Analyzing Discourse Communities through YouTube Vlogs

The emergence of YouTube has revolutionized the way individuals communicate and share
information. This essay aims to analyze two YouTube vlogs, "Discourse Community...For
reals this time" and "Discourse Community: Women's Ensemble," to identify similarities,
differences, and the effectiveness of portraying the chosen communities as discourse
communities. Additionally, this essay will discuss personal preferences and insights gained to
enhance my own vlog.

Similarities among the Sample Vlogs:

Upon watching both vlogs, several striking similarities become apparent. First, both vlogs
follow a similar structure, introducing themselves and providing a brief background on the
community they are discussing. This approach allows viewers to understand the context and
creates a foundation for the subsequent discussion.

Lastly, both vlogs utilize visual aids, such as images and video clips, to enhance the viewers'
understanding. These visuals not only provide a visual representation of the community but
also serve as evidence supporting the claims made by the vloggers. By incorporating these
visual aids, the vloggers make their content more engaging and informative.

Differences between the Sample Vlogs:

While the vlogs share similarities, they also exhibit notable differences. Firstly, "Discourse
Community...For reals this time" focuses on a broader discourse community, whereas
"Discourse Community: Women's Ensemble" narrows its scope to a specific community. This
difference in focus allows the latter vlog to delve deeper into the intricacies and unique
aspects of the women's ensemble discourse community.

Additionally, the vloggers employ different storytelling techniques. "Discourse

Community...For reals this time" relies more on personal anecdotes and experiences, creating
a sense of authenticity and relatability. On the other hand, "Discourse Community: Women's
Ensemble" adopts a more informative and analytical approach, incorporating statistics and
historical context. These differences reflect the vloggers' intentions and the desired impact on
their target audience.

Evaluation of Discourse Community Portrayal:

As a viewer, both vlogs effectively conveyed the chosen communities as discourse
communities. Additionally, the visual aids used in both vlogs provided further evidence of the
communities' activities and practices.

In terms of improvement, "Discourse Community...For reals this time" could have provided a
more comprehensive analysis of the community's discourse practices. While personal
anecdotes were engaging, a deeper exploration of the specialized language and
communication patterns would have strengthened the argument.

Preference between the Vlogs:

Personally, I enjoyed watching "Discourse Community: Women's Ensemble" more. The
vlog's analytical approach, supported by historical context and statistical data, provided a
comprehensive understanding of the women's ensemble discourse community. This approach
appealed to my preference for a more informative and research-oriented style.
Implications for My Own Vlog:
Watching these student samples has provided valuable insights for my own vlog. Firstly, the
structure employed by both vlogs, introducing the community and incorporating graphics, is
something I would like to adopt. These elements contribute to the authenticity and creativity
of the content.

Furthermore, "Discourse Community: Women's Ensemble" inspired me to incorporate more

research and statistical data into my vlog. This approach would not only enhance the
informative aspect but also provide a more in-depth analysis of the discourse community.

Conclusion:
Analyzing the two YouTube vlogs, "Discourse Community...For reals this time" and
"Discourse Community: Women's Ensemble," has shed light on similarities, differences, and
the effectiveness of portraying discourse communities. Both vlogs successfully conveyed the
essence of a discourse community through their structure, and visual aids. However,
"Discourse Community: Women's Ensemble" stood out as my preferred vlog due to its
informative and analytical approach. These insights will undoubtedly guide and shape my
own vlog, incorporating elements such as structure, and research-based content.

Genre Analysis

Vlogs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the rise of social media
platforms such as YouTube. Vlogs are a type of text that combines elements of both video
and blog formats, allowing individuals to document and share their daily lives, experiences,
and opinions with their audience.

1. Describe the situation in which the genre is used

a. Setting: Vlogs can be found on various online platforms, with YouTube being the most
popular platform for vlog content. These videos are transmitted and accessed through the
internet, allowing for a global audience. Vlogs are typically used as a form of entertainment,
offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of the vloggers. They are often consumed during
leisure time, such as when individuals are relaxing at home or commuting. Vlogs can also
interact with other genres such as travel documentaries, lifestyle blogs, and product reviews.

b. Subject: Vlogs address a wide range of topics, issues, ideas, and questions. Some vloggers
focus on travel and adventure, documenting their experiences in different countries and
cultures. Others may center their vlogs around fashion, beauty, or fitness, sharing tips,
recommendations, and personal stories related to these topics. Additionally, vlogs can explore
social and cultural issues, providing commentary and analysis in a more informal and
relatable manner. When people engage with vlogs, they are interacting with content that is
meant to entertain, inform, inspire, or provoke thought.

c. Participants: Vlogs are created by vloggers or content creators who write and produce the
videos. In most cases, vlogs are created by a single individual, as they serve as a personal
reflection of their lives and experiences. However, there are also vlogs that involve multiple
writers or collaborators, particularly in the case of group vlogs or collaborative projects. The
role of the vlogger is to capture and share their experiences through the video format, often
incorporating elements of storytelling, humor, and personal insights.
As for the readers, or in this case, viewers, vlogs attract a diverse audience. There are
different types of viewers for this genre, including those who are interested in the specific
topic or lifestyle presented by the vlogger, those who enjoy the entertainment value of the
vlogs, and those who seek a sense of connection and community with the vlogger. Viewers
may watch vlogs during their free time, seeking entertainment or inspiration, or they may
actively seek out vlogs that provide them with information or advice on a particular subject.

d. Purposes: The purposes of vlogs vary depending on the perspectives of both the vloggers
and the viewers. For vloggers, creating content in this genre allows them to share their
passions, experiences, and expertise with a wider audience. Vlogs can serve as a creative
outlet, a platform for self-expression, and a means of building a personal brand or online
presence. Additionally, vlogs can also be a source of income for vloggers through
monetization and sponsorships.

For viewers, the purposes of watching vlogs can be diverse. Some viewers may watch vlogs
purely for entertainment, seeking an escape from their daily lives or a form of relaxation.
Others may watch vlogs to gain insights, advice, or knowledge on a specific topic. Vlogs can
also provide viewers with a sense of connection and relatability, allowing them to feel a part
of someone else's life or community.

2. Identify and describe patterns in the genre’s features

Content:
Vlogs encompass a broad range of topics, catering to diverse interests and passions. From
lifestyle and beauty to travel and technology, vlogs cover an extensive array of subjects. This
inclusivity is one of the genre's defining features, as it allows for personalization and
creativity. Typically, vlogs focus on the content creator's experiences, opinions, and
recommendations, often presented in a conversational and authentic manner. However,
certain content is often excluded, such as controversial or sensitive topics, unless approached
from an educational or informative perspective.

The treatment of content in vlogs varies, but personal testimony is a prevalent form of
evidence. Vloggers often share personal anecdotes and experiences to substantiate their
claims or opinions. Additionally, factual evidence is frequently incorporated, either through
statistics, research findings, or expert opinions. The use of examples is an essential
component of vlogs, as it helps to illustrate concepts or ideas effectively. These examples can
manifest in various forms, such as real-life scenarios, visual demonstrations, or product
reviews.

Rhetorical Appeals:
Vlogs employ various rhetorical appeals to engage and persuade their viewers. Ethos, or the
credibility and trustworthiness of the vlogger, plays a significant role. By establishing their
expertise, personal experiences, or qualifications, vloggers aim to gain the audience's trust.
Pathos, the emotional appeal, is often employed to establish a connection with viewers. By
sharing personal stories or eliciting emotional responses, vloggers generate empathy and
forge stronger relationships with their audience. Lastly, logos, the logical appeal, is utilized
through the inclusion of facts, statistics, and reasoned arguments, enhancing the overall
persuasiveness and credibility of the vlog.
Structure:
The structure of vlogs can vary, but they typically follow a loose framework. Most vlogs
consist of an introduction, where the vlogger introduces themselves, provides a brief
overview of the topic, and hooks the audience's attention. The main body of the vlog delves
deeper into the subject matter, with various segments or sections addressing different aspects
or subtopics. This structure enables viewers to navigate the content effortlessly and provides
a sense of organization. Lastly, vlogs typically conclude with a summary or call to action,
encouraging viewers to engage further with the content or leave comments.

Format and Length:

Vlogs are primarily presented in a digital format, taking advantage of platforms such as
YouTube, Vimeo, or personal websites. The layout and appearance of vlogs are often visually
appealing and designed to enhance viewer engagement. Eye-catching thumbnails, engaging
titles, and concise descriptions are common features that attract viewers to click on the video.
Additionally, the use of subheadings, timestamps, and on-screen graphics aids in organizing
the content and improving its accessibility.

The length of vlogs varies depending on the topic and purpose. While there is no fixed rule,
vlogs typically range from a few minutes to around thirty minutes. Longer vlogs are often
reserved for more in-depth discussions or extensive content, while shorter vlogs tend to focus
on concise and specific topics. However, it is important to note that vloggers should maintain
a balance between providing sufficient information and keeping the content engaging and
concise.

Sentence Structure and Style:

The style of sentences in vlogs is predominantly conversational and informal. Vloggers aim
to create an intimate and relatable atmosphere, using simple, active sentences to establish a
connection with their audience. Complex sentences are less common, as they can hinder the
flow and accessibility of the vlog. However, vloggers often interject with rhetorical questions,
exclamations, or humor to maintain viewer interest. The overall style of sentences is typically
varied, ensuring a dynamic and engaging delivery.

Visual Elements:
Visual elements play a crucial role in vlogs, further distinguishing them as a genre. Images,
subheadings, and on-screen graphics are employed to enhance the overall visual appeal and
aid in the comprehension of the content. Vloggers may include images or video clips to
support their narrative or provide visual examples. Subheadings are commonly used to
segment the content and facilitate navigation within the video. These visual cues contribute to
the overall professionalism and viewer experience.

3. Analyze what these patterns reveal about the situation

a. Knowledge and Appreciation of the Genre:

To understand and appreciate vlogs, participants must possess a basic familiarity with
video-sharing platforms and the ability to navigate through various content creators and their
channels. Additionally, participants should be aware of the informal nature of vlogs,
understanding that they often lack scripted dialogues or polished production values.
Familiarity with internet culture, memes, and current trends can enhance the viewer's
appreciation of the genre, as these elements are often referenced or incorporated into vlogs.
b. Inclusivity and Exclusion:
Vlogs are a genre that invites anyone with access to a camera and an internet connection to
participate. This inclusivity has allowed individuals from diverse backgrounds to express
themselves and share their stories. However, certain factors such as language barriers,
technological limitations, and cultural differences may exclude certain groups from fully
engaging with the genre. In some cases, vlogs may also be exclusive to those who possess the
necessary resources, such as high-quality camera equipment or editing software.

c. Roles for Writers and Readers:

The genre of vlogs encourages a blurring of traditional roles between writers and readers.
Vloggers act as both creators and performers, as they write, film, and edit their content.
Viewers, on the other hand, become active participants by engaging with the content through
likes, comments, and shares. This dynamic interaction between vloggers and viewers fosters
a sense of community and allows for the co-creation of content.

d. Values, Beliefs, Goals, and Assumptions:

Vlogs reflect a range of values, beliefs, goals, and assumptions, which can vary significantly
depending on the individual vlogger. Some common values observed in vlogs include
authenticity, self-expression, and connection with others. Vloggers often strive to create
content that resonates with their audience, aiming to entertain, educate, or inspire.
Assumptions underlying the genre include the belief that personal experiences hold value and
that sharing these experiences can have a positive impact on others.

e. Treatment of the Subject and Content Prioritization:

The subject of vlogs is often the vlogger themselves, as they share their daily lives, opinions,
or expertise. However, vlogs can also cover a wide range of topics such as travel, beauty,
cooking, or social issues. The treatment of the subject in vlogs is typically personal and
subjective, allowing viewers to form a connection with the vlogger. While certain content
may be deemed more important, such as vlogs addressing significant social or political
issues, the genre also embraces lighter and entertainment-focused content.

f. Actions Enabled and Difficulties Created:

Vlogs make various actions possible for both vloggers and viewers. For vloggers, the genre
enables self-expression, creativity, and the potential for monetization through sponsorships or
ad revenue. Vlogs also provide a platform for vloggers to build personal brands and connect
with like-minded individuals. For viewers, vlogs offer a form of entertainment, information,
and the opportunity to engage with the vlogger and fellow viewers through comments and
discussions. However, vlogs may present difficulties for viewers who seek objective
information or in-depth analysis, as the genre is primarily focused on personal experiences
and opinions.

g. Attitudes Towards the Reader and the World:

The genre of vlogs implies an inclusive and engaged attitude towards the reader. Vloggers
often address their audience directly, acknowledging their presence and valuing their
feedback. This fosters a sense of community and connection between the vlogger and the
viewers. Additionally, vlogs often convey an optimistic and participatory attitude towards the
world, encouraging viewers to embrace their own experiences, share their stories, and
actively engage with the world around them.