Thinking Things Through

My paper began with my normal approach to drafting, tweaked based on the classroom exercises, and the first version ended up fairly solid (once it actually appeared). I think I could have argued for it as it stood, with a few minor technical point revisions, and let it stand as a well-written paper. Instead, I continued to think about the topic (well- maybe brooding would be a more accurate term), gathered additional information, and then thought some more. As I did so, my original paper began to unravel, and my rigid stance on its topic as well. In looking at the debate that is at the core of my argument, it became increasingly apparent to me that I was both changing my mind and in need of even more resources. As things unraveled further even my audience began to change. The paper fragmented and came apart, and now I am essentially starting over from a very different point of view. Some of the original research is still relevant, some not so much, and all of it is getting reworked to match my current perspective. That perspective was gained through the writing process, and I think that I now have a more effective point of view that will have some meaning to my potential audience instead of just a childlike foot stomp insisting on my way of doing things.