ARS Dictaminis Perverted: The Personal Solicitation E-Mail as a Genre

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 2009

ARS Dictaminis Perverted: The Personal Solicitation E-Mail as a Genre

Derek G. Ross Texas Tech University

Abstract

Phishing e-mails deceive individuals into giving out personal information which may then be utilized for identity theft. One particular type, the Personal Solicitation E-mail (PSE) mimics personal letters—modern perversions of ars dictaminis (the classical art of letter writing). In this article, I determine and discuss 19 appeals common to the PSE. These appeals were established first by conducting generative rhetorical analysis, then by volunteer coding, on 170 e-mails collected over a 12-month period. After defining these categories, I show how these letters are excellent twenty-first century teaching tools for pathos-based argumentation, logical appeals, the creation of ethos, and kairos in the development of perceived exigency.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 2009-01-01
DOI: 10.2190/tw.39.1.c
Open Access: Closed
Topics: multimodality multilingual writers argument

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

Pflugfelder (2022)

Evidence Engines: Common Rhetorical Features of Fraudulent Academic Articles

Written Communication

Cites in this index (1)

Ross (2008)

Dam Visuals: The Changing Visual Argument for the Glen Canyon Dam

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Also cites 5 works outside this index ↓

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