It is easier to understand Yancey’s article with a better understanding of the terms she uses. The first term to be familiar with is circulation. One may think of their public library when they hear circulation, but circulation means more than that. In this context, circulation is when texts “move across contexts, between media, across time.” Basically, circulation is the idea that a text or composition will be spread; it will move between people, mediums, platforms, etc. This is important for writers to understand because anything we write has to circulate. Whether that be by someone reading a blog, being sent the article, etc., our writings still circulate. Knowing this process and how it occurs can make us more successful writers who reach a broader readership.

Another term Yancey uses that is important know is genre. Yancey uses genre to define different types of writing such as “email, instant messaging, and so on.” Generally, a genre is a particular style of something. In this case, that means different styles of writing. This is a crucial concept for writers to understand. Everyday we are asked to write in dozens of genres, all of which have different conventions. If a writer doesn’t understand the different genres, they may end up writing the wrong way for a specific thing. For example, if a writer is writing a pitch email but uses the same style as they would for an instant message, they will likely not be taken as seriously. Understanding the differences between the genres and the requirements of each one will make a writer more effective in the modern world.

One final term that Yancey uses is deicity. This a term that most are unfamiliar with, however, it is incredibly useful. The original definition of the term is “words whose meanings change quickly depending on the time or space in which they are uttered.” However, Yancey uses the word in a slightly different way. Instead of just being about words that change rapidly depending on context, Yancey broadens it to include technology. Yancey uses deicity to describe the constantly changing nature of technology. This is essential for writers because our writing is impacted by these rapid changes in technology. Knowing that the medium of writing will always change and being ready to change to with it will make us better writers who are more capable in modern society.