research and experience

i talked to a couple of my friends today about my project to get their opinions on it. they both brought up the importance of research. i consider the thanks-a-day project to be somewhat research oriented, but overall it is mostly heart-warming and inspiring for me. i think i'm going to start doing some more "serious" research- a kind of reporter slash scientist slash artist approach. i want to get a tape recorder and take it with me everywhere and ask people what makes them happy, what qualities something must have that makes them thankful for it, and what makes them unhappy / what are some qualities of things that they really dislike. i'm really looking forward to this.

another excellent point brought up today was the fact that i am separating myself from everyone through various layers (of technology, lack of personal interaction, etc.) i've created. i do want to do things with a certain amount of anonymity, however i also do not want to be detached and impersonal. i definitely need to stop ignoring my intentions and goals for this project and be honest with people about them. i think i'm going to have to ask myself some hard questions and i might not necessarily like the answers.

i'm trying not to be overwhelmed with all of this good advice!