In case anyone is wondering, the author hasn't found her yet; the article ends with:
The blizzard is worsening. The announcement rings out that the campus is closing early due to the weather. The missing secretary’s voice still eludes me. For now, the history of talking machines remains one sided. It’s a silence that haunts me as I trudge home through the muffled, snowbound streets.
I feel the piece would have worked better backwards. Lead with the outcome that she wasn't found. Move through the effacement of the minor players (and potentially major contributors - the most interesting part). Close on the asking of how and why this happens. (Even the elimination of footsteps by falling snow could have been worked through it as a stronger metaphor)
Thanks for saving me from the clickbait. I think this sort of social archaeology is overrated; this was a person who was explicitly protective of her privacy.
Comments
In case anyone is wondering, the author hasn't found her yet; the article ends with:
I feel the piece would have worked better backwards. Lead with the outcome that she wasn't found. Move through the effacement of the minor players (and potentially major contributors - the most interesting part). Close on the asking of how and why this happens. (Even the elimination of footsteps by falling snow could have been worked through it as a stronger metaphor)
Thanks for saving me from the clickbait. I think this sort of social archaeology is overrated; this was a person who was explicitly protective of her privacy.