falloniswriting

[falloniswriting]

I think the biggest thing for me too is learning how intentional everything has to be when you're writing for the web. Like yeah, tone and accuracy still matter, but now I’m way more focused on how to actually guide the reader, like making sure things are clear, easy to follow, and actually do something. It’s helped me not just with class work but even with how I explain things in general, like how I pitch ideas or talk about what I do.

Original Content Writing #2

What do you appreciate most about your learning about web writing?

What I appreciate most about my learning in web writing is how it’s given me a sharper, more practical understanding of how to write with intention. Before this class, I focused mostly on accuracy and tone when adapting texts. Now, I think much more strategically about how to persuade and pitch ideas clearly and convincingly to specific audiences. This means I’m not just translating, I’m shaping language that actually resonates with the reader. I’ve learned how to craft concise, well-structured content that leads readers exactly where I want them to go, whether it’s clicking a CTA or trusting my expertise.

This skill has made a real difference with clients. I can frame my services more effectively and explain the value of my work through tailored messaging that feels professional but approachable. I now understand how to use rhetorical strategies and formatting (like scannable text, strong hooks, and logical flow) to present myself in a way that leaves an impression.

[falloniswriting]

Exactly! Before this class, I didn’t really think too hard about where my writing would live, I just kind of wrote and hoped it worked. But now I’m way more aware of how much the platform changes everything. Like, a post on Instagram isn’t going to hit nearly the same way as something on Tumblr, and the way you structure things has to match that. I’m also definitely going to be drafting more and actually asking for feedback before I post. It makes a huge difference!

Original Post (2/3)

Where will you adjust your writing process based on your experiences in this class? 

Now that I have taken this class, I will begin to figure out the audience I will be writing for, as well as, the content and context of the platform. The class has really helped me identify how I can look at a platform and all of the attributes of it and write geared towards the information architecture, and the overall purpose of the message. I’ve learned that writing isn't just about what I want to say, but how to shape it so it fits the expectations, layout, and tone of the space it’s in, whether that’s a website, social media, or another digital platform. I will continue to draft and do more drafting and peer editing before I post the final version.

[falloniswriting]

Totally agree with this! I think what surprised me most was realizing how intentional everything has to be. Like, it’s figuring out how it looks, when people will see it, what platform it’s on, and how it connects with the audience. I didn’t expect web writing to feel so strategic and creative at the same time, but now I kind of love that balance.

Original content 2

What do you appreciate most about your learning about web writing?

I appreciated that the class showed me that web writing isn’t just about what is said but it is also about the design, the timing, structure, platform, ect. It gave me a new perspective of writing as being creative but also strategic. It helped me understand how much thought goes into content.

[falloniswriting]

Original Content Writing !

I’m proud of how much more confident I am in my writing now. The detailed feedback we got on every assignment helped me actually see my growth from draft to draft. Before, my writing process was kind of messy, and I'd just hope for the best. Now I feel like I have a real structure. I worked out a lot of bad habits thanks to this class and honestly feel way more prepared for future writing projects.

[falloniswriting]

Original Content Writing !

I really appreciated our lessons on UX and audience analysis. Those two topics honestly changed how I approach writing, not just for this class but for others too. Now, every time I start a writing project, I immediately think: “Who’s this for? What do they expect? What do they need to see or feel?” That mindset shift has helped my writing feel way more effective and intentional, even when it’s something as boring as a discussion board post.

[falloniswriting]

Original Content Post !

I’d say the biggest change in my writing process after this class is being way more aware of the audience I’m writing for. Before, I’d just think about who it might be and then go with whatever tone felt right. Now, I always start with a quick audience analysis. Being a comm major, this has actually helped me a lot in my other classes too. I’m writing across a bunch of genres and platforms, and this class gave me the tools to really adjust my writing style for different expectations.

[falloniswriting]

Thursday Check-In !

What are tips to keep improving my writing skills without the super helpful in-depth feedback you give for each assignment? That kind of feedback really helped me grow, and I’m a little nervous to lose that going forward. Also, for the final essay, do you want us to give an example from a class assignment for every question? Or can we pull from other classes too if those assignments align better? Just want to make sure I’m using the strongest examples possible and staying within expectations. Oh, and also on D2L, it says Reflection #7 is due at noon on Monday but the due date is set for midnight and then the Final Essay is set to be due at noon. I just wanted to be sure, both of those assignments are due at noon on their respective due dates right?

[falloniswriting]

I love how you pulled from all your favorite shows and movies to create your own thing, it makes so much sense to build something you’d actually want to watch. I did kind of the same thing too, just thinking about what I like made it easier to figure out how the audience would feel. Like, if I’d be mad about it getting cancelled, then I know exactly how to write that fan reaction.

Original Content-Writing

Share an example of your favorite television show or movie - how does that show/movie help you work through this project and understand angry fandom? 

My show is based on quite a few of my favorite pieces of media as well as other things I enjoy in general. Some of the main media(s) I drew heavy inspiration from were movies like Lord of the Rings, shows like Frieren and Game of Thrones, and Manga like Berserk. This was not only because I had creative freedom and wanted to create something I enjoyed but also because it helped me narrow down other parts of my project. Since I created media I myself, would be an audience member of, this helped me produce things like the audience analysis, and how fans would react on social media to its cancelation.

@npfannen

[falloniswriting]

I looooove Shameless too! That show is such a rollercoaster, and I totally get what you mean, if it had ended after just one season, I would’ve been so mad. Like, we needed all those seasons to really see the characters grow and fall apart and grow again. When you’re invested in the characters, it’s not just about plot, it’s about them and wanting to see how their stories unfold.

Original Content (1)

My favorite show and how it helps me with the project:

One of my favorite shows is Shameless. While doing this project and making up angry fan posts. I thought about the anger that I would have if Shameless just ended after the first season. Shameless is not really a suspenseful life-or-death show like mine is, but just like any show, characters have dynamics, and they don't fully fulfill character roles. Shameless has many main characters and throughout all the seasons, they continue to grow and become new people. In the show, I created the character's face so much trauma, but fans never get to see the outcome. Having a show I like helps me to understand the frustration of fans of a cancelled series because of the strong emotions they have toward character dynamics and roles. 

[falloniswriting]

Supernatural is such a perfect example for understanding fandoms, especially with how big and dedicated that fanbase is. My best friend and her whole family are huge Supernatural fans, and they still talk about and argue over the show all the time. It’s wild how people can all love the same thing but still get into heated debates. After 15 seasons you’d think people would let it go, but nope lol. It’s honestly kind of amazing how strong those fandom bonds (and arguments) can be. It definitely helps you think about what sparks fan discourse and how to plan for it in a project like this.

Original Post Pt.2

My favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings, and the only aspect of angry fandom that I experienced was about effects, or about branches of the Hobbit movies, so I don't think I could discuss this as much as other shows. My favorite show, I don't really have one, but I will choose Supernatural. It's a very long show with 15 seasons, and the fandom is massive. The size and range of the fandom helped direct me around my audience for this project, and it also showed how anyone can like the same show you do. Interactions among people of this fandom were generally good, but there was always discourse about the best brother/character. People believed that one or the other brother was better than the other, and that was one of the main arguments that took place. This helped me to think about what possible things people might fight over regarding a show.

[falloniswriting]

I never watched The Society but now I kinda want to check it out! I hate when Netflix leaves shows hanging like that, especially when people are super into it and then it’s just gone.

Also, side note, this totally reminded me of that early 2000s reality show Kid Nation, which was absolutely insane. They literally had kids split into factions trying to take care of themselves and run a town with no adults around. I know it’s not the same vibe, at all, as The Society, but just thinking about kids being left to figure everything out made me think of it. Still can’t believe that show was real lol.

Original Post (1/2 - week 14)

Share an example of your experience as a fan of a show that was cancelled.

The show that I loved a few years ago was The Society . It only had one season and then was shut down because of COVID and unfortunately never picked back up. The show was a Netflix teen drama/thriller series where a group of teenagers in a rich town had to form their own society after the rest of the towns' population disappeared. The show had themes of survival, power, and social structures as the main characters grappled with the disappearance of their parents and the challenges of creating a new world. RIP The Society.

[falloniswriting]

Original Content Writing !

One of my all-time favorite shows is It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Loving this show has definitely helped me understand angry fandoms more, especially in the adult animation space. Even though Sunny isn’t animated, the humor is just as dark and ridiculous, and a lot of fans cross over between the two. What I’ve noticed is people get super defensive about these shows, like if someone criticizes the characters or the jokes, fans flip out and act like it’s a personal attack. Working on this project, I see how fandoms can turn toxic fast when people can’t tell the difference between satire and reality. It’s like, the characters are supposed to be terrible. That’s the humor.

[falloniswriting]

Original Content Writing !

For me, it was Santa Clarita Diet. Netflix cancelling shows out of nowhere isn’t new, but this one hurt. It was hilarious and heartfelt, while also being one of the goriest non-horror shows I’ve ever seen. Like, how did they make me laugh and almost cry while also watching people eat other people?? Timothy Olyphant as Joel was honestly one of my favorites, and the whole cast had such good chemistry, it just kept getting better every season.

The only small comfort was that most of the story felt wrapped up... except for Joel and Abby’s whole deal. RIP Santa Clarita Diet. Unlike Sheila, it’s probably not coming back from the dead.

[falloniswriting]

Thursday Check-In !

I know all the stuff we’ve learned in this class counts as web writing skills, but I feel like just saying “web writing proficiency” on a resume doesn’t really sell it enough. On a resume, how can I describe these skills in a way that actually sounds strong and specific? I want to make sure I’m showing off everything we’ve done, not just listing “web writing.” @npfannen

[falloniswriting]

Omg I didn’t even think about using the genre to help with tone, that’s such a good point. My show is an adult animated series, kind of like something you’d see on Adult Swim, so it definitely has a sarcastic, weird sense of humor. After thinking about it more, I feel like the company could lean into that vibe when responding to fans, maybe by using jokes or inside references from the show to make it feel more real. Like, instead of just saying “we’re sorry,” maybe they could have one of the show’s characters “apologize”. That might make people feel more connected because it shows the company gets the show’s world and the fans. Sharing behind the scenes stuff or maybe even fake “leaks” from the show could be a fun way to distract from the anger too. As I'm revising, I'm definitely incorporating this more into the company responses!

Thursday Check-In !

What I’m stuck on is how brands are always walking a tightrope when they respond to fans online. Even if the tone is casual or they use memes/slang, it usually still feels fake because we know it’s coming from a company. People online are super good at detecting that, like, even when it sounds right, it still feels off. So how do you respond to fan emotions in a way that feels real, especially when you're the "corporate voice" and not just some random? @npfannen

[falloniswriting]

Yes!! I’m so glad you brought up hashtags, people totally underestimate how fan communities build the space themselves. Like, the platform gives you the tools, but it’s the fans who decide how to use them. I’ve also noticed how those tags become mini discourse communities. And I love that you mentioned comments too, so many friendships start in replies or under memes. My Favorite Show fans are basically trauma bonding in real time over cliffhangers and half-revealed lore. It’s messy, but that’s how online fan culture usually works.

Original Content (1) -week 13

how audiences connect to one another on social media over a love for shows...

Audiences connect with each other on social media platforms, which is done with hashtags. We do this in our class by creating a community “#writ318mu”. Audiences of shows create their own hashtags, not the platform. This creates a place where audience members can see show-related content in one space and view what other viewers have to say. They may make tags that are relevant references to the show, character names, or the show's title. Another way audience members connect is through comment sections on posts. If a video, picture, or an actor in the show posts something, they can talk in the comment section by replying back and forth to one another. Just how in this assignment, we are going to create angry comments by fans, and then the creators will need to dispute this. This connection and conversation happen all within(under) singular posts. 

[falloniswriting]

Oof, I really felt the “pit in their stomachs” part, my audience is going through the same thing. It’s wild how fast people get emotionally attached to characters, especially when those characters go through intense trauma like yours did. I think cancellation definitely hits harder when the story wasn’t done. And I totally relate to the fan frustration with the cast/producers. My version of Favorite Show has fans spiraling because we were finally getting close to a major backstory reveal... and now? Nothing.

Original Content (3) -week 13

Connecting audiences reactions to favorite show

My audience members are left with a pit in their stomachs. They have been waiting for the next season or episodes, being left on a cliffhanger. Audience members are angry. They built emotional connections to the characters as they lived through trauma. These characters had to build trust in one another, attempting to escape an escape room left for hours. As they end up in underground tunnels with decaying bodies, they are left to wonder if survival is even a possibility. The audience has experienced this thrill and trauma of the characters and is left to wonder or finish the story in their own heads. The characters do not want to finish the show themselves. They are angry with actors and producers, since the show was cancelled because of staff disputes. They demand more episodes.