While the Lewis and Clark party was swatting pesky gnats, getting tired of eating the same type of food, and spreading disease among the original inhabitants of North America, the citizens of the United States were unaware of the trials and tribulations of the explorers.

• The common citizen remained unaffected by the explorers' exploits until the accounts of their journey were published in a popular medium—newspapers.

The Media Challenge at McLuhan's Hole:

• choosing a medium (for a particular text) from among many different media, such as:
  • fax machines (telephone),
  • newspapers,
  • journals,
  • magazines,
  • screenplays,
  • books,
  • stone walls (w/ carved writing),
  • neon signs,
  • letters (mail),
  • text messaging,
  • tattoos,
  • and more.

So, one is advised to choose a medium (thoughtfully).

1. Familiarize yourself with the content of this webpage and its linked webpages.
2. Write a 300-500 word reflective essay in which you:
• identify which mediums you use to write-to-others at least once a week
• identify a typical target audience for each of those mediums, and
• explain the benefits each different medium offers for communicating with the typical target audience you listed.
3. Submit that essay to your instructor.