important as how well you write.

Finally, let me urge you to offer constructive advice as you comment. It's always good to hear compliments; we ALL need that and respond warmly and appreciatively to compliments. When you read an essay, I think it's a fine idea to begin with a positive reflection--then, if possible, follow it up with suggestions, advice, even editing if you're confident in your skill. The comments that offer advice are those that cause you to return to your paper, to improve your writing, and ultimately improve your grade.

(In an ideal world we would focus more on the betterment of writing--for now, we have to focus on that and the betterment of the grade. *sigh*)