Journal #4

“When a type of discourse or communicative action acquires a common name within a given context or community, that's a good sign that it's functioning as a genre.” I agree with Miller’s statement because it shows that before we create something, we look at its history and existence. As a writer or anything that peaks our interest, we try to find others in the same communities so we can advance our work to its highest potential. With genres, we all share a twin sister or brother. In terms of the role it plays in reading texts, we look at texts with a preconceived notion based on the genre. If we are familiar with the genre, we immediately generalize or assume with stereotypical ideas. Like with teen novels, I always assume that it’ll be about relationships, sex, suicide, etc. Genre effects the way we look at things and we approach it. Genre factors into the decisions we make when we compose due to the already set rules and regulations that are seen in the community within that genre. It’s a hierarchy where we look at the most promising example and go from there. This relates to the audience because we see what they like and are accustomed to so we follow suit. My cousin is a Youtuber who focuses on makeup. Now, with the popularity of story time (Youtubers share stories like first fight, first time, I got cheated on, etc.), you’ll see everyone depart from their usual genre of videos and follow suit to get the most views. Genre choice impacts the circulation and distribution processes due to the fact that you are aware of your intended audience. Based on the genre, you know who you’re trying to reach so you base your processes off of your audience. For example, when a new children’s book is presented, the author usually has a reading where they gather around and listen. Whereas, Kim Kardashian has book signing where she signs autographs and takes pictures. Both genres aim to please their audience’s needs and wants. Age and sex plays a role because the author also takes into consideration of how his or her audiences want receive the work (either digitally or hard copy). Overall, in my opinion, every genre has a set of rules and regulations that only the user can understand and the rest of us are merely outsiders looking in.