ERhetoric
Encyclopedia
eRhetoric or digital rhetoric, is considered the art of persuasion in digital media
and manipulating content to fit the medium
in which it is presented. This includes the study of online communication, and how the medium of the internet shapes this communication. eRhetoric also involves a study of digital culture, and the effects of technology on how we interact with each other.
The study of eRhetoric is related to the study of Computers and writing
; however, the focus in this area blends attention to impacts of digital media on communication with an understanding of the principles of classical rhetoric
. Courses on eRhetoric are currently being taught at the university-level in California, Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio.
(direct communication between the browser and web-server without a page reload) come into widespread use. The five canons of rhetoric still apply, but to a different degree. Inventio
n and Delivery
perhaps become more important, while Memory
may not be as relevant. More emphasis may be placed on visual rhetoric with a shift of emphasis put on the audience/user choice, guiding them through their argument in a specific order. Generally links are used to allow the user to control the pace and order of reading with navigability being an important consideration for style. eRhetoric has the ability to reach a massive audience quickly and constantly over time (if a website is maintained, for example). However, as a medium, it is not as respected as regular rhetoric, but is gaining credibility.
Digital media
Digital media is a form of electronic media where data is stored in digital form. It can refer to the technical aspect of storage and transmission Digital media is a form of electronic media where data is stored in digital (as opposed to analog) form. It can refer to the technical aspect of...
and manipulating content to fit the medium
Media (communication)
In communications, media are the storage and transmission channels or tools used to store and deliver information or data...
in which it is presented. This includes the study of online communication, and how the medium of the internet shapes this communication. eRhetoric also involves a study of digital culture, and the effects of technology on how we interact with each other.
The study of eRhetoric is related to the study of Computers and writing
Computers and writing
Computers and Writing is the name of a sub-field of college English studies whose members are dedicated to the academic study of how computers, as well as other, related digital technologies, affect literacy and the writing process...
; however, the focus in this area blends attention to impacts of digital media on communication with an understanding of the principles of classical rhetoric
Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the art of discourse, an art that aims to improve the facility of speakers or writers who attempt to inform, persuade, or motivate particular audiences in specific situations. As a subject of formal study and a productive civic practice, rhetoric has played a central role in the Western...
. Courses on eRhetoric are currently being taught at the university-level in California, Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio.
Differences from other forms of rhetoric
eRhetoric is constantly evolving along with technology as new techniques such as AjaxAjax (programming)
Ajax is a group of interrelated web development methods used on the client-side to create asynchronous web applications...
(direct communication between the browser and web-server without a page reload) come into widespread use. The five canons of rhetoric still apply, but to a different degree. Inventio
Inventio
Inventio is the system or method used for the discovery of arguments in Western rhetoric and comes from the Latin word, meaning "invention" or "discovery"...
n and Delivery
Pronuntiatio
Pronuntiatio was the discipline of delivering speeches in Western classical rhetoric. It is the one of five canons of classical rhetoric that concern the crafting and delivery of speeches. In literature the equivalent of ancient pronuntiatio is the recitation of epics Pronuntiatio was the...
perhaps become more important, while Memory
Memoria
Memoria was the term for aspects involving memory in Western classical rhetoric. The word is Latin, and can be translated as "memory."It was one of five canons in classical rhetoric concerned with the crafting and delivery of speeches and prose.The art of rhetoric grew out of oratory, which was...
may not be as relevant. More emphasis may be placed on visual rhetoric with a shift of emphasis put on the audience/user choice, guiding them through their argument in a specific order. Generally links are used to allow the user to control the pace and order of reading with navigability being an important consideration for style. eRhetoric has the ability to reach a massive audience quickly and constantly over time (if a website is maintained, for example). However, as a medium, it is not as respected as regular rhetoric, but is gaining credibility.
Examples of media relying upon eRhetoric
- Websites: html
- Digital mediaDigital mediaDigital media is a form of electronic media where data is stored in digital form. It can refer to the technical aspect of storage and transmission Digital media is a form of electronic media where data is stored in digital (as opposed to analog) form. It can refer to the technical aspect of...
: web/personal movies, audio, images, media editing - Modern business and academics: Powerpoint, Office, databases, online academic journals, online conferencing
- Social or personal communication: blogs, instant messagingInstant messagingInstant Messaging is a form of real-time direct text-based chatting communication in push mode between two or more people using personal computers or other devices, along with shared clients. The user's text is conveyed over a network, such as the Internet...
, online communitiesVirtual communityA virtual community is a social network of individuals who interact through specific media, potentially crossing geographical and political boundaries in order to pursue mutual interests or goals...
and networks.