Blog #5 - Respose to Reading: Ethics in Writing

For this blog post, we are meant to respond to our reading since the last post. I decided that I would respond to the ethical writing that we went over, since we spent quite a bit of time devoted to it. When I first thought of ethical writing, I believed that it meant to be unbiased and without opinion, or trying to avoid offending a person. It is all of that, but actually refers to much more.

Being ethical in writing means more to be honest and upfront about a situation than using certain words to distract from the main issue. Also, it is important to not hide important information that a reader might want to have. Ethicality is all about image. If I use biased language and logic errors in my writing, readers are not going to take me seriously. My reputation would forever have a mark on it like a smudge on my glasses.

Blog #4--Open Blog: Interview

Yesterday, I had a job interview for a jewlery store that was opening in the mall. I never had an employer actially call me back for an interview before. Every time I went looking for a job, I always filled out applications and the interviews that I happened to get were informal and happened right after I filled the application. What was even more weird, was that I found the job via JobZone, and not 5 minutes after did I get a call for an interview. Either my interviwer happened to log on at that time, or she was very interested in me.
I am pretty sure that it was the former, because when I got there, she was interviewing someone else, and when that person was done, she gave the interviewee some paperwork, probably an application. When I was done with my interview, I got a "Thank you for coming, we'll let you know" sort of deal.
Though, during the interview, it seemed like we got along pretty well as friends. We talked about my volunteering at the animal shelter and what that's like. We also had previous work expierience in common in that we both worked for a brief while as a telemarketer. So even if I don't get the job, I think she still liked me as a person.

Blog #3: Playing with my introduction to the MSA

For blog number three, we are supposed to play with our introduction on our mission statement analysis. So here is the original introduction:

General Electric and Regal Beloit are two companies that both deal in engineering and finding out ways to solve the world’s energy problems. General Electric’s focus is more toward finance, media, and global infrastructure. Regal Beloit’s focus is on electronic and mechanical motion control. Both companies’ mission statements were hard to find, but Regal Beloit’s was more to the point than General Electric’s.

I am not quite sure how to play with this. I want to give it some “umpf,” something to make it interesting. Perhaps if I gave it a movie theme:

In a world where two companies share a common goal, only one can be the victor! General Electric and Regal Beloit are two companies that both deal in engineering and finding out ways to solve the world’s energy problems. Can it be that gripping? What could these companies want to do in the future? General Electric’s focus is more toward finance, media, and global infrastructure. Regal Beloit’s focus is on electronic and mechanical motion control. There is some friction! Both companies’ mission statements were hard to find, but Regal Beloit’s was more to the point than General Electric’s. It looks like Regal Beloit has done it, but wait, there’s more! Read on to hear the gripping story of two companies and their mission.

Haha, perhaps I cannot. Either way I think I can come up with something.

Open Blog, Blog #2

For my first open blog, I thought I would talk about my school year so far. We are a few weeks in and I am already counting down the days until Thanksgiving. I was not sure what to expect, considering the classes I signed up for, but I was hoping there would be some joy out of each of them.

            I found that joy in most of my classes. In this class, for example, I love the idea of blogging and the writing assignments are interesting. I have never blogged before because I stopped keeping a journal long ago. To me, blogging was like a journal. It was a place to write down my thoughts and feelings about the day or things that interest me. In a way, it still is those things, but a blog can be much more.

            The only class I haven’t found much joy in is my biology class. Even the lab, which has always been my favorite part, makes me feel like I am just going through the motions. Perhaps it is because it is the beginning of the year and the “fun stuff” has not happened yet, but right now I always want to hit my head against the black tables.

Blog #1--Response to Reading

            Clarity in business writing is important so that those you are trying to reach with your words understand what you mean. I know I struggle with clarity all the time, even in informal writing. My mind always jumps to random things. I could start writing about puppies, and end up talking about the political situation in Nepal. I am happy to know that I am not a lost cause, and that there are ways for me to combat it.

            Dr. Amidon’s power point had some good tips to combat that problem. For example, using short sentences and shorter words would make a point clearer than a long-winded paragraph. Sentences do not have to be short, but clear. It is also a good idea to organize your work in a concise and clear way. It’s like going back to elementary school. Teachers always told you to emphasize and describe the situation, but business writing does not need all of that fluff.