ERhetoric

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The correct title of this article is eRhetoric. The initial letter is shown capitalized due to technical restrictions.

ERhetoric is the art of persuasion in digital media, manipulating content to fit the medium (the Internet) in which it is presented. It includes the study of online communication, and how the medium of the Internet shapes this communication. eRhetoric also involves a study of digital culture, and the effects of technology on how we interact with each other. The study of eRhetoric is related to the study of Computers and writing; however, the focus in this area blends attention to impacts of digital media on communication with an understanding of the principles of classical rhetoric. Courses on eRhetoric are currently being taught at the university-level in California, Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio.

[edit] Examples of media relying upon eRhetoric

websites: html
digital media: web/personal movies, audio, images, media editing
modern business/ academics: Powerpoint, Office, databases, online academic journals, online conferencing
social or personal communication: blogs, IM, online communities and networks (Facebook, mySpace)

[edit] Differences from other forms of rhetoric

The five canons of rhetoric still apply, but to a different degree. Invention and Delivery perhaps become more important, while Memory may not be as relevant.
More emphasis may be placed on visual rhetoric.
eRhetoric is constantly evolving along with technology as new techniques such as Ajax (direct communication between the browser and web-server without a page reload) come into widespread use.
Shift in emphasis to focus on the audience/user choice: though the creator can force users to go through their argument in a specfic order, generally links are used to allow the user to control the pace and order of reading. Navigability is an important consideration for style.
Has the ability to reach a massive audience quickly and constantly over time (if a website is maintained, for example)
As a medium, it is not as respected as regular rhetoric, but is gaining credibility.