Academic writing is conversation

Academia facilitates ongoing conversations to shape and share perspectives @Graff2014TheySaySay].

Academic writing is inherently social in nature. If you are only writing or referring to your own thoughts, it cannot be considered academic. Thus, participating or [Prev:: Writing depends on your ability to read]. As [source:: @McMasterLibraries2018HowLibraryStuff] notes, both your thinking and your writing are shaped by the words of others:

• What are people saying?
• Who is saying it?
• How does what is being said fit into the broader conversation of this topic.
  As a multi-passionate person, I agree with this but further argue that applying an interdisciplinary lens can also be useful.

As we read and evaluate the positions of other writers, we revise our own @McMasterLibraries2018HowLibraryStuff]. This is akin to watching from the sidelines while people talk. Then as we write or speak to share our enhanced perspectives, we both shape our arguments and influence the perspectives of others. Through the writing itself, we become active participants. Therefore, in academic writing [supports:: Writers are made through writing and reading].

If I am a writer, then so too must I be a reader in my topics of interest. The reverse is also true, as a [example:: feedback loop]. The [example:: Zettelkasten as conversation partner] also exemplifies this model, as the zettels themselves are expressions of arguments as shaped by other sources and other positions.