Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Technology changes how we write. Who was the first Goody Two Shoes?

Jan 16, 2024

Guest Matthew G. Kirschenbaum discusses how technology shapes writing styles, from Nietzsche's writing ball to modern word processors. The origin of 'Goody Two Shoes' is explored, revealing its positive beginnings. The podcast delves into how technology impacts literary style and the evolution of language meanings.

16:34

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Episode guests

Matthew G. Kirschenbaum

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Word processing technology revolutionized writing process by offering control over text layout and structure.

Origin of 'Goody Two Shoes' reveals how a positive term evolved into a negative connotation over time.

Deep dives

Technology's Impact on Writing Style

Word processing technology has fundamentally changed the way writers approach composition and revision. With word processors, writers gained the ability to view their entire manuscript at once, move and reorder text easily, and have a greater sense of control over the writing space. This newfound control altered writers' perceptions of the text and what they thought was possible. However, while technology may have influenced how writers write, it's important to note that style encompasses more than just word choices and sentence structures. It is shaped by various factors such as the writing instrument, market trends, and the writer's emotional state.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Impact of Technology on Literary Style

3min

The Impact of Word Processing Technology on Writing

7min

Exploring the Origin and Meaning of 'Goody Two Shoes'

6min

Exploration of Name Meanings and Language Evolution

4min

964. From Nietzsche's writing ball to word processors and beyond, we look at how technology can change the way people write. Plus, we unpack the origin of the phrase "Goody Two Shoes" — it didn't start out as an insult.

The "technology" segment was by Matthew G. Kirschenbaum a professor of English and digital studies at the University of Maryland. It originally appeared on The Conversation and appears here through a Creative Commons license. Read the original: https://theconversation.com/technology-changes-how-authors-write-but-the-big-impact-isnt-on-their-style-61955

The "Goody Two Shoes" segment was by Brenda Thomas, a freelance writer who enjoys writing about a variety of topics in the humanities and education.

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