And no, I'm not 'just saying that.'
In addition to private clients, I write for several sites - some where my name goes on the article and some where it does not. Many of these sites have forums where people can ask questions, talk about frustrations, and generally be human.
Lately, I've noticed a real increase in a "well, I'm right and you're obviously wrong" type of thinking. It's not just directed at me, but I'm sick of reading it. I find it depressing. And it pisses me off. Mostly, it bothers me because it comes from just a few bad apples with 'holier than thou' attitudes.
It's clear these people think they're much better (writers, people, whatever) than others. Their sanctimonious and condescending attitudes are literally making me sick to my stomach.
Time to get away from them and all of their righteousness.
I understand that they have opinions, and so do I - and there's nothing wrong with that. People have the right to express their opinions. What I'm struggling with is the way they express these. As writers, don't you think they'd pay attention to how something sounds? Wouldn't they stop to care about how others feel? Apparently not.
They attack people for asking questions, in the tone of "Well, I would never do something like that. It's wrong. It's a poor use of time and It's bad judgment. Only poor writers without morals who are never going to get very far would do something that way...but, hey, if it makes you happy."
Yeah. Nice way to "help" others.
I'm tired of all of it, and tired of people who believe their moral code is better than someone else's. Morals are opinions of what is right. Unless it's blatantly illegal, it's up to what you feel good about. Saying you're right and I'm wrong because we have different opinions is just...just sad.
So I'm letting go of these people and their high and mighty ways. No more posting in forums, and no more reading them. It's a shame, because I used to get some good information there. Lately, it's been overshadowed by too many negative people and too many rude comments.
I can't change what other people think, and I don't even want to try. It's not the best use of my time. Writing what I want to write in order to make the money I'd like to make is the best use of my time. That's what I'll be doing. I'm sure the forums won't miss me.
5 comments:
That's why I'm hibernating. I made the mistake of being on the DS forums too much, and those people are just so negative! No matter what you do, they are going to bitch, moan, complain and flounce. I tried Gather, because someone told me they were very supportive, and the first article I posted, some guy decided to rip it apart and send me his critique in a private message. No thank you. I am only doing my weight loss and my gardening groups on FB now. I have no time for BS anymore. It is all too depressing, and it makes me so angry! I don't want to be angry.
I agree 100%. No time for other people's garbage anymore. They can think what they want about me. I. Don't. Care. If I spent all the time I waste on forums and Facebook just writing and posting articles (and marketing myself to new clients) I'd be a very rich woman right now - or at least making considerably more than I am. I've become so depressed lately with all the heat and sunshine here in AZ that it's hard for me to accomplish anything. I'm praying for fall, when I'll feel better.
The main reason I go into forums is for job leads. I use to market in them but now it seems most forums have turned into high school so I avoid them at all cost for the most part. It is funny in the world of being a professional writer, no one feels the need to act as a professional.
Alyssa, I've noticed that as well. It seems like the more 'professional' these writers are - big clients, books published, etc. - the more juvenile (and pompous and judgmental) they are in the forums. If that's what it takes to 'make it big' as a writer, I think I'll stay where I am! :o)
Oh, I know what you're talking about. I hate it, too. Sometimes, no matter what the subject, someone has to have a poopoo fest at everyone else's expense.
Post a Comment