tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10721624.post7664998944444555586..comments2023-10-30T12:26:15.822+01:00Comments on Research as a Second Language: ControlThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858865501469168339noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10721624.post-82252983001880933682010-11-15T22:07:09.334+01:002010-11-15T22:07:09.334+01:00The idea that homework is the root of the problem ...The idea that homework is the root of the problem is an intriguing one. I'm going to have to think on this. If that argument can be made I'm going to have bring about a revolution in occidental pedagogy.Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04858865501469168339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10721624.post-13493513020644725292010-11-15T11:54:47.751+01:002010-11-15T11:54:47.751+01:00Are you saying that we should drop homework in pub...Are you saying that we should drop homework in public schools?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01869121872410291933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10721624.post-9240686446150748652010-11-12T21:33:36.807+01:002010-11-12T21:33:36.807+01:00But you're begging the question. If a writer c...But you're begging the question. If a writer can sit down at 9 and get up again at 10:30 and not write another word until 9 the next morning, then, yes, the writer is in control. Here's something Bateson gets from AA:<br /><br />"We do not like to pronounce any individual as alcoholic, but you can quickly diagnose yourself. Step over to the nearest barroom and try some controlled drinking. Try to drink and stop abruptly. Try it more than once. It will not take long for you to decide, if you are honest with yourself about it. It may be worth a bad case of jitters if you get a full knowledge of your condition."Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04858865501469168339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10721624.post-69287704326902572112010-11-12T18:08:21.181+01:002010-11-12T18:08:21.181+01:00Yes, but I think once the writer begins to keep th...Yes, but I think once the writer begins to keep the 9-10:30 a.m. appointments, the irregular writing jags and sprees will begin to disappear or be rendered harmless. You don't even need to abstain, or to have these more irregular writing sessions proscribed. They will take care of themselves if the regular schedule is under control. Imagine if you could cure alcholism by drinking from 9-11 in the morning, one shot of brandy and 9 and another at 10!Jonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09371893596402673898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10721624.post-25164872384867150222010-11-12T15:07:15.737+01:002010-11-12T15:07:15.737+01:00But that's the problem. The writer knows that ...But that's the problem. The writer knows that s/he should write only between 9 and 11 but fails to keep that appointment again and again , writing instead from 4 pm to midnight the "night of" (or starts at 10 and writes til dinner time).<br /><br />And this happens every time there's a CFP or whatever, despite good intentions.<br /><br />Likewise, the drinker knows s/he should limit herself to a glass of wine with dinner, maybe a beer after work, etc. But again, and again, s/he gets blotto instead and the next day is completely wasted.<br /><br />The drinker, finally recognizing that s/he cannot control his/her drinking, stops drinking altogether. That's all the control that's left (admitting that controlled drinking is impossible is the first step to regaining control of his/her life).<br /><br />What I'm wondering is whether some writers must make the same tough decision. Never to write again. (Or, as AA would probably prefer we said: not to drink tomorrow, and then the day after, and then the day after that.)<br /><br />Too much sloppy drinking early on forces some to live the rest of their lives without enjoying a good glass of wine. Does something like that apply in the case of writing?Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04858865501469168339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10721624.post-37179979362719125992010-11-12T14:57:18.524+01:002010-11-12T14:57:18.524+01:00The alcoholic in AA "controls" drinking...The alcoholic in AA "controls" drinking by announcing in advance that s/he has no control, recognizing a state of powerlessness. Maybe the writer should make the determination that only regularly scheduled writing should count, an obligation as serious as keeping an appointment with a student, is within hir control.Jonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09371893596402673898noreply@blogger.com