Wk 4 - Media article

ABC media report
Date
7 August 2008

Item selected for comment
"The Gruen Division", on ABC Radio National

Quick comment

The transcript for this media report reveals that there are definately two sides to the 'Gruen Transfer' program. Mark Champion highlights that the program is "definately creating interest " and more and more people are considering it as a career option. Whereas, others like Peter Biggs feels that the program is simply creating "likability", which is a danger for advertising comapanies, as it demorlaises their credibilty and profession. Additionally, the transcript emphasises that the show is definately a success as they are able to persuade their viewers that marketing is positive, and they are able to do this so effectively because they are at the "communication end of persuasion buisness".

Concepts from my course work that inform my perspective on this item

The Gruen Transfer clearly demonstrates rhetoric persuassion that invloves ethos, pathos and logos, on the show. This is beacuse it captures the audience with their professional stance, emotional elements of comedy and logical arguments to support thier ideas.

Showing off my expertise/wider reading/ability to match up issues, theories and concepts with a longer comment, hyperlinks and references
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,23811511-13243,00.html

An article written by Peter Biggs, who was metioned in the transcript can be accessed through the above link.

My presentation notes- Reading 7

1. Intro
After reading Parker’s “Designing documents for web distribution”, it is evident that an increasing amount of documents are being produced for web distribution rather than print mediums. As a result of this there is a strong need to design online documents for the “worst possible circumstance”, (Parker, 1990).Hence, as the internet is becoming more commonly used, it is important to always design for onscreen readings.

2. Page Viewing
Parker outlines that the difference between print and onscreen readings can be identified in the limitations to the how the document in viewed.
Print- These documents are known as the “vertical rectangle”, (Parker, 1990) , which are easier to access the entire page without physical movement.
Also each paragraph can be easily identified and clearly linked to the whole of the document.
— Example1 of print document- magazine

3. Page viewing
Onscreen- Documents viewed online are known as “horizontal rectangular” view, meaning they are only part of the page as a whole.
Example 2 – report & online book
“As document magnification increases, less and less of the document is shown, requiring more scrolling”, (Parker 1990).

4. Parker highlights that it is important to keep in mind that documents intended for website distribution maybe read onscreen or printed on paper.
This is why is in necessary to also design for the “worst possible scenario”, (Parker, 2003). Hence, designing texts that can be easily read onscreen and when printed.

5. Design suggestions
This can be achieved by avoiding multicolumn layouts for documents.
— Example- newspaper
— Therefore, it is important to remember to ...
— -Design documents for onscreen reading in single columns
- Also make sure type sizes and line spacing are of appropriate usability, to make up for the long lines of text in single columns.

6. White space
Parker emphasises to avoid filling screen with text by;
◦ Making sure that white space is applied to the left and right of margins of each page.
◦ This adds contrast to the page and includes extra space for additional subheadings.
-As you can see I have used this technique throughout this slideshow to make it more appealing to the eye.

7. White Space
— Additionally, more white space can be created by using 1.5 line spacing in-between lines to add to the overall contrast of the document- “guides eyes from right to left”, (Parker, 1990).
— Also extra space between paragraphs can be used to “open up” pages, allowing an easier to read document.

8. Some Useful tips
· Sub-headings are useful tools to keep the reader informed about what part/section of the document they are reading

— To increase reader usability, make sure that the majority of the online document is black and white, as it is more cost effective and efficient to print.

9. Conclusion
— It is evident from Parkers’ reading that it is necessary to use various techniques in particular;
-single columns - white space
-sub-headings - minimal colour
— To ensure the document can be effectively used for both print and online documents.