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| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:People_engaging_in_conversation.jpg |
A concern with this new wave of technology and media is the loss of appreciation of the old art of communication through writing, and literature. Our new age is dominated by a obsession that demands instant gratification. Most people just want what they want, and when they want it, and if the immediate craving is not satisfied the unsatisfied would rather not bother with anything that seem to be a "waste of their time." In this scramble it can be hard to find many others with such an appreciation for writing. That's not to say that it isn't appreciated at all. In my own experience, I have several friends that I exchange letters with and that I have participated in book clubs and study groups with. But, with the internet and modern technology making everything of such easy access to us, there are so many distractions. It can almost seem like a burden to have to sit down for two seconds and read a book or write a well-planned and formatted letter to an old friend, colleague, or your english teacher.
I like how Palmquist connects writing to any conversation. "Imagine yourself at a party"(Palmquist 4). A good writer in the same manner as a strong conversationalist simply adopts a role and uses these roles in order to generate a useful conversation with others. Everyone knows how to hold a conversation. While others may be more adept at generation more inquisitive and provoking discussions; we are all capable of communicating our thoughts and ideas in an appropriate and thoughtful manner. All it takes is time and practice.
