Writing for the Internet-is it different an Example by

Writing for the Internet-is it different? Why do writers write? Because it isn't there. The Internet gives us the freedom to live the eloquent words of Thomas Berger. Anyone can publish their creations, within generous limits, and free of charge, for the entire world to browse. The liberty can be deceptive, for a vast majority of all that is available through the medium, may never be read by anyone other than the writer! Indeed, competition on the Internet is so heartless that it is easy to miss the warm security of a publisher from the world of print! Need essay sample on "Writing for the Internet-is it different?" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed Style, grammar, expression, and content all matter on the Internet, as they do to induce a reader to pick up a book and to read it. Yet the facility to flit from site to site, with capricious caresses of that scurrying device aptly called a mouse, sets writing for the World Wide Web apart. The very people, who spend quality time wishing that the most voluminous book would never end, are unreasonably impatient when they land at a particular page from the billions available on a computer screen. The good news is that there is a method to navigate through the choppy and deep waters of the Internet, and to find an undiscovered island where one can drop anchor, set up shop, and have a ball serving customers who hunger and thirst for your unique expression. There is no quick fix that is widely known, though as always, some explorers are more fortunate than most. However, the medium always stands by everyone who abides with it, and rarely fails to grant yields proportionate to sustained and informed effort. College Students Often Tell EssayLab specialists:I'm not in the mood to write my paper. Because I want to spend time with my familySpecialists recommend: Get Academic Writing At Reasonable Price With UsCustom Essay Reviews Write My Paper For Cheap Do My Assignment Buy Essay All things to all people Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self. It is unfortunate that Cyril Connolly passed away in 1974, some two decades before the Internet became widely available to the public everywhere (Blogger, 2005). Child pornography, terrorism, and drug abuse are some of the limited subjects that are fortunately restricted on the Internet. It takes only a few minutes to publish writing on any civilized and socially accepted subject. It is not only free, but lends itself to earn revenue through targeted advertisements. Browsers can access entire libraries, to say nothing of encyclopedias, newspapers, and magazines that cater to special interests. The Internet liberates us at least as much as printing technology. Billions of pages are available on the World Wide Web, and vast numbers are added by the minute. Electronic technology accommodates major languages and scripts, as well as video and audio transfers. Education and seminars with partici pants at physically distant locations, are now commonplace. Major enterprises and organizations have sites of their own; some even conduct their business through the medium. The euphoria of discovering the Internet dissipates quickly after most writers publish their work. It is akin to fishing: browsers never seem to land on your page! Most people start web logs and websites, without the cynical eye of editors and publishers. Vanity publishing is the pejorative but harshly truthful label for most writing on the Internet. Herein lies a core difference between writing for the Internet as compared to traditional print media. There are specific skills that writers can acquire to improve their chances of success. Insights about typical browsing behavior make a good foundation for such valuable skills. Browsing habits I take the view, and always have that if you cannot say what you are going to say in twenty minutes you ought to go away and write a book about it. Lord Brabazon passed away in 1964. He would have been appalled at 21st century browsing impatience (Nielson, 1997). Writers must cultivate the skill of attracting attention, and subsequently, of holding a readers interest for as long as possible. Blaise Pascal wrote, I have made this [letter] longer, because I have not had the time to make it shorter in the 17th century: it does not work three hundred years later! Format and choice of words often take more time than creative content and eloquent expression, when composing material for the Internet A reader has to arrive at your page, even before you can think of attracting and holding attention! Customers can ask for help and information at a real bookstore, but the Internet asks them to type in a query about what they would like to browse. A writer has to know which expressions audiences use. This varies not just by subject, but by country as well (Google Adwords, 2005). There are words that people tend to spell differently in various parts of the world, and there can be variations of expression even within the borders of a single country. Writers need poetic licenses, to marry the rigors of grammar and dictionaries with colloquial habits of browsers. How can the quandary of such contradictory pressures be resolved? Freedom The skill of writing is to create a context in which other people can think. Edwin Schlossbergs epochal words ring true to this day. Marketing professionals speak of segmentation, customer relationships, and services marketing (Wedel and Wagner 145). Conventional writers for the print media may also have some ideas of their future audiences, but Internet writing requires comprehensive and sustained browser focus. Internet writers may have to put their own perceptions aside, as they strive to meet targeted customer requirements. Internet writing is a service in marketing jargon. Most successful writers in this digital medium select niches in which they specialize over time. The United States is a clear leader in terms of geographical segments. It has the most computers, and people use the Internet for more reasons than anywhere else does. Travel, healthcare, and small business management are three of the largest segments for Internet writing in the United States. People have moved away from travel agents, and make airline and hotel reservations on-line. Travel writing is not just a lucrative business, but a most enjoyable way of earning a living as well! Famous names from the print world such as Frommers join hotel chains, restaurants, bars and other service providers, in sponsoring and buying interesting articles about popular destinations. Healthcare and small business management need specialized expertise, apart from writing skills. Writers can team up with specialists including doctors and software engineers, to provide content for relevant web sites. Consumer magazines on the Internet are major customers for technical content related to medical conditions. Individual browsers, especially those who have family-owned enterprises, and those who work from home, are the ones most interested in advice related to small business development. Writers are not limited to the common markets such as travel, healthcare, and small business in the United States. Bird watching, politics, astrology, and science fiction are just a few of the diverse fields in which people can seek to meet special information needs. Googles Adsense program is egalitarian, allows everyone to publish and earn money through targeted advertisements. This channel threatens mainstream mass media as increasing numbers of brand numbers divert advertising budgets to search engines. Web logs are the most popular form of Internet publishing. Amateurs can have sites of their own, but skilled writers manage some of the most informative and popular web logs. A forum is another common form of communication between large numbers of browsers, but it does not provide adequate space for professional writers. Most posts on the average forum do not exceed 50 words. Nevertheless, they can serve as reviews and other useful forms of feedback for writers on how their work is received. A forum may also cover reviews of books from the print world. Increasing numbers of manufacturers and service providers sponsor forums that customers use to describe their experiences with brands. Lead articles by accomplished writers often initiate animated discussions between customers. The electronic book format suits writers best. It suits fiction as well as guides and texts on any subject. Writers can provide free samples of their work, and use software to release the entire material against payment. An interesting variant of the electronic book format relates to on-demand publishing. Traditional print publishers will produce just a few or even one copy of selected work on demand, and physically ship a hard copy through a courier. However, writers can hope to earn only small royalties through such sales. Most newspapers and magazines now have electronic editions. The unique skills of Internet writing imply that these publications need new and additional personnel to contribute appropriately formatted articles to build on-line audiences. Companies also use writers to enhance the tangible aspects of their products with service by way of information on use, benefits, and experiences. Pharmaceutical companies sponsor writing on cancer, asthma, obesity and other common conditions, in order to strengthen their strategic and most profitable brands. The oceanic size of and varied opportunities of the Internet writing world does not dilute the imperative to compete through high quality standards. Pay for writing can vary as much as and in proportion to readership. Which specific steps can writers take to improve their chances of success when writing for the Internet? Automation traps Arthur C. Clarke was an astrophysicist who wrote science fiction. His fanciful saying Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic comes true on the Internet. Software checks spelling and grammar. You can even have entire pages translated through software programs. None of these advances substitutes human intelligence. Hence, disciplines such as careful proofreading continue to be important. There can be no denying that electronics takes writing abilities to new levels. Some of these advantages, such as word processing, are available for conventional media as well. However, the advantages of individuals being able to publish their thoughts immediately, and to receive continuous feedback, sets writing for the Internet apart. Web analytics allow writers to know how many people have visited their pages, how long they spent there, and in which part of the world they live. This highlights the customer service of Internet writing, though people of artistic isolation are free to write and to publish without regard to how many people visit their sites. Search engine rankings are accurate measures of the popularity of writing, though it can be frustrating for a writer to find his or her work at or near the bottom of the pile. Each search engine has its own algorithm to rank web pages, and some writers try to manipulate the software programs. Such spamming is short-lived, as search engines revise their ranking criteria frequently, and penalize writers who try to manipulate the system. There are many paying offers on the Internet for writers to produce work with artificial repetitions of words and phrases that browsers are known to use. However, this kind of work is generally not sustainable. It is better for writers to produce content with high information and entertainment values, presented in attractive manner. Handsome rewards await writers who are able to learn the skills of writing for the Internet. Plagiarism plague The transition of the 19th century in to the one that followed was a laid-back time for writers. Screenwriters were especially privileged, free of any serious weight of convention or law. Copy from one, it's plagiarism; copy from two, it's research. Wilson Mizner was able to get away with his memorable and telling statement, but woe betide the 21st century writer who entertains such thoughts! Plagiarism is a whirlpool that can swallow an innocent writer without trace! There is software to check if a string of even a few sentences has been published on the Internet. Publishers and site owners will not show any mercy to a writer who may inadvertently write even a short piece very similar to previously published work. Yet most countries do not consider copyright violations to be criminal offences. Some even ignore such nefarious activity. The Internet enables people to write in disguise. It can be next to impossible to take action if you discover that your work has been copied. Many sites do not follow MLA, APA, or Chicago styles, and hence there is a plethora of work without proper citations and credits. The good news relates to links. Writers and sites follow a convention of using software to link their work to that of others. Regulatory and international bodies have an advantage in this respect, as they attract large numbers of inward links to their sites. Most consumer healthcare sites for example, will inevitably link to sites of the Surgeon General of the United States, the World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Individual writers can select niche topics and write on all aspects of such matters. Inward links to their work builds up over time. Limits Liberty has restraints but no frontiers. Lloyd Georges timeless statement applies in full measure to the Internet. The medium welcomes almost everyone and all points of view. It defends individual privacy to a fault. People can participate in transactions with as many avatars as they like. Singapore and China try to control access, but largely, the Internet makes nonsense of domestic laws. There is software to prevent children from visiting adult sites, but child pornography has not been eliminated from the Internet. This applies to terrorism and all other kinds of anti-social and uncivilized behavior. Writers cannot control who may access their writing and pages, but have to be circumspect about continuing communication with unknown or suspicious entities. Extreme views, advocating violence, foul language, and disturbing images are common warning signs to exclude inputs from potentially troublesome sources. Writers may revel in the global reach that the Internet provides for their work, but they should never lose sight of the cross-cultural impact of their expression. Oriental, other ethnic and conservative groups tend to respond very differently from liberal peers from the West. There are important exceptions to this sweeping generalization as well. Some writers choose to limit access to their pages, but this is a disappointing choice for a medium for which reach is a primary rationale. Hardware tips No tyranny is as irksome as petty tyranny: the officious demands of policemen, government clerks, and electromechanical gadgets. Edward Abbeys pithy remark will strike chords in the hearts and minds of most writers! Most of us choose between concrete and abstract intelligence. We are either creative or mechanically minded, though nature gives us the possibility to excel at both kinds of human faculties. The Internet and computers have mounds of exclusive jargon. Typewriter and fountain pen relics may baulk at the prospects of having to enter the digital world. Engineers and the young take vicarious pleasure in greeting pleas from the geriatric for help, with supercilious disdain and long sentences in English of very recent, even uncertain origin! However, bare survival in the digital world can be easy for those who are wise enough to stick to basics. A computer with a 40 GB Hard Drive, a 512 KBPS in-built modem, with a 2 MHz processor, and a broadband or cable or Bluetooth Internet connection should suffice at least until the end of 2006. You should be rich enough by then to hire a nerd to steer further course through the never-ending maze of technological progress. All writers should look forward to flexible ink, which has just begun to enter the market. This innovation will enable displays on traditional surfaces, rather than the flat and fixed plasma screens with which we are stuck today. Flexible ink works almost like paper, and could well signal the end of print media, as we have known it until now. It will certainly invite an explosion for the demand for Internet writing of all genres. Hanging out Althea Gibson is a tennis player, yet one of her sayings is most relevant for new writers daunted by the prospects and problems of the Internet: I always wanted to be somebody. If I made it, it's half because I was game enough to take a lot of punishment along the way and half because there were a lot of people who cared enough to help me. The travails of Internet writing and its enormous rewards as well, are relatively easy to learn, by hanging out at sites of some of the most successful people of the medium (Allen, 2005). There are a number of sites where one can share experiences with other struggling writers, study success stories, and get leads by which one can make a start. Sites run by and for writers offer courses, aids and information of assignments and contests. Most people can quickly come up to speed and participate in Internet writing transactions within weeks of visiting sites of writers. Most of them also offer critiques of writing that can be invaluable if a writer is able to take the feedback in a positive sense. Conclusions Editors and publishers, who are in charge in the print world, cannot prevent us from publishing on the Internet. Some may think it is futile to write without intellectual capital, but no one can dispute that writing on the Internet needs no significant financial assets. Entry barriers are virtually absent, and there are no limits of time and space. Digital aids can help us express ourselves, and correct some petty mistakes to boot. We need never lose valuable thoughts, for storage is well above all that mortals can ever produce. Browsing habits call for differences in approach and style as compared to traditional media, but even a casual attempt can suffice to learn the basics of such differences. The transition from print to Internet is a short commute with a host of convenient connections. The channel of getting people to read what we write remains. The competition is actually fiercer in the chaotic situation world of the Internet, than it has ever been with books, newspapers and the like. Every computer screen can access all the material that kiosks, bookstores, and libraries have between them. A few may publish on the Internet without a care for the fate of their labors. Most of us however, still need the skills and the fortune of celebrated writers through time. The core value of written communication remains unchanged. It is symbolic that Professor Irwin Cory, who penned the following words, was a vaudeville comedian in the dawn of Cinema and Television: If we don't change direction soon, we'll end up where we're going. Works Cited Allen, M. Getting Started Writers World, 2005, Nielson J. How Users Read on the Web Alertbox, October 1997, retrieved December 2005: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/how-users-read-on-the-web/> Wedel, M. and Wagner Kamakura, Market Segmentation, Springer 1999, Blogger, Google, 2005, retrieved December 2005: http://www.blogger.com/start> Google Adwords Keyword Tool, Google, 2005.

Mythology Essays - Dionysus, Mythological Kings, Free Essays

Mythology Essays - Dionysus, Mythological Kings, Free Essays Mythology Introduction This project will focus on the adventures of Dionysus and his interactions with other people. I will also show what Dionysus stands for and is depicted by. You will learn about his lifestyle and the way he affected others? lives. I will explain his family and birth and I will tell the story of the few who dare to oppose Dionysus. Family Dionysus? father was Zeus(Jupiter), king of the gods. Zeus played a very important role in Greek mythology as he was the father of many significant gods. He was the ultimate ruler of Heaven and Earth and had control over meteorological phenomenon. In most legends, Semele was the mother of Dionysus while Orphic legends recorded Persephone as being Dionysus? mother. Semele was the beautiful daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia. Her affair with Zeus was strictly secret and later caused her death. Hera(Zeus? wife) found out that they were having an affair and made Zeus kill Semele. As an adult, Dionysus rescued Semele from the underworld and made her a goddess known as Thyone. When Semele died, she was still pregnant with Dionysus in her womb. Zeus came along and rescued Dionysus from Semele?s ashes and sewed Dionysus into his hip until he was ready to be born. Basic Information Dionysus was mainly recognized as the god of wine. He was almost always drunk, and he made people happy with his wine. He traveled around teaching the art of wine making and the cultivation of the vine. Dionysus was also fairly well known as an artistic god. Most of the plays and dramas were in his honor. Drama and poetry both play an important role in the worship of Dionysus. His symbols were grapes, rams, thyrsus, and serpents. His domain was vegetation, pleasure, freedom, and civilization. Dionysus is sometimes referred to as Bacchus and in Roman mythology Dionysus was known as Liber. Dionysus could make people light- hearted and happy or he could make them sad and unhappy. Stories Dionysus? Kidnapping This is a story of which I have found in many different books, however, only two versions were somewhat different. One version containing the character of Acetes, and the other without Acetes. Some pirates saw Dionysus and they assumed by his appearance that he had rich parents, so they decided to capture and sell him for ransom. They took Dionysus onto the ship and attempted to bind him with ropes, however, the ropes broke as soon as they touched Dionysus. One crew member pleaded to let him go, for the breaking of the ropes convinced him that Dionysus was a god, but the other crew members were stubborn and ignored him. The crew members soon found out that Dionysus was angered when he turned into a lion and fragrant wine started flowing down the ship?s deck. Soon after, vines and ivy spread around the ship and the terrified pirates began to turn into dolphins. One by one they leaped into the sea. END. A group of pirates see a strong, and healthy young man and they figure they could make a good profit selling him as a slave in Egypt. One pirate, by the name of Acetes, urged the other crew members to sail wherever the visitor(Dionysus) wished. The pirates were greedy and set sail toward Egypt when all of a sudden lions appear and crouch at their feet. In the background, sounds of flutes were heard and each pirate(except for Acetes), gradually transforming into dolphins, leaped into the water. Dionysus told Acetes to sail toward the island of Naxos and Acetes eagerly obeyed. It is on the island of Naxos where Dionysus meets and falls in love with Ariadne. Dionysus? Romance With Ariadne After Dionysus was kidnapped by pirates, he was dropped off on the island of Naxos. While in Naxos, Dionysus met Ariadne who had been abandoned on the island. He took pity on her and they soon fell in love. When Ariadne died, Dionysus took the golden crown he had given her and placed it among the stars. END. Dionysus met Ariadne on Naxos, he quickly wooed her and won her over. Soon after, they got married and during the wedding celebrations Dionysus took Ariadne?s bridal garland and threw it into the sky where it became

21 Body Language Tips for the Workplace

21 Body Language Tips for the Workplace Body language can be an incredibly valuable tool to hone over the course of your career. But it can also backfire. We take in body cues at rates much faster than we process language. So be careful how you use yours! Here are some body language tips for the workplace you can utilize to maintain a professional image. 1. Don’t lean backLeaning back can signify that you’re bored or done with a conversation. If you want to convey interest, lean in slightly or at very least sit straight in your chair.2. Don’t cross your armsThis gesture can look defiant at worst, closed off at best. People will assume you’re disinterested or awkward. Neither assumption would do you any favors.3. Don’t avoid  eye contactIf you don’t look someone in the eye, they will assume you have something to hide. Don’t get a reputation for being shady or dishonest. Remember, in the business world: eye contact = honesty.4. Don’t stareIt is possible to make too mu ch eye contact. This can come off as strange or even aggressive. Try to strike a comfortable, easy-going balance. Try not to hold someone’s gaze for more than, say three seconds.5. Don’t clench your handsPeople who are stressed have a tendency to do this. The stress becomes visible to whomever you are talking to. Relax and hold your hands loosely at your side.6. Don’t hide your handsIt might be comfortable for you to put your hands behind your back, or to shove them in your pockets, but it can be seen as a signal that you might have something to hide.7. Don’t chopYou have something important to say, so you’re gesturing emphatically. Try to avoid chopping the air with your hands- it seems violent and dismissive to the person you are talking with.8. Don’t touch your faceThis is another one that is often misinterpreted as a sign of dishonesty. Best to avoid.9. Don’t nod too muchYou’re eager to convey your attention and your agreem ent, but you might end up freaking someone out. You might seem weak and submissive- or, on the flip side, indifferent.10. Don’t fidgetIt makes you look a little crazy and it can also raise the stress level of the person watching you do the fidgeting. You could also come across as bored or impatient.11. Don’t hunchYou’ll come off as depressed or lazy or too tired to function. Shoulders back, smile on your face! Project confidence with your body, not just your brain.12. Don’t tangle up in your chairIf you wrap your feet or legs around your chair legs, it’s the same as clenching your hands together. You’ll look a little ill at ease and put your fellow converser off.13. Don’t make yourself smallTry not to shrink. It will convey a lack of confidence. Try expanding where you might normally contract and see what effect this can have.14. Don’t go too bigTry not to gesture so wildly or be so expansive that you seem like you’re on stage. This can have the opposite effect you want. And it might frighten people.15. Don’t point your feet at weird anglesThis might seem like a small, weird thing, but if your feet are pointing the wrong way, some people will take note.16. Don’t pat yourselfEven if you find it comforting to pat your legs, your coworkers or boss won’t. They’ll just see you as very uncomfortable, and that will make them uncomfortable too.17. Don’t look at your watch (or phone!)Just don’t. It’s incredibly rude. Keep your attention on the conversation unless you absolutely have to check the time or an important phone call.18. Don’t touch people with your fingertipIf you’re at the stage with someone where it would be appropriate to build trust or ease by touching them briefly, do it with your whole hand, not your finger tip. You’re not E.T.19.  Don’t ignore cuesWhen in doubt, mimic your interlocutor’s body language. If they gesture, you can gesture. If they are standing straight on their feet and projecting confidence, do the same.20. Don’t invade the bubbleWhen in a work context, do not invade anyone’s personal space. Give them room.21. Don’t ignore where you areDo your research when visiting different parts of the world, or even different parts of the country. Customs differ everywhere you go–take the time to make sure you don’t accidentally do anything offensive.

My Quest for Self Actualization Personal Statement

My Quest for Self Actualization - Personal Statement Example One other important thing about my personality is that I am a very social person. I think that it is impossible to pursue a successful and meaningful search for self-actualization without engaging in sincere social service and communication. If it were not for society, every person would reduce to nothing but a grave. So it has always been my endeavor to be socially active and relevant, wherever I am and whatever I am doing. Surprisingly, I find sports to be the most suitable avenue for individual achievement in a societal context. My panache for sports has certainly contributed to my innate sense of fair play and ambition. Perhaps that is why the people who know me find me very outgoing and cordial.  I am committed to pursuing my search for self-actualization, achievement and social relevance with a mindset that is quintessentially optimist and positive. I believe that if I am daring in my academic and career choices, doors will open up where earlier were walls.  

Value chain Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Value chain - Case Study Example Studies from a range of disciplines show that global value chains have become much more prevalent and elaborate in the past 10 to 15 years.' Global value chains now contain activities that are tightly integrated and often managed on a day-to-day basis. The globalisation of value chains is motivated by a number of factors. Continuous growth of competition in domestic and international markets forces firms to become more efficient and lower costs. One way of achieving that goal is to source inputs from more efficient producers, either domestically or internationally, and either within or outside the boundaries of the firm. Emergence of new markets and access to strategic assets that can help tap into foreign knowledge is one of the important motivations of global value chain. Notwithstanding these anticipated benefits, engaging in global value chains also involves costs and risks for firms. Increasing liberalisation of trade and decreasing costs of transport and communication have made it possible for enterprises to split up production processes into more complex parts spread to an increasing degree across national borders. The result is often that each enterprise specialises in a core area of production while other activities are outsourced to suppliers. This leads to a fragmentation of the production process, which is counterbalanced by closer integration between the enterprise and its trading partners http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/24/35/38558080.pdf (Feenstra, 1998). Trade in intermediates Global value chains allow intermediate and final production to be outsourced abroad, leading to increased trade through exports and imports, and to a rapidly growing volume of intermediate inputs being exchanged between different countries. In 2003, 54% of world manufactured imports were classified as intermediate goods which include primary goods, parts and components and semi-finished goods. Relocations of existing activities Relocation of activities overseas is also a factor of growth of international sourcing. Sometimes implying the total or partial closure of the production in the home country while at the same time creating or expanding affiliates abroad producing the same goods and services as in the host country. More often, it is about the substitution of domestic stages of production by activities performed in foreign locations, with goods and services being exported from the host country to the home country. The basic purpose of relocation of activities is to gain higher product quality, efficient assets utilization with lower cost. Outsourcing and off shoring Global value chain made possible fragmentation of the production process across various countries, which have given rise to considerable restructuring in firms including the outsourcing and off shoring of certain functions. Outsourcing typically involves the purchase of intermediate goods and services from outside specialist providers, while off shoring refers to purchases by firms of intermediate goods and services from foreign providers, or to the transfer of particular tasks within the firm to a foreign location (Figure 1). Off shoring thus includes both international outsourcing where activities are contracted out to independent third parties abroad and international in-sourcing to foreign affiliates. http://www.oecd.o

Looking At The Issues Surrounding Adoption Social Work Essay

Looking At The Issues Surrounding Adoption Social Work Essay This short study concerns my experiences in dealing with an adopted service user who wishes to establish contact with her birth mother. The essay takes up the case of J, a 46 year old divorced lady who finds out about her history of adoption after the death of her adopted parents. J tries to directly establish contact with her biological mother, who refuses to meet her, leaving J traumatised and emotionally devastated. The case scenario is provided in the appendix to this essay and is considered as read. This reflective and analytical account concerns (a) my experiences in dealing with Js problems and needs, (b) my thoughts and theoretical knowledge of social work theory and practice with regard to children who are put up for adoption at birth, (c) their various emotional and physical challenges, and (d) the desire that is sometimes manifested by them during various stages of their lives to establish contact with their biological parents. It makes use of established social work theories like the attachment theory and the separation anxiety theory. I also take up the growing prevalence of the use of social networking sites by adopted children to establish contact with their long separated birth parents, and the social work mechanisms available in the UK to facilitate meetings between adopted children and their birth parents. The Challenges of Adoption J was put up for adoption at birth and was adopted by foster parents. She grew up in her foster home in the company of her siblings, who were the birth children of her adoptive parents. The fact of her adoption was however concealed from her by her adopters. J grew up with some feelings of unease between her and her siblings and adoptive parents and suffered from low self esteem when she was young. She also displayed some behavioural problems and found it difficult to establish friendships with other children. Adoption is undoubtedly an important and beneficial social process. It serves the critical needs of different individuals (Howe and Feast, 2000, p 34). It relieves natural parents of the onerous responsibilities of bringing up children when their circumstances make it impossible for them to do so, on account of social and economic reasons. It ensures safety, security, physical and emotional nourishment, education and improved life chances for unwanted, orphaned or abandoned children (Howe and Feast, 2000, p 34). It also fulfils the needs of childless couples, single people, and families for a child. Whilst adoption is undoubtedly an important social process, it brings along with it different types of social, economic and emotional challenges for all involved people, the child placed for adoption, the birth parents and the adopters (Howe and Feast, 2000, p 34). Adopted children, numerous studies have revealed, are prone to the adverse consequences of attachment disorders and separation anxiety (Cassidy Shaver, 1999, p 11). John Bowlby, well known for his advancement of the attachment theory, explains the critical importance for infants to develop secure attachments to their primary care givers. Bowlby states that attachment processes between infants and caregivers are biologically based, chosen by evolution to maximise survival chances, and aim to provide infants with feelings of security (Cassidy Shaver, 1999, p 11). Such security provides infants with the foundations required to explore their environments, with the full knowledge that their caregivers will be able and available to provide them with protection in the face of adversity or stress (Cassidy Shaver, 1999, p 11). The separation of children from their primary caregivers often results in feelings of separation anxiety and the development of attachment disorders if their attachment needs are not met or resolved effectively (Blum, 2004, p 538). Studies on adopted children show that positively formed attachments between children and caregivers improve chances of well adjusted lives, irrespective of the biological relationships of attachment figures with children (Blum, 2004, p 538). Whilst it is known that J was put up for adoption at birth, the exact age at which she was adopted is not clear. Research shows that that children adopted after 6 months of age are at greater risk for development of attachment disorders (Blum, 2004, p 538). Such attachment disorders can lead to emotional disturbance, eating disorders, bedwetting, lack of performance at school, difficulty in development of positive relationships, withdrawal from society and poor life outcomes (Blum, 2004, p 538). The adoptive parents need to take special care to ensure good adjustment of their adopted children. It is important for them parents to meet the needs of infants for love and nurturing on a consistent basis (Brisch, 1999, p 79). Adoption requires an active role from adoptive parents who assume the role of caregivers. As adopted infants explore their new and alien environment, adoptive parents must provide the required guidance, supervision and structure to ensure their safety (Brisch, 1999, p 79). Caregivers must also have the capacity and ability to provide levels of stimulation that do not overwhelm or stifle the infants developmental level. They must be attentive to the internal world of infants by being emotionally available to help them during periods of frustration, rejoice in their achievements and share their joy of exploration (Brisch, 1999, p 79). Secure attachments create positive feelings in children that relationships can be helpful, fulfilling, and valuable and provide adequate protection in an occasionally overwhelming world (Blum, 2004, p 545). Whilst secure attachments do not secure immunity from subsequent psychopathology, childhood security is certainly related to (a) increased capacities for stress management and ability to rebound after periods of psychological disturbance, (b) capacity to manage family stressors, (c) increased self-esteem, (d) good peer relationships, and (e) good psychological adjustment (Blum, 2004, p 545). Contemporary psychiatric theory states that adopted children often need therapeutic parenting, rather than normal domestic environments. Such parenting should be based on principles like sensitivity, responsiveness, following the lead of the child, the sharing of congruent and inter-subjective experiences and the creation of an environment of safety and security (Goldsmith, et al, 2004, p 2). Parents, in order to engage in such therapeutic parenting, require to be committed to adopted children, have reflective abilities, good insightfulness and secured mental states with respect to attachment (Goldsmith, et al, 2004, p 2). With J showing evidence of emotional disturbance and behavioural problems during her childhood, it is possible that her parents, whilst providing her with a normal and secure domestic environment, did not place great emphasis in responding to her specific emotional needs. Their concealment of her adopted status is possibly an indicator of their concern for the child and their desire to protect her emotions and feelings. Contemporary psychological and social theories however recommend that children be informed of their adopted status (Hollingsworth, 1998, p 303). Such information, when provided with sensitivity and in appropriate circumstances and environmental surroundings, prevents adopted children from experiencing emotional traumatisation when they otherwise inevitably come to know of their history of adoption and helps them in adjusting to their new homes (Hollingsworth, 1998, p 303). Knowledge of birth parents is also important, both for the adoptive parents and the adopted chil dren, in order to effectively cope with possible medical problems (Hollingsworth, 1998, p 303). J came to know about her adopted status by accident when she was 42, after the death of her adoptive parents. The knowledge left her emotionally traumatised and brought back memories of her childhood and of feelings of strain in her relationships with her adoptive parents and their birth children. It is however but fair to realise that Js parents very possibly had her best interests at heart and were also unaware of the future impact of not informing her of her adopted status. Reunion of Adopted Children with Birth Parents J, on knowing of her adopted status and the name of her birth mother, became emotionally disturbed because was not informed of the facts of her adoption, or about her birth parents. Adopted children, as they grow older, often become curious about their birth parents, especially so in situations of little or no contact (Adoption UK, 2010, p 1). Studies by Adoption UK, a national charity operated by adopters, reveals that all adopted children do not wish to know or contact their birth parents. Such desires are essentially personal, with some adoptees wishing to know more and others having little interest (Adoption UK, 2010, p 1). It is however also true that people who are not interested in contacting their birth parents when they are young, change when they become older, especially after they become parents and experience desires of knowing, contacting and establishing relationships with their own birth parents (Adoption UK, 2010, p 1). The emergence of social networking sites like Facebook and My Space have made it far easier for adopted children, who wish to know more about their parents, to establish contact with their birth families (Fursland, 2010, p 1). Such accessibility has introduced significant complexities in the social relationships of adopted children with their adopted and birth parents and is creating difficult challenges for social workers when they are asked for assistance by individuals in need (Fursland, 2010, p 1). Establishment of contact between adopted children and birth parents is an extremely sensitive issue and needs to be handled with care and sensitivity (Adoption UK, 2010, p 2). Adoption reunion can be a truly enriching and joyful experience, full of anticipation, twists and turns, joy, confusion, excitement, and fear. However reunion, like adoption, is not simple and can turn out to be a difficult, complex and sometimes saddening event (Adoption UK, 2010, p 2). Reconnecting with birth parents and children is rarely seamless and easy. It requires dedication, motivation, and a leap of faith (Adoption UK, 2010, p 2). Adoption reunions often give rise to complicated issues that have been dormant for decades and have to now be dealt with and resolved. Many birth parents may have never have shared their childs adoption with anybody else (Howe and Feast, 2000, p 57). Some birth mothers protect their secret because they are afraid of how others might or will react. For some mothers it is a matter of shame and they are instructed not to reveal their secrets to others (Howe and Feast, 2000, p 57). The National Adoption Standards for England, (Department of Health, 2001), along with the Adoption and Children Act 2002, provided birth parents in England and Wales entitlement to a support worker, apart from the childs social worker, from the point of identification of the adoption plan for the child (Goldsmith, et al, 2004, p 4). The Standards state that birth parents (a) should be able to access different types of support services, including counselling, advice and information before and after adoption, which recognise the long term implications of adoption, and (b) should be treated with transparency, fairness and regard during the adoption process (Goldsmith, et al, 2004, p 4). Most adopted children now have plans for direct or indirect post-adoption contact with birth relatives. Agencies are required to identify contact arrangements in adoption plans and consider post-adoption support requirements of all concerned (Goldsmith, et al, 2004, p 4). Existing regulations like The Adoption Support Services Regulations entitle adopted children, adoptive parents, and birth relatives for need assessment regarding contact arrangements and mandate agencies to maintain services to help such contact arrangements (Adoption UK, 2010, p 2). Helping J J contacted us for support on making contact with her birth parents. The Adoption and Children Act of 2002 has established a framework that provides adopted people, who are more than 18 years old and their birth relatives, rights to request for intermediary services if they wish to make such contacts. Such intermediaries are provided by registered adoption agencies, (either voluntary or local authority), or registered adoption support agencies and act as mediators between adopted people and their birth relatives. It is recommended that people wishing to make contact with birth relatives do so through intermediaries. J was informed about the intermediary process and services that could be provided by me in mediating with her birth mother but decided to contact her directly. When J contacted our agency and the case was assigned to me to help her with her emotional challenges and her desire to establish her birth mother, I engaged her in a long discussion in order to assess her emotional status, her views about her adopted childhood and her desire to meet her birth mother. I met her at her home on two occasions after taking prior appointments in order to ensure that she was prepared for the meeting and would be able to convey her thoughts better in familiar surroundings. I took care to adopt the person centred approach and deliberately avoided all judgemental feelings about her background as a relinquished and adopted child. The adoption of a person centred approach is necessary for the true implementation of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory approaches and I was able to understand Js emotional and mental condition with greater clarity and empathy (Mearns and Thorne, 2007, p 9). Whilst my choice of open and close ended questions did help her in opening up and in shedding her inhibitions and reservations, I found her to be disturbed about her adopted status. She appeared to be disturbed with her adoptive parents for their concealment of information about her birth, her birth parents and her adoption, and kept talking of small incidents of her childhood about her parents and siblings. She also spoke about her behavioural problems, her disturbed sleep and her difficulties in making friends at school. J was however determined to establish contact with her mother and decided to contact her as soon as she found out her contact details. I offered to act as intermediary and contact her mother in order to assess (a) her views on the relinquishment of her birth child, (b) her current emotional status and (c) her attitude towards establishing contact with J. The lady (J) was however unwilling to wait even for a few days and was convinced that her mother would like to meet her as much as she did. I did mildly explain to her that her mother could have different opinions on the issue and even offered to expedite the process. Whilst J did provide some indication of being ready for my help at the closure of our second meeting, she subsequently changed her mind and established direct contact with her birth mother. Her birth mother, from what J told me later, was absolutely surprised at receiving the call and was taken aback by the development. She responded to Js introductory communication wit h brusqueness and asperity, informing her that she did not wish to respond to her overture or to establish contact. I do feel that J acted with great haste and the result of the initiative could well have been very different with the use of an intermediary. I would have telephoned Js mother and asked for a personal meeting. I would have again adopted a person centred approach, refrained from being judgemental, and would have engaged her in discussions about her reasons for relinquishing her birth child. I would have then gently brought up the matter of J, her adopted childhood, the concealment of information about her adopted status, and her current emotionally disturbed condition. I do feel that such an approach would have yielded a better response from her mother than Js arbitrary method of establishing contact. Conclusions This reflective account details my experiences of dealing with an adopted service user, who tried to unsuccessfully establish contact with her birth mother. Modern day theory on social work and psychology stresses upon the complexity of adoption and the various challenges that the process brings up for the adopted children, the adopters and the birth relatives. Adopters have particularly significant responsibilities in ensuring, possibly through the use of therapeutic parenting methods, that their adopted children do not suffer from separation anxieties and do not develop attachment disorders. It is important for social workers to understand the emotional implications of these complexities and consider the emotional needs of all involved people with empathy and understanding. It is also important, as my experience with J reveals, for adoption reunion processes between adopted individuals and their birth relatives to be handled with great care and thought. I do feel that I should have been more persuasive and possibly more forthright, without being judgemental, with J on (a) the possibly very different perceptions of her birth mother towards the meeting, (b) the compulsions that forced her to relinquish her birth child for adoption and (c) her current emotional condition and social environment. Such an action would have possibly produced better results at the end. My knowledge of social work theory and practice has been significantly enhanced by my experience with J and will help me to deal with such situations much better in future. Word Count: 2625, without citations and bibliography Bibliography Adoption UK, 2010, Wanting to know more or not, Available at: www.adoptionuk.org/information/217131/wanting_to_know_more/ (accessed January 30, 2011). Blum, H. P., 2004, Separation-Individuation Theory and Attachment Theory, Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association,  (52): 535-553. Bowlby, J., Parkes, C. M., 1970, Separation and loss within the family, In E. J. Anthony C. Koupernik (Eds.), The child in his family: International Yearbook of Child Psychiatry and Allied Professions, pp. 197-216, New York: Wiley. Bowlby, J., 1973, Attachment and loss, Vol. 2: Separation, New York: Basic Books. Brisch, K. H., 1999, Treating attachment disorders, New York: Guilford Press. Cassidy, J., Shaver, P. R., 1999, Handbook of attachment: Theory, research, and clinical applications. New York: Guilford. Feast, J., Howe, D., 1997, Adopted adults who search for background information and contact with birth relatives, Adoption Fostering 21:2, pp 8-15. Fursland, E., 2010, Facebook has changed adoption forever, www.guardian.co.uk, Available at: www.guardian.co.uk//19/facebook-adoption-tracing-birth-mother (accessed January 30, 2011). Goldsmith, F. D., Oppenheim, D., Wanlass, J., 2004, Separation and Reunification: Using Attachment Theory and Research to Inform Decisions Affecting the Placements of Children in Foster Care, Juvenile and Family Court Journal, pp. 1-12. Hollingsworth, L., 1998, Adoptee dissimilarity from the adoptive family: clinical practice and research implications, Child Adolescent Social Work Journal 15, (4): pp 303-19. Howe, D., Feast, J., 2000, Adoption, Search and Reunion: The long-term experience of adopted adults, London: The Childrens Society. Mearns, D., Thorne, B., 2007, Person-Centred Counselling in Action, 3rd edition, London: Sage Publications. Levant, F. R., Shlien, M. J., 1987, Client-Centered Therapy and the Person-Centered Approach: New Directions in Theory, Research, and Practice, USA: Praeger Paperback. Appendices

The Roman Catholic Funeral Rite vs. the Jewish Funeral Rite

The Roman Catholic Funeral Rite vs. the Jewish Funeral Rite Funeral services in the 1990’s are more complex that they have ever been before. The modern funeral director must not only be aware of and comply with their own state and local rules and regulations, but also with the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule and a variety of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) rules. Add to this the fact that the so-called â€Å"traditional funeral† has become less and less traditional. While the religious aspects still play a major role in the majority of the funerals held in the United States, changes in the attitude of the clergy and the families, changes in funeral home structuring and pricing, and changes in the funeral home facilities and services that they render have caused a great change in the funeral itself. There are several religions that practice funeral rites, however, in this paper I will attempt to compare/contrast the Roman Catholic Funeral Rite vs. the Jewish Funeral Rite. Introduction to the Roman Catholic Church Of all the Christian religions in the world, the Roman Catholic Church is the largest, claiming approximately one billion members worldwide. In the United States there are about 55 million members. Roman Catholics believe that since Jesus Christ brought salvation into the world, He was the founder of their Church. They also believe that the Church has preserved the teachings of Christ and that the Holy Spirit guides the Church through its ministry. In regard to funeral rites, the Roman Catholic Church believes that all Catholics should be buried from the Church with a Mass. There is no actual charge for being buried from the Church. The funeral director should be able to guide the family as to the practices if an honorarium is customarily given to the celebrant. Clergy Notification The practice of notifying the deceased’s clergyman when a death occurs was at one time a common as well as sensible practice. However, today, this practice can in no way be considered the usual. Factors such as time of death, place where death occurred, and the relationship between the family and the clergy, each play a role in the family’s decision as to the appropriate time to notify the clergy of the death. Many families would be hesitant to call the clergy in the middle of the night and may determine that more can be accomplished by waiting until morning. This may be especially true in cases where the death was expected or where the Sacrament of the Sick had been administered. Since many priests want to participate in the decision making process for the date, time, and location of the funeral service, the funeral directors may want to determine whether or not the family had contacted the priest, who is to celebrate the Funeral Mass, prior to entering into discussions concerning the scheduling of the Mass. Removal of the Remains There are generally no church restrictions that would prohibit the removal of the remains at the time of death. In cases where the deceased was a clergy or a member of a religious order, there may be delays in the removal should there be a desire for special prayers by members of the order before removal. Preparing the Remains There are no specific restrictions as to the preparation of the remains of the body. Religious articles worn by the deceased should be removed, recorded, and replaced after the preparation of the body. The family should be asked if the religious articles should remain on the body or removed and returned to them. If the deceased is a clergyman or a member of a religious order, there may be restrictions as to how the remains are prepared. Some groups may request that the embalming be done in the convent, monastery, or rectory rather than in the funeral home. In this case, the funeral home should check with the individual within the church, monastery, or convent to obtain proper instructions and authorization to prepare the remains. Dressing and Casketing the Remains The deceased should be dressed in clothing selected by the family. Members of the clergy will be dressed in the robes of the station of their priesthood, while members of religious orders should be dressed in the robes of their affiliated position. Religious objects may be placed in the hands of the deceased by family or church officials. Rosary beads are most commonly used, and usually placed in the hands. A crucifix, sacred heart, or other religiously significant objects may be placed in the head or foot panel, on or near the casket. The Wake A Rosary Service or Wake will usually be held in the funeral or family home, or church the evening before the funeral Mass. This is to provide friends and family of the deceased an opportunity to share a series of prayers with the family. It is meant to offer a time of reflection on the meaning of life, death, and eternal life. The service may be led by a priest, layperson, family member, or the funeral director. This is usually scheduled by the family and approved by the church during the funeral arrangements. The Funeral Mass and Recessional The funeral Mass actually begins when the casket is moved into the vestibule of the church. The casket bearers and family members accompany the casket to await the celebrant and the alter attendants. The procession to meet the body is led by the crucifer and two alter attendants, one who carries the Holy Water and one who carries the incense. The celebrant is last in the procession. Following the greeting and invocation, the celebrant conducts the blessing of the casket with Holy Water. Casket pieces are removed at this time (if applicable) and set aside, and the casket is covered with a pall. In the case that an American flag is covering the casket, prior arrangements would be made as to remove the flag and use a pall. If removed, it will be properly folded and set aside. ) The procession down the aisle is led by the crucifer, followed by the alter attendants and the priest. The family will follow the casket down the aisle. When the procession reaches the foot of the altar, the cele brant will proceed up the steps while the funeral director seats the family and casket bearers. The casket should be placed at right angles to the altar. Laypersons and nuns re placed with their feet toward the altar, while priests are placed with their heads towards the altar. After the funeral directors exit the church, the celebrant will conduct several Bible readings, consisting of the Psalms and the Gospel. Family eulogies are then read and Communion is offered to all. After this, the celebrant will say the final commendation and bless the casket again with incense and Holy Water. After this, the funeral directors will return to the church for the recessional. In the recessional, the celebrant moves toward the cross bearer and the funeral directors return to each end of the casket. With room permitting, the casket is turned making the sign of a cross and it once again placed in the center of the aisle. The recessional makes it way out o the church the same order it entered. Variations of the funeral mass are common, but it the responsibility of the funeral director to maintain constant contact with the clergy. Introduction to Judaism Judaism, thought to date back to the 16th century B. C. , was the first monotheistic religion. Founded by Abraham, Judaism was the foundation for Christianity and Islam. It is based in the doctrine of one God, ancient scriptures (Old Testament) and Talmud (oral teachings of the Torah). There are three religious Jewish groupings in the United States: the Orthodox, who continue the ancient traditions and beliefs; the Reform, who allow greater flexibility and have adapted to modern practices; and the Conservative, who fit in between the Orthodox and Reform. The Conservative still follow ancient traditions, but have accepted gradual changes as a natural growth of the religion. (For the sake of this paper, I will be using mostly the Conservative and Reform position to compare to the Roman Catholic. ) Notification of Death/Clergy It is of up most importance that upon receiving the initial call of the death, that the funeral home request verbal permission to remove the body from the place of death. Upon meeting with the family, written permission of often received. It is also necessary to inform the family that embalming is not required by law, but is desired due to natural biological changes that occur after death. There are often times, whether it be for personal or religious reasons, that the neither the family nor the Rabbi want the body embalmed. It is usually not necessary to contact the Rabbi at the time of death unless the family so chooses to do so. The Rabbi is usually contacted after the funeral arrangements are completed and advised of the time and place of service. Dressing and Casketing The deceased may be dressed in any clothing desired by the family and Rabbi. The family will sometimes request that a shroud be used under the regular clothing or in place of the deceased’s clothing. The casket is the choice of the family and there are no restrictions as to the material it is made from or the type. Most will choose the traditional orthodox wooden casket, but metals or other materials normally used to make caskets are permitted also. The Funeral No funeral services, whether it is Orthodox, Reform, or Conservative, are to be held on the Jewish Shabbat, which is from sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday. The funerals may be held in the funeral home, the residence of the deceased, the temple, or the grave site. The Rabbi, often accompanied by a Cantor, will lead and direct the service. The Cantor will often chant and sing the readings. If the funeral is held somewhere other than the temple, the cortege will not normally stop at the temple on the way to the cemetery. In most cases the funeral home will provide transportation for the Rabbi and the Cantor. The Committal Service Burial may take place in any cemetery the family chooses. During the procession, the Rabbi may stop seven times to pray. Upon arrival to the cemetery, the casket is placed in wooden planks over the newly dug grave. The site around the grave is usually plain with no artificial grass, but if using artificial grass, a tent and mechanical lowering device is used. During the service, the Rabbi will say special prayers and led the mourners in the recitation of the Kaddish (a prayer recited for the deceased by parents, siblings, spouses, and children). The children will recite the Kaddish at every service for their parents for 11 months. Upon leaving the gravesite, mourners should wash their hands three times by pouring water on them, beginning with the right hand. The hands are then air-dried. As one can see there are numerous differences in the Roman Catholic and the Jewish funeral rites. However, these religions are only two of the thousands practiced in our world. While some may consider their religion healthier than others, everyone has the right to apply whatever religion they choose as well as participate in their own funeral practices. With all the available options, choices, and changes, the â€Å"traditional† funeral is basically no longer. Works Cited Curley, Terrance, P. Planning the Catholic Funeral. Liturgical Press, July 2005. Funeral Etiquette. Google. com. 13 April 2008. http://www. mountcastle. net/ funeral. htm#Funeral_Etiquette_. Gambrel, Leslie. Personal Interview. 12 April 2008. Greenberg, Blu. How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household. Simon & Schuster, September 1985. Conservative Judaism. Google. com. 13 April 2008. http://uscj. org/index1. html. Watson, Ron. A Time to Mourn, a Time to Comfort. Jewish Lights Publishing, New York. November 1995.