A cursory google search defines anecdote as a short account of a particular incident or event, especially of an interesting or amusing nature or a short, obscure historical or biographical account. Another fruitful search returns a result detailing the etymological route of anecdote as being to give out or publish - something not published. The telling of an anecdote becomes a performative act; it is the offering, sharing, and circulation of personal experience, an act of self distribution.
Brockman: ‘I do not concern myself with how the student made it, only what he makes...pointing out its defects and shortcomings. Perhaps many attempts may be made - always going towards the goal of completeness or perfection... I like problems always problems...time does not matter - perhaps he takes a month do it - a week, a month, six months this does not matter.’ (Ted Odling notebook entry 10 November 1965)