Toys or Tools

We discussed today whether the word "toy" in the "There's a toy in my essay" conveys the right idea. What are we getting at?

  • We want to convey the playfulness of text analysis.
  • We want to lead from looking at how graphs work to embedded panels (hermeneuti.ca or toys.)
  • We want to argue that embedded panels are more effective because they invite exploration - in other words they are toys. They invite exploration that then leads to discovery of process. The discoveryof process is an alternative to long methodological sections.
  • The word "toy" is meant to be provocative. It is meant to confront and provoke a discussion of the place of the exploration and playfulness. I'm hoping that "toy" draws attention to what we think is new - the interactivity of the embedded panels which then invites exploration and engagement.

None the less there are some issues:

  • We need to make sure that we return to the "toy" in the essay and explain that at the end. Otherwise we should change the title.
  • We need a final section that wraps up the chapter by connecting the problem of rhetoric with our proposed solution.
  • Where are we going to discuss the playfulness of interactivity and hermeneutica? Is this the chapter? Do we talk about visualization here?