According The Economics of Attention: Style and Substance in the Age of Information, written by Richard A. Lahnam, the C-B-S model argues that clarity, brevity, and sincerity are the only reason for communication (137). With this model words become things. If one wants to express something they should be clear and concise in what they say. Also the words and information should be brief, without fluff. Further, words should be sincere in that words should not be used to persuade anybody one way or the other. Regardless of the information or format one should tell the entire truth. Additionally the CBS model requires all information to be disclosed immediately.
Conversely, Lanham argues that rhetoric and method are both important. Contending that rhetoric and method are what we actually mean to communicate. Further, Lanham suggests we must analyze the way in which we create discourse. This is not an easy thing to do since our language and discourse skills are ingrained in us as part of our culture. It is very difficult to separate the two issues.
I agree that if we as a society always followed the C-B-S model we would have no poetry, music, or any other creative writing works. Reading would be extremely boring and tedious if this model is always utilized. There are some situations in which this model would be very effective and efficient but should be used in only those situations. Some situations the C-B-S model should be utilized in are technical writing, legal documents, and medical documents.
In addition, I personally enjoy reading different authors because of their different writing styles. I am more engaged when a writer can convey something to the reader that is an undertone or hidden in the text. This is a talent that should not be dismissed or eliminated. I think anyone can write a message but a true writer can convey the information in any number of methods.
Works Cited
Lanham, Richard A. "Chapter 4." The Economics of Attention: Style and Substance in the Age of
Information. Chicago: University of Chicago, 2007. 130-56. Print.
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