While browsing the various "process" articles, I found one post that was particularly encouraging.
An earlier post I'd read filled my initial idea full of holes, revealing that tons of stuff had been said about my particular topic already. With that kind of background I didn't think that there was much I could say to contribute to the discussion.
But then I found this post. In it, Janelle talks about how she was able to use social media as a way to refine her ideas, and how she was able to turn her somewhat nebulous idea into a firm thesis, largely on account of Facebook. To me, this was very encouraging; now I think that I might be able to talk about a few directions I want to go in, then see what people think would be compelling.
That is really encouraging. I was worried at first that Facebook wouldn't have helped a whole lot, but I was amazed that she found someone doing legitimate research and application of Shakespeare studies.
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, David, it is intimidating to look through all the work that's already been done and see where you can add to it. I'm still a little hesitant myself about how much "laypeople" can help me refine a topic, but I'm excited to give it a try.
Someone told me once that there's no such thing as a new story, and in a way I think the same can be applied to a new idea. I wouldn't say that there's no such thing as a new idea, but I will say that there is no such thing as an idea that either isn't new or draws on the thoughts of others. Facebook is a fantastic way of finding the thoughts of others, thoughts that hopefully will help you discover your "new idea"!
ReplyDeleteDavid, YES. I feel like Facebook and other social media has been used for stalking, advertising, and getting addresses for wedding invitations so much that the whole potential for collaborative creativity has not only been skipped over, but made almost taboo because it's so weird. But THIS IS WHY WE WANT TO TALK TO PEOPLE--to get ideas and learn. So why don't we do it more? I'm so excited for this.
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