post 1

I find first posts extremely annoying. There is this need to explain the purpose of the blog, and the way things are going to go. Initially I always envision a highly structured narrative that never actually comes into being. I am just not that good. In fact the reason I blog is to practice writing. To be honest, and I feel that I can be honest with you, I have started and abandoned a number of blogs. This time will be different, this time I will blog about what is important to someone in my position. If you read this far you may ask what position is that, well, I am a graduate student (natural science) in a large research university. I have been there for a few years now and have created a base of knowledge that I think may interest you. There is so much that people can say about graduate school, these well-wishers always want to cover the large important topics. This means that they miss the small bits. Let me tell you, small bits are important, it’s the small bits that make you say “oooh, now you tell me”. Since I am hardly qualified to give grand advice, I will concentrate on these small bits, the things that no one bothers to tell you.
I think it is important to structure my posts. I will try my best to adhere to a relatively simple and consistent framework. Every post will start with a short story or a blurb about various goings on, and then include a single point I want to make about graduate work. I will try to post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, deadlines sharpen the mind. I do not promise that posts will always be short, since sometimes events take un unexpected turn and may require lengthy explanations, even so, I will try my best to provide value with every bit of writing done.

- On the subject of writing (I think it is fitting to start with). Many people will tell you that graduate work demands clear, concise, and precise formulation of your thoughts in written form. Its true, and there will be many people who will give you advice about how to get your writing to that point. Mine is still pretty far from the desired state, in fact some have compared my prose to dentistry. What is mentioned less often, simply because most of us are such poor writers that the mechanics take precedent, is that your writing must be convincing. The point of writing is to convince the reader that what you have is of merit. That is extremely difficult and cannot be taught. So after spending months polishing, shrinking, and cutting your work, you may still fail to get the desired outcome. Your writing may simply be unconvincing. So know your audience, read what they write, read works of those you admire, read old writing (those guys labor every argument) and become a salesman. When you write, you are packaging your thoughts (the product) and no one wants to open an ugly package.

- Quick notes:

o If you can replace two long words with a short one, do so.
o Use active voice in your writing.
o Be direct.
o Writing that something is “important” will not necessarily convince the reader that it is.
o Spelling counts (I can’t spell and have suffered the consequences. Well-proofread work inspires thoroughness.)

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