The Four Functions of Folklore in Data Visualization

Data storyteller Mike Cisneros sat down with Iron Viz champion, Tableau Visionary, and self-described “data jackalope” Joshua Smith to talk about how folklore—the study of how information is communicated, primarily through informal means—provides us a fascinating lens through which to examine how data visualization has evolved and continues to develop, both as a discipline and as a community of practitioners. You’ll learn how “best practices” emerge, transform and persist (or are discarded) over time, how informal communication and culture can have unexpected effects on how our work is received, the inextricable links between belief and “objective” data, and how a storyteller can position themselves to be most effective.

• Several folklorists were mentioned in the course of this discussion.
• Dan Ben-Amos defined folklore as “Artistic communication in small groups.” 
• Lynne S. McNeil defined it as “Informally transmitted traditional culture.” 
• Alan Dundes identified many forms of folklore  
• William Bascom specified the four functions of folklore: it lets people escape from repressions imposed upon them by society e.g.: tall tales; it validates culture, justifying its rituals and institutions to those who perform and observe them; it is a pedagogic device which reinforces morals and values and builds wit; and it is a means of applying social pressure and exercising social control
• Richard Bauman explored performance theory and audience evaluation 
• Andrea Kitta explored the strength of personal narrative 
• Book |  Info We Trust by RJ Andrews
• Project | Makeover Monday 
• Article | Nancy Duarte - “Like Yoda You Must Be” 
• Article | Lilach Manheim & Mike Cisneros - “Beyond the hook: Building information experiences for attention and engagement” 
• Visualization | Robert Janezic - “Music Memories”