Research Paper Assignment, Pt. II

This assignment requires an extensive amount of work on the front-end. Here are some guidelines on establishing contact with your subculture:

1. Choosing a subculture is the most important decision in the assignment. Choose a group that interests you, but also be realistic about your choice. Some groups will naturally be more difficult to establish contact with, while others will require a larger investment of time. Think carefully about what you can realistically do in the time you have allotted.

Some possible subcultures to investigate:
Artists: Performance, Slam Poets
Motorcycle Enthusiasts: Bikers, Motocross
Bingo Players
Car Enthusiasts: Hot Rodders
Nature Enthusiasts: Bird Watchers, Scouts, Star Gazers, Survivalists
Body Art Enthusiasts: Tattoos/Piercings
Boarding Enthusiasts: Skateboarders, Snowboarders, Surfers
Bodybuilders
Collectors: Antiques, Memorabilia, Sports Collectibles, Toys
Coupon Clubs
Cowboys
Rodeo Riders
Dancers: Line Dancing, Street Dancing
Fan Clubs: Star Trek, Horror, Elvis, Twilight
Fantasy Enthusiasts: Renaissance fairs, RPGs
Foodies
Gay Culture: Bears, Drag Queens
Goths: Vampire
Hip-Hop Culture: Deejaying, Emceeing, Breakdancing
Hippies
Karaoke
Military Buffs: Civil War Reenacters
Paranormal Investigators: Ghost hunters, Ufologists, Bigfoot hunters
Punk: Punk Rockers, Riot Grrrls
Rave Culture
Sex: Swingers, BDSM
Sport Enthusiasts
Techies: Gamers/RPGs
Theatre: Actors, Techies
Wine Collectors
Spiritual Enlightenment: Yogis, Wica/Pagans, Meditation

2. Before you contact anyone, decide on a realistic schedule to work from. You will be under a strict time constraint, so take into consideration your other obligations (e.g. work, school) when planning a schedule. Remember, time management is very important with this assignment.

3. The next step is to find a contact within your chosen subculture. Search the Web for local associations related to your particular group. Try both Yahoo's and Google’s subculture directories for reference information. Most any group will have some type of association. Another route to take is asking family or friends for references. Depending on the group, a friend or relative might be the best way in. However you get in, remember to have accurate contact information for the main people you will be dealing with.

4. When trying to establish a contact within a group, do not assume you will get a timely response. Persistence may be required. Either way, have a backup plan in case your original choice falls through. Once you do reach someone, politely introduce yourself and explain what it is you are trying to do. If the person is unable (or unwilling) to assist you, ask if he or she knows of someone else who might assist you.

5. Once you have established a contact, work out a schedule that allows you time to research, time to spend within that subculture and time to write.

4. When in your subculture, always be respectful. After the assignment is over, a handwritten note of thanks for your main contacts should be sent.

Good luck.