Gawker satirizes the trend practice yet again. Down in the comments section is a reference to The Universal Modular Trend Piece by Chris Mahoney. The principles are essentially the same.
"I am an exemplar of the trend in question," says the person, interviewed in a space appropriate to the theme while aesthetically following the trend's parameters, unless the latter is counter-intuitive though true. Background facts about the person explain his/her membership in the trend's demographics. "Now I am describing what it's like to practice the trend," she/he says.
Previously this trend did not exist or was not recognized, until now. Early forms of the trend have evolved and perhaps been identified as something, though not yet as a trend, for this piece shall serve as the official recognition of the trend in full flower. Consider a broad statement about the trend's wide applicability and growing acceptance. Here is an example of the trend in popular culture, like a celebrity or fictional character that may take the trend to satirical extremes. This proves the trend's legitimacy on the cultural radar.
From the general to the hyper-specific we can now imagine a demographic profile that follows this trend, which we will refer to as a plurality. They do things appropriate to the trend. Here is an example of the trendy activities they do to identify themselves. Here is another. Here is another. Here is "partial quote" that sounds real but is not attributable. Here is "another."
"I am also an exemplar of the trend," says another person, "though in a slightly different way, perhaps being from a different geographic area or socioeconomic group." This person follows the trend and has some pithy thoughts about it, which may be paraphrased.
There are also other people who follow the trend to greater or lesser degrees. They are described and quoted in roughly similar terms until the supply of such persons is reasonably exhausted.
But there are also people who do not like this trend. "I do not like this trend," says a person. "Here is why I do not like this trend." Particular anti-trend arguments are presented. The entire legitimacy of the trend as a trend is called into question. Other anti-trend people may also be quoted or paraphrased as a gesture to balance.
"I may have an answer to the counter-trend arguments," says one or more pro-trend persons previously quoted. "Chiefly I have wry, conflicted feelings about following trends generally, but neither am I willing to abandon my allegiance to the trend purely because I have been identified as part of the trend," they say.
Historical precedents and contemporary cultural significance of the trend may now be explored, albeit fatuously.
To conclude, produce the best quotable exemplar of the trend -- preferably someone not quoted before, to save the best for last -- and have him/her sum up the trend's appeal. Oppose this with a similarly well-spoken anti-trend person; position them such that the best quote ends the piece, regardless of stance. This will create the illusion that readers are being left to make up their own minds.
Repeat every five weeks.
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