With my first blog assignment completed and filed away within the infinite storage space of the cyber world, assignment number two sits before me, eagerly awaiting my input.
My task: blogging about blogging. Blogging what about blogging exactly? Per Dr. Steven's request, the function, the content and the tone of a blog from his designated list. The option A Teany taste of the Sublime immediately caught my eye due to its unusual name, and so I clicked on the the corresponding hyperlink, deciding that following my instinct was the best method of choice.
My first observation upon arriving at the blog's site was the personal feel emitted overall. On the upper right side of the page sits an "All About Me" section engulfed by a light green color, different from all other green hues splashed across the page. The description that the blog's author - communications graduate student Michael Trimboli - provides about himself, his interests and his ultimate career goals leads me to believe that his published thoughts are intended for an audience of people passionate about food, in particular tea.
Now, I am no expert foodie myself, but like many other people, either relaxing before sleep's intoxicating grasp takes ahold of my body, or self-medicating due to a ruthless and nasty cold, I too indulge frequently in large quantities of tea, and understand the lure such a blog potentially possesses.
With each post, the blog delves more and more into the world of tea, discussing different tea types, various tea uses, recipes calling for tea, franchised tea products and even extends its boundaries to discussing topics related historically related to tea (i.e. the post entitled "Tea Parties Resists Government's Economic Plans). Clearly, this blog's purpose is to make sure its audience gains access to every type of information available on tea and present it in an easily readable and interesting way.
The blog's author speaks to his audience from his own, opinionated point of view, and while sometimes he posts topics based solely on personal experience, he also includes posts supported by articles in the New York Times. In addition, his posts usually appear fully clad with links to various food and recipe websites as well as grocery stores and food markets so as to grant his posts with some source of credibility. I know I hate when someone tells me about a sumptuous new food or drink item to buy and I have no idea where to find it. So links in a blog like this one not only serve as helpful informatives but also as essential tools for the sake of tea loving readers!
The blog's overall layout and design agrees and compliments its content, utilizing calm colors that contribute to its welcoming tone. The basic setup allows for easy access and with a lack of intense, high-tech add-ons, the blog's content behaves as the main focus and tea acts as the star.
So next time I need a snack to accompany the mounds of homework piled up next to my computer, I will refrain from blindly purchasing a 23-ounce can of Arizona Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey and instead, let this tea blog choose so that I may indeed experience a teany taste of the sublime.
I like your strategy in choosing which blog to post about. I chose my blog by going through each one methodically...your way is much more organic. :) It would've been cool if you would've done a little more research on if there are other blogs on tea or if this is one-of-a-kind, or maybe even just on the history of tea or the history of being a "foodie." Just adding a little more pizazz through extra info would be a nice addition.
ReplyDeleteOh, and P.S. we should introduce ourselves to each other in class! :)
ReplyDeleteI think this was the ideal way to approach this subject. Your post reads like a sort of hybrid of a book review and a guide to the blog itself. (I can't believe I forgot the link in mine, thanks for pointing that out, I'm going to add it now). I think you also have more achieved that balance that Dr. Stevens says is key to a successful post.
ReplyDeleteGood post. I think you found good balance and used your skills effectively.
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