2-7 Taking an approach

In chapter 4, Taking An Approach Harris talks about how a writer can use another writers' ideas to enrich his writing. I think the concept of this chapter is a combination of chapter 3 and chapter 4, Forwarding and Countering, but taking it further. He explains the two ways of "taking an approach". First one is to follow other writer's work very similar. Harris does not like this method because this can show a writer's idea and thought, but does not have much difference than other writings. Second one which he prefers more, is to take other writers ideas and take it further. The way he talks about this is, "the original does not go away but is remade into something new. He states there are three ways of "positioning your own work in relation of that of writers and intellectuals who have shaped your approach": Acknowledging influences, Turning an approach on itself and Reflexivity. A writer should acknowledge the influences by using similar examples, "asking the same questions", and look back at your work. Harris states that "situating your own approach as a writer you can begin to rewrite not simply a specific text or idea but a broader style of thinking and working. This is really helpful information to know, because when I think about writing, I usually tend to think about academic writings like an essay I have to write for my english class or music tech, learning "taking an approach" opened up my view of writing.