In which single-word subjects cease.

It seems the best way to get through academic work (as well as being the best way for me to retain it), is to chat about it with people. Really, that's the only way anything gets anywhere. And it exercises the vocal chords, too -- going days without speaking to anyone does happen on occasion, but then re-entering the social world is something of a stressful experience.

Why say this now? Mainly because I've recently been exchanging emails with a couple of People Wot Read. I'd got a bit stuck with the Interminable Essay and my ideas were going round and round but not turning off anywhere, and they've really helped -- not because they know more about the subject (for once), but because they ask good questions. It's all about the questions. Questions from people who know more about it are scary, and serve their very handy purpose -- but that's for later; at the moment, to thrash an idea out in its preliminary stages, just 'innocent' questions often do the trick. More often than not it just seems to involve defining and refining the terms -- just as well, really, or I'd never make any sense.

Talking to the cat is also good. He is very patient, and pretends to understand (or pretends not to -- not quite sure which). Though the fact his favourite toy is one of my old socks probably doesn't say much for his intelligence. Never mind; I was rather fond of that sock too.