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The New Project
In 1981, the Archive initiated a new project which set out once again to involve people in the recording of everyday life. Volunteer correpondents write about particular themes in response to questionnaires called 'directives'. More information on the project and how to become involved is available via the .
About the correspondents
Through local and national newspapers, and later through radio and television,
the Archive has recruited a new panel of volunteer writers, known as "M-O
correspondents", from all over Britain. Since 1981, nearly 3000 have
taken part, and the current active mailing list comprises some 400 people.
The Archive's panel of contributors is not intended to be a representative cross section of the British population. All writers are volunteers and therefore self-selected. As a result, the composition of the panel is weighted in specific ways. Women, for example, are three times more likely to volunteer than men, and people over 40 outnumber younger people. All correspondents are allocated a number to safeguard their privacy and allow them to write as candidly as they wish.
About the directivesAbout three times a year, the Archive sends out a set of suggestions for the theme of writing. These are called directives.
The themes have been traditionally chosen by the Archivist, usually in consultation with other members of the Archive staff. Ideas from the correspondents themselves are always taken into account, although people are free to write on any subject that interests them. Occasionally, a researcher may suggest a theme, or even commission a specific directive. The chosen themes may be very personal or more public and relating to opinions rather than direct experience. Sometimes they call for a historical approach. Occasionally they are asked to keep a record of just one day (either an ordinary day or maybe a special one, like a day of celebration).
Directives are designed to give correspondents guidance in their writing,
while at the same time allowing them the freedom to explore the subject
in the way that best suits them. There is no limit on word length. Correspondents
may type or write by hand, may draw, send photographs, diagrams, cuttings
from the press, poems, stories, letters and so on. No stress is placed on "good
grammar", spelling or style. The emphasis is on self-expression, candour
and a willingness to be a vivid social commentator, and tell a good story.
Mass-Observation places a value on subjective experience, and descriptively
rich material which can offer insights into everyday life. People writing
about themselves, their families and friends, their workplaces and their
communities, can provide a fruitful contextual perspective (often over several
years) through which social change can be explored at the micro level. The
material can be mined from different angles with many theoretical approaches
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