Investigating Genres- The Video Essay

1. What purpose does this genre usually serve?

I think the purpose of a video essay is to give visuals and sounds that will enhance a message, or give life to a text. Sometimes I have trouble articulating and presenting my natural voice in written essays. I can see how making a video essay would help me in that area.

2. Where, how, or in what context do readers usually find this genre?

The examples I watched were found on Youtube, or other popular outlets where one can "vlog" or creatively express something.

Public Domain, TV Youtube Hf 1 Design Herbert Hirche Designer 7/2/2014 via pixabay. Public Domain Dedication

3. Who is the typical audience for this genre?

The typical audience for this genre would be people who enjoy and learn better with visuals and audio. I think video essays would appeal to millennials chiefly, because we are often in constant need of stimulation and media consumption.

4. What are some of the key features or characteristics that are unique to this genre, distinguishing it from other texts?

Some key features that are unique to this genre and absent in other genres are:

• the film style 
• props
• location
• media clips 
• audio 

All three narrators who's videos I watched clearly felt passionate about the subject matter. A video essay is successful if the creator makes it personal or shows their interest in what is being discussed. The video essay's features, especially location or props, allow for the creator to be really representative of how they specifically feel on a topic.


5. Based on your answers to the questions above, come up with a definition in your own words for this genre.

Video Essay- A media that is aided by visuals and audio to get across an individual's stance on a matter; usually personal.


Reflection

I'm least familiar with QRF's and video essays. Since I wrote about video essays, I thought it'd be beneficial to read up on QRF's. I read and replied to Leah and Jacob's "Investigating Genres."

After reading Leah's, I enjoyed that she incorporated her voice/personality into her writing, especially because that's something I struggle with. I tend to sound cheesy, or try hard to "sound like myself," if that makes sense. Also, Leah nailed the definition of a QRF and was clever in literally making her post a QRF itself. Another thing I liked about her post was that she drew connections with a lot of outside, relevant info, like mentioning specific examples of where QRF's are found and for which audiences- BBC, NY Times. I think she has a strong handle on her blogging and I definitely can take a note or two from her.

Jacob's post was informative on QRF's, as well, and very concise. I'm noticing how everyone has their own style... Jacob was less wordy than me, he definitely follows the "quality over quantity" motto. I'm curious to see how we grow into our blogging selves because, at least for me, I'm not super comfortable with blogging yet. We seem to be in the same boat when it comes to the QRF's being the strange, unfamiliar genre. Jacob's explanation made them seem less intimidating, though. I liked that he added that a QRF must be pleasing to the eye- I think that is an important difference it has from a dull, textbook-styled article.