Research strengths and weaknesses.

I am concerned I am spending too much time on the exegesis as opposed to the project. I need to ensure I don’t spend too much time on background research, and not enough time on interviews and writing the actual articles. I can do this by organising my time better and creating self-imposed deadlines for myself. Researching (exegesis) and writing (project) the first article should be completed by the start of semester two. Breaking what I need to do down into steps or goals and completing these by the dates intended will have an effect on my final result.

How I will use applied research methods for my project.

Applied research is ‘problem based research’ in that it seeks to find a solution which ultimately has a greater purpose. My project will begin primarily with pure research (increasing my knowledge for its own sake) on Indigenous cultures and ethnographic theory. I will then build on this basic research using methods such as interviews, literature review, and qualitative and quantitative questionnaires. My abstract and each article will begin with a problem/hypothesis: and through methods of applied research I will highlight its many facets, in order to argue, prove, or disprove my theory. I will need to regroup the key information and make it more ‘accessible, digestible and applicable’ to both readers and the context of my research. My goal is to find practical solutions to the problem – loss of Indigenous culture – and to make my findings more accessible through the written media.

Reference: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/GlobalPerspectives/content/article_6204.htm

Abstract:

PROJECT ABSTRACT

When writing feature articles, freelancers should thoroughly research the topic they wish to write on whilst adhering to journalistic codes and practices. For the best chances of success freelancers should also target the style of the publication they intend for the article to be published in. Writers should write on issues that matter to them and write for a publication that demonstrates similar values to their own. For my project I will write a series of articles suitable for the ‘inspiring, nurturing, informing, empowering’ publication, ‘Living Now’ magazine.

ARTICLE 1: Abstract.

Cultures should nourish, enrich and learn from each other: this has not been the case in Australia’s history with Indigenous Australians. The problem for Indigenous cultures is that when culture is not practiced and passed on through generations or educating institutions there is a danger of loss of important knowledge. The fist article will be focused around the theme of protecting and healing Indigenous cultures.

How my research idea is a productive problem.

My research idea is a productive problem in the sense that I am having to rethink what I am really trying to achieve and the best way to do this. My focus is the content of what I write, not so much its presentation. This has made me reevaluate my project idea of creating a Zine. I want to write to a standard that is suitable for publication with particular Magazines/Journals/Zines in mind. A series of feature articles for various publications (including existing Zines) is perhaps a better project.

Writing as problem based research.

Every article I write will involve problem based research – I will set out (practically) blindfolded in search of being enlightened. I may not find all the solutions I am searching for, however, my views may CHANGE during the research process. It is the PROCESS that I must learn to enjoy. The topic for my first written piece will be the loss of Indigenous culture brought about by Colonisation. I once read a writer should always follow their hunches; and things are unfolding so that I know I am on the right path. I have always been interested in Indigenous cultures, and in particular, stolen generations and the loss of knowledge passed through generations, who were forced into European systems and religions. I am finding signposts and hitting speedbumps on the road already. Since deciding on this topic for my first article I stumbled across an Aboriginal concert in the bush (gaining possible contacts with teachers of Aboriginal music and dance in schools); was taken to an Aboriginal Market (gaining many possible contacts and information sources); and came across an article in The Age (March 15th, 2008) – “After Sorry: The emotions have calmed. Now to deal with the reality” by John van Tiggelen. The article by van Tiggelen made me realise that issues are not as black and white as they at first seemed. Research (and life) is about getting comfortable with not always ending up where you expect to end up.

Research on Zeens: My Findings.

After voicing my abstract in class this week I realised my project was a bit ambitious. Wanting to create an entire Magazine and write every article in it would not only mean limitations, it would require working closely alongside a magazine designer. What I was actually interested in making was a Zine, or ‘Zeen’ to be politically correct amongst Zeenites. A little net searching on Zines went a long way. These self-created and self-published creatures sounded a more promising and realistic idea for my project. Trusty Wikipedia described Zine’s as: “a small circulation, non-commercial publication of original or appropriated texts and images”. These self-published works by and for minority interests are usually freely distributed and not copyrighted, with photocopied print being the most popular format (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zine). I came across another  site with so much relevant information and advise on Zine’s I have added it to my Blogroll, and will surely visit it regularly. The more I read about Zines the  more I like the idea of them – free ideas and free labour of love. Limiting reading of other people’s Zines might work in my favour as I will have no pre-conceived models limiting my imagination. Now… what to call my project? What to call my Zeen?

Stolen Generations.

A feature article to be included in the magazine I am creating for my Honours project will be about the Stolen Generations; in particular ways of re-finding and strengthening stolen identities. Recently the Australian Government apologised for the inhumane policies of previous governments and their implications upon Indigenous Australians. I am drawn towards issues relating to Indigenous cultures, especially the loss of cultures and knowledges that are an effect of colonisation and the Stolen Generations. On my recent trip to British Columbia, Canada, I gathered research material in relation to Canada’s First Nations People’s that will be useful as research material for the article. I strongly believe that cultures should enrich each other. Our soil has become dry, rather than rich, because of our refusal to see anything of value in (forcibly not-so-lost) Indigenous cultures. If I can lose and find myself, then it must be possible for a People’s to lose and find themselves too. What future policies can harbor (rather than destroy) this process?

Why I am doing Honours and what I hope to achieve.

I want to do Honours because I want to put the knowledge I have gained throughout my life, and in my undergrad degree, to use. What benefit is knowledge if it is kept to oneself? I hope to create a portfolio that demonstrates my interests and abilities to future employers, but more importantly to myself. I have been working full time in Administration since completing the undergrad program in 2006, and whilst working for working’s sake has its benefits, it doesn’t nourish my soul. After uni I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so taking time to think seriously about this has been beneficial. I have always been attracted to writing. Many of the electives I choose to do during my degree were writing based, such as journalism, creative writing, and screenwriting. My self-created Major. I am also good at it, although I tend to underestimate my abilities, despite constant good grades for essays and written projects. For my Honours Project I want to create a magazine, and write every article in it. I want it to be the kind of magazine that I want to read; filled with the kind of articles that I want to write. I enjoy media and writing primarily for the content and themes; for what the writer is trying to say. I have learned a lot on my journey so far; and what makes my soul smile is teaching people through the power of words. I hope to continue to learn throughout my life, and share this knowledge with others where possible.

A bit about me.

I grew up in South Australia. In 2001 I moved to Hobart and and started an arts degree at the University of Tasmania. An Arts degree suited me because I have very broad interests and it allowed me to study a range of courses, such as psychology, journalism and politics. In 2002 I got into the RMIT Bachelor of Arts (Media) program and moved to Melbourne. This course gave me a very broad understanding of media and media institutions whilst feeding my thirst for learning about a broad range of subjects and cultures. I majored in Cinema Studies and Television Production. I am currently doing the Bachelor of Communications (Media) (Honours) at RMIT in order to create a portfolio that builds on my life purpose: writing and teaching. Why did I call this site K-Lucid? I asked some friends recently to define me in one word: One said Beautiful (thanks mum); Another said Thoughtful; and another said Lucid. Not fully understanding the meaning of Lucid, I looked it up – clear, rational and able to be understood. I hope so.

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