Making Progress

This week I transcribed a couple of interviews from doctors at Weill and reread the other ones while going over my notes or making new ones in an attempt to discover some underlying themes. Here's what I'm noticing that people have said so far:

• Many people have mentioned what I like to call a "lack of altruism." In other words, no one collaborates just to help someone else out. There has to be motivation from both parties and mutual benefit.
• Even with all the communication technology we have today, most people have mentioned that face to face meetings are still the best way to keep track of progress
• People can't be made or forced to work together for the sake of collaboration. There should be complementary expertise or a gap that needs to be filled.

Professor Birnholtz pointed out that sometimes going with what people say isn't the most reliable way to analyze interviews, that it's a good idea to read between the lines a little to discover true intentions or motivations. This is new to me and I'm a little confused by it, I suppose because it's a subtle technique and requires very close reading. Hopefully as I get used to reading more closely it'll become more natural for me.

I also started contacting some individuals for interviews, but so far, have only gotten one response. Maybe I'll get some more replies next week.

Finally, I'm sad I had to miss the farmer's market on Thursday. I hope I don't have to miss too many more of the "column B" activities!