The Writing Process

For the past week or so I have had what could best be called writer's block when it comes to my thesis. Part of this is because I have been doing other projects, but most of it comes from an intense need to get it done. I often find that on most projects I can think much more clearly if I know I have a deadline, but it is far away. Right now my thesis needs to be mostly complete by the end of this month.

This is crazy.

I have spent the last year and a half working on this thing. I have read a good number of books, many make it into the paper while a good deal of them are only there in spirit only. I have had so many conversations about cool with my advisor, my girlfriend, my friends, my family, and nerdy guys who work for NASA out in New Mexico. I have written upwards of 150 pages on cool, but have junked most of it or at least refined it down to something between 40-50 pages. I apply everything I learn to cool, from game theory to democratic system formation. I may not be cool, but it is always on my mind.

After meeting with my advisor today and bouncing some ideas off of her, I wrote a little today. I will write more as soon as I wake up tomorrow too. I feel like I have a second wind. I might actually make this happen.

2nd Life? Who has time?

I went to Charlie's soapbox on 2nd Life. It was mildly interesting, nothing too new or exciting, but it was done very well. I am glad he put together a very good little presentation.

For anyone not in the know, 2nd Life is sort of like one of those MMOs like World of Warcraft, but without the competitive aspect. You can build just about anything there in 2nd LIfe though. Charlie for example built a room based on the lobby of Farris Hall. This place is a new place to interact with the world.

I barely have time (read: I don't have time) to blog. How am I suppose to interact with the world all the time! I have books to read, papers to write, things that need organizing! Who are these people that hang out on 2nd Life? I know it is not me.

That said it looks like I need to do some work, otherwise I will let my roommate down. He needs me to read the one book he can't seem to enjoy reading.