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Discussion

Analysis and conclusion on pen spinning notation

The result of my research surprised me in a few ways. I never reflected on pen spinning notation as being a personal benefit as much as it was an external one, used to share new linkages and combos with other pen spinners. It seemed as though many pen spinners used notation to breakdown their favourite combos in order to emulate them. Not only that, but most pen spinners were satisfied with the state of pen spinning notation, the simplicity and versatility that it offers makes it easy to pick up, even for new spinners. With the majority of my study group being spinners with less than 1 year of experience it was amazing how well they did on accuracy and syntax of notation. The responses from the interview were as expected, the problems with current notation were still obvious, although Daniel made a good point, in that many of these so called “flaws” had already been solved, but it was simply a matter of teaching new pen spinners new notation techniques and proper nomenclature. Even older pen spinners including myself use outdated or niche- terms that not all pen spinners understand. Better methods of educating new pen spinners on proper trick naming and notation could help solve the problems of synonymous trick names and incorrect use of modifiers. Currently, a great breadth of pen spinning background is required in order to decode poorly notated breakdowns, ideally breakdowns should be consistent, so one who simply knows the rules and trick names could benefit.  The international collaboration in the development of notation I observed between UPSB and FPSB was surprising as well, given the disconnect between other countries which led to alternative notation and fundamentally different systems of communication. The use of the trick name “Gunman” in one of the breakdowns surprised me greatly, as I had not seen this naming used since Japanese videos prior to 2007. Given the international nature of the UPSB this kind of integration of old and new appears to keep pen spinning notation in constant progression. On the positive side, the data collected seemed to support the fact that new pen spinners have a strong grasp on pen spinning notation and realize its importance. Evidence from observation also seems to support the idea that when notation is used correctly and intelligently it can be a very efficient form of communication.

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