Investigating Genres

1.     What purpose does a video essay usually serve?

A video essay typically allows the viewers a more fun and lively way of understanding the author’s message.  Through videos, pictures, and spoken words the author can bring their message to life and enhance the meaning behind their topic in a way that another genre cannot.

2.     Where, how, or what context do readers usually find video essays?

Video essays can be found online from sites like Youtube and video blogs.

3.     Who is the typical audience for this genre?

People who want to learn about a topic through both audio and visual interactions.  Video essays provide viewers with visuals to go along with their main topic. Watching a video essay is typically less time consuming than reading a whole essay so this can appeal to people who want quickly learn about the topic.

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

This genre supplies viewers with both audio and visuals to enhance their knowledge about the topic.  This genre can be beneficial to the author because it can be interesting for the viewer than a written essay, and also be more powerful through visuals and audio.

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

A video essay is a mixture of visual and auditory clips that typically enhance the author’s message.

Reflection: 

I learned a lot about podcasts from Tim Wils post about what exactly a podcast was and what makes it different from the other genres.  It was really helpful because I was still confused on what a podcast really was after viewing some of the examples.  I also was ill informed about quick reference guides and Nicolas Herard's post was helpful. A QRF is similar to a blog because it is less formatted in a way that is more accessible for viewers who don't want to have to read through paragraphs of information.