Rhetoric may be viewed as a means for accomplishing goals within the constraints of society. Therefore, as society changes, rhetorical practice and its attendant theory should evolve as well. Among the most important changes in today's social world are innovations in new communication technologies (such as cellular telephones, cable television, and computer networking). Accordingly, this issue is devoted to exploring the role rhetoric plays in our changing contemporary society.

Although this topic may be interpreted in a variety of ways, three particular approaches were suggested in the call for papers. First, essays could adopt a conceptual approach to address the role of rhetoric in contemporary society, reflecting on the nature and function of rhetorical practice or theory in today's society. Second, manuscripts might address the rhetorical possibilities and effects of the recent explosion of electonic media (e.g., television, cable, CD-ROMs, E-mail). Third, papers could critically analyze particular instances of situated rhetorical discourse in the 1990's. Three papers were selected from among those submitted to this special issue.

Dale Keller speculates on what Kenneth Burke might have had to say about computers. He begins with Burke's familiar definition of human beings. Then he discusses how technology can influence individual world views. Next, he considers effects of technology and society. Finally, he examines the role of rhetoric in the equation of technology and society.

Hongjie Wang analyzes a discursive practice indigenous to the internet: flaming. Most people who use the internet have seen and heard about flames, and many have sent or been the target of flames (if not both). He discusses the types of flames, their characteristics, reasons why people flame, and functions that flames serve.

William Wells examined one of the important early instances of televised political discourse: Richard Nixon's "Checkers" speech. He adopts a rhetorical vision/fantasy theme framework to analyze this persuasive televised message.

Together, these essays underscore the importance of techology (e.g., televised speeches, computers, the internet) on on communication in society. These essays indicate that this area is ripe for further analysis and discussion.

I want to express my appreciation to my editorial board for their willingness to participate in this enterprise. Teresa Harrison (Rensselaer Polytechnic), _EJC_ Managing Editor, was extremely helpful to me.

William L. Benoit
COMMWLB@MIZZOU1.MISSOURI.EDU
Department of Communication--115 Switzler
University of Missouri, Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211

Editorial Board:

Thomas W. Benson, Pennsylvania State University
Susan L. Brinson, Auburn University
Ronald Lee, Indiana University
Raymie McKerrow, Ohio University

On pourrait considerer la rhetorique comme les techniques de mise en oeuvre de moyens de communication en vue d'atteindre certains objectifs dans le respect des convenances sociales. II s'ensuit donc que les mutations progressives de la societe entrainent une evolution de la pratique de la rhetorique et des regles qui la regissent. Parmi les changements les plus importants survenus dans notre societe il faut citer les nouveaux moyens de communication (tels que les radiophones, la television par cable et les reseaux informatiques). Ce numero a pour objet l'etude du role que la rhetorique joue dans notre societe actuelle en pleine mutation.

Bien que le sujet se prete a des interpretations aussi multiples que variees, nous avons juge bon d'en cerner trois aspects particuliers qui repondent au mieux aux criteres etablis lors de notre demande d'envoi d'articles. Premierement, les articles pourraient analyser dans une optique conceptuelle le role de la rhetorique dans la societe contemporaine quant a la nature et a la fonction de la rhetorique et des ses theories dans notre societe actuelle. Deuxiemement les articles pourraient traiter des possibilites et des effete de la multiplication recente des moyens de communication (par exemple: la television, la television par cable, les DOC [disques optiques compacts], le courrier electronique). Troisiemement, les auteurs d'articles auraient la possibilite de proceder a une analyse d'exemples precis dans le contexte du discours rhetorique dans les annees quatre-vingt-dix. Nous avons jete notre devolu sur trois articles choisis parmi tous ceux qui ont ete presentes pour notre numero special.

Dale Keller emet des hypotheses sur ce que Kenneth Burke aurait pu dire au sujet des ordinateurs. Il debute par la definition connue que Burke donne des hommes. Il passe ensuite a la discussion de l'influence qu'exerce le progres technique sur l'opinion publique. Puis, il examine les coups et contrecoups du progres technique dans la societe. Enfin, il etudie le role de la rhetorique dans l'equation du progres technique et de la societe.

Hongjie Wang analyse la pratique desordonnee qui a cours sur l'Internet: L'interpellation outrageante. La plupart de ceux qui se servent de l'Internet on vu sur leur ecran et ont entendu parler de ces invectives cinglantes, et beaucoup en ont envoye ou en ont ete la victime. Il analyse les genres de vannes, leurs caracteristiques, les raisons pour lesquelles les pourfendeurs les lancent et le but qu'elles vent censees rechercher.

William Wells a analyse un des plus importants et des plus recents exemples de debat politique televise: Le discours intitule <> de Richard Nixon. II se sert du theme de l'imaginaire et du fantasme dans un contexte rhetorique en vue d'analyser le message qui s'avera si persuasif.

Ces trois essais soulignent bien l'importance que revet le progres technique (par exemple, les discours televises, les ordinateurs, I'Internet ) quand il exerce son influence sur l'emploi des modes de communication dans notre societe. Ces essais demontrent que le sujet est loin d'etre epuise et qu'il laisse le champ libre a d'autres analyses et discussions.

Nous tenons a remercier la direction de la redaction de sa gracieuse collaboration qu'elle a apportee a la redaction de ce numero special. Mme Teresa Harrison (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), - REC - redactrice en chef nous a ete d'un grand secours.

William L. Benoit
COMMWLB@MIZZOU1.MISSOURI.EDU
University of Missouri, Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211

Editorial Board:

Thomas W. Benson, Pennsylvania State University
Susan L. Brinson, Auburn University
Ronald Lee, Indiana University
Raymie McKerrow, Ohio University

Abstract. Through perusing selected writings of Kenneth Burke, the interaction between rhetoric and technology is considered. It is contended that though Burke did not express a disdain for technology _per se_, he did see it impacting society in dangerous ways if allowed to perpetuate unchecked. The author urges renewed commitment to the critical function which rhetoric provides as a necessary safeguard in an increasingly technological society.

Abstract. Although Internet gurus advocate that users refrain from flaming, it is nonetheless true that flaming permeates the Internet. This paper explores the nature of flaming -- its characterists and its forms -- in academic discussion groups. Despite the appearance of destructiveness, the author argues that flaming educates the ignorant, tames the uncouth, deters violaters of rules, inhibits commercial advertisers, and promotes effective communication.

Abstract. This paper applies Bormann's fantasy theme analysis to Richard Nixon's "checkers" speech. Nixon is able to respond to the situational exigence through the rhetorical development of three major themes. These themes are Nixon as Moral Model, Nixon as the American Dream, and Nixon as Patriot. Each of these themes respond to issues of mistrust and dishonesty levied against Nixon. By responding to the exigence of the rhetorical situation and addressing the antithesis of the emergent fantasy themes Nixon was able to develop a rhetorical message which was believable and accepted by his audience.