Before reading the paper, I had very different views on what ethnographic research entailed. When thinking of ethnology, I thought of a very long research period, with a very monotonous process of gathering data. However, after being introduced to the term of “Short-Term” Ethnographic research, my prior conceptions of the field were turned upside down. Although the name might have a connotation of a “lesser” version of regular ethnographic research, it is clearly not the case. I believe that the shorter period of research (spanning from weeks to months) allows for researchers to look at their subjects more in depth, as they will be more focused in a shorter span of time. Compared to long term ethnographic research, where having to look at your subjects everyday might result in monotony, and thus, not as specific and detailed results.
However, I believe there are many exceptions and benefits to long term research. For example, the large span of the allows for researchers to immerse themselves within the culture and the subject of their research. The immersion and experience gained from integrating yourself in a setting gives you a completely different dimension/ perspective, one which you might not easily gain within the span of a few months.
After reading this article, I am very excited to apply some the ethnological practices into our research. I think there is a complexity and also a simplicity to the process, as we are watching our subjects objectively, but also looking for very minute details to support our research. I believe that the different fabric markets will provide an interesting dynamic for our research and the people that work there will surely provide good data for our research.