Three Genres

Genre #1: Satirical Review

Important Characteristics: This review is very humorous and clever.  The story it tells is quite humorous, and is making fun of the types of people that might wear a wolf shirt.  If this piece’s goal was to be humorous, and I believe it was, than it should make people laugh.  Exaggeration and crude descriptions in this case helps to make a reader laugh.  It mentions Wal-Mart, which is a very popular super market, so a reader is able to conjure up memories from their own life.  Being able to relate a story to real life, no matter what kind of story it is, is important.  My own satirical review would be much like this.

Purpose: To poke fun at the people who wear these kinds of wolf shirts.  This article is clearly making fun of a certain stereotype of people and of a certain product.  If I were to write a satirical review, or any kind of satirical piece I would most likely want to make fun of something.  The writer does not come straight out and say he is making fun, though, but it is obvious in the way the piece is written. 

Audience: People who are looking for a review of the wolf shirt.
Stance (tone/voice): Humorous, satirical, detailed in a sort of, for lack of a better term, crude way.
Media/Design:  Internet/product review.

Genre #2: Complaint Letter

Important Characteristics: There is a certain amount of frustration in this particular complaint letter, and I am sure there is much frustration in any complaint letter.  Bits of humor, though perhaps not on purpose, do sneak into a complaint letter.  If I were to write a complaint letter I would most likely model it off my complaint letter of choice.  There would be frustration, much description of just what is bothering me so much, and perhaps even some humor will slip in there. The humor would most likely slip in due to a slightly cocky attitude from the writer.

Purpose: To express a frustration, to get a point across, to make your problem known, and of course for entertainment.
Audience: The one that is receiving the complaint letter and anyone else who happens to read this letter. 
Stance (tone/voice): Frustrated and slightly cocky. (The cockiness might translate into something humorous.)
Media/Design: Letter or e-mail.

Genre #3: Obituary.
Important Characteristics: There is a simple but kind tone of voice.  It paints this particular woman in a good light.  It tells the story of a woman’s life, but is not incredibly detailed. 
Purpose: To announce the death of someone and to tell their life story in a nut-shell.
Audience: Family, friends, neighbors.
Stance (tone/voice): Gentle, simple, kind.
Media/Design: Newspaper and internet.