Write a reflection of at least 200 words in which you discuss two or more differences in the ways newspaper versus trade publication articles are written. Discuss how each difference would affect the way a member of your information system discourse community uses the article. Do the different approaches affect how likely they are to read one article or the other? Do the differences help you figure out whether members of your discourse community are intended readers or incidental readers?
Newspaper articles and trade publication articles are written in different styles and formats to cater to their respective target audiences. One key difference between the two is the level of technicality in the writing. While newspaper articles are generally written in a way that can be understood by a wide range of readers, trade publications often use industry-specific jargon and technical terms that are familiar to professionals in that field. This difference in technicality affects the way a member of my information system discourse community uses the article.
As a member of an information system discourse community, I am more likely to read a trade publication article because it provides me with the in-depth analysis and specialized information that I need to stay updated in my field. The technical terms used in trade publications are familiar to me and help me understand complex concepts more easily. On the other hand, a newspaper article may be too general and lack the detailed analysis I require.
Another difference between newspaper and trade publication articles is the depth of analysis. Newspaper articles are often shorter and provide a broader overview of a topic, whereas trade publications delve into industry-specific details and analysis. This difference affects how likely I am to read one article or the other. If I am looking for a quick overview or a general understanding of a topic, I am more likely to read a newspaper article. However, if I want to gain a deeper understanding or require more specific information, I will turn to a trade publication article.
These differences in writing style and depth of analysis help me figure out whether members of my discourse community are intended readers or incidental readers. If someone from my information system discourse community regularly reads and references trade publication articles, it suggests that they are actively engaged in their professional development and stay updated with industry-specific publications. On the other hand, if someone mainly relies on newspaper articles for information related to our field, it indicates that they may not be as heavily involved or interested in the technical aspects of our discourse community.