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Since we've gone a little while without a lengthy essay on writing, I figure it's time for the fifth installment in what seems really likely to be a series of fifty essays based around my fifty thoughts on writing. On the plus side, at least this means we're ten percent of the way there! On the down side...why am I doing things where 'ten percent of the way there' seems like a ringing endorsement? Ah, well. At least it's keeping me from starting the pandemic, which would be antisocial and really quite mean of me. And speaking of people being mean to you, let's take a look at today's topic:
Thoughts on Writing #5: People Are Going To Be Mean To You, Take Two.
Does this seem similar to our last topic? That's because superficially, it really is. It's only when we start digging down beneath the surface that the differences become really apparent. Get your shovel, and take a look at the original thought:
People are going to be mean to you: that's axiomatic. And sometimes, those people are going to have good and vital things to say. But people who are being mean for the sake of being mean have the potential to do more harm than good, and when you encounter those people, it's okay to walk away. Don't refuse to let anyone tell you that you're flawed. That way lies madness and pretentiousness. But don't stand around to be told that everything you think is fun is a steaming piece of shit, either.
So last time we talked about cruelty and the fine line between tough love and people being dicks just because they can. This time, we're talking about the fact that you do have a right to assess the critique you're given for its innate value and walk away when it's necessary.
Let's begin.
( My thoughts are not your thoughts; my process is not your process; my ideas are not your ideas; my method is not your method. All these things are totally right for me, and may be just as totally wrong for you. So please don't stress if the things I'm saying don't apply to you -- I promise, there is no One True Way. This way for my second set of thoughts on people being mean to you. )
Thoughts on Writing #5: People Are Going To Be Mean To You, Take Two.
Does this seem similar to our last topic? That's because superficially, it really is. It's only when we start digging down beneath the surface that the differences become really apparent. Get your shovel, and take a look at the original thought:
People are going to be mean to you: that's axiomatic. And sometimes, those people are going to have good and vital things to say. But people who are being mean for the sake of being mean have the potential to do more harm than good, and when you encounter those people, it's okay to walk away. Don't refuse to let anyone tell you that you're flawed. That way lies madness and pretentiousness. But don't stand around to be told that everything you think is fun is a steaming piece of shit, either.
So last time we talked about cruelty and the fine line between tough love and people being dicks just because they can. This time, we're talking about the fact that you do have a right to assess the critique you're given for its innate value and walk away when it's necessary.
Let's begin.
( My thoughts are not your thoughts; my process is not your process; my ideas are not your ideas; my method is not your method. All these things are totally right for me, and may be just as totally wrong for you. So please don't stress if the things I'm saying don't apply to you -- I promise, there is no One True Way. This way for my second set of thoughts on people being mean to you. )
