Writers are often asked why they write, and whether writing matters. Such simple questions belie often difficult answers, ones so deeply hidden that for as long as pens have known paper, early graves have been dug for writers who’ve suffered their bodies to ill health searching desperately to find them.
But we should be especially curious, in this the Age of Image, why writers nonetheless go on writing, why they still spend so much of their spare time conceiving ideas, nourishing them and helping them grow, and laboring to deliver them as words that few others will ever see when put to paper or screen.
Words, even the most beautifully arranged words, words that can liberate, possess, bewilder and intoxicate, are struggling in our time to compete against the ubiquity of new media. Thoughtful writing has been reduced to drops of ink in an ocean of mindless information and imagery, an ocean that every day grows wider, and more shallow. And for that, we all suffer.
For who could not admit that a few sweet words can sometimes serve as well as music or drink to calm the soul and ease the troubles of the mind? For who has not picked up a pen at one time to set to paper an experience, an idea, a thought? For who, having done so, has not wanted to share?
Writers are artists of words, and art lets us remember, lest we forget, how magnificent we humans can be. Which is why writing matters. If at last all thoughtful writing were to finally drown in our electronic ocean, we would all be left less magnificent.
But why do writers write? Why especially today do they persist in swimming against the tide of our vast informational effluent?
Perhaps writing today is more a form of rebellion, or of protest, a writer’s manner of throwing popcorn at the screen.
Perhaps writers are modern day Noah’s, coaxing words two by two and line by line onto paper arks to be kept safe in our libraries, and away from the rising electronic flood that threatens to drown all original thought.
Perhaps writers want nothing more than to sensitize the desensitized, to fling thoughts on the unthinking, populations large and still growing. The writer in their discontent hopes to shine the light of words on the darkness of fear and ignorance, a darkness all too often deepened by words those in power have perverted.
Or, most disconcertingly, perhaps writing has come to be little more than a dwindling and desperate effort to continue an art form destined to soon go the way of the cave painting. Unlikely though it may seem, we should all hope such is not the fate of written words.
We should all hope the day never comes when schoolchildren take field trips to museums to marvel over books and newspapers and wonder how it was man could have been so primitive as to not just have text messaged.
(Signing off. After eighteen months of receiving predominantly hate mail in response to my postings, the author finally gives up hope that his style of writing will fit in this cyberspace community. Thanks to Rob for all that he does to shine the light of words into the darkness of fear and ignorance. Peace. -Todd)
www.strangeanimals.us
Todd Huffman is a pediatrician and writer living in Eugene, Oregon. He is a regular contributor to many newspapers and publications throughout the Pacific Northwest.
You have received hate mail? That's a very depressing commentary on the state of the world - or on the quality of readers of OpEd. I want to apologize to you for the bad manners of those people and to thank you for your efforts and wish you the very best in your life and your work - both vocation and avocation! (I'm afraid bad manners are all too common these days)
by
maryeor (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 comments)
on Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 11:10:22 AM
For more than a century, researchers have been trying to work out the raw ingredients that account for personality .... They have largely ignored the first-person explanation — the life story that people themselves tell about who they are, and why.
- - -
Along the coast you'll hear them boast About a light they say that shines so clear. So raise your glass, we'll drink a toast To the little man who sells you thrills along the pier. He'll take you up, he'll bring you down, He'll plant your feet back firmly on the ground. -- "Legend Of A Mind"
by
Meremark (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 85 comments)
on Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 11:34:54 AM
I am a writer, and have been for years, as a columnist and features writer for a number of newspapers throughout northern California and the Pacific Northwest. My writings have also appeared in regional magazines, books of poetry, and on a wide variety of websites, including over 60 articles on this particular one.
The point of the piece was to draw from my experience as a writer and examine what drives writers to write, and why it is important for society that they continue to do so. We all need to be reminded once in a while the importance of things we enjoy but take for granted.
Thanks for taking the time to post.
by
doctortodd (65 articles, 0 quicklinks, 15 comments)
on Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 12:43:25 PM
Writing is cathartic. It gets poisons out that would otherwise fester. It helps organize one's thinking. It is the closest thing to immortality that we humans are permitted. It motivates and inspires others. It exposes corruption. It entertains. It moves nations and makes history. Our country is based on the written word. Hitler was moved by the scribblings of obscure philosophers, laid to waste by the diary of a young girl. Words unlock the past, and it was only through the written word that we entered the heads of early humans. Writing passes on culture and tradition. Without it, all the media and images we see would be quite meaningless. Words make songs. Words are the skin of thoughts. They are the very essence of communication, without which we would be just one more species groveling in the dark. Working with words is one of the highest levels of thinking that we can engage in. Novels often help me escape from an otherwise bleak and stupid world. Reading emails from friends is uplifting. All the words on the internet weigh less than one five millionth of a gram, yet en masse they represent the consciousness of our species.
Sure there are buttheads who will flame you, those who will criticize you mercilessly, but they are the substandard branch of Homo sapiens (Homo dumb dumbs).
I would encourage you to simply grow a shark skin and keep on writing. I like seeing your articles, which means a whole lot of other people do too.
by
danielgeery (21 articles, 15 quicklinks, 81 comments)
on Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 3:32:06 PM
Funny how, after deciding to sign off, for the first time someone else who frequents this site tells me that they like reading my articles. Honestly, first time. I thank you.
The skin is thick enough that I've hung with this site for sixteen months, enduring the hateful emails and the rarity of positive or at least constructive feedback. Maybe it should be thicker, maybe you're right, but a writer needs to know that hate is not the only reaction their writing provokes.
by
doctortodd (65 articles, 0 quicklinks, 15 comments)
on Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 10:28:10 PM
If the writers had any courage or inclination to stand behind what they said they would comment publically where others could see it and weigh in. They are a small minority of the readers here, and should net be given much, if any, consideration.
by
bluepilgrim (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 457 comments)
on Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 7:18:36 PM
I resent the insinuation about my level of courage. I have no problem entering into civil discourse with someone who enjoys a good debate (though when I read on this site comments left to my own posts, and comments left to those of other authors, I'm simply amazed how few are civil, how few are kind, how few are written constructively. What an angry bunch).
What I have a problem with is the venomous emails sent by the rabid and hateful people who frequent this site, emails which outnumber by an order of magnitude the positive or at least constructive ones. No other site, or newspaper, or magazine, or blog for which I've written and still write triggers the quantity of uncivil discourse and hateful emails as this site. I don't write rabidly, so why should I want receive rabid personal emails? Who wants such pollution in their life?
Good riddance. It's not about lack of courage, its about peace of mind.
by
doctortodd (65 articles, 0 quicklinks, 15 comments)
on Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 10:21:25 PM
I wasn't talking about your courage, Doc, but those who send you emails.
You are like to get far more hateful emails because the people who write those are a bit nutso -- if they weren't they could disagree without being hateful -- and could do in a comment instead of sending an email. If youare getting a lot of them it's because you are getting to those who write them -- perhaps hitting them with more thruth than they can handle.
My advice is to ignore them -- delete them, and go on writing for those who read thoughtfully.
by
bluepilgrim (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 457 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 12:47:34 AM
My apologies for misunderstanding. Yes, of course you are correct that those who send hate mail think themselves courageous, when they are, in fact, cowards for not entering into reasoned discourse. Thanks for clarifying your point.
by
doctortodd (65 articles, 0 quicklinks, 15 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 9:27:47 AM
Why not american writers right on the atrocities of America on developing countries.? Why not you writer on your terrorist like president. Why not you write on you countries policy of mass killings of muslims throughtout world.
I have received death threats, marriage proposals, other proposals less legal out side of the State of Nevada, and hate mail in the comment section. I removed my Email from this site and although I am easily GoogledI, it is an effort most fools seldom endeavor to chase.
I am in favor of a higher state of enlightenment through expressions on canvas, stone, glass and paper, but not in favor of those whose manners are adolescent at best, and patently disrespectful and provocative at worst.
On my long held blogsite I have set the preferences to reject certain keywords so that obnoxious, noxious, rude, insulting, provocative, slanderous comments are weeded out and never appear on my posts. Such things discourage readership of good people, and comments by folks with something to say that makes sense and contributes to the learning curve. There is no place for stupidity and rudeness. But when I encounter it I react quickly and mercilessly, regardless of gender or profession. Unless you respond to such with rapidity and strength you become their patsy.
I have also removed the option on my blog of posting comments on people's columns, but instead comments are directed to a Letters To Editors column and have to fit within certain deportment guidelines.
On more than one occasion people who have never read any of my columns (and I swear some people don't read the columns, only the comments and then blame the columnist for what the comments say) have lashed out on something I never said in the column. More than once I have had people of zero reading comprehension, react to a word oir phrase which meaning they obviously neither knew, nor took the time to go to freedictionary to learn.
I have read your stuff and like your work. Remember, Doc, the vast majority of our readers do NOT make comments. We get 20,000-35,000 readers a day here and relatively few comments. I found my columns on sites everywhere from Germany, Italy, Yemen, Venezuela, France and more. I have even found them on Conservative sites, where more comments are made and they had a fun field day wacking at me and my story. Their fantasies about my status in life were hysterically funny.
If you like to write, then write, but don't run and hide, instead remove your email from your profile, thus forcing the haters to come online where we can all take shots at them, We all here, are your best defense, along with yourself. So, I would not stop, keep on doing what you do best (next to your profession, of course). Don't get mad and quit, that is exactly pleasing your critics, instead, get mad and get even by writing in their faces. When someone blasts my topic ,I write 1 or 2 more on the same topic. When they blast a moral stance, I use that stance, even if only a one line, and mention it in every column in which it is appropriate.
Don't run, fight. And don't fight with soft gloves on, take them off and use brass knuckles if you have to, but don't give in to jerks.
by
PetetheProf (62 articles, 0 quicklinks, 394 comments)
on Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 11:52:26 PM
with trolls can be tiresome and is generally a waste of time (better to teach pigs to sing). The exception is when I want to bring out or elaborate some point or information: then a troll can be useful -- but that's not for the troll but others who may be reading the exchange. Responding to a troll privately is pretty much useless.
Also keep in mind that right wing groups sometimes organize and attack a writer or a site in an attempt to silence what is being said. It's a deliberate tactic, a minor variation of slash-dotting (DOS attack). Organized trolls also may invade a message board -- and if not handled properly chase away users or destroy the discussion, or even the board. Just another variant of the right wing smear machine.
by
bluepilgrim (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 457 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 1:08:23 AM
Oh, I still plan on writing, for the many newspapers here in the Pacific Northwest for which I write. That won't stop. But as for posting to this site, thanks for the suggestion to remove "contact the author" as an option, an option, frankly, I didn't realize that I had. That would, indeed, force those who wish to send messages of ill-will to do so publicly, as a comment, rather than cowardly, as an email.
Thanks for the words of support and encouragement. Keep up your great writing, which is enjoyed at least by this author.
by
doctortodd (65 articles, 0 quicklinks, 15 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 9:32:49 AM
on those things -- but they aren't in the mainstream corporate media: it's on blogs and Internet sites. Most people don't want to hear that, and the 'establishment' certainly doesn't want to say it (they ae the one's behind it).
by
bluepilgrim (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 457 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 3:25:04 AM
That’s what I’m doing right now. You too. We’re taking action, speaking our minds and trying to influence and change each other’s mindsets. Sure, we’re preaching to the choir, but don’t thoughts swirl through thin air, and eventually "infect" nearly everyone. When these "thoughts written down" are passed from mind to mind, they can become a movement.
The Internet has for the first time allowed ordinary people to voice their views on an international forum to counteract Monopoly Media lies, and celebrity worship fluff. We can make a difference, don't underestimate the power of the pen. Don't be lurkers, only reading these postings, join the Free Speech movement. Speak truth to power and let them know you're on to them. Sure, government agents are reading these posting and taking down our names, but the upside is, they are also informing political leaders of our feelings. Ambitious people go into politics because that's where the money and power are, and they hate losing their jobs, money and power.
Let them know their jobs are on the line.
.
by
rabblerowzer (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 45 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 11:50:16 AM
I just read this posting, a bit late, but moving nonetheless. Some time ago, via email, you mentioned that you were perplexed as to why no one commented on your articles. I have found that most of the pieces that get a rush of comments are for the most part, very politically charged, some, deliberately over the top. It certainly has nothing to do with quality of writing. While many of the articles are brilliantly and expertly written that do receive comments, I have read so many more that stunned me as to their value, significance in this world, and yet had no responses.
As one of the editors of OpEdNews, I also go back and forth with the level of nasty comments and name-calling bullying that seems rather prolific on this site, from both readers and authors. This saddens me and has turned off a few of those whom I recommended to this site. That said, it is a difficult call to make when flagging or judging a comment - something, however, that we need to work on.
Back to comments - most days after I've posted a piece, I ask myself why I bothered. Like you, my articles and essays have appeared in many forums, and yet OpEdNews seems to be the least interested in my type of writing. And I understand that this site is primarily a political forum, yet I have tried at times to write about every day issues - the dying and death of my husband, nature and wildlife, humor, etc., with no acknowledgment for the most part. I have no doubt that most people don't want to talk about or read about things that make them feel uncomfortable - things they don't want to acknowledge - like illness, death, etc. I had family and friends that didn't even want me to mention my husband's name shortly following his death as it made them uncomfortable! How sad, and missing the beauty in all chapters of life, even death.
I do feel this site needs something different and refreshing once in awhile to take us out of this horrific state in which we find not only the U.S., but the world. Rob has tried to expand this site and encouraged writers to add their articles that deal with topics other than politics, but thus far, the majority of submissions are of a highly political nature.
Why do writers write? That's like asking why does an artist paint, sculpt, create music - It is not a choice. For someone who has always written, it is a lifeforce of its own, for good or bad. If you live and breathe art, the creative life, there is no way to step aside, curb the urge. It's part of our genetic make-up, I truly believe that. I often thought, and most of my other artist friends agree, that being in this field is beyond difficult, can be heartbreaking, and if we had a choice, we may have decided on a different path (but then, in truth, I say to myself I can't imagine doing anything else).
That's my two-cents, Todd. I wish you well. Sorry this place has left a bad taste in your mouth. Civility is something lacking in this society and coupled with the neverending world crises, it feels particularly offensive and sad that it has reached such a level.
Be well. Jan
by
baumgartner (11 articles, 75 quicklinks, 38 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 2:46:04 PM
is much better than many I've written on, as far as trolls and nasty comments go. There have been some, but I've been called a communist only once so far, and it was only hinted once that I am 'unAmerican' -- that's not a bad score at all.
One should keep in mind there is a difference between strong disagreement and 'trolling' or just name-calling (although sometimes it can seem a bit confused); the difference is whether there is any comunication. Even when recently someone said I was reeking of communism he was refering to what I had written and not just a general ad hominem thrown out as a gratuitous insult, which has usually been the case, and the purpose then was to shut down discussion, not express thoughts or feelings.
I don't comment on many articles because I don't think there is anything else which needs to be said, or it doesn't seem like a productive context to say anything. I think rabblerowzer is correct: "When these "thoughts written down" are passed from mind to mind, they can become a movement." -- ideas, memes, bits of information, are passed around, and laid out for other's to oick up, spread around, and expand on -- to become part of the 'public mind'.
This 'meme' approach is a different sort of writing: not where someone writes a piece to be taken up, read, and put down again, but as part of a process of developing ideas and the 'thought chains' of the collective consciousness. The 'collective consciousness" -- that's a concept worth considering. Each of us are like a samll cerebral region in the 'public brain' interacting with all the others, contributing to the public mind, and also being informed and developed by the other regions. This approach is system thinking, and is appropriate for the interactive nature of the Internet -- more like a conference than a journal where papers are published.
Most of what I've written the last few years have been related some way to politics, and that's because politics is where things are happening now -- not necessarily partsisan or electoral politics, but the roots of social interaction and developing individual political awareness: the stuff of democracy and "we the people". This is in crisis now, and requires our attention. We have to re-establish the flow of conversation and interchange, and the values of truth-seeking and rational thought, which the corporate fascists and politicians have worked so hard to destroy. That's the purpose of my writing at this point, and this site is one of the better ones to engage in that.
by
bluepilgrim (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 457 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 4:00:26 PM
I agree with most of what you said. However, if we are to compare ourselves with "like" sites, then we need to take notice of some very vile and nasty comments - and I and others, are for the most part, able to discern that which comes across as good argument and discussion, or borders on, or crosses the line of, good taste and civility.
What Rob created here, and the quality and diversity of talent expressed on this site, certainly points to taking the high road. The comments that are flagged for being particularly nasty or profane, come to my email, and some, not all, are outrageously crossing the line. If we are to hold our heads high, agree that we are better than that, and as good or better than similar sites, then we need to take that into consideration. Some of the comments use verbiage that is objectionable to say the least - some accuse others of being ignorant, of slander, all crossing the line of what constructive, creative adult discussion should be all about.
And, while it may seem insignificant, fact is, this site is growing by leaps and bounds and desperately needs to be financed by donor organizations and corporations. Some might be put off by certain "offensive" comments and choose to put their grant dollars elsewhere. Recently, and as posted in Rob's newsletter, a major ad corp. turned down OpEdNews due, in part, to comments. This isn't to say that everyone must tip toe around their comments. Those that are flagged, are outrageously nasty or offensive, tend to be the minority. For most people here, that's just common sense with a dollop of respect thrown in for good measure.
There is more than enough nastiness and name-calling in this world without being subject to too much of it here - in a forum that hopefully, tries to find a common ground, a place for constructive dialogue and criticism, without being cruel, mean-spirited and accusatory.
Thanks, B.P., your articles and comments bring an intelligent, civil and compassionate voice to this site. And, your'e right that some articles are so succinct and right on the money, nothing else need be said -- that means "no comment."
You're a great writer, Dr. Todd. Your articles will be missed here.
Jan
by
baumgartner (11 articles, 75 quicklinks, 38 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 6:26:24 PM
Thank you for putting so much consideration and time into your comments.
To address the parallel ongoing conversations catalyzed by my parenthetical adieu, let me first reiterate that my primary reason for signing off (though it appears I'm not doing a very good job of that) was out of a frustration increasingly felt due to recurrently receiving hateful emails in response to my writings. Not so much the comments, or lack of them, mind you, but the emails.
The simple solution that has been graciously provided by other authors is one that I did not know that I had available to me: removal of the option of contacting the author. This, of course, will alleviate the problem.
As for the posting of comments, I will echo myself from earlier posts in this conversation by again stating that it is surprising to me how rabid and hateful some commentators can be. I've been fortunate not to have been the recipient of many such posts, but in reading the responses to other authors' pieces I'm simply amazed by the sad state of affairs in our country that on a site purported to make available news and commentary to those of basically the same political ilk, that there can be such anger and hatred even amongst what one would assume to be relatively like minds.
I've had side coversations with other writers for this site, writers who've been shocked and who are needing reassurance after being the target of hateful comments. Funny, I've been the one reassuring them not to give up, not to let such venom poison the desire to write.
My point, if I'm not making it clearly, is that I am not "running and hiding" from nasty comments, because I've been more fortunate than other considerate writers on this site in that I've not received many of these. I can ignore nasty comments, or engage their authors when necessary. I just could not suffer any longer the mean and hateful emails.
After reading Jan's and Blue's posts, I am wondering if anyone will consider me fickle if I were to retract my resignation.
Jan, yes I have complained to you before about the lack of comments, and you have reassured me that their absence does not mean that my writings are not being read, considered, even appreciated. And I've accepted that, and continued posting.
Now that I have a mechanism to eliminate the hateful emails, I would enjoy continuing to post, even realizing that most posts will not provoke any feedback.
But I do agree with Jan that perhaps more needs to be done to reduce the level of rabidity sometimes found on this site. Just today I received a nice email (yes, a positive one!) from a woman, an artist, who told me that she receives OpEdNews in her daily email, but that she almost never looks at the site anymore because of how rabid it has become. She just happened to see the title of my piece on writing, opened and read it, and enjoyed it so much that she told me she was passing it along to her many writer and journalist friends. A high honor, indeed.
I don't know whether anything more can in fact be done by the editors to tone down the anger and spite, for there is certainly a fine line between editing and censoring. Maybe some sort of general email to all who are signed up with the site?
Anyway, I should go. Thank you for your time, support, and kind words, especially Jan, Blue, & the Professor.
by
doctortodd (65 articles, 0 quicklinks, 15 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 7:13:50 PM
Todd! Retract! Come back! I have brought up the nasty comment problem with other editors. I need to mention this again to Rob as I am assisting him with grant writing, and am concerned that funding may not be as forthcoming if we don't find some way to tidy up the comment situation while still allowing for creative dialogue.
Okay Todd, the ball is in your court. Jan
by
baumgartner (11 articles, 75 quicklinks, 38 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 8:08:49 PM
Jan: I will admit to having at time told some people they were ignorant. That was my honest assessment, and with the hope that they would do the research and learn the truth about things they were saying instead of spreading right wing disinformational talking points. Ignorance is curable; I've have suffered from it in the past -- and I still do but I have developed the habit (usually -- often?) of trying to fact check things I don't have confidence in saying -- or not saying anything. Fact checking is fairly easy to do for most things when on line.
I supose I COULD do the researching and provide links for those people, but I am weary of that, and have found that for many people it doesn't help -- their minds are made up and facts are ignored, so it's a waste of time. The exception, again, is when I want to put the information out to other possible readers, and provide them with links so they can source what they say when discussing in other venues. When someone says something like "Muslims are violent and uncivilized", however, I assume that readers here understand that's an absurd statement and don't need a thesis complete with footnotes not to believe what was said -- and the one saying it is a lost cause for immediate future.
Yes, we all need to uphold high standards -- and I have at times in the past 'gotten cracky' and just had enough of the garbage, and struck back. Yup -- I've become curmudgeonly -- but I was told I was irrascible by some even in my youth... I've actually mellowed a fair bit :-D But it's much easier to lapse when others do it (the 'broken window effect'), and this is a difficult medium in any case, especially without emoticins, or with hastily written responses when tired.
I will note, in passing, that Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Coulter, Savage, Beck, and many others had no problem getting corporate advertising. The 'objectional comments' might have been more to do with the ideas than the form?
Todd: By all means you can change your mind and continue writing. Be aware that there will always be nasty responses at time, no matter what you write. There are people 'out there' who delight in that, and it matters not what was written -- although effective writing on touchy or 'hot' subjects naturally attract more. Write a piece saying "According to the Bible God is violent and wants war, and therefore approves of terrorism" and your sure to get lots and lots of interaction (going nowhere -- but lots of it) -- just figure out how to push the buttons. We will also get a few clowns who cut us off in traffic too. Oh, well....
We each have to find our own way of dealing with it, and that can take a bit of time to do. And it can be tiring. Sometimes I just take some time off, for that, or just because other things come up, or I need to recharge. Some sites I left because I judged it to be a continuing problem with no end, and it interfered significantly with discussion and my purpose of opening up information, ideas, and conversation. (It's like moving away from the subway platform when trying to talk to someone -- or waiting for the train to pass by.)
So write as you choose to.
by
bluepilgrim (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 457 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 8:54:46 PM
