Alternatively titled “Huge Blog Post To Catch Up On Everything Because Of Computer Problems / Why Do We Have A Long Weekend So Early In Semester So I Think It Is Still Holidays And Do No Work”

Lecture One:

• Systems + better flow: The following system flow chart is for a border/coastal surveillance system, but demonstrates the benefits of a network system and how different sections contribute to good ‘flow’ of ideas and action. I want to work on adding more systems to my day-to-day life because I think they contribute to good practice and habits – maybe even just a morning routine?
• Autism spectrum: Adrian mentioned this in regards to his own life experiences and what he has learnt about himself, particularly regarding messing with structure (and this link to networks). I’ve read a few articles surrounding the idea that everyone is on the Autism spectrum, including this article from New York Magazine, and it’s an interesting idea. Clearly not everyone who is a bit quiet, or has obsessive interests, or is socially awkward, or is an abrasive jerk, suddenly “has Autism” but these individual’s may be present on some far end of the scale. (Apologies for my incorrect use of commas, I just finished The Catcher in the Rye) I’m still unsure how I feel about this – could it also just be those traits and character flaws and curves and edges that make us human?
• Assumptions: about what we think others know. This reminded me of two quotes:
  

  To assume makes an ass out of you and me

  and

  Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.

• Essays: as modes of thought to follow an idea, as we discussed last semester. The fact that this concept still resonates and seems so novel and foreign to me is a testament to how strongly this previous strict practice about what an essay does has been taught and ingrained in us throughout our schooling.
• Korsakow
• Film as disposable and trivial: Adrian mentioned that what you are going to say and what you are going to do with it are more important than creating something confusing with “bells and whistles”. He made the point that great writers can make great writing using a biro and the back on envelope; they don’t need the best pen or their MacBook. Similarly we don’t need the best filming equipment to brainstorm ideas and try out techniques – our smartphone cameras are more than adequate. What we write with doesn’t affect the quality of what we write. I like this idea, and I think it’s important to realise this in order to let go of any preconceived notions when approaching film. It’s often been off limits in my mind simply because I’m not good at achieving depth of focus and pretty compositions. But it doesn’t have to be perfect – I touched on this in a few posts last year and this is definitely something I want to work on this semester: it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just try.
• Personal documentary: what is/isn’t this? Specific apps sure, but what about any storytelling we do?

Notes I wrote on the first page of Catalyst (speaking of biros and envelopes)

• Themes and ideas to consider and explore:

1. playfulness, temporality and memory
2. interactive documentary
3. noticing
4. reflection, practice, process
5. explicit and tacit knowledge

An exercise in Noticing: ZOZOVISION#1 – My room in 60 seconds