"The Question is not What You Look at, but What You See." - Henry David Thoreau
Let's give it up for Rhetorical appeals because it's really the use of rhetorics that persuades, convinces, and puppets decision making. Through logos (logical, factual), pathos (emotional, empathy, sympathy), ethos (creditability, character), and kairos (timing), decision making and judgement becomes more than just mere impulse dictating actions. Rhetorics have changed over the years, significantly through the growing use of technology and the web. Tumblr and ZARA are two websites that utilize digital rhetorics; from raising awareness on social issues, sharing thoughts all across the globe, to setting trends and broadening the fashion industry, both use rhetorics to promote and advocate ideas as well as products. Both websites have different themes and designs; Tumblr allows the user to individualize their page while ZARA's website is simple, using mainly a solid white background with black letters. Although both websites are for two different purposes, both are effectively able to advocate their cause and sell their product. Tumblr is a blog page that everybody able to use for free. A blogger is able to post writing, pictures, and GIFS, and other fellow bloggers are able to reblog them. ZARA is a brand for clothing for kids, teens, and adults with high quality and affordable goods.
The purpose of Tumblr is much like a diary; to vent, to reblog things you find interesting, and to hear the thoughts of others. Tumblr works to educate and empower all of its followers by making information and pictures accessible to everyone around the world. In any given single day you can read the most uplifting quotes and then see the most intriguing images while then scrolling down to an unfathomable reality of someone halfway across the world. It gives one insight on people's thoughts and ideas while being able to incorporate one's own thoughts and openly comment for others to see. Tumblr is extremely diverse and there is no standard pool of what you'll find on this site. Tumblr does not directly sell anything, however, there are many products in pictures that unintentionally advertise them. Tumblr builds a community around many beliefs, issues, and causes. Many reblogs and messages that I've seen varied from suicide prevention, to amber alerts, to the most bizarre debates. Overall, I see that most Tumblr posts are supportive of one another and encourage people to be happier, and open minded. Tumblr informs me about things all around the world. Different cultures are portrayed through the various pictures that are posted and posts where people write with their accent. Every aspect of Tumblr works to communicate its purpose. The logo for this site is a white 'T' on a navy blue background. The message is not always directed to anyone but yet open to everyone. Many links I have seen were for online book downloads, workout videos, psychological articles; they all vary depending on who you follow. I like this website because even if you don't post your own pictures and literature, everything that you reblog portrays a little truth about oneself. Many things that I cannot put to words or pictures are already online and by reblogging, you almost feel like it's your story that you're throwing out there. Tumblr is easy to use, simple, and eye opening. It broadens my perspective on many issues and thoughts.
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The definition of zara according the the Urban Dictionary is, "A very cute, attractive person who may not know that she is one. She is, however, very modest about her superb appearance. Frequently blend in the crowd, but it's not difficult for one to acknowledge her beauty." ZARA is a clothing store and its online website is used to sell their products. Their products are for women, men, teens, kids, and range from jackets, sweaters, accessories, shoes, and bags. The way this website creates a community is by creating a circle of consumers and designers who like ZARA, as well as those who support ZARA based on their ecofriendly, animal friendly policies. All their products are made with organic cotton. ZARA also creates a relationship with their consumers which makes it likely that people will shop at ZARA again, and keep up with their trend. ZARA also recruits people to work for them through this site. They state that, "Because fashion trends change, and very quickly, because there is somewhere in the world where we open a shop every week, because we have more than 200 different positions, because job opportunities come up every day, ZARA has prepared an international employment portal for you. We want to grow with you." This site is very simple and has a cool, calm, modern vibe to it. The logo for this website is a black bold letter 'Z' on a white background. Even though most of the clothing on the ZARA website is simple and neutral colors, I think the fact that the model that is modeling all the clothing looks identical and do not stand out, which emphasizes the clothing. The coloring used for this site is black and white. It creates calm tone with a neutral mood. The language used on this website is different. Teen's clothing is referred to as TRF and there is also another tab named TRAFALUC. The reason I like this website is because their clothing and web design although both simple are able to sell themselves.
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Everything means something different to someone. I would say it's phenomenal that websites have the power to bring thousands of people based on both similarities and differences. The contribution of rhetorics on Tumblr and Zara help to appeal to consumers. Both websites allow each individual to express themselves whether it be through writing, reblogging, or shopping. Tumblr allows bloggers to see infinite amounts of posts by fellow bloggers, and also to actively participate in debates. The variety of topics are infinite; they go on from discussing equal rights, to raising awareness on social, gender, fitness, problems, as well as putting amber alerts, missing people pictures so that millions of people can be aware. Tumblr is like the gym, allowing people to exercise the First amendment; freedom of press/ freedom of speech. ZARA expresses their beliefs through their website not only through their products but their mission statement and guarantees. Rhetorics have made millions of people advocate and consume knowledge; and the number is increasing through the use of social media and websites.