My main now almost 2yr old project has been a tough slog. I've made a ton of progress, but I'm facing some waning enthusiasm. I've only shared the results with a few people who give it high praise. I need to start shopping it around to the appropriate folk, but I was hit with an energy sapping dry period where my network access was knocked out just at the same time as I finished a collaboration with a University group. The resulting frustration sapped my energy and eagerness.
I've started a couple of side projects just based purely on their intellectual interest, and they have gone reasonably well. They are short period things, so I can achieve a fair bit in a short time. It's really that barrier - achievement cycle that drives me... and I guess most researchers. You know at each challenging road-block that many people who have independently came along the same path have been turned away. As you overcome the challenge, you are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment.
Still, working as a lone-gun on a project means you don't get any peer recognition for the work. It's pretty pure in the sense that you are encouraged only by the personal elements.
Yet I worry about whether all the substance of my effort will be for nought.
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