What new ideas, challenges, or other issues have you encountered with regard to your project (this might include data collection, information that contradicts your assumptions or the assertions of others, materials that have enriched your understanding of the topic or led you to change your project, etc.)? How have these ideas or challenges shaped the bigger picture of your research? Has the scope or focus of your topic changed since you began this project? If so, how?
One of the biggest challenges I have encountered in the process of doing my research was the question of what academic angle to approach my project from. I'm analyzing a far-right imageboard website and so, logically, I believed that I would be looking through the individual posts on said website to make sense of what was going on. This would be a more data-driven, anthropological approach as opposed to a more theoretical, philosophical approach, which I believe suits my abilities better. Because of this, I found a wiki-style website compiled by the community of the board which explains its own history and culture. By using this website as my object of study, I don't get as clear of a picture into what it's like on the imageboard from day to day, but in exchange, I get a clearer picture of the central themes, images, and ideas that characterize the imageboard. This allows me to approach my project from a more philosophical/semiotic angle.
Where does your research take place--or where is a favorite place to conduct your research? Post a photo!
I don't have photos of any of the library/cafe spots where I've gone to work, but I also sometimes work in my room, which I do have a photo of -- here it is. I found the orange lights at a yard sale last winter. I also have some origami cranes hung up above my bed, and a big map of Austria-Hungary I got last summer. The rug was only 40 dollars from Ikea! (what a steal!)
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This shift in approach actually sounds like a really smart move. It’s interesting how stepping back from the day-to-day posts gave you more space to analyze the broader themes and internal logic of the community. I think leaning into the semiotic and philosophical angle could reveal a lot about how these spaces construct meaning and identity, maybe even more so than a purely anthropological approach would. Curious to see how you balance the two lenses as your project evolves.
I completely agree with Antonio and yourself - it's always a good idea to take a step back from your project and really think about the perspective you want to approach your project with, and to play to your strengths and interests. I also love your room decor - super homely and definitely a great place to work in!