What does Flash, a sophisticated software program for creating interactive websites, digital animations, have to do with with Go, the ancient Chinese board game that originated in China?
Read this blog post by Mindy McAdams, who holds the Knight Chair for journalist technologies and the democratic process at the University of Florida and is author of "Flash Journalism: How to Create Multimedia News Packages." In it she compares her experience learning and teaching Flash to her students to her attempts to master Go.
Two statements from her first Go teacher speak to those of us struggling to to master the tools of multimedia.
“Go is a hard game.”
“Go is a long game. ”
While her focus is Flash, these Zen-like statements can be applied to any technology that put journalists in the uncomfortable position of replacing their competence as reporters, editors, photographers , and designers with a dismaying sense of incompetence.
I think we can take comfort in McAdams’ story (I certainly do) as I return to photography for the first time in decades, try to learn audio recording and the editing software these technologies demand.
iIt's a hard game.
It’s a long game,
It brings to mind the statement attributed to the 19th century French novelist, Gustave Flaubert:, that has consoled me as I struggle to master the writing process
“Talent is a long patience.
Just because something is hard and can take a long time to learn,,” McAdams say, “doesn’t mean you can’t learn it. But it’s not a quick or simple process. Hart things take time. Hard things offer great rewards. Learning a hard thing is more mind-expanding than learning an easy thing..”
Wise advice.
(Image source:Detail of The Four Accomplishments, by Kano Eitoku. One of six folding screens: ink on paper. Shows people playing Go. Japan, Momoyama period, 16th century. On exhibit at the Sackler Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution. Published under Wikipedia Commons.)
Hi, Chip! Thanks for the link! But give it a second look -- it's broken. Here is the real URL to that post: http://tojou.blogspot.com/2007/03/learning-flash.html
Posted by: Mindy McAdams | March 10, 2007 at 08:51 PM
Sorry it took so long for me to fix the link, Mindy. Had troubles with typepad after shifting to new computer. Chip
Posted by: Chip | March 17, 2007 at 08:31 PM
I think You do a great job. Thanks
http://www.rapidsharemix.com
Posted by: Camryn | February 09, 2010 at 03:21 AM
Thank you for your offering help post,guy,I will remember that. http://www.highheeljordans.com/
Posted by: Jordan Heels | May 14, 2011 at 05:52 AM
Thank !I really love to read this post .
Posted by: Cheap Jordans | July 01, 2011 at 04:48 AM
"This is a big world, many people curious itfor the room." I am excited to wait.
Posted by: Oakley Sunglasses Discount | July 05, 2011 at 07:28 AM
Practical wisdom is only to be learned in the school of experience
Posted by: Asics Shoes | July 15, 2011 at 09:42 PM
Experience is not interesting till it begins to repeat itself, in fact, till it does that ,it hardly is experience.
Posted by: Nike Air Max | July 15, 2011 at 09:45 PM
Don’t put the cart before the horse.
s
Posted by: Visvim Footwear | July 20, 2011 at 02:12 AM
A friend is easier lost than found.
Posted by: Asics Tiger | July 20, 2011 at 02:14 AM
Love is not only a sentiment but also an art.
Posted by: Cheap Bikinis | July 25, 2011 at 04:09 AM
The golden age is before us , not behind us.
http://www.cheapjordancollection.com/
Posted by: Cheap Jordans | August 17, 2011 at 05:20 AM
Ordinary people merely think how they shall spend their time ; a man of talent tries to use it.
http://www.airforce1online.net/
Posted by: Air Force 1 | August 17, 2011 at 05:26 AM
I love it when people turn old games into new flash games! Its awesome!
Posted by: logitech g9 | September 16, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Mr Reiss says he has not been surprised by the victims. "People are much more discerning now about how they spend their money and you have to keep moving forward as a brand. If you don't have that sense of uniqueness or give customers what they want, you are going to struggle. You have to be adaptable and understand your customer. It's a tough world out there."!!!
Posted by: Asics Tiger | October 26, 2011 at 03:03 AM
The flick of the wrist must be hard enough that accidentally triggering the night light is unlikely; reguiring a button press to activate a hands-free system negates any hands-free advantage. I’ve had 3 flix enabled Ironmans and never use the FLIX feature due to the activation requirements.
Posted by: emporio armani watches | November 07, 2011 at 12:45 AM
I am very pleased that my spouse and I should ask. Almost never true for my partner and my knowledge of the exciting co-educational not to mention a new website together to help me and my friends tell anyone, anyone with heart click on a particular nail.
Posted by: Belstaff Outlet | November 07, 2011 at 10:49 PM
The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for circumstances they want, and if they cannot find them, make them.
Posted by: Onitsuka Tiger | November 11, 2011 at 01:46 AM
Do you love life? Then do not squander time; for that's the stuff5 life is made of.
Posted by: Air Max Fusions | November 11, 2011 at 01:58 AM
I’m afraid you’re right. I chose my girlfriend because she has a wonderful personality.
Posted by: armani watch sale | December 16, 2011 at 09:50 PM
I had recently bought new motorcycle and it needs a good service for best average. Is there any motorcycle mechanic that can do service at reasonable rates.
Posted by: motorcycle mechanic | January 16, 2012 at 04:12 AM
It is very powerful report by using the details with global. It is actually well written and useful to be financed . quite useful. I must say i experience flexible looking at your articles Once i wish to discuss.
Posted by: Asics Onitsuka Tiger | June 04, 2012 at 03:18 AM
To the Lv handbag young lady Whom extended to have a painter fellowship, even so, will not take you shell out A huge selection of kids, the particular list of nylon Prada perfect. louis vuitton handbags And Also It Is going to be Far better Have been the actual abs hand bags thoroughly, and aussi A number of radiant tones, like navy blue along with turquoise. When i really like, Especially, the actual Prada Vela Crossbody Satchel little As compared to Every other Selection for Transporting nice messenger. Presently there crossbody monitor close up connect using leading 0's. louis vuitton bags
Posted by: louis vuitton bags | June 12, 2012 at 12:29 PM