Extra Credit
Mr.Jones' phobia
Germaphobia
Authority
Where is it coming from? Who said it? Who posted it?
Usually, websites with this suffix intend to
make some profit from their Internet services. Typically, these
are the websites that sell goods or services.
.com
The who of the info
Authority
Advertisers make it seem that everyone is buying this product, so you feel compelled to buy it too. For example, an ad for a new video game may claim: “The ultimate online game is sweeping the nation! Everyone is playing! Join the fun!” This statement is intended to make you feel left out if you are not playing.
Bandwagon
The bear on Mr. Jones desk
Ichabod
Accuracy
Is it a concrete fact? Is it based on someone's experience or understanding? Is it similar to any other sources?
Primarily used by not-for-profit groups
such as charities and professional organizations.
.org
How close to the truth
Accuracy
This technique is the opposite of bandwagon. Advertisers make it seem that the product is so new that you will be the first on the block to have it. The idea is that only supercool people like you will even know about this product.
Avant-Garde
What is the amount of time before something can become untrustworthy?
1 year
Purpose/Audience
Who is the target? Who is meant to be impacted? What is the main point?
Used by federal, state, and local government sites.
.gov
Who is it for and why
Purpose/Audience
To recognize this technique, pay attention to the background of the ad or to the story of the commercial. The transfer technique wants you to associate the good feelings created in the ad with the product. For example, a commercial showing a happy family eating soup may want you to associate a feeling of comfort and security with their soup products.
Transfer
To lean one way based on your beliefs
Bias
Timeliness
When was it written? Was it the same year, month? Was it written way after by someone across the world?
Used by colleges, universities, educational
organizations, or other institutions.
.edu
When and where did it happen
Timelines
Advertisers use both celebrities and regular people to endorse products. For example, a famous actor might urge consumers to buy a certain car. Pay close attention: sometimes the celebrity does not actually say that he or she uses the product.
Testimonials
The myth we read about the Father and Son
Daedalus and Icarus
Credibility
Is it trustworthy? Does it have biases? Does it leave parts out?
Used by Internet service providers or
web-hosting companies.
.net
Is it the full story
Credibility
Statistics, percentages, and numbers are used to convince you that this product is better or more effective than another product. However, be aware of what the numbers are actually saying. What does “30 percent more effective than the leading brand” really mean?
Facts and Figures