My Final Portfolio

http://sebrinaschultzportfolio.wordpress.com/

Front & Back Matter

Transmittal Memo


To: Professor Janie Santoy
From: Sebrina Schultz
Date: April 22, 2009
Subject: Recommendation Report for Andy Alvarez’s Color Correction Tutorial

Enclosed is the recommendation report for Andy Alvarez’s Color Correction tutorial, as specified per your instructions.
In this report you will find the appropriate front and back matter, introduction and discussion segment. I have also enclosed a table of contents and list of references.
I trust you will find this report to detail my recommendations for future improvements Mr. Alvarez can make to his tutorial.
Thank you fro your time in reviewing this report.








Recommendation Report
for
Andy Alvarez’s Color Correction Tutorial








Prepared by Sebrina Schultz
Digital Media Design Technology









Report Distributed April 22, 2009
Table of Contents

Letter of Transmittal iiv
Title Page iv
Table of Contents v
Abstract I
Summary II
Introduction III
Usability Testing IV
MEELS V
Method of Testing VI
Test Conclusions VII
Recommendations VIII
References IX
Appendix 1: Test Plan X










Abstract

This report is addressing the usability of the Color Creation tutorial created by Andy Alvarez on March 1, 2009. It details the memorability and learnability of the said tutorial as gathered from research and testing conducted by the creator this report.
This report also explains the basis on which the tutorial was evaluated and establishes the importance of usability testing.
Ultimately, this report addresses the recommendation Andy Alvarez can use to improve the usability of his tutorial.














Summary

The objective of this report was to establish the memorability and learnability of Andy Alvarez’s Color Correction tutorial via usability testing.
An usability test was conducted on two subjects. The subjects were supplied with a real-life scenario, asked to view the tutorial, and then complete the tasks instructed from memory. After completion of tasks, they filled out a brief questionnaire evaluating their opinion of the tutorial.
The results were very positive and the tutorial soared in the areas tested for.
The final recommendations were correction of spelling and grammatical errors and allowing more time for each slide during the presentation.












References

(2007). "Usability Testing". The University of Texas at Austin Learning to Publish. Retrieved from http://www.utexas.edu/learn/usability/index.html on April 14, 2009.

Travis, David. (2007). "A Business Case for Usability". Website Tips.com. Retrieved from http://websitetips.com/articles/usability/benefits/ on April 14, 2009.

(2009). "Usability". Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usability on April 22, 2009.

Introduction and Body of Report

ﾠ

Introduction

On March 1, 2009, Andy Alvarez created a tutorial designed to instruct his audience on performing color correction to photographs within Adobe Photoshop. Upon completion of the creation of this tutorial, a usability test was conducted to determine what areas could use improvement.
Questions were raised as regards, how memorable and learnable the tutorial is. These were evaluated on the basic standards and definitions of the MEELS. Within the body of this report, the definition of this acronym will be discussed.
Ultimately the purpose of this report is to provide the client, Andy Alvarez, with suggestions on how to improve his tutorial to be better memorable and learnable by his desired audience.
The contents of this report are as follows:
Importance of Usability Testing
Explanation of MEELS
Usability Test Method
Conclusions from Usability Test
Recommendations

Usability Testing

ﾠThe value of usability testing is that it helps identify problems within tech documents before they are unleashed on the general population. Usability expert Jakob Nielsen is quoted as saying, “It takes only five users to uncover 80 percent of high-level usability problems.” (Usability Testing, 2007, p.1)
David Travis provided the following reason for why usability testing is effective: “Improving efficiency also improves usage. For example, human factors firm HFI used usability methods to improve a recruitment web site for civil servants and made it 12 times faster to find a job. This redesign also boosted the percentage of people that could successfully find a job from 30% to 100%.” (2007)
Effective application of usability testing and the resulting recommendations will decrease the time spent learning the task at hand. Peter Cochrane explained the meaning of this, “The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who spend a great deal of time trying to save money, and those who spend a great deal of money trying to save time.” (Travis, 2007)

MEELS

MEELS is an acronym for the components that make up the definition of “usability” according to usability consultant Jakob Nielsen and computer science professor Ben Shneiderman. The letters or the acronym are represented as follows:
“Memorability: When users return to the design after a period of not using it, how easily can they re establish proficiency?
Efficiency of Use: Once users have learned the design, how quickly can they perform tasks?
Errors: How many errors do users make, how severe are these errors, and how easily can they recover from the errors?
Learnability: How easy is it for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design?
Subjective Satisfaction: How pleasant is it to use the design?” (Usability, 2009)

ﾠ

M	memorability
E	efficiency
E	errors
L	learnability
S	satisfaction

ﾠ

The two MEELS focused on in the usability test were memorability and learnability. These measures were chosen because they are very useful in determining if the instructions are successful in accomplishing their goal. It was hoped that upon testing the subjects would be able to successfully learn the instructions and remember how to accomplish the task without having to look back at the tutorial or ask for help.

Method of Testing

The usability test was approached with the project goal of determining if Andy Alvarez’s Color Correction tutorial was memorable and learnable.
The test began by selecting a target user audience. The test subjects would be selected from this audience. Aspiring photographers and graphic artists who already had basic skills in photoshop but could improve those by learning new techniques were sought. They would have some limited experience in graphic arts from taking basic classes or learning on their own but need to know how to execute common techniques required in their line or work.
Once the two test subjects were selected, the testing process was started. Each subject was provided with a “real life” scenario and task to help them feel the value of the instructions.
The scenario was: You’ve been asked to photograph a friend’s wedding to pad your portfolio. The composition of the shots was great but the lighting was just awful and now the colors just don’t seen right. What can you? You could always apply some color correction within Photoshop. The following instructions which we will be testing will teach you how to apply this useful technique to all your photos.
Then the subject was asked to complete the following tasks:
1. View and follow tutorial
2. Open Adobe Photoshop and load photograph
3. Complete tutorial steps
4. Submit finished result
Answer brief questionnaire
On April 6, 2009, the tests were completed according to a set protocol which consisted of the following steps:
1. Explain test to subject.
2. Introduce scenario.
3. Have the subject view tutorial at own pace.
4. Observe subject’s reaction.
5. Close tutorial.
6. Have subject open Photoshop and open desired photograph.
7. Have subject complete tutorial steps from memory.
8. Silently observe subject’s actions.
9. When completed, have subject present before and after of photograph.
10. Have subject complete brief questionnaire on what they learned and what they felt about tutorial.
11. Thank subject and excuse them from test.
The questions found in the test questionnaire were:
1. Do you think you would be able to complete this task again in the future without consulting the tutorial?
2. Were the directions clear enough for you to follow?
3. Was this tutorial useful for future projects?
Did you find the wording of the steps to be memorable and help you retain the process?

Test Conclusions

Very positive responses were received from the subjects upon completion of the test. One user even stated, “The instructions were very clear, concise, and easy to follow as well as remember. I don't see myself having any issues in successfully completing similar tasks in the future. The pictures made it even easier to understand. I look forward to future editing projects!”

ﾠ	Learnability	Understandability	Usefulness	Memorability
User 1	*	*	*	*
User 2	*	*	ﾠ	*

ﾠ

As the chart illustrates, the tutorial was a hit in all the areas tested for. The only problem, was the one of the users questioned the usefulness of the tutorial to future assignments.

Recommendations

Because of the excellent results from the usability test, my recommendations are very limited. The main concern was that of grammar and accurate spelling.

(insert slide here)
The spelling error posted in the above slide seemed to be very distracting for the test subjects. This would be an appropriate error to correct.
Also the slide timing seemed a little quick. The users had trouble keeping up with the tutorial pace and needed to pause on each slide in order to read and comprehend everything. It would be wise to adjust the presentation timing to allow more time for each slide in the tutorial.
Overall, the tutorial was very effective and accomplished it’s goals. Therefore, that is the complete extent of my recommendations.

Research Analysis

Q. What did you find that your client can use to improve the tutorial?
A. From the usability testing I conducted, I discovered that this tutorial is very effective in its purpose. However the author could improve their grammar and spelling usage.

Q. What categories does your information fit into?
A. My information fits into the written category. I plan to present it predominantly if not all verbally.

Q. What were the types of issues, etc. which were revealed via your research?
A. The main issue I encountered in this tutorial was that of spelling errors. The author needs to spend more time proofing for those. This seemed to be a major distraction for my users.

References

(2007). "Usability Testing". The University of Texas at Austin Learning to Publish. Retrieved from http://www.utexas.edu/learn/usability/index.html on April 14, 2009.

Travis, David. (2007). "A Business Case for Usability". Website Tips.com. Retrieved from http://websitetips.com/articles/usability/benefits/ on April 14, 2009.

(2009). "Usability". Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usability on April 22, 2009.

Main Sections of a Recommendation Report

As the name suggests, a recommendation report is used to recommend a specific course of action. In this case we will be discussing our personal recommendations as regards the improvement of our client's tutorial based upon the research we gathered when conducting the usability test.

The general format of a recommendation report requires the following sections:

Letter of Transmittal - although this is not required for all reports, we will be using one to outline the intent of our attached report.

Title Page - includes title and brief report purpose.

Table of Contents - List of report contents in order of appearance.

Front Matter - includes a forward and summary of the report.

Discussion Segment - consists of introduction, a body structured in a hierarchical structure, and a conclusion with recommendations.

References - list of the works cited in the report

Notes from test session...

The test went as planned and the subjects' responses were positive. The clarity of the tutorial seems to hold strong. Although the "result" typo gained a few chuckles.

Test Plan: Sections 1-6

Project Goals

The goal of these instructions is to educate up and coming graphic designers and photographers in applying color correction to their photographs.
These instructions are useful because they teach their audience a valuable new skill to add to their repertoire and these users need to apply the directions to their future projects.
These users have beginning background in graphic arts or photography and are some what familiar with Photoshop.
These users are working on projects pertaining to school or work assignments.
The machine is what make this technique possible but the user is the one who must know how to use the features the machine offers.

Testing Goals

I will be focusing on memorability and learnability.
I chose these measures because I feel these would be very useful in determining if these instructions are successful in accomplishing their goal.
I hope to learn if these instructions were written correctly and will truly help their users.
This information will help validating the instructions and improving my testing skills.

User Profile

The users are aspiring photographers and graphic artists who already have basic skills in photoshop but can improve these by learning new techniques.
They need to know how to execute common techniques required in their line or work.
They have some limited experience in graphic arts from taking basic classes or learning on their own.
They are working on projects for work or school assignments.
Machine is in charge of accomplishing these techniques digitally while the user must learn how to operate the machine.

Scenarios and Tasks

You’ve been asked to photograph a friend’s wedding to pad your portfolio. The composition of the shots was great but the lighting was just awful and now the colors just don’t seen right. What can you? You could always apply some color correction within Photoshop. The following instructions which we will be testing will teach you how to apply this useful technique to all your photos.

Testing Materials

To accomplish this test I will need access to Photoshop, a sample photograph, and pen and paper to record notes during the test.
I will need Adobe Photoshop installed on my computer in order to accomplish this test.
The user will have to use my computer and Adobe Photoshop to participate in this test.
I believe those are the only materials I will need.

Testing Protocol

The test will take place over a series of days this weekend from my home. I hope to have at least two test participants.
I will start the test with the scenario introduction and allow a selection of photographs. Then I will play the instructions for the user. After they feel comfortable with the information I will allow them to try and accomplish the technique using Photoshop. I will conclude by thanking my user for his/her cooperation.
I plan on having as little interaction on the user as possible during the testing procedure so as not to sway the testing information. I also plan on allowing them to thoroughly work out the situation on their own to validate the quality of the instructions.
I will ask questions after the test regarding their opinion of the instructions.
I plan to be able to submit a test report along with reactions to the testing process.

Tutorial Link

http://portfoliotutorial.wordpress.com/

Reflection–Rhetorical Choices Paper Prompts

Q. Who is your audience?
A. My audience are Digital Media Design students at TSTC or students anywhere majoring in graphic arts.

Q. What visuals did you choose to include Why? If you included a visual, why did you choose to include this particular visual?
A. I included photos and screen shots on each page to help my audience visualize what they are to do.

Q. What are the important or essential design elements of your set of instructions?
A. I maintained a uniform design flow throughout my website.

Q. In which medium do you anticipate these instructions would be used?
A. Digital or online format.

Q. How would you change the presentation of your instructions if you had to physically present them to a user?
A. I would transfer them into a power point presentation that I would use as an aid as I visually demonstrated the process.

Intro & Conclusion Drafts

Every artist no matter his medium needs a killer portfolio. This includes graphic designers seeking a cutting edge career in the graphic arts industry. The first thing your potential employer wants to see are examples of your past work. In these instructions, I will show you how create that amazing portfolio that is sure to impress any critic.

Materials:
Examples of best work
Design editing software
Computer or Professional printer
Large format black portfolio or Internet access
Trusted adviser

...........................................

Congratulations! Now with a little effort and leg work you can land that deign job you've been dreaming about. Just remember to apply the rules you've learned about accepting critiques. And for more information on presenting yourself, check out this site: http://art-support.com/portfolio.htm. Good luck with the job hunt!

First Draft of Portfolio Instructions

Step 1: Gather the artwork you would like to include in your portfolio. Make sure these are examples of your very best work. Try to have a wide range of styles, while still featuring your own unique personality.

Step 2: Have a trusted individual (such as an instructor or adviser) critique your portfolio pieces. Be sure to listen carefully to their suggestions.
Step 3: Taking the suggestions from your adviser, edit your portfolio pieces so that they are truly examples of your best work possible.
Step 4: Decide on your portfolio medium. Will you be having a printed hard copy portfolio or a digital portfolio? If you choose a digital portfolio, select a hosting service. Do you want your own website, a blog, or use a portfolio site like myfolio.com?

Step 5: Set-up your artwork to comply with the format necessary for your portfolio medium. If you will have a print portfolio, order high resolution prints from somewhere like mpix.com. If you have selected a digital portfolio, then upload all your artwork into a digital format.
Step 6: Arrange your artwork into an eye catching layout. I know you guys have skills doing this. Apply your best techniques to catch your viewers attention.
Step 7: Review your portfolio. Make sure everything runs smoothly and looks professional. Consult your adviser again and ask for his critique on it. Make any necessary adjustments to finalize your portfolio.
Step 8: Contact prospective employers to schedule an interview and appointment for them to review your portfolio.

Audience Analysis

Planning Guide:
Audience Analysis

Here's your description of the audience:
My audience are college students majoring in a graphic arts type program.

Here's your description of the audience in terms of the organization they work for or their position or title:
These students are affiliated with whichever college organization they attend.

Here's your description of the audience in terms of their occupation, profession, or field:
These are students striving to get the training they need in order to pursue a career in the graphic arts industry.

Here's your description of the audience in terms of their needs for or interest in the information you plan to include in this writing project:
My audience would be greatly interested in adding this skill to their repertoire because it will help them in carrying out other design related projects.

Here's how your audience will use the information in your report:
I hope they will be able to successfully carry out the functions explained in my instructions and use these in their design projects.

Here are your thoughts on the audience's technical background in relation to your report:
They have a basic understanding of design software such at Photoshop and Illustrator. They are also very familiar with the internet. They have used and possibly downloaded/installed Photoshop brushes before but would like to learn how to create their own.

Audience Analysis

Planning Guide:
Audience Analysis

Here's your description of the audience:
My audience are college students majoring in a graphic arts type program.

Here's your description of the audience in terms of the organization they work for or their position or title:
These students are affiliated with whichever college organization they attend.

Here's your description of the audience in terms of their occupation, profession, or field:
These are students striving to get the training they need in order to pursue a career in the graphic arts industry.

Here's your description of the audience in terms of their needs for or interest in the information you plan to include in this writing project:
My audience would be greatly interested in adding this skill to their repertoire because it will help them in carrying out other design related projects.

Here's how your audience will use the information in your report:
I hope they will be able to successfully carry out the functions explained in my instructions and use these in their design projects.

Here are your thoughts on the audience's technical background in relation to your report:
They have a basic understanding of design software such at Photoshop and Illustrator. They are also very familiar with the internet. They have used and possibly downloaded/installed Photoshop brushes before but would like to learn how to create their own.

White Paper Layout

I have decided to imitate the design layout used here...

I like the style of the two column layout and feel the heading coloring matches well with my proposal layout. I plan to incorporate my images in a similar manner by having them inside the column instead of in the margins.

Images for White Paper

This image is part of the description in how Blellow came to be and where it's name is from. It will work as a visual aid in explaining this.

I have decided to use the actual Blellow logo as one of my images for my white paper. It will help people identify the website I will be discussing.

Interview Reponces

Julie Wirsche, DMDT

1. Do you frequently work alone on a project (specifically those of a graphic design nature)?

Yes, normally my graphic design projects are individual.

2. Do you ever wish to spring board ideas off other people?

Rarely. I would usually do this when working one-on-one.

3. Or do you like to brainstorm ideas or processes with other people?

Yes, normally I like to brainstorm with people so we can be sure we're on the same trail.

4. Do you ever come across a design problem or question in your projects?

Oh yes, quite a few times. :)

5. How do you usually solve these?

Normally, I "mess" with the design and try different layouts, colors, etc. until i find something that works. If I am still stuck, I ask for opinions from either my friends or the instructor.

6. How long does that typically take you?

Normally, a snag can take me up to 20 minutes to figure out.

7. Typically, if you wanted help or input from an industry professional, where would you go?
Normally I go online and search information, but for immediate help I would ask a gallery director from an art center.


Laura Amaro, DMDT

1. Do you frequently work alone on a project (specifically those of a graphic design nature)?

Typically, yes. There are the ocassional group projects, though.

2. Do you ever wish to spring board ideas off other people?

I usually do. A certain idea leads to different methods/ideas and I get a thought process going where the original idea progresses to something completely different.

3. Or do you like to brainstorm ideas or processes with other people?

I definitely like to discuss ideas with likeminded individuals. Especially when working in a group project. The creative juices flow faster when there's nth-times the idea input.

4. Do you ever come across a design problem or question in your projects?

I often like to try different ways to design something, so I tend to come along unexpected snags along the way.

5. How do you usually solve these?

I first try troubleshoot it myself, but if that doesn't work I research online to see if anyone has already tried something similar, went through the same problems and found a way to fix it.

6. How long does that typically take you?

It varies on what I'm trying to do. It takes longer when I try to troubleshoot it myself.

7. Typically, if you wanted help or input from an industry professional, where would you go?

If I'm working at school, I ask my professors or the few designers that I personally know. I've never tried asking an industry professional outside of that, but it'd be nice to have an easy way to contact someone knowledgable on the subject. While there are bloggers out there that might know, it'd be much easier to get a group of people dedicated to helping fellow designers. Leaving a comment doesn't achieve very fast results.

3 Questions from "Purpose, Audience, Genre" Podcast

Q. What style is appropriate to address Prof. Santoy as opposed to a style for students?
A. Because Prof. Santoy is our superior it would be appropriate to address in a more formal respectful manner as if we were addressing our boss. Students are our fellow peers so it is acceptable if we address them in a more casual manner.

Q. What are the style or form differences of a blog versus a microblog like Twitter?
A. In a blog you have a relatively infinite amount of space to discuss your topic. You can express it in whatever manner you so please. You have the freedom to control your design layout, and how you text will be presented to your readers. However, in a microblog you have a limited number of characters (usually 140) to work with. this means you must address your point immediately and do so in a way that will capture your audience's interest. Also, you are limited to the layout contraints determed by the microblog hosting server.

Q. What do you think of genres, such as memos? Are they easy or hard to write?
A. I find memos to be an easier genre to write because they can be less formal and complex as other business documents. They are a convenient way to express your message and relay important information.

Primary Research - Interview

I have decided to conduct interviews via email. Here is a copy of the emails I sent to my interviewees.


For my Technical Business Writing class I am assigned to write a white paper on a web tool of my choice. However it must be one that will help college students or students specifically in the DMDT program. Therefore I have chosen to discuss the benefits of the web tool Blellow.

In order to properly research and discuss the potential benefits I have been asked to interview at least two students in the program concerning some areas in which Blellow might be of assistance. If you guys would not mind, I would love to interview you. I have enclosed the questions and you can just respond with the answers. We can also chat to further discuss this web tool. Just let me know...

Thank you :)

Sebrina S.

Interview Questions:

1. Do you frequently work alone on a project (specifically those of a graphic design nature)?
2. Do you ever wish to spring board ideas off other people?
3. Or do you like to brainstorm ideas or processes with other people?
4. Do you ever come across a design problem or question in your projects?
5. How do you usually solve these?
6. How long does that typically take you?
7. Typically, if you wanted help or input from an industry professional, where would you go?

That's all I can think of at the moment. If you have any other input please feel free to pass it my way. Thank you!

ntroduce Proposal/Research/White Paper Project #2 - White Paper Questionnaire

1. What is the goal or purpose of the white paper?

This white paper assignment is intended to inform TSTC students about a tech tool that will prove beneficial to them in their studies and academic career.

2. Who is your audience for the white paper?

The intended audience are TSTC college students, in my case, specifically students in the Digital MEdia Design technology program.

3. What do you have to do before you can write the white paper?

1. First I have to select and research the tech tool I have decided to propose for evaluation in my white paper.

2. Then I will need to construct a proposal direct to Prof. Santoy so that she can give me permission to continue investigating my topic for the white paper.


4. What is the goal of the proposal?

My goal is to gain permission to use the selected tech tool as my white paper topic.

5. Who the audience for the proposal?

The proposal audience is Prof. Santoy because she is the one who I need permission from.

6. What do you have to do before you can write the proposal?

I have to establish what I will be proposing. Therefore I must conduct extensive research on my chosen tech tool.

Introduce Proposal/Research/White Paper Project #2 - Audeience Analysis

Q. Describe your intended audience—who are these readers? (hint: who is giving you permission)

A. My intended audience for my proposal is Prof. Santoy. Therefore, I should complete my proposal as if I was seeking permission form my boss to pursue a specific course of action or in this case, approval of my white paper topic.

Q. Describe your intended audience in terms of the organization they work for and their position or title.

A. Prof. Santoy is affiliated with Texas State Technical College - Harlingen as the English Department director and a teacher.

Q. Describe your intended audience in terms of their occupation, profession, or field

A. Because Prof. Santoy is employed in the English writing field she will be particularly focusing on the structure and development of my proposal.

Q. Describe your intended audience in terms of their needs for or interest in the information you plan to include in this writing project.

A. Prof. Santoy has requested this proposal and therefore will be interested in seeing my approach. I have chosen to propose the use of the tech tool Blellow because it will help students in the Digital Media Design Technology program at TSTC.

Q. Describe how your intended audience will use the information you include in this writing project.

A. Prof. Santoy will use this proposal to decide if this will be an appropriate topic for me to write my first white paper assignment on.

Q. Describe the technical background of your intended audience–what do they know and not know about your topic? What are their technical limitations in relation to this writing project?

A. Prof. Santoy is an experienced blog and twitter user who might be very interested in the new micro-blogging tool Blellow. As an avid user she will be able to recognize the benefits of this tool and interpret the impact it could have on college students.

Week 2 - Purpose, Audience, Genre - Task #3 part #2

I have chosen to follow realjohngreen on twitter. He is one of my favorite authors and just released his sophomore book, Paper Towns. His first book was An Abundance of Katherines. Since I hope to eventually work in the publishing industry with YA fiction authors, I decided it would be interesting to peak more into their world.

I then proceed to look up John Green's blog... http://www.sparksflyup.com/weblog.php. This blog is an outlet for John to vent and rant on whatever he so fancies that day. It's also a fun way to get to know a little bit more about the authors personality.

The intended audience is obviously his current fans/readers. Since he writes YA fiction it is logical to assume that he also is gearing his blog to that age group. people of similar age and with similar interests as himself (i.e. Book Nerds).

He uses witty language and humorous videos and discussions that leave his readers wanting more.

Week 2 - Purpose, Audience, Genre - Task #3

I only tried one of the blog directories to find the type of blog I wanted. I used http://www.blogcatalog.com/.

Through this I found this blog... http://budgetbride.tumblr.com/.

I really like this blog because if you haven't noticed in my profile, I am currently planning my 2010 wedding. Since my fiance and I are both still in college we do have a budget to work within so I have been scouring the internet for great ideas, tips, etc on how to pull off the wedding of my dreams within my price range.

This blog is amazing because it is written by a bride who was in our exact shoes and has decided to share her story with the world. I love how each entry title features a link to another website or blog that has useful tips and info. Plus the author really personalizes each entry so it's fun and exciting to read.

I'm definitely planning on continuing to follow this blog.

Week 2 - Purpose, Audience, Genre - Task #2

Q. What blog did you choose?
A. I chose to investigate the One Million Footnotes blog found at http://onemillionfootnotes.blogspot.com/.

Q. Who is this blog directed to – who is the audience?
A. This blog appears to be directed to anyone who will listen and read the random musings of the author, Geof Huth.

Q. What is the central focus of the blog?
A. Geof described this blog's prospectus as "Footnotes to a nonexistent book, a series of observations, a novel without the plot, the autobiography of an imagination, linked poetry of the everyday world, an impossible goal." Each entry is written as a glimpse into a larger more complicated story that we are left to only wonder about.

Q. What kind of theme or design strategies did the author use?
A. Geof used a basic Blogger template to setup his blog and the format works effectively as it chroniclizes the footnotes in descending order.

Q. Do you find this blog useful/interesting/well designed? Why or why not?
A. Although the fact that you are only receiving a one sentence story that often is written very confusingly, I do find this blog to be intriguing. It motivates analysis of the author's thought and writing process and seems like a useful exercise to generate innovative ideas.

Q. What other information might you like to see in this blog, or what other kind of design could the author have used that might have been effective?
Although for the purposes it serves this blog features everything it should, it would be nice to see further explanation on the footnotes themselves. But then again I guess that would defeat the purpose of them being called footnotes.

Q. How is the author constructing his/her/their digital identity?
A. When you view Geof Huth's profile you discover that he participates in a long list of blogs. In each one he reveils a little bit about his style and personality and by investigating each one in whole you can piece together the digital persona that Geof wants to exude.

Q. What are the similarity and differences in their approaches?
A. In this case, there is only one author so therefore their is no one to compare his approach to.

Introduction Essay

Eighteen years, ten months, twenty-one days, and nine hours ago (give or take), a little girl was born. A pleasant surprise to her free-spirited parents who never planned on life outside the two of them. She grew up as the only child in a world flowing with the steady stream of her parents loud, adventurous friends. She was showered with love, attention, art, and really good books.

Being raised to have much older friends, she was always too smart for her own good and her “mouth” frequently got her in trouble. But they loved it... this loud, quick-witted, large-eyed little girl with spit-fire comebacks and the ability to be content in entertaining herself with art and books.

From an early age she knew exactly what she wanted to be: an artist, a writer, or a teacher. Ok maybe not “exactly” what she wanted to be. Now she’s a college student studying to be a graphic artist. She aspires to work in the publishing industry as a desktop publisher, designing the kind of books she’s loved to read throughout her life. And maybe one day she will teach graphic arts vocationally.

She finds that communication is the vital thread that has stitched together the panes of her life. Whether it was in the art where she tried to convey her view of her world pictorially. Or in the written pages she typed for teachers, newspapers, friends, and employers. Business cannot exist without the transferring of thoughts and ideas from person to person. Neither love, nor art, nor life itself.

Unfortunately a large sum of mankind takes for granted the basic need to learn how to accurately express oneself properly by the verbal means of speech and writing. It’s that dreaded subject in school. That dreaded thought of “grammar.” Every person is born with the capacity of intelligence, it’s how they learn to convey that, that shows the world their true potential.

I look forward to this writing class, as I have all my past ones, as an opportunity for me to gain greater skill in my use of the written word. Whether words are strung together for creative or technical or business purposes, they are our greatest tool in impacting others.