Blog Entry Example

In 1609/1610 a group of men were sent out to investigate the disappearance of approximately 50 young women. It was rumored that Erzsabet Bathory was somehow responsible for these disappearances. What the search party found in her castle was "beyond belief." In her peice on the Blood Countess, Katherine Ramlsand, relates not only what contemporary reports claim that the search party found at Bathory's castle, but she also opens up a larger discussion about whether or not the countess was actually a vampire. It appears as though Ramsland isn't convinced that Bathory was a vampire. Rather she concludes that the vampire part might be irrelevant given the tyranical nature of her behavior. Ramsland asserts that "[e]ven disregarding tales gained through torture, the evidence from the many missing girls, testimony from damaged survivors, and the discovery of human remains all serve to underscore the charge of extreme torture and serial murder" (chapter 10).

Even though I think that the vampire question is a very interesting one, I have to agree with Ramsland that the countess's acts may not be those of a vampire. Yes, she may have enjoyed a blood bath here and there. And that's pretty gross. However, Ramsland notes that there really isn't any solid evidence stating that she actually drank the blood of another.

Her presence as a torturer and serial murderer is very interesting. Neither or those makes her a vampire. Drinking the blood is a pre-requisite for being a vampire. You simply can't get around that one.

To Class:

You'll note in this entry that I provide some sort of brief explanation of what I've read. I've also provided links so that my reader can go to the site/article I am discussing. Additionally, I've provided some amount of response or reaction to the actual piece. Your responses/reactions can be longer than the one I've offered.

Welcome

Hi class!

Welcome to EN102 (aka "Mysterious Phenomena: Hoax or Reality?") for Fall 2005. I'm really looking forward to our adventure through this sometimes charted, oft mischarted, realm.

The blogs that you'll be doing for this class will be the equivalent of journal entries that will focus on your own responses to class readings as well as your reactions to the various topics we'll be addressing. The blogs will also be a place where you can read the thoughts of your fellow students and respond.

I will provide you with directions on how to do these journals.

Remember that the Blogosphere is another tool for your Rhetorical Toolbox. But as always you need to be aware of your audience. Flaming and flamewars are not appreciated. The folks you are responding to are your fellow students. You will have to see them in the next class session. So...even in disagreement, remember to be polite.