Nov
25
Research Methods and Social Media
Amy

When it comes to research for your writing projects, you may find yourself tempted to utilize social media as you look for answers. In my humble opinion, writers can benefit from considering which information is appropriate to learn from social networking sources and which are better asked directly to the experts.

As my readers know, when penning a story, I love to ask myself WHY? Normally when “why” comes up, I see what resources the magical Google has for me. When that fails, I hit up the library (Ancient buildings where you read from papers bound together in hard or soft shells), or I go directly to the experts; a quick call to an expert can yield surprisingly good results!

Lately, I am seeing my writer friends/colleagues asking their questions on twitter/FB. Their question is then forwared on and soon enough the writer has their answer…maybe. I have seen instances where this works out brilliantly; for example, the other day a writer I follow, on twitter, wanted to know what kind of motorcycle a certain type of character would ride. For something like this, it is definitely smart to ask the end users for their opinion. However, like with all tools, we must proceed with caution.

When it comes to information that is fact based versus opinion based; e.g. how a S.W.A.T. team responds to a particular situation, using social networking media may give you a great start. This can provide you with ideas about questions to ask, trade specific lingo and other info that will prep you for a conversation with an expert. However, bear in mind, that given the anonymity of social networking sites, it’s a smart move to cover your ass and seek out sources which can be verified. Remember: your story, your reputation. ;)

Have you used social media (in any form) for research? If so, how did it work out for you? Have you called up an expert (in any arena) for research? Same question. Share with the class, so we can all learn from your experience! :)

Thanks for reading and keep writing!

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  • Oh, I'm sooo gonna regret this reply.

    I hate research only in the fact that I have (diagnosed by me) ADHA and dyslexia. So reading a long article takes a lot of attention energy. Then it digresses into tangents which four hours later brings me back to what I was writing.

    I find that writing and the internet don't go hand in hand. However, I have not used social media to ask and get answers to questions, largely medical ones at this point. Just never really occurred to me to do this. I never have called an expert only because (1) I'm shy, (2) How do you get in contact with a neurosurgeon/psychologist and ask questions -- for a fiction novel?

    I do like the fact that maybe I can use Web2.0 for asking questions and maybe get an answer or be put in contact with experts that I would have no other access to.

    As far as Wiki (sigh this is gonna be bad) I agree with

    ....wait for it

    ....Neil. It's a great place to get a big picture about things. I have often gone here for a quick look in laymans terms about what I am writing about and yes it usually leads to other questions. What some people tend to overlook is the fact that Wiki isn't always correct and for a writer that may be a good thing. It's often the misconception of an idea or truth that you should include in your writing.

    Now, if you'll forgive me, I need to go look up time travel on Wiki and see how you can be in 2 places at once.
  • saesaenorris
    Cindy - you're not alone on the shy thing! Believe it or not, every time I have to make a phone call to someone, I get knots in my stomach, my palms sweat, and I have to practice my conversation a few times beforehand. (No one ever seems to guess that I get stage fright, phew!)

    The trick is sounding friendly and in need of someone, making a point to ask if now is a good time to speak to the person. If you're mindful of the person's time, and have some specific questions to ask, then you'll come off like a pro.

    Like Amy, I've had to contact the FBI, quantum physicists, spiritual leaders, doctors, techies, agents, managers, film stars, directors...The great thing is, we're all human, and people are, generally, nice and willing to help.

    Always ask for help. There's a big old bunch of people ready and willing. Thanks for sharing your vulnerabilities!
  • Cyndi,

    If you read the thread carefully, I believe, that Neil and I have the same opinion of Wiki. I simply don't think it should be your end source.

    As to calling experts, you may be surprised at how just using the phrase "I'm writing a book" opens doors. All of a sudden people want to tell you all sorts of information. There are some that won't want to, but I haven't come accross any. I have called poice stations, social workers, hospitals and the F.B.I. for verification of certain processes; lol, I have even called on high school teachers in my quest to get the answers right.

    Shyness I understand. The great thing about the phone is that really the worst they can do is scream and hang up on you. They can't see you or hit you or w/e your fear may be. Pick up the phone and give it a try should you need to.

    Thanks for reading!!
    Mwuah!
    Amy
  • Too much of my material depends on my blatant ignorance of whatever I'm writing about to attempt research.

    But I use the social networks to test material and often character names as well.
  • lol, you're awesome. Thanks for reading Brian. I wondered if you would, I know how much you use twitter etc for your projects. It seems to be very effective for you.

    XoXo
    Moi
  • saesaenorris
    I hate doing research. Period. So when I have to do it, I take the shortcut and ask the experts. Whether it's on twitter, FB, the phone, or the library, I just want to make sure that whomever is giving me my information knows what the heck they are talking about. I usually don't ask for opinions of others for choices my characters would make. I do my research and let my characters decide.

    I am constantly reminded how important it is to know your stuff every time my nephew watches a movie and regurgitates what he just saw as fact -he KNOWS the line "say hello to my little friends" is from a cartoon and not some movie called "Starface" with Albert Chino. =O

    Bottom line is, if you get it wrong, it's not the fault of the person who told you the info. It's your name on the script. It's always a good idea to expand/utilize your network whilst at the same time being discriminate with the information you encounter.
  • Hahaha!! I love that! I will have to see if I can find "Starface" at my local video store. Thanks for reading.

    XoXo
    Amy
  • NeilB
    Working on that six degrees of seperation thing, I think network research can be great. I recently decided to change a story, introducing a virus that wiped out half the country. I didn't have a clue how this would happen, how people would react etc. A quick note on my facebook status was noticed by a fellow writer who put me in touch with a friend of his - a researcher of viruses and cures or something. He gave me some great ideas and I was off.

    A lot of the things I write require middle-range research. I might need to become familiar with certain guns etc for an action story but a lot of that can be found on the internet in general.

    I have learnt that opinions are what you get. Like the classic firearms question - which is better, the M16 or the M4? The answer - both! The outcome - I gave my characters both and had a scene where they argued which was better.

    It never hurts to ask people what they think and if they know more than you do. But always do a quick search on wikipedia just to be sure ;)
  • Thanks for reading Neil. Interesting inspiration with the gun research! I like how you took what you found and made it your own thing.

    lol, please tell me you are joking about wiki?!

    XoXo
    Amy
  • NeilB
    Joke about using wiki? GASP! Seriously, I think it's really useful for getting a good overview of a concept. Granted if you're going to need in depth knowledge wiki won't cut it but otherwise it's good. For example, if you're writing a story about time travel adn you want to know about how quantum mechanics effects things, wiki is very useful. Explains all about how you *can* be in 2 places at one time etc. A good starting place, giving you ideas to go do further research. And the references at the bottom of the page prove very useful.

    I worship at the alter of wikipedia *hangs head in shame* lol
  • Neil!

    ZOMG (the Z is for emphasis) do you know that High School teachers won’t allow students to use Wiki as a source for homework? HIGHSCHOOL…

    Although, as long as it’s just a starting point and not your port of call, that is admittedly different.

    I will think of a good punishment (maybe I can find one on Wiki, or make you correct all of its entries) and post it on your FB wall. LOL.

    You are a rock star, thanks for your replies on here. Also, good luck with your film, THREE.

    XoXo
    Amy
  • NeilB
    Haha from Wiki - "A rock star or rockstar is a member of a successful rock and roll band, or only an artist in the genre (the term usually implies celebrity status, or 'stardom')." - seems rather accurate eh? lol

    Don't tell my uni lecturers but I've used wikipedia for full on 3000 word essays at degree level. But granted, if you referenced it you would fail!

    Remember the days when one would have to search through a book for information? Good times. Thankfully by the time I entered hardcore studying and research, wikipedia had swept like a homework-busting angel into the world of academia.
  • LOL. I have to get back to mutilating a turkey. Did you know there's a neck in there? You could probably read about it on Wiki, just don't cite your source ;-P

    Happy Thanksgiving!
    XoXo
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