Blogging 101<o:p></o:p>

Teacher<o:p></o:p>

Good morning class<o:p></o:p>

This is going to be an interesting week.  I thought you all of you did a superb job with your rant posts.  Some of them made me laugh out loud while others made some very valid points.  I spent the entire weekend reading them and I have to admit I shared a couple with my husband.  I will try to get your papers back to you as soon as I finish grading them.<o:p></o:p>

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At the beginning of the semester you were all given a blogger to track and a web site to evaluate.  Today I will be collecting the message wall portion of your research paper<o:p></o:p>

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Normally I’d start with the profile page, <o:p></o:p>

however,  since it is a rainy Monday morning we could use a little comedy relief.<o:p></o:p>

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Before we begin,  Please bring all of your copies of last weeks I’m quitting posts and put them on the table near the window with the rest of them, remember <o:p></o:p>

who ever finds the most at the end of the term, will be awarded 5 extra points.<o:p></o:p>

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Teacher<o:p></o:p>

As you know, if time permits, I will choose one at random to read to the class.  <o:p></o:p>

All right everyone, I think I will take a peek at the   record number of quitting posts turned in this week, while you take <o:p></o:p>

a moment to put your reports in order and perhaps some brave soul would be willing to volunteer to go first.<o:p></o:p>

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a few minutes of laughter and conversation  <o:p></o:p>

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Teacher <o:p></o:p>

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Teacher is laughing so hard she is almost crying.  <o:p></o:p>

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Mike<o:p></o:p>

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The teacher wipes her eyes, then her glasses while holding a paper in her hand<o:p></o:p>

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This is the funniest one I’ve ever read and believe me Ive read thousands<o:p></o:p>

Oh my goodness.  Lets see if I am able to regain my composure… and to think I worried that this was going to be a dull class to teach! <o:p></o:p>

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More laughter<o:p></o:p>

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Teacher<o:p></o:p>

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Please begin by stating the real name of the blogger, their user name and a brief description of their avatar before writing a sample of their wall messages on the board.<o:p></o:p>

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OK John, I saw your hand fly up, would you like to start.<o:p></o:p>

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John:<o:p></o:p>

MY bloggers name is<o:p></o:p>

AMY AFGANISTAN<o:p></o:p>

A female, I think?<o:p></o:p>

But one never really knows do they?<o:p></o:p>

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The class laughs and shakes their heads and all begin whispering about a few bloggers whose gender has been the subject of much debate.<o:p></o:p>

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Teacher:  <o:p></o:p>

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as soon as she speaks, everyone pays attention<o:p></o:p>

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Afghanistan seems to be a common last name, it’s a dead give away that the blogger in question wishes to remain anonymous.  Does anyone know why there are so many people with this particular last name?<o:p></o:p>

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Mary<o:p></o:p>

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When one joins the site you are asked to fill out a little form and one of the questions asked is the name of your country. Afghanistan happens to be the first choice given<o:p></o:p>

so to avoid scrolling I believe most people choose Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

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Teacher<o:p></o:p>

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I agree, Thank you Mary<o:p></o:p>

In your opinion, which group is the largest, anonymous bloggers or people who join using their real name?<o:p></o:p>

Mary<o:p></o:p>

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I’m not sure, I have had a difficult time with this question.  It’s a dead giveaway when you see a name like thrownoutofmyhouse,  a handle like that  is a sure sign the blogger wishes to hide his or hers true identity.<o:p></o:p>

Yet, whenever that particular blogger leaves a comment, they sign, one love, Loretta May<o:p></o:p>

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I am never sure if Loretta May is the authors real name or just another fake name…if I happen to notice they come from Afghanistan, I know she is a fake, but if she was born and bred in Milwaukee Wisconsin, I’m not so sure?<o:p></o:p>

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So many of these bloggers have opened multiple accounts. I was truly amazed.  Believe it or not, a few of them do not even try to hide the fact that they write under various names. Its crazy!<o:p></o:p>

Personally, I find it very confusing.  In certain cases it makes sense to have multiples avatars if one wishes to remain hidden, but I just don’t get the other train of thought. <o:p></o:p>

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Someone explained his or her reason in a post just the other day.  He said he did it to express the many facets of his personality. <o:p></o:p>

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Mary shrugs<o:p></o:p>

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Back to your question, I’m sorry, but I just don’t know the answer yet?<o:p></o:p>

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Teacher<o:p></o:p>

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Mary, you have given me a great idea, anyone who  is able to give me an accurate answer and back it up, will be given extra credit.<o:p></o:p>

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Continue John, sorry for the interruption<o:p></o:p>

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John <o:p></o:p>

That’s ok, I wondered about that myself.<o:p></o:p>

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Amy A’s screen name is<o:p></o:p>

IWILLGETYOUMYPRETTY<o:p></o:p>

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he writes it on the board revealing the spaces between the words<o:p></o:p>

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I will get you my pretty<o:p></o:p>

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Running a group of words together is a common practice with the bloggers, some spell it phonically and other opt to spell the words correctly, most of these are rather comical.  <o:p></o:p>

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Teacher<o:p></o:p>

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Great observation, we are learning something in this class that many people who are unfamiliar with a social network site do not realize…  <o:p></o:p>

Vast majorities of bloggers are most likely, certifiably insane or pretending to be so.  In addition, it is quite surprising to note, a majority of them show signs of possessing a terrific sense of humor while others harbor a deep resentment in every area of life.  More about this topic, later in the week. Proceed John<o:p></o:p>

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John<o:p></o:p>

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According to Amy A, she lives <o:p></o:p>

Somewhere<o:p></o:p>

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Her avatar is a picture of a very exotic and sexy looking women who seems to be focused on something or someone off in a distance.<o:p></o:p>

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Somewhere? Far far away <o:p></o:p>

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everyone laughs<o:p></o:p>

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I’m 99% sure Amy does not even resemble <o:p></o:p>

this picture, her avatar has to be fake, but one never knows, does one?<o:p></o:p>

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IWILLGETYOUMYPRETTY <o:p></o:p>

has been a member for almost 4 months.  She does not seem to have many friends.<o:p></o:p>

The last time I checked she had 3.  Although as we have been discovering, Amy makes the popular top ten daily lists on a regular basis.<o:p></o:p>

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Teacher:<o:p></o:p>

We do not have time right now, but please remind me first thing tomorrow to discuss, the top ten posts and top 100 blogger lists.<o:p></o:p>

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 John please continue<o:p></o:p>

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John<o:p></o:p>

I look forward to that discussion…. now here are<o:p></o:p>

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a few of Amy AFGANISTAN  wall messages.<o:p></o:p>

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He writes the following words on the chalkboard<o:p></o:p>

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“YOU BITCH!”<o:p></o:p>

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you probably live under a rock somewhere<o:p></o:p>

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WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, WHY DON’T YOU GO BACK  WHERE YOU CAME FROM!  <o:p></o:p>

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I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU, KISSES DARLING<o:p></o:p>

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I never sign off without reading one of your posts.<o:p></o:p>

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I think it was extremely rude of you to share the private e mail I sent.  I was only trying to help and to see my words twisted like that was very disconcerting.  I do not think private e-mails should ever be allowed as a post. I feel violated. <o:p></o:p>

You should receive a demerit of some sort. I have decided to take this matter up with the staff.  I will no longer have any contact with you.  You will not be hearing from me again.  Please do not visit my posts and I will most certainly stay away from yours.<o:p></o:p>

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Hey I totally get you!  I feel the same way, just don’t have the guts to say some of the things you do<o:p></o:p>

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I enjoy ed the cat fite the uther day, you entertam me.  u go gurl!<o:p></o:p>

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If you would only open your heart, you would be so much happier, I will pray for you.<o:p></o:p>

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I’m quitting this place because of people like you!!!!!<o:p></o:p>

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I don’t need this!<o:p></o:p>

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Amy, I love you, will you marry me?<o:p></o:p>

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If you do not leave merrymerryxmass alone, I will find you!  You will not be happy to see me<o:p></o:p>

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You do not fool me, I know you are really lostkitten, I can tell by the way you write.  I will expose you …you fake<o:p></o:p>

I am an expert in these things.<o:p></o:p>

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Who do you think you are?  Come out from under that fake avatar and look us in the eye<o:p></o:p>

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Honey, you need our prayers more than anyone here.  I have you on the top of my list<o:p></o:p>

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I will have your Internet address by the end of the day, so kiss this place goodbye lady.<o:p></o:p>

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I know people in high places around here, and you had better watch your back because they come to me for advice all the time and I can not wait to tell them about the post you wrote last night.  Let’s just say, you can kiss Vegas goodbye doll!<o:p></o:p>

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Kiss my …A blank blank <o:p></o:p>

Avatar!<o:p></o:p>

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I will be your friend I just sent you a friend request.<o:p></o:p>

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Jerk!<o:p></o:p>

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You are not worth the time it takes to send this message so why am I doing it?<o:p></o:p>

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Its people like you that give this site a bad name!<o:p></o:p>

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Why do you feel the need to stir the pot?<o:p></o:p>

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Don’t you ever have anything nice to say.<o:p></o:p>

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5 stars, I loved your she’s so ugly post, lol<o:p></o:p>

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stop tryin to friend me!  Im making my blogs private<o:p></o:p>

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The owner and founder did not build this place with his own money for people like you to inhabit.<o:p></o:p>

From now on, I am telling everyone to ignore you.<o:p></o:p>

I bet you would hate that.<o:p></o:p>

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How did the post you submitted last night at 6:02, reach the top ten by 6:05?  I wanna know?<o:p></o:p>

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You have no proof that I actually said that!  How dare you!<o:p></o:p>

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Everyone laughs and applauds after a brief discussion<o:p></o:p>

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Teacher<o:p></o:p>

John<o:p></o:p>

That was fun!  Please place your analysis, of Amy A face down,  in the bin next to the I quit pile<o:p></o:p>

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Melissa you are next<o:p></o:p>

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Melissa<o:p></o:p>

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My blogger is a housewife in her 50’s she has 5 children, 2 dogs, a cat, and a canary.  Her husband works long hours at an executive search firm.<o:p></o:p>

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Teacher<o:p></o:p>

Melissa, save that information for our discussion of the profile page<o:p></o:p>

Melissa<o:p></o:p>

Oh yes, you are right, sorry.<o:p></o:p>

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Jenny Kopper lives in the Midwest and she has never had anything published but she loves to write.<o:p></o:p>

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Teacher<o:p></o:p>

Melissa, too much info right now, lets hear about her screen name and avatar<o:p></o:p>

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Mellissa<o:p></o:p>

Her screen name is Jenny K<o:p></o:p>

I’m pretty sure that is her real name.<o:p></o:p>

Her avatar is a picture of a middle-aged women and there is a canary in the background<o:p></o:p>

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I believe this is a real person and that her avatar is her real picture and the canary in the back ground is her bird, named, Dorris Day<o:p></o:p>

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Melissa writes the comments from Jenny Ks wall on the board.<o:p></o:p>

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I wish we were neighbors, I would borrow a cup of sugar, you are so sweet. xxx<o:p></o:p>

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My kids do that all the time, but you made it sound so much more fun!<o:p></o:p>

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I hate when my husband says that, I’m glad you told him how you felt.<o:p></o:p>

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Hey old lady, waz up?<o:p></o:p>

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Bitch!<o:p></o:p>

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I laughed so hard I almost wet my pants, thanks for putting a smile on my face.<o:p></o:p>

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I sent you a private message, please check<o:p></o:p>

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Love ya!<o:p></o:p>

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What songs does Doris sing during the day… lol<o:p></o:p>

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You brightened my day, thank you<o:p></o:p>

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I’m sick of you, you are so boring<o:p></o:p>

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You bore me to tears<o:p></o:p>

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You have real talent, you should get that last one published.<o:p></o:p>

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Bitch<o:p></o:p>

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Have a great weekend!<o:p></o:p>

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Stopping by just to say hi<o:p></o:p>

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I love you!  <o:p></o:p>

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I wish I could put your enthusiasm in a bottle and market it, I would be rich, we are all rich to have you here!<o:p></o:p>

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Will you please read my last two posts?<o:p></o:p>

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Watz up, you are pretty cool for an old broad<o:p></o:p>

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more applause and laughter after a brief discussion<o:p></o:p>

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Teacher<o:p></o:p>

Hank<o:p></o:p>

  Your turn<o:p></o:p>

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My bloggers name is Robert Blake<o:p></o:p>

His screen name is wise_one<o:p></o:p>

His avatar looks like a picture of an owl<o:p></o:p>

He lives in Boston<o:p></o:p>

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I think he is the real thing<o:p></o:p>

He participates in the scribble challenge every week, and he has never missed a single one.<o:p></o:p>

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Hank writes the comments on the board<o:p></o:p>

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How did you get so smart <o:p></o:p>

 you old fart<o:p></o:p>

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I disagree with your politics but I agree with your argument<o:p></o:p>

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I need a dictionary by my side whenever I read anything you write, thank you for improving my vocabulary<o:p></o:p>

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Bitch<o:p></o:p>

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Will you please read my last 2 posts<o:p></o:p>

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Waz up, you remind me of my grandpa, and that’s a good thing, he was cool<o:p></o:p>

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You have a fabulous way of coining a phrase and are a delight to read.  I always come away with something I never knew<o:p></o:p>

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5 stars!<o:p></o:p>

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I can’t compete with that last scribble, so I am not even going to try, it was fantastic good job<o:p></o:p>

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I wish I could get you to talk to my son!<o:p></o:p>

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Are you and your wife happy?  Just wondering?<o:p></o:p>

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I hope you feel better, you should try the nedi pot, it worked wonders on my sinuses<o:p></o:p>

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What, you are going on a vacation, <o:p></o:p>

please say it isn’t so<o:p></o:p>

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Just spreading some love in your direction<o:p></o:p>

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Stopped by to say hi<o:p></o:p>

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Sorry I missed you<o:p></o:p>

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IM me tomorrow<o:p></o:p>

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Yeah, I would love to go bass fishing with you!  You name the time and place<o:p></o:p>

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Sounds fishy to me<o:p></o:p>

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You think you know everything don’t you, big shot, well you don’t!  I am so much more popular than you are! lol<o:p></o:p>

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 5 stars, I agree 100% well said<o:p></o:p>

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How do you make a long story short, amazing!<o:p></o:p>

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Lol<o:p></o:p>

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I guess I got cut off, <o:p></o:p>

at your photos, and you have a beautiful family.  I’m not sure which one of those attractive ladies is your wife.<o:p></o:p>

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How long did you say you were married, is Helen your one and only wife?  Were you ever married before I was looking <o:p></o:p>

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A brief discussion followed by applause<o:p></o:p>

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Wonderful, everyone did a fabulous job, now its time for the <o:p></o:p>

I quit <o:p></o:p>

post but before I begin, if the bell should ring, be prepared to discuss the popular lists tomorrow.<o:p></o:p>

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OK<o:p></o:p>

Wait till you hear this one….<o:p></o:p>

Here goes<o:p></o:p>

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Now, no one better even try to talk me out of this, that is not the reason I am writing…………….

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