First "Writers" of South America

Here's the general archaeological consensus: Quipus, the oldest dated around 5,000 years ago and found in northern Peru, are believed to be the first form of record-keeping in South America. This system rivals Mesopotamian cuneiform in terms of age. This complex system was capable of recording populations, economic imports/exports, harvest sizes, taxes, etc. Quipucamayocs were older men in the society employed to decipher and create these records. By learning the language of the colored strings with various knots and lengths, they served as both historians and accountants.  When applicable, the strings themselves were color-coded according...

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Why I've Never Started a Blog

Too much pressure. For me, the writing process is a burden. Even if the piece is intended for a well-known audience - a professor, a girl, a family member - the possibility of misinterpretation exists. And, after reading my thoughts, they could laugh at me. You never know. That's why every word is of vital importance. I'm forced to give myself deadlines when they're not already stipulated. Otherwise, I'll continue to revise and keep my work a secret forever. This is for a known audience; when it comes to blogging, and potentially allowing a multitude of strangers access to my private mental space, the pressure multiplies. But it's not just pressure I place on myself as a writer. I'm a critical reader as well. I've been reserved about embracing this "web 2.0" phenomenon (if that's the classification...

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