PB1B - Genre Generators

“Genre generator” websites are great resources to help understand the conventions of a given genre. By taking input and reformulating it by applying the genre’s conventions, it might be a little easier to see the pattern that goes into making that genre. 

            First, the SCIgen website takes user input (in the form of author names) and applies them to a randomly generated computer science paper. These papers are unlike any genre we've discussed before in class, with major differences in structure and language. For starters, the structure of a CS paper is very rigid and well-defined, complete with labels for each section. Every generated paper begins with a short abstract, which briefly summarizes the main ideas covered in a paper. Following an introductory section on the paper’s findings, there are sections that discuss the findings’ implementation and experimental results, and finishing with a conclusion and appropriate citing of sources. Another unique convention of a CS paper revolves around word choice. As a scientific research paper, it is loaded with technical jargon; with the use of terms such as “hierarchical databases” or titles like “Evaluating Multi-Processors and the Ethernet with Adulate,” it is clear that the papers’ main audience would be those heavily involved in computer science, as very few others would be able to understand the writing. With all of these scientific terms, it may be tough to tell that all of the papers have no real basis (as they are indeed randomly generated); however, this may also prove that this generator is very effective in creating works of this nuanced genre.

            Another website, Pandyland Comic Generator, takes three random comic panels and arranges them to create a new comic strip. Some of the results make for a somewhat coherent sequence, but others end up making no sense at all. In terms of structure, the first two slides always seem to set the scene, occasionally setting up for some punchline that would occur in the final slide, indicating that the creators were possibly aiming for humor with these particular comic strips. Another convention to note is the occasional use of blood and gore, a few suggestive lines, and some foul language. This suggests that Pandyland’s target audience could possibly be adolescents, or at least people who can handle more mature themes. One last convention of this genre stems from the fact that comics can use page layout to affect story interpretation. In particular, since the generator only uses three panels for each strip, there is a lack of context for some randomly generated strips; thus, much is left to the imagination of the reader. This may invoke different emotions in the reader, depending on both the material presented in the strip and said imagination. From this generator, it's clear that comic strips are more visual in nature, and thus use both page layout and text to present stories and show humor.

            The last website, Meme Generator, is similar to Pandyland in the sense that both text and visual aids are used to convey information. To create a meme, one selects a picture from the list, and superimposes their own text over it. What makes Meme Generator unique, however, is the fact that the pictures themselves are primarily used to convey specific messages to the reader. For example, one picture depicts Boromir from The Fellowship of the Ring, as a reference to his line in the film, “One does not simply walk into Mordor.” As such, this meme’s text will typically begin with “One does not simply…” in order to describe a difficult task. The pictures on Meme Generator are used to convey a more general message, while the inputted text makes it more specific and personal. Since this is a quick and humorous way to get certain points across, memes are used widely on the internet. Lastly, memes seem to target those who are aware of pop culture, since many pictures have such references; along with Boromir, pictures also include Fry from Futurama as well as Willy Wonka.

            Overall, these generators represent their respective genres pretty well, as they rely on each genre’s conventions in order to create a randomly generated work. By analyzing the process involved in the work’s creation, one can identify said conventions and ultimately come to an understanding of why they make each genre unique.