Blog 7

I like the idea of an i-search paper because when we're actually interested in a topic, that's what we naturally do. It doesn't feel like work because, well, it's not. I like that it can be informal, which would make it feel more someone is sitting down with you to tell you about a topic of interest instead of you reading an impersonal report. I also like that it encourages interviews, which puts the writer in touch with actual people instead of just books, articles, etc. I started to run into trouble, though, in the sketch of i-searching. Is there really just one way to do it in order for it to count as i-searching, or are those just guidelines? Does the topic really have to fulfill a practical need in your life, like something you're shopping for, a future career or a vacation spot? Or, can it just be something you're really interested in, just for the sake of finding out more about it? What if you're just curious? The other issue I had was with form. I'm not sure that organizing an i-search paper in chronological order makes the most sense. If you're presenting the story of your search rather than the information itself, that story will be personal, especially since the topic is one that is interesting to you. The focus should be telling a good story, and good stories aren't always in chronological order.

In reading the Spandel chapter, I was struck by how subtle, yet powerful, making a connection with your reader can be. I found myself grinning at the description of Sam, who sounded like Bob Dylan off-key (more off-key). I'm so used to people worshipping Bob Dylan just because he's Bob Dylan that as soon as I found out this person was on my side, I was hooked. I suppose the same sentiment could just as easily have turned someone else completely off.

Favorite quote: "Assigning writing is like picking out and wrapping our own gifts. We get what we think we want, but we also give up the chance for a wonderful surprise from someone who might know us better than we know ourselves."