[Note: at the time when I started this campaign I didn't realize how damaging the phrase "rebellion" could be. It was intended as good fun, and indeed, everyone had great fun, and a new essence system was developed as a result of the discussions on this thread, but future "Rebellions" did not go so smoothly. To this purpose I have changed the title of this thread, and would request any future sojourners who find this record to think of it in those terms, rather than the one originally assigned to it.]
(this is going to be fun...)
I am the daughter of a computer programmer. I run Linux, I can run a command line, I can install programs using strings of code in a command line, I know basic CSS, I can read and understand HTML, I am familiar with people discussing Java, flash, and jquery. But I am not a computer programmer by nature myself. I have the unique position of being able to understand both classes. With this position I have come to the following conclusion.
Essence Syntax is unnecessarily complicated.
Now, before all you well meaning people start jumping all over me explaining how it's not that hard and how I should go about learning it, I understand the syntax. I can write it out. I can do CSS, remember?
Essence Syntax is unnecessarily complicated.
The people who get confused over it are people like my mother who cannot begin to understand. The people who think it is great are people like Jay who are computer programmers. The people like Evening who don't have a problem with it despite not being programmers are people like me. And I still say; Essence Syntax is unnecessarily complicated.
It may not be wise of me to start this rebellion during the time Mama Raven is taking her Netcation. But I'm tired, and I'm rarely wise when I'm tired, and I just want to complicate my life more by starting this off.
Jay is a computer programmer. He's surprised to find out not everyone knows what a slave drive is, and he's surprised when people don't understand PHP code, and he's probably surprised that not everyone finds Essence mapping a piece of cake. I've got nothing against complication, which is what I think everyone thinks is the only problem. I'm rebelling against unnecessary complication.
I don't think Essence mapping needs to be written like a computer language.
I think a computer language might be too strict and technical a framework to encompass something as poetical as essence.
I think that in order for essence mapping to become widely used it needs to be unrestricted to people who can think like a programmer.
I think that there are two schools of thoughts on everything else that matters, shouldn't there be two forms of essence mapping syntax?
I think essence mapping is almost an art form. It's poetical. And it can be beautiful.
Do I have another method? Not quite. I have some ideas, but I'm interested in hearing input from other Essence rebels. I'm going to close with a quote from Mama Raven when I asked her how important the syntax was:
White Raven wrote:
If you want to use essence to make notes for your own use then the answer is not at all necessary. If you want to use essence to communicate with others who understand the system then the answer is slightly necessary. If you want to use essence to impress Jay then the answer is absolutely necessary.
And that, my friends, is the essence rebellion.
), that's about as far as my knowledge goes.
)
Anyways, I somewhat, maybe, sorta get the concept of essence, I just don't know how to set it up correctly...
I think I made a semi-understandable essence map of my character Charlotte!!!! 