UGP+reflection-Zaborowski

UGP Reflection

 Beginning this UGP I began thinking of genre’s that could be used in everyday scenarios by anyone and everyone including my students. Being a consumer since birth 22 years ago, I believe that I have many experiences that make me an expert in this area of literature.  My research began with looking for appropriate wording and templates for writing letters of complaint. I expected that when writing a letter of complaint that one would want to articulate their language and thoughts in a concise and thought out matter. I discovered that there are two specific and very much different letters of complaint that may be used depending on the outcome desired. The first letter of complaint that I worked with was one where the author is looking for something in return, reimbursement or replacement of an object. This letter seemed to be much easier for me to work with as the template set up the argument with the issue followed by resolution expected. My second attempt at writing a letter of complaint was in the form of looking to inform rather than a replacement. This letter of complaint was more difficult to create as there was no step by step template for me to follow, yet it required more information and knowledge on the topic written about. I worked and based my letter for this category on my experience dealing with customer complaints at my current job.

I found that dealing with both letters of complaint one must be direct with their intent of the letter as well as their expectations or expected outcome. Letters of complaint are found everywhere and are essential when one is dissatisfied with anything from a purchased item to guest service at a fast food company.

Throughout this writing project I have come to find not only the best ways to convey a letter of complaint, but how to research and compile my information about a specific topic into an effective letter that will bring me the outcome I want and expect. I began this writing experience not knowing much about writing a letter of complaint other than the fact that this skill is necessary living in a society where not all purchased items are hand stitched and checked for possible errors. I have worked in the fast food industry and have had many experiences dealing with unhappy clients who could use a lesson or two on how to articulate their complaint in an appropriate way that will get them the change they desire.  After writing in this genre from multiple perspectives I have found interest in writing in response to a letter of complaint. I find that being an expert in any aspect of writing means that one must be able to write against their point of view as well as in response to the original writing. I plan on exercising my knowledge gained from writing in this genre by writing in response to one of my letters of complaint.

Writing itself is a recursive process consisting of writing and rewriting. This also means that mistakes will happen, spelling errors uncorrected, and wording that does not make sense until it is brought to the writers attention. My process of writing exhibits this as seen in my samples of writing. I believe that throughout writing mistakes are meant to be made, and errors are only important if not brought to the attention of the writer.

-Ashley Zaborowski