Random projects

[PaulMaster]

I study a bunch of different stuff. Im sure most or all of you do as well. I'd like to start a discussion about the motivation behind learning objectives.

For example, I will rarely have a real reason for studying anything I study. Like, Ive started reading up on the space race of the 60's (absolutely brilliant people guiding that entire decade of rocket science and engineering and such). I was led to this part of history because I was studying up on the development of the 747 and the history of aviation. So, this seems like a natural continuation. But the history of aviation sort of came from nothing. Before that it was emergency survival stuff, before that educational systems around the world (Koreans holy f!)...as far back as I look, it tends to be random subject jumping with natural continuations sprinkled in here and there, but mostly random.

How do you organize your learning/study? Do you even organize it? How do you decide what you will study next? Anything at all!

 

[Happy]

I like to study relatively obscure things that have little or no available literature. However, they are few and far between these days. For instance, I've developed a massive interest in bespoke tailoring. There are only a small handful of books on the topic and even fewer that are in print. Theres hardly even much of an online community for it. I like this sort of thing because it poses a challenge in that there is no predetermined route of study, nor is there a myriad of information to sort through. This presents an element of problem solving in that you kind of have to figure most things out for yourself.

 

[PaulMaster]

Thats interesting. Sounds like detective work!

 

[Happy]

Almost like detective work. I found when I first started out that drafting up a pattern was pretty easy for me (I've got an architectural background, so I already have the relevant skills) but I can see it being a pretty big challenge for the unskilled. But then when it came to sewing I was like wtf? Sure, I could look up what stitches I could use, but I had absolutely no way of knowing which ones to use for which seam or whatever. It was all just trial and error. Then, theres the hardest skill of all which is ironwork - I'm still waiting for an iron to be delivered from the UK (you can't just buy a tailoring iron at your local appliance store). That's going to be an entirely new challenge. It's not like regular ironing at all! it's about using heat and moisture to shrink and stretch the cloth in the right places. I think I've bitten off more than I can probably chew without expert instruction, but that's never stopped me in the past.

This is the sort of challenge that stimulates me.

 

[Haim]

Well it all seem to come to game making.There just the normal web surfing about tech,programming,games,graphic art tools/tech, than there are things I need to learn for specific project or more that I have project in order to learn some things.for example I used physics particles in a game I made for global game jam in order to learn to make a good particle system for other game I am making, wanted to learn about 3d games, made a very small project/demo.

 

[crippli]

Winter and a lot of sitting still. So some months ago I wanted to do something mechanical. So I started with similar to this-

Spoiler

And today it look like this. Still not finished though. It needs a bit of makeup and shine. It did shoot well though when I made a test today. I put on all sorts of protective stuff in case it would explode.

Spoiler

 

[Brontosaurie]

^ I'd love to see some high-res close-ups

 

[Sinny91]

After I had a close encounter with a UFO in 2010, I began to look up UFO's.. At first I was led down some ridiculous roads, and almost lost interest. But amongst the leads I also found a couple of gems...

I sought out the gems, and in turn gained some insightful mentors; who just happened to open me up to a world of new perceptions. I discovered a handful of reality altering truths, and have been hooked on seeking knowledge ever since. What began as a curiosity in UFO's has eventually lead to an adventure in the education of everything from theology to politics.

Generally I find myself studying one concept, and then stumbling upon another which I then study in turn.

Some subjects, which my interest in UFO's has directly led to, include but aren't limited to; a myriad of aspects of the occult, spiritism, spiritualism, mini world theory, fundamental monotheism, forteana, psy-ops & mind control... and even MBTI.

 

[rainman312]

I generally go to a bookstore, wander around for an hour or two until I find some decent books, and use them as gateways into new topics. History books are especially good at this, and I've found some unlikely hobbies through books you wouldn't expect. I also do a lot of studying online, due to the colossal amount of available content. Clicking the "random article" button on Wikipedia can lead to some cool stuff, but you also get lots of obscure South American towns with higher mountain goat populations than human populations. Editing Wikipedia articles (even just copy-editing) is a great way to learn new stuff as well, plus it helps out the community.