wrap it up
The thesis paper is in process. I'm probably about 1/4 of the way done, but so far have only covered the peripheral material upon which the main core of the proposal will be based. Of course, I spent most of this past week in a state of intellectual and emotional crisis after expending every last bit of creative juice to get the 'zine to the printers. Seems that every time I THOUGHT it was done, something ELSE would come up... again... and again. I shudder to relive the memory.

In any case, it's gone and done. I ought to get the proofs in the mail tomorrow, in time to make another thorough reading of the text and a few changes to graphics and images. I have four very generous donors to thank for sponsoring the project whose names are already in the credits, but if you still want a copy, it's not too late! You have until Tuesday to request one with your name in it. After then, I can still take orders but can't guarantee that you'll be mentioned in the "Special Thanks" section.

I took a look at the "packaged" thesis of another HC member who made a magazine last year. His was around 38 pages, appendix included. But that's 38 pages of which 90% are double-spaced and 100% have 1 1/2" left-hand margins and 1" margins on all other sides. Woo! I think it will be easy to write now that I have an example in addition to my own work on which I can base my analysis.

I probably have more to write about than this other guy-- or at least different things. His approache may have been more sane, but only slightly. He had a student "staff" to help with writing and photography, which means that he didn't put in as much work on content. He focused on design, and then on marketing and producing the publication as a "real" free 'zine. It was even more expensive for him, and he had to gather funds from benefits, advertisers, and donations. So his overall experience and direction were different than mine. I get to talk about the creative process, writing, style, design, publication, whatever I want.

I think it should be simple to keep on track once I get going. Justin was here this weekend, and though he posed an impediment to work, he gave me a much-needed couple days of blissful relaxation. And some bite marks, but that's beside the point.

I'm in the home-stretch now, getting down to all the mindless formalities, starting with mailing graduation announcements to friends and family and then attending the HC graduation dinner/ dance on Tuesday night. How can I say no to free food and wine?

Well, I refuse to stay up to 2a.m. ANY nights this week, so I'm off to bed.