Qoto != Goto
Yet, when first I glanced at Qoto, I saw Goto, that infamous #Fortran statement responsible for mountains of spaghetti code. I then saw what it really stood for and immediately signed up.
Qoto, to me, means #reading to learn or teach ourselves. How else really? Watching or hearing do not quite measure up to reading, especially physical books that you hold. In bed, paperbacks are preferred; hardcovers can be dangerous if you’re drowsy.😩
The best way I found to see if I’ve learned something from reading is to write down a synopsis. Not so easy. How about writing something original? I have great admiration for all writers of: #novels, #short stories, #history, cook books, text books, technical specifications, how-to books, etc. etc. I’d go out on a limb and say, the art of writing is significantly more difficult than either creating a painting or composing a piece of music. Please note that I said art, not science.
In this internet age, much of our reading is in snippets. TL;DR
So, here’s a poll for the longest time you’ve spent reading in one sitting recently. (excepting this toot)
@obi wow, that's a lot! i usually nod off after 10 minutes or so. Unless the book is really absorbing, I might read for another 10 minutes; e.g., 2 nights ago, I finished "Say Her Name" by Francisco Goldman.
@groundie That sounds familiar. I'm finishing "Ball Lightning" by Liu Cixin, one of my favorite authors.
@groundie @obi Wow, if reading put me to sleep, I wouldn't be an insomniac! But reading to learn doesn't hold a candle to lively debates, in my experience. I read up on something to get started, but I don't really know something until I have to explain it to someone else. And have them pick apart and question my explanation, of course. Which tends to lead to more reading/research. It's what all my closest relationships are built on.
@Adrasteianix You are absolutely right! Having to explain something to others requires thorough readings, studying and understanding of the topic. Lively debates without emotional defenses can be stimulating but not that common.
I used to enjoy watching Christopher Hitchens' debates on religion and Gore Vidal on TV. It seems the likes of these fellows have gone now.
@groundie
I am studying, or undertaking CPD so need to read quite a lot with that, even if the course text is narrated, a module can be up to 1/2 hour long, then short tests at the end.
And yes, I try and make notes, currently undertaking some Anti bullying courses, so a mix of notes, diagrams to link concepts together and copy / pasting larger blocks of text and then printing, sticking in to note book , saves writing but also keeps notes all together.
As I work in a school having the view TL:DR on statutory documents is not really an option, we HAVE to read it and be familiar with documents such as Keeping Children Safe In Education (KCSIE)
But yes, reading to learn requires effort but a lot of tasks require effort.
Taking breaks is also important when reading long texts. .
@freemo So lemme ask directly, I made an account here on Qoto thinking folks here might be interested in what I write about science, the chemical industry, and corporate sustainability. Was I on the mark or is that not really the vibe on this server? Here’s an example: https://cen.acs.org/business/economy/case-direct-air-capture/100/i10
@groundie I read for a couple hours a night. I need it.