My world on the web
As a researcher, you’re as rich as your database. Not only in being able to pull something out at a moment’s notice, but that that something gives you a starting point with which to make powerful connections. As cards about the same theme begin to accumulate, you’ll know you’re onto a big or important idea.
- Prepare long before gameday
- Learn to search (Google) like a pro
- Go down the rabbit hole (embrace serendipity)
- When in doubt, turn to the classics
- Keep a commonplace book
This continues on from Holiday’s past reflections associated with the processes of writing. It also touches on the importance of a ‘commonplace book‘.
I find my ‘bookmarks’ are my personal itch. Although there are times when it is easy enough to search the web, there is something about the process of curating that helps me remember.
Although I have long left my Wikity, one of the practices that continues is the interlinking within my work. I often link back to other posts. I kind of see this sort of activity as about maintaining my memory.
I was really taken by this quote by Ryan Holiday:
Lucy Taylor provides some suggestions of things to consider when starting a PhD, such as identifying a work/life balanace, set yourself goals early, write down everything and backup your work. This reminds me of posts from Gayle Munro and Deborah Netolicky sharing some of their experiences. I think that some of these lessons can be applied to any sort of extended project. See for example Ryan Holiday’s research steps or Alex Quigley’s discussion of how to write a book. For more on research, check out this list of recommended books.
via Chris Aldrich