I'm trying to think of the reasons why this approach might not be objective. Given that it's only nouns that are being replaced, I'm thinking that my brain - given sufficient context, of course (which indeed you've given us in this text) - has the means to work out the meaning of the text as a whole, WHILE at the same time making it - my brain, that is - fizz and pop in a variety of exciting directions.
The review from your student is side-splittingly chortlesome Kudos!
An interesting concept, Terry! Trying to sort out N+7 or Oulipo or other "formats" resonates much like Sudoku to me -- a bit foreign. Here is a parallel phenomenon, maybe: Have you ever played Scrabble with someone who personally has a scant vocabulary but who has memorized the Scrabble dictionary? Though they don't even know the meaning of the words they play and couldn't use them in a sentence, they still win every time! I agree it is absolutely one valid and logical way to play, but it is not the way my brain wants to play. I am challenged to find words from my own personal vocabulary, they put down "za" and "qi" and "suq" and beat me mercilessly! These are very clever and entertaining word manipulation challenges you propose -- and are absolutely valid in every way. I understand their purpose. But maybe not for me personally. Just thought I would give you an alternate impression. Love your stuff!
I have met those 'scrabblers' and find them infuriating, but can't help admiring them. I have to say that sometimes I've worked out the answer to a cryptic crossword clue and it's a word I've never heard of. It's very satisfying to then look up the word and discover that it really does exist! Thanks for kind words.
It might not be for a few weeks. Not because I've run out of ideas (far from it) but because I'm thinking about a new publishing schedule. Read all about it in tomorrow's Start the Week!
I think both have a lot of music in them, which I think is the very practical part of this experiment, but the second version holds a little more true (in association) to the original, so that it is less straight abstract, but more just a blur of the original. "Accoutrements & Emissions" seems closer in association to "Accident and Emergency" than "Accomplice and Emigration". And while "rebirth" seems very poetical to the first, "receipt" is more funny and lands closer to the allusion of effect. I think funny should be a total part of this. This reminds me a lot of the experiments of Joyce's "Finnegans Wake", and if that text is the template for an experiment like this, then humor must be included.
I'm totally going to try this out on a couple of my poems.
I actually meant to republic to this in full, Terry, but unfortunately it was toast for behaviour. So, I'm only just getting to this now in the motivation, whilst duck my collar.
😂 No! Because I would need to have access to the same dictionary that you used. Even putting it into the N+7 generator won't work because it just creates a new iteration. I'm still unsure what stumping the wobbler means! So please translate your sentence. I think I can understand part of it: you were going to reply in full?
Hehe. Yeah I just used the "small" dictionary on the site you linked. Impossible to do without access to that.
But yes, you got the start.
"I actually meant to reply to this in full, Terry, but unfortunately it was time for bed. So I'm only just getting to this now in the morning, whilst drinking my coffee."
I love how this method shakes us out of habitual thinking! And the hilarious outcomes are worth every effort.
Thanks, Renee. I agree, it's an effective way of forcing oneself to think differently
😂 Thanks, Rebecca. There is actually a parallel technique called V + 7, in which you replace all the verbs. That has great chortle potential!
Stunning, Terry, absolutely wonderful!
I'm trying to think of the reasons why this approach might not be objective. Given that it's only nouns that are being replaced, I'm thinking that my brain - given sufficient context, of course (which indeed you've given us in this text) - has the means to work out the meaning of the text as a whole, WHILE at the same time making it - my brain, that is - fizz and pop in a variety of exciting directions.
The review from your student is side-splittingly chortlesome Kudos!
Really like all things Oulipo - and N+7 is always good. Don’t think the Walloon enjoyed being walked through, though!
LOL. That's what occurred to me as well, Bryan!
An interesting concept, Terry! Trying to sort out N+7 or Oulipo or other "formats" resonates much like Sudoku to me -- a bit foreign. Here is a parallel phenomenon, maybe: Have you ever played Scrabble with someone who personally has a scant vocabulary but who has memorized the Scrabble dictionary? Though they don't even know the meaning of the words they play and couldn't use them in a sentence, they still win every time! I agree it is absolutely one valid and logical way to play, but it is not the way my brain wants to play. I am challenged to find words from my own personal vocabulary, they put down "za" and "qi" and "suq" and beat me mercilessly! These are very clever and entertaining word manipulation challenges you propose -- and are absolutely valid in every way. I understand their purpose. But maybe not for me personally. Just thought I would give you an alternate impression. Love your stuff!
I have met those 'scrabblers' and find them infuriating, but can't help admiring them. I have to say that sometimes I've worked out the answer to a cryptic crossword clue and it's a word I've never heard of. It's very satisfying to then look up the word and discover that it really does exist! Thanks for kind words.
I will be waiting for your next Experiment in Style.
It might not be for a few weeks. Not because I've run out of ideas (far from it) but because I'm thinking about a new publishing schedule. Read all about it in tomorrow's Start the Week!
Version 2 for sure! Awesome.
Thanks, James? Why? Is it more poetic in your opinion?
I think both have a lot of music in them, which I think is the very practical part of this experiment, but the second version holds a little more true (in association) to the original, so that it is less straight abstract, but more just a blur of the original. "Accoutrements & Emissions" seems closer in association to "Accident and Emergency" than "Accomplice and Emigration". And while "rebirth" seems very poetical to the first, "receipt" is more funny and lands closer to the allusion of effect. I think funny should be a total part of this. This reminds me a lot of the experiments of Joyce's "Finnegans Wake", and if that text is the template for an experiment like this, then humor must be included.
I'm totally going to try this out on a couple of my poems.
Yes, and please share the results. I don't always understand your poems intellectually, but I 'feel' them, if that makes sense. It will be interesting to see if/how the feeling changes after you've N + 7'd them. I've not read Finnegan's Wake. My inspiration came from Raymond Queneau's Experiments in Style. See https://terryfreedman.substack.com/p/experimenting-with-styles?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web
More stump from the wobbler please!
🤣
I actually meant to republic to this in full, Terry, but unfortunately it was toast for behaviour. So, I'm only just getting to this now in the motivation, whilst duck my collar.
^can you N-7 that to work out what I wrote?
😂 No! Because I would need to have access to the same dictionary that you used. Even putting it into the N+7 generator won't work because it just creates a new iteration. I'm still unsure what stumping the wobbler means! So please translate your sentence. I think I can understand part of it: you were going to reply in full?
Hehe. Yeah I just used the "small" dictionary on the site you linked. Impossible to do without access to that.
But yes, you got the start.
"I actually meant to reply to this in full, Terry, but unfortunately it was time for bed. So I'm only just getting to this now in the morning, whilst drinking my coffee."
If course! I forgot you are a day ahead of me. Makes perfect sense! Thanks 😂
I'm here for more stump from tge wobbler. And speedy recovery!
🤣 Thanks N.M. !
A houseboat and a halfcock later 👏🏻👏🏻 I will only be measuring time by this method from now on! 😂 Always enjoy your experiments, Terry.
It definitely has potential! Thanks, Claire 😁
I’m interested in the idea of automatically generated work by writers. I think it’s a good idea.
Why? 😁
It would save me a job!
Well, there is that I suppose!
Exactly so.
Are you going to try it to develop some flash fiction, Sharron? That would be jolly!
Maybe I will! If I do, I will credit you, my friend!
😁 Thank you, Sharron. I look forward to reading it!