Question 2

2) Why do we avoid what I call “audience fallacies” and “authorial fallacies” in our writing? Define each, provide a brief example of each, and explain the significance. (50-75 words)

We try to avoid what you would call “audience fallacies” and “authorial fallacies” because when you say one of these things you are making generalizations about what the author intends and what the audience of that author is like. “Authorial fallacies” are when you make an assumption of what the author is trying to say. Unless the author comes out and says it, you can’t assume it. An example would be when you say something along the lines of “The author wants to make you think…” You can’t possibly know what the author “wants you to think” unless you personally know the author. “Audience fallacies” are when you make a generalization about the audience that the author is targeting. An example of this would be a statement like “People magazine targets moms.” Does People magazine say that they are targeting moms in their media kit? Again, if it is not directly stated, it can’t be assumed.