Pivoting like it's 1999: introducing "Collection Distractions"

So, although I finished serious work on my PhD over a year ago and in theory have more time to blog, and despite the fact that I have plenty of things I want to write about and plenty more I probably should tell you about (things are busy at IWM), the clear fact is that I don't. I've just not got the energy, and I'm using my time to, well, have a life. Part of the problem is that I can't write briefly, but I have a plan. There's something that's a constant source of inspiration and which I frequently want to share, namely the things I stumble across in IWM's collections. I'm no historian and I will not be trying to instruct or talk with any authority; equally I'm not Retronaut, and may be tempted on occasion to dig a little deeper or add some context (within my limited ability). The things that catch my eye do so for all kinds of reasons: sometimes it's that shock of disruption to assumed knowledge, in the way that Retronaut aims to do; sometimes it's a moving story or a comment from a user; sometimes it's simply an engrossing film or an amazing artwork; and all of these are seen from the vantage point of an amateur (though learning every day). In due course I will also try to find a way to promote some of the things that have been done with our collections by other people/organisations and indeed to try some new things myself - it's been a while since I played with collections data and content. So if I'm true to my word you can expect more frequent, quick-and-easy posts showing you things I would hesitate to term "treasures", given the nature of IWM's subject matter, but which can nevertheless be extraordinarily profound, moving, beautiful or sometimes horrifying. Let's see how it goes.