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Workshopping
In the workshop, we will take one piece at a time, and go around the
room to hear a variety of your reactions and suggestions to it. Rest assured
that you will be called upon several times in each workshop to share your
comments. To prepare for this discussion, follow these general guidelines.
- Before the day of the class meeting, spend a little time with each
site scheduled for discussion.
- Take note of what you see and what you think. Write notes on
a separate piece of paper for each site, and put your name
at the top of each.
- You'll give these responses back to the author in class after the
workshop.
- Keep in mind that you are addressing all your comments to the creator
of the piece, who will get back your critique once you've turned it
in to me.
- Be sure your name appears on each piece as the responder.
- On each page, sum up your reactions and suggestions in a short paragraph
or set of points at the bottom of the page (or one the back if necessary).
This summary can also serve as your talking points when you're called
upon in class.
- Respect takes two forms.
First, while your comments should be constructively "critical,"
they should never be contemptuous or dismissive in tone. These are
all writing-and-design projects in progress, and anyone who shares
his or her work deserves consideration, help and recognition of what's
been accomplished.
Second, respect means taking the piece and its creator seriously
enough to offer specific suggestions and honest reactions, rather
than saying the piece is "pretty good." None of us likes
being patted on the head, or having our work essentially ignored.
Vague, empty praise can be a form of contempt.
- Use specific technical terms from the readings and class discussions.
You might try making a list of these key ideas first to prompt your
thinking. These terms can serve as a shared critical language, and can
help suggest characteristics to look for.
- To help explain your impressions and suggestions, use examples from
samples that we've looked at or created in class, or that we saw in
the textbooks
- Comment from two points of view. You are a fellow writer/designer
who has thoughtful and informed suggestions and reactions. Also, though,
imagine yourself as a member of the intended audience visiting the site.
How well do the decisions the writer/designer has made help the piece
operate within the culture (the worldview or belief system) of the audience?
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