An idea. Looking for participants
- Burning ghost
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An idea. Looking for participants
The point of this being as a way of improving writing ability within a limited framework.
The first topic I was thinking of starting with is exactly what this whole process is based on.
So the title of the first essay would simply be "How to write an essay."
I was thinking of setting a certain time limit (likely 2-3 weeks depending on the subject matter) on this and for participants to be willing to not only take critique, but to give it also. Of course if lots of people are interested in this then it will be difficult to read and critique all pieces, but I don't expect more than a few people to be interested in this (if any?)
I am very much committed to expanding my knowledge and improving my general writing ability. I understand that some topics may grab your attention more than others so I would not expect everyone to participate and post an essay for every topic.
I would set out some general rules such as not allowing more than one or two quotes (preferring the essay writer to exercise the use of their own words rather than relying on those of others all the time), but insisting on bibliography of source material where appropriate.
ANYONE INTERESTED??
Note: If this is not considered an appropriate exercise for this forum then I hope the mods will inform me and I can only ask for other members to PM me directly if this is the case.
I was simply thinking of posting something like this in lounge area and something akin to it in General Philosophy Forum where even those who don't wish to participate can at least comment more briefly on the subject and offer their take on this or that essay as they see fit.
Thanks
- Albert Tatlock
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
Well that's me out then, I don't know anything about how to write an essay. I suppose I'll have to wait until you pick a subject I do know something about.Burning ghost wrote: So the title of the first essay would simply be "How to write an essay."
- Burning ghost
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
Instead of ruling this out because you don't know anything about how to write an essay, a more productive question might be ' Why write an essay...on a philosophy discussion board?Albert Tatlock wrote:Well that's me out then, I don't know anything about how to write an essay. I suppose I'll have to wait until you pick a subject I do know something about.Burning ghost wrote: So the title of the first essay would simply be "How to write an essay."
The reasons given by burning ghost seem to be:
1. To improve general writing ability
2. To have a limited framework: 500 - 1000 words
3. To have a set time-scale: 2- 3 weeks
4. To give and take critique
5. To expand knowledge
I quite like this idea. Who wouldn't want to improve writing - all the better to clarify thought process?
However, an essay of 500 - 1000 words is, I think, too much to ask for.
Also, how many here have the experience/ training/ willingness to offer positive feedback ?
To expand knowledge of what ?
Why do you write?
A desire to be aesthetically pleasing. In rhythm and sound.
A way to think out loud without pre-judgment.
To share facts; speculate on their truth value.
To persuade or prick set attitudes.
To listen and understand.
So, even if we don't end up writing an essay on a philosophical topic, isn't learning the craft of writing important? Why not a mini-essay. An attempt. An effort. No rules.
Could be a basic intro, a main part, and a conclusion.
Or just jump in with an:
I think that writing an essay on a philosophy forum is daft because:
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
- Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
- The admin formerly known as Scott
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
"The mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master."
I believe spiritual freedom (a.k.a. self-discipline) manifests as bravery, confidence, grace, honesty, love, and inner peace.
- Burning ghost
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
I’d be happy with this with or without the prize. I wasn’t really thinking of it as a competition simply as an exercise of exploring people’s ideas without any necessary research involved.
I come up with a question to ask myself two or three times a month and write a little about it. Often I am surprised how much of what I write seems like it’s written by someone more knowledgeable than myself! Haha!
- ktz
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
- RJG
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
- JaxAg
- New Trial Member
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
- Sy Borg
- Site Admin
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
If I could make some readability suggestions:
1. Reading online is physiologically more difficult than reading hardcopy. Thus, it's considered to be more effective web writing to use more paragraph breaks than one might do in print. Large slabs of text online that are largely uninterrupted by whitespace turn many potential readers away (especially those with tired eyes from a long day looking at screens).
2. Aside from para breaks, please consider the possibility of a sub-heading or two to break things up.
Cheers.
- Burning ghost
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
My thinking was to pick a topic (in question form) every month.
If we have say 5-6 people willing to take part in this then I guess starting in January would be a good target. I am not concerned about competitions and prizes - I guess Scott can decide on that.
I also think it would make sense not to use quotes or citations, but to simply express thoughts and musing on a given question rather than have to focus on anything too specific (although that could be an option if the writing group shares some common knowledge).
- Burning ghost
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
- JaxAg
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Re: An idea. Looking for participants
Yep! Short sentences, and short paragraphs, help comprehension and are easier on older eyeballs!Greta wrote: ↑December 17th, 2018, 1:56 am
If I could make some readability suggestions:
1. Reading online is physiologically more difficult than reading hardcopy. Thus, it's considered to be more effective web writing to use more paragraph breaks than one might do in print. Large slabs of text online that are largely uninterrupted by whitespace turn many potential readers away (especially those with tired eyes from a long day looking at screens).
2. Aside from para breaks, please consider the possibility of a sub-heading or two to break things up.
Cheers.
- Sy Borg
- Site Admin
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- Joined: December 16th, 2013, 9:05 pm
Re: An idea. Looking for participants
2024 Philosophy Books of the Month
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