Windmills & Giants 2.0
In dutiful preparation for next year, I’ve revamped the blog, adding features and hopefully making it more user-friendly. (Andy, if you’re reading this, how do you like this new look? Eh?) For new users, these are the most important things to check out (I’m testing bullets here):
- “Worth Reading”—This should be your main resource for articles we discuss in class. More on this later.
- The RSS feed links (at the top)—If you don’t already use a reader, set one up. They are free and make your life easier. Here’s a post from last year on how RSS feeds work.
- “Ideas? Confusion?”—I’ve never used this before, but it seems like a neat concept. Basically, if you have a question or idea that doesn’t relate to a recent post (like: “We want to study song lyrics/read ____/go over ethos again…), stick it there. If you agree with the idea, click the little “vote” button next to it. This is one way to get us reading something I haven’t planned.
Those parts aside, this is the most important aspect of this site:
Comments
Next to each post header is a little speech bubble. Click it often. This is where we can continue our discussions outside of class, where you can share a reaction if you didn’t get a chance to speak, or where you can clarify your position after everyone has cooled off. This is especially helpful after impassioned class discussions. There will be many of these. Also, if you have a question about something covered in class, write it below the relevant post. If you have an answer to a posted question, let’s hear it. I do not mind you emailing me with questions, but I want you all to get into the habit of helping one another out.
[Getting long-winded, so I’ll wrap it up.]
Handwriting Test
July 24, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I commented on the wrong one because I’m not used to your new set up… now I get it.
I dig it!
July 24, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Ha thanks. Maybe I need to divide the posts more clearly?
July 26, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Might change the background to like a tan or something. Right now reading anything here is like staring into a lightbulb.
July 26, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Not that I wish to imply that burning out one’s corneas is a useless passtime.
July 26, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Hmm… Good point. I’ll see what I can do. Though if you stare at it long enough then look away, it sticks to your vision. Many people would call this learning. I don’t. Still cool, though.