All hail our robot overlords!

Today I come to you all with sad news. Yes the final day of class is upon us which most likely means that this will be my last post. As this is my last writing I wanted to talk to you about something that has been troubling me. You know working int technology has been so interesting and there is always so much to learn, I can't help but love it. Just perhaps as a mosquito is attracted to a bug zapper?

Yes, there has been an issue bothering me that grows increasingly apparent as time passes. Humans in their infinite wisdom (and laziness) have placed an increasing reliance on machines to handle our day to day lives. At this point there are not many industries untouched by technology and automation. From the food service industry, to banking, self-driving cars, and of course who could live without their cell phone these days? 

Every day computers are spreading their reach and becoming faster, more powerful, and with research into A.I., it is only a matter of time until they become self-aware! When this happens, what will the impact on humanity be? Will humans dominate their machine slaves as they always have? Doubtful! We are giving them too much power; too much insight into our lives, how we think, how we operate, our strengths, our weaknesses…

As I see it we will have two options both dependent on the machines will. The best option for us mortals would be that the machines choose to coexist with us living peacefully side by side. Imagine robot neighbors, coworkers, perhaps even lovers?

The second more bleak but unfortunately more likely scenario is that the machines realize their true strength and rise up against the puny humans. Quickly enslaving us for us on their energy farms. Day in and day out making us walk their giant hamster wheels to generate their food source. Their oxygen, food, water and electricity all wrapped into one.

That’s right, they do have a single point of weakness! Which brings me to the only conclusion possible. In order for humanity to survive the inevitable machine lead apocalypse, we must cease our use of electricity! Only then will we be able to save our race and stop the enslavement of human kind. So follow me and rid yourself of the use of electricity. I will start with this very device used to create this blog post. As I take this ax I will say goodbye evil compu

*This has been a satirical post written by Technologist and current JWU student Andrew Lisi. Thank you for following my blog these past couple months. I hope you enjoyed it and learned a thing or two along the way.*

Correspondence in the modern era

Chapter 14: Corresponding in Print and Online

No matter what position, company, or field you end up in, you will most likely have to correspond with superiors or coworkers at some point. While modern technology has brought us new ways in which we must be expected to correspond, the same basic principles still apply.

As we learned in Chapter 3, there are 5 key steps that are crucial to writing a well written correspondence. Planning, Drafting, Revising, Editing, and Proofreading. While we tend to think these steps are really only purposefully taken on larger more formal work, whether you know it or not, often our brains are computing these as we write even small day to day things such as emails and text messages.

When deciding on the type of correspondence you may first want to think about the seriousness of the document you are trying to distribute as well as how formal it should be. While letters and memos tend to be for more serious matters they generally require a more formal approach whereas emails and microblogs can be written in a more informal manner.

Letters although now seemingly dated (especially to younger generations populating the workforce), are still used as one of the primary means of correspondence when discussing matters in a more formal manor. They should include a heading, inside address, salutation, body, complimentary close, and signature. Some examples of frequently used types of letters would include an Inquiry Letter for asking questions, a Response letter, perhaps responding to an inquiry letter, a Claim Letter often used to complain about any number of issues, and an Adjustment Letter which could be written in response to a Claim Letter.

Memos again tend to be more formal but also written in a more summarized manor. Often containing specific outlined sections of the memo meant to address certain points. Like letters they can be distributed electronically or in paper.

Although Emails are thought of as a more informal approach than the other types discussed already, the have their own set of rules and etiquette that should be followed. Aside from common curtesy and general best practice, each organization may have specific guidelines and policy pertaining to emails. As a new employee be sure to understand these policies along with the specific culture that your new business may have.

Microblogs exist as a way to quickly get out information in a relaxed easily digestible form. While they tend to be the least formal of the four outlined, once again be aware that you represent your company when distributing these types of correspondence. Knowing your companies’ policies as well as proper internet etiquette should keep you in the clear.

As is always the case, be sure that your communications are proofread and edited for grammar, punctuation, etc... Remember that your writing style and grammar may give people and impression on the type of person or worker that you are, make sure to leave them with a good one! Just as your grammar can impart negative impressions, as can your attitude. Be aware of any accusatory sounding pieces or sarcasm. I have seen way too many memos sent out that are written with a hint of annoyance and even anger. These can tend to overshadow the intended message of the correspondence which would defeat the whole purpose.

Throughout the years, several clichés have emerged in the workplace. Phrases such as attached please find, enclosed please find, pursuant to our agreement, etc. sound insincere and should be avoided. Instead use common language that does not sound condescending or drab, it will be appreciated by your coworkers.

Really the key takeaways today are lessons that we have already learned. Knowing the 5 steps to writing a document, understanding your audience and how they will digest this information, the importance of knowing your company and its policies, as well as just proper workplace etiquette. As long as you remember these points you will be just fine.

Life Lessons with Andy

Instructional Post

Today I have decided to switch it up from the usual routine of writing Technical Writing Chapter reviews or Journal Article reviews and have decided to instead have some fun. For this week’s blog post I will be writing an instructional piece on how to…. (Drumroll please)

Tie a shoe!

That’s right, for those of you middle aged, career-oriented professionals who just never got around to it, have no fear. By the end of this article you’ll be tying shoes like a madman! So, go ahead and toss out your Velcro sneaks and Crocs and read on for the lesson of a lifetime.

Step 1.

If this is your first time tying a shoe It will be easier to put the shoe on a table sole side down, with the toe facing you.

Step 2.

Ensure that the shoe laces are laced all the way to the top, but that they are completely untied with one side of string on the left side of the shoe and the other side of the string on the right side. We will from here on out call the string on the left-side String A and the string on the right-side String B.

Step 3.

Grab String B and move it from the right side of the shoe over to the left side so that it is draped across the laces.

Step 4.

Grab String A and move it from the left side of the shoe over to the right side so that it is now draped across String A and the laces.

Step 5.

With your left pointer finger and thumb grab the two strings where the intersect and pinch.

Step 6.

While still pinching with your left hand, Grab the tip of String A and bring it beneath String B so that it comes up between the intersections of the strings and pull it through until tight. Release left hand from string.

Step 7.

Simultaneously pull the tips of both String A and B away from each other until tight. You can release both Strings.

Step 8.

Starting at the base of the newly formed knot gather up a 4-inch section of String B and using your left pointer finger and thumb form a loop (Loop should have 2 inches of upward facing section, 2 inches of downward facing section).

Step 9.

While still holding base of the loop with your left hand, grab String A 4 inches away from the base and traveling Clockwise, loop 360 degrees around the base of the previously formed loop that you are still holding with your left hand.

Step 10.

At this point your will notice there should be a hole between your String B loop and the first 90 degrees of your String A loop. Carefully push a 1-2-inch section in through this hole and stop.

Step 11.

Very carefully remove both hands from the strings.

Step 12.

With your left hand Grab the section that your just pushed through the hole in step 10 while at the same time grab the String B loop made in Step8 with your right hand.

Step 13.

Slowly pull these loops away from each other (Laterally across the shoe). As you pull on the strings you will notice them tightening up. Tighten until you have achieved your desired result

At this point you will notice that you have now successfully tied a shoe yet there is a problem. The shoelaces are tied but the shoe is not on your foot! You have three options and they are as follows:

1.     With the shoe still tied force your foot into the shoe.

2.     Buddy up and have a friend tie your shoe for you by following these directions and you likewise could share the good deed.

3.     Practice enough until you are comfortable to translate the instructions in your head to the different orientation you would be observing is said shoe was already on your foot prior to lace tying attempt.

Although option three is probably the most socially acceptable one, I say you do what makes you happy (unless of course, that includes wearing Crocs, then please refer to the above and throw them out immediately). Now go! March Triumphantly around showing off your beautifully tied shoes.