My preliminary exams were finished last week, and the edits have just been handed in. I’ve been out of the loop for quite awhile as far as news goes, but have had quite a bit of time to think again about why I blog.
After doing so much reading, it’s obvious to me that scholarship is an exercise of communication. Since I’m no longer taking classes or teaching in my department, the only real connection I have to the discipline of mass communication is through reading. Studying for prelims has been a great experience, but in some ways it’s not quite enough: in my position I need some way to think about the issues I’m studying (I find writing the best way) and to possibly get some feedback about my ideas. Even if nobody ever reads this blog, I find that it is a useful exercise to reflect on both the issues of the day and on broader social issues.
I’m sure catching up on news reading will bring a few belated posts…time for another “slashback.”