This week’s assignment made me realize how much the structure of digital media influences the way I read and write. Before starting, I assumed I would mainly focus on analyzing content. Instead, I kept noticing how layout, formatting, and platform design shape how information is received (that’s just who I am). That shift in perspective changed how I approached my post and how I now think about online writing more generally.
While gathering sources, I caught myself skimming far more than I expected, because I wanted it to look nice. That observation made me reflect on my own habits, which I see as possible signs of perfectionism. It also pushed me to think about my role as a writer. If I want people to actually engage with what I produce, I need to design the reading experience, not just present ideas.
I also experimented with embedding media for the first time. Figuring out how to embed content properly took a bit of trial and error, but it made the final post feel more intentional and professional. It reminded me that digital writing is not only about making a claim and supporting it, but also about guiding how an audience interacts with the material. Again, I like things to look a certain way, so I did spend a lot of time on this piece alone.
Overall, this assignment helped me see online writing as its own form of communication rather than a traditional essay pasted onto a website. I still relied on evidence and clear reasoning, but I also thought more about readability, pacing, and audience experience. Going forward, I want to carry these ideas into future work, especially as more academic and professional communication continues to move online. I also see this as a way to promote a business in the future, if I ever do decide to open my own veterinary clinic.
I also related to what you said about catching yourself skimming while gathering sources. It really proves your point: if we skim other people’s work because we are looking for visual cues or specific formatting, our users are definitely going to do the same when it comes to our websites. It sounds like your ‘perfectionism’ actually served you well here, because taking the extra time to figure out embedding and layout is exactly what stops a reader from scrolling past.