Throughout the first half of Microstyle, Johnson often uses newspaper headlines and article titles as examples of where his techniques can be employed in an incredibly effective manner. I came across an opinion article of the NY Times today that I think demonstrates a nice use of several of Johnson’s suggestions. It’s called “Saving Freshman Ryan.” The author is using metonymy and relying on his readers to make the inferential and referential connections between the plight of UConn’s freshman basketball player, Ryan Boatright, and the epic war movie, Saving Private Ryan. Before even knowing what the article is referring to, the title allows readers to infer a story. It conjures images of battles, fighting, and immense sadness and loss. It encourages readers to sympathize with Boatright right off the bat, and implies that there is some evil entity from which he needs to be saved. Upon reading the article, it is clear that this evil stems from the NCAA who suspended the poor guy based only on suspicions and did some pretty invasive investigations. The article is interesting and well-written, but were it not for the title, I might have never learned of this scandal.

In my blog, I attempt to employ some of Microstyle’s techniques to entice readers to explore the site by using the following tagline: “A taste of second semester senior life.” With my use of the word “taste,” I am trying to be intentionally ambiguous, as Johnson suggests can only be done well under particular circumstances. I think it is effective because it flows fairly naturally and doesn’t seem forced in either situation. It refers first to the idea that this blog will be recounting adventures I have as I wrap up my time in college, but only a “taste” because my life is not the main focus of the blog. The more subtle meaning (but still obvious enough so as to not be lost on readers) refers to the more mainstream definition of taste which refers to the sensations around food, drink, and how we enjoy them. This more literal interpretation of my tagline reminds readers that this blog is about food and the experiences that come with enjoying a meal or drinks with friends.