Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Previously known as the Transcontinental Pussy... The Monorail Cat!

Monorail Cat Diagram Pictures, Images and Photos


What are the ramifications of diagramming while writing in a virtual environment? How do diagrams function, in general, as well as within the context of writing and on the web? How does the diagram you selected function as a learning device? What was the original context of the diagram? How does the meaning of the diagram alter now that it has been extricated from the original context? What our your responsibilities as a writer when removing a diagram from its original context? What details are important within the diagram? How are they labeled? Are they labeled? How would you have labeled them differently? How could you label them differently? What the heck does any of this have to do with writing anyway? How the hell are we supposed to answer all this in only 300 words?

Using diagrams on the web, as opposed to on paper, allows the diagram to be shown to massive amounts of people much faster.

How diagrams function: Diagrams are used to "accompany and illustrate a geometrical theorem, mathematical demonstration, etc.". In this case, the diagram depicts the future of transportation: the monorail cat.

This diagram can function as a learning device because it shows us exactly what the future of transportation will look like. It also shows us that this method of transportation will be extrememly bad-tempered and will not move unless it damn well feels like it. Or unless it's fed.

The diagram was originally being used to demonstrate the efficiency of Monorail Cats next to Monorail Pandas or Monorail Dogs. (I'm only partially making that up.)

"How did the meaning of the diagram alter now that it has been extricated from the original context?" It really didn't. It's still a spoof diagram meant for entertainment purposes.

Responsibilities as a writer when removing a diagram from its original context include citing the original source (see hyperlink above), and explaining the diagram to your new audience that probably hasn't seen the diagram in context before now.

Details important within the diagram are the location of the cat (it appears to be slung over a thin ledge, much like a monorail) and the text within the diagram, which ... well, explain that it's a Monorail Cat.

Yes, the diagram is labeled, with the words 'Monorail Cat Technical Diagram'. This explains that the object shown is in fact a Monorail Cat. If I had labeled the Monorail Cat, I probably would've included more details, such as door location, etc. Much like this:

Photobucket Image Hosting

What the heck does any of this have to do with writing anyway?

Diagrams can make writing more interesting, and can also show exactly what someone is attempting very poorly to describe to you. For instance, posting a diagram of a Monorail Cat explains more to the reader/viewer than just posting "It's a cat. .... That you ride in.......... Did I mention it's really REALLY cute?"

2 comments:

Christine said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Christine said...

I really enjoyed this diagram. You answered all the questions asked about how virtual diagrams aid in the writing process, but still had fun with it. There was also a lot of thought put into labeling each part of the "monorail cat." The diagram makes perfect sense as well. And it is really cute. I think that you made a very good point when you said that diagrams help make reading fun. This diagram would be sure to entertain any reader, and they would more than likely read the whole article or post or whatever form of writing it is just to find out about the diagram. I also thought that this is very creative. It is very unexpected, but totally makes sense....to me at least :D. I would just be curious as to how you found the picture. Did it already come labeled as the monorail cat as a spoof diagram, or did you find the picture and think it would make a sweet diagram? Either way I think you did a good job of making your point. Awesome work!