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I wish I could do what you are doing,
but I have kept my world very small for a long time and I suspect it's because that's all I can handle. Or maybe that's just my excuse? Either way, I am glad things are going well for you and as much as I complain, I really don't feel sorry for myself. Is it wrong to enjoy whining? Yes it is. I'm about as coo coo as they come. Take care world traveler
posted by
Flumpystalls3000
on April 6, 2006 at 4:56 PM
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Azur
I think that this is such a terribly interesting job for you to be doing. I would just love to read what you end up with.
posted by
TAPS.
on April 6, 2006 at 4:16 PM
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Azur.....Good for you.....I think this project is awesome...
You seem to have much integrity and a talent for stringing together beautiful sentences. Just stay true to yourself and your craft, and it will be a fine piece of work. Good writing is difficult and always a struggle but the final draft will be your crowning achievement.
posted by
MedusaNextDoor
on April 6, 2006 at 2:07 PM
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Pat B
I am going to have it transcribed professionally and then just listen to sections of the recording that recall the moment. I'll be recording on iPod and photographing on my phone camera and downloading straight onto computer. It makes all the difference doesn't it when you can recall the moment so easily
posted by
Azur
on April 6, 2006 at 1:33 PM
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one little suggestion...
take pictures of speaker and setting. When you get to the point of transcribing the stories, have the pictures where you can see them. It will help you remember details and fine points. You already know to follow the story where it leads and not to make assumptions... You won't need a parachute. It's all going to be within your ability.
posted by
Pat_B
on April 6, 2006 at 6:15 AM
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I know some of what you speak Azur...
..I am doing research on a couple of Native American tribes and I think, who am I to write about their lives? That said you sound like you are covering uncharted territory...what an explorer!! Your assignment sounds not only exciting but so fresh for a writer! You've got that blank canvas going! So happy for you Azur!! Cheers!
posted by
ginnieb
on April 6, 2006 at 6:04 AM
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Sounds like a challenging assignment.
Transcribing is a very tedious job. How stressful but exciting it is to attempt new territory.
posted by
una01
on April 5, 2006 at 11:34 PM
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Azur - I don't worry about you doing justice to their story because ...
... you are concerned about doing their stories justice. Your skill and conscientious nature will serve you well. - Sweet news on the clean bill!!
posted by
blogflogger
on April 5, 2006 at 8:59 PM
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Azur
I'll drink to that
Congrats on this opportunity, and what rich way to go. So many stories out there that might not be told otherwise. You're right...what a privilege. I'm sure you'll do them proud.
posted by
Lensman
on April 5, 2006 at 7:55 PM
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apologies for inconsistent grammar in opening - i've had ales
posted by
_dave_says_ack_
on April 5, 2006 at 4:43 PM
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I think it's true. They do. You do. You are. Draft history, that is. How else is it done? Academic historians aren't shipped out around the world en masse.
As for parachuting in, I think it takes an outsider to have an outsider's view of what's going on. From the inside, it's just what happens, it's ordinary, it's life, but from the outside you can latch onto what others will find different and unique and therefore you can mark out this society with your words and show it to be something special.
Perspective, as Blanche says.
You are not steering the ship, you are photographing it for outsiders. You are photographing what is different (to us). You are making a record of what it is.
I would love to be co-authoring this gig. Good luck Azur. Our thoughts are with you.
And enjoy those bubbles.
posted by
_dave_says_ack_
on April 5, 2006 at 4:42 PM
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Azur.
sounds like life is going just fine for you. Keep your focus on on moving forward! and I'm glad you have good news on the health front.
posted by
MerryAnne
on April 5, 2006 at 4:17 PM
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Blanche, thanks for that considered comment. When I say superficial
I mean that I am writing this not because of my years of scholarship of the topic, or because of a deep and abiding interest. I am writing it because someone I know contacted me and gave me this writing job. I am flattered that among all the writers in the world that they asked me - of course I am.
I know that I am asking the questions and filling the pages because I will be paid to do so. I squared it with myself by doing the writing and research for a fee but then handing over any money made on sales to the community.
posted by
Azur
on April 5, 2006 at 3:44 PM
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Azur,
Superficial and false? It's good to question yourself and what you're attempting, and keep a certain awareness, that you are not "of that island" or those people. Yet you have a perspective: that of an outsider, and writing from that perspective, without presenting yourself as the omniscient voice, still has value.
posted by
Blanche.
on April 5, 2006 at 3:34 PM
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It's nice to see that readers are not yet extinct
posted by
Azur
on April 5, 2006 at 3:25 PM
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