I plan on blogging about my dissertation process, and I figured I’d start with something basic — my choice of writing tools. I wanted to use some less traditional tools when writing my dissertation. When I’m writing for myself, I write in Markdown, usually in an app like Ulysses. I considered something more robust like Scrivener. But neither Ulysses nor Scrivener works easily with Zotero, my chosen citation management program which already contains years of sources and notes on my topic. I was intrigued by Essayist, a new academic writing tool for Mac, iPad and iPhone. It looks well-designed, but has its own built in citation manager. Theoretically, I could export my Zotero Library in a BibTeX format and import the entries into Essayist, but I’m just not confident it will work.
That leaves me with two options: Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
I want to be able to write on my Mac or iPad so honestly, Microsoft Word is the better option for me. Google Docs is frustrating to use outside of a desktop browser. Subscription cost isn’t an issue since the University of South Carolina is a Microsoft school and we’ve already got an Office 365 subscription. It’s a boring choice, but given my requirements, it’s the right choice.
Bob Wertz is a type designer, Ph.D. student and researcher living in Columbia, South Carolina. He’s been blogging since 2008.
Just started watching the first season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on Apple TV. Juggling all the time periods is a little complex, but I really like it so far.🍿
About 14 years ago, I was part of an organization that started a monthly coffee meetup. The organization no longer exists, but the monthly coffee meetup continues.
I watched UNC fans storm the court after the win against Duke last night, and it reminded me of the only court storming I’ve ever been a part of — South Carolina’s 1997 upset of Kentucky. It’s funny to listen to the ESPN broadcast now, which of course includes references to Hootie and the Blowfish.
Ryan’s science fair project on soundproofing was titled “The Sound of Silence.”
All of the judges asked if he knew who Simon and Garfunkel were…
Turns out he didn’t. Just thought the title sounded good. 🤣
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Starfleet Academy. So far, it’s great. And as a DS9 fan, Episode 5 made me so happy.
First place in the District 5 middle school science fair physical science category!
Today is straight up chaotic. Ryan has the School District Science Fair and lacrosse practice. Jill has Admitted Students Day at the University of South Carolina. Liz has a hair appointment. And I’m just the chauffeur.
Proud of this kiddo. Ryanâs worked incredibly hard the last year to make Chapinâs JV team as a goalie. Late last night, we found out he made the team. And today, he got his new uniform. Excited for the season ahead. ð¥
Always happy to support an Iconfactory Kickstarter. I’ve never been disappointed. I backed the new Ollie’s Arcade effort today, and if you love iOS games with a retro feel, you should back it too.
Went for a stroll around Mungo Park (which happens to be in our backyard). Sun is out, but there is still lots of beautiful snow-covered terrain.
The trails at Mungo Park are great in the snow.
I started reading about alternative academic publishing this morning. Some of the articles are 15-20 years old. I’m a little surprised that over that time, no one has built a successful alternative system. I guess all of the entrenched economic and cultural issues have been too much to overcome.
We got a few inches of snow here in Columbia, South Carolina. Roads are covered with ice and everything is shut down. Staying home today.
Snow is falling steadily here in Columbia.
When lacrosse tryouts are next week and you get a freak snowstorm, you hit the bounce back before the snow really starts to fall.
Realized I hadnât shared a picture from the window of my new office on the third floor of the old State Archives Building. The Palmetto Tree screens are over all of the windows, but I can see the Statehouse dome clearly from my chair.
