Talk:Rhetoric and Composition/Drafting

Sections of this are repetitive - why does it need the sections on brainstorming and writer's block when this was covered in earlier chapters? Also, the last 3 external links don't work. - Mindy, 11/9/08

Wikification
I wikified this page to break it up and make it visually more appealing and easier to browse. I'm not part of the class, just a friendly wikibook fellow stopping by. If the edits aren't the direction you wanted to go, feel free to revert them. liblamb 18:11, 23 September 2005 (UTC)

Do we really need the section on "And you're off!"? I am confused to why it is there, so if it needed, can someone explain what should go there? thanks. wost0201 12/05/05

Building Common Ground?
I don't think this Building Common Ground section belongs in the Drafting section. I think this section should concentrate on problems and concerns specific to writing drafts, and the importance of drafting. I've put the information here so that we can find another area for it.

Building Common Ground Ask yourself these questions to build common ground and prevent yourself from alienating readers:

Is there anything that is assumed between you and your readers? Explain in detail the ideas or positions being displayed in your writing that you once had to be informed on as well. Never assume your audience will completely understand or share your perspective. Also, watch for language implying bias on your part, language that suggests approval or disapproval, and the ways in which you employ we, you, and they. For example, when you use the word "you" the reader is now included in the paper itself, and if they don't agree with the sentence that the "you" appears in, they will view the usage negatively. Have you done away with language that could be perceived as sexist? An effective way to avoid problems with gender is to make things plural: say readers instead of reader to avoid needing he/she. Ensure that any references to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc. are necessary and pertinent to the discussion. Remember who your audience is. Are any terms used in reference to groups acceptable and accurate?

coam0801 12/18/08

Matt's Thoughts
First off, this chapter seems quote-heavy. I like the idea of having an opening quote to set the tone and mood, but it's overdone here. Let's lose all but the best or most relevant one to cut down on the distraction.

In the overview, I'd like to see some "they" talk, such as "Many beginning writers assume drafting is a straightforward, linear process" or so on; then we could explain that it is often more complex than that. I think the main thing to focus on here is that writers shouldn't be self-critical at this stage; just get some stuff down and worry about editing it later. I would also stress the importance of understanding the assignment and conventions before starting out; it's silly to draft something that will just be rejected out of hand.

There are plenty of good metaphors to help people understand the drafting process. One is sculpting--start with a lump of clay and work it until you've got the sculpture you want. Another is pencil drawing; even a professional constantly erases and smudges hard lines--not because it was "wrong," but because those techniques are essential to the craft.

The "Final Drafting Hints" section has a misleading title; "Final Draft" is a technical term that shouldn't be confused here.

Finally, the example here seems weak. It's fine for a start, but we should see a series of drafts so that people get an idea of how it evolves over subsequent drafts. It'd also be a good idea to link to the sections on editing and revising here. --Mattbarton.exe (talk) 22:49, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

Matt H's thoughts
I don’t know if some quotes have been removed since Matt B's "quote heavy" comment, but I actually like the quotes and feel that they offer some light-hearted variety.

The tone here works for me—seems really informal, accessible and unintimidating … perfect for college writers who want a quick place to start.

--Matt.helm (discuss • contribs) 02:39, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Faith's thoughts
I don't mind the quotes. For those who like quotes, they're there and for those who don't, they're easy to simply overlook. I also like the tone and style and believe that it is very student friendly. One thing I miss here (and that I hear many students complain of) is writer's block. There are several ways to adress the problem and drafting seems the most logical place to add it.--SFaithL (discuss • contribs) 15:49, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Emily's Thoughts
This section does seem more accessible, although I do think there are too many quotes. Is it possible to put them off to the side of the screen and not interfere with the flow of text?

Also, under "Let it flow" it seems like "discouraged" may be a more appropriate word than "distracted." --Emily.isackson (discuss • contribs) 20:42, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Karl's Thoughts
I'm a little confused by Dr. B's comments here, as I found this the most readable section so far. The remaining quotes at least seemed to make this piece feel much more accessible. Rather than talk down to me, it seems to talk "with" me. The fact that they're also in a different background color tells me that if I'm in a hurry I know where to skip. I appreciated that function. I think that Faith makes a good point about writers' block, but that may warrant a section of its own as there are so many approaches to dealing with it.