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Mar. 28, 2006 I have always enjoyed writing. It is one of those things which seems to come to me easier than others (and I do wish there were more). I don't seem to have a problem in translating thoughts that bang around inside my skull to the written word. Unfortunately, though, writing does not pay the bills in our household so it is relegated to hobby status, aside from the assorted reports which are due from time to time at work. In more recent years I have developed a strong interest in politics and, after that heavily-contested election of 2000, it turned into a full-fledged political frenzy for me. I thought I had struck gold then a couple of years ago or so when I happened upon a website which provided a forum for us non-pros to share our work with whoever came upon it. I immediately took advantage of this opportunity and began submitting articles on a regular basis. Some were better than others and, sure, there were those misspellings that I did not catch in time (the cost of dashing something off in a hurry during lunch at work). I didn't know if anyone was reading the articles I posted and it didn't matter really. I loved receiving the few e:mails that came in from readers--both positive and negative. I was floored when, after writing one particular article on Senator Zell Miller and Chris Matthews I opened up my e:mail box and saw over 100 responses to my column. Apparently, the column was showing up on a "Google" search near the top of the list when a search was performed on Miller and Matthews names. I thought I had hit the big time! I diligently responded to each and every letter that came to me, and then responded to the replies to those responses. My wife became a widow for a few days and I was in writers heaven. Eventually, I came back down to earth. I came to know and recognize the writings of others who posted to Useless Knowledge and to appreciate the different styles that they brought to the table. Certainly, some people were better writers than others, but everybody had something to offer--a different perspective or a unique observation. There may have been some old fashioned debating of political points or other issues, but I do not recall much hardcore criticism of the style or skill of any of us as writers. It didn't really matter. Writers aren't defined by the number of errors which appear in their work, they are shaped by the ability to impact a reader in some way. And true writers welcome the opportunity to read the work of others to hone their own skills and knowledge base. Those who seek to criticize first I would hazard to guess have ulterior motives and are not truly writers themselves. One of the writers that stood out to me from the beginning is Ken Hughes. Sure there were some misspellings and grammatical errors in his columns; however, a reader would have to be a complete moron to not see the passion this guy brought to his work and how much he enjoyed sharing his thoughts with others. His messages were always cogent and on point, displaying a common sense logical approach backed up by actual evidence when needed. It was also apparent he was writing from his heart. The bottom line is that Ken Hughes is a writer and this forum is worse off when true writers pack it up for greener pastures somewhere else. I took some time away from Useless Knowledge for personal reasons and, when I recently returned, I was surprised at what I saw. The first thing I noticed was the number of participants had grown significantly--which is great. The more the better. Unfortunately, it was also evident that a few self-appointed czars of the written word had taken over the website in many ways. These individuals appeared to be sitting in judgement of others as if their word was the final one in determining whether someone was worthy or unworthy. These people display a smug condescension which is irritating even when they approve of their intended target. One of these participants e:mailed me shortly after my first column after returning to UK. Now, I realize whenever one takes a political stance one way or another he opens himself up to certain criticism and debate and I expect it in fact. I was naive, though, to the style of this person and responded with points that backed up the argument included in my column. The response from this individual can be described as nothing less than an over-the-top verbal tirade which included name-calling and what appeared to be his or her best attempt at out-yelling me in writing. I quickly broke off the communication. I enjoy, even relish, a spirited debate which is based upon reason and well thought-out arguments. I don't want any part of empty arguments held with the intellectually-challenged among us. I am sorry to see Mr. Hughes taking his talents to other locations. I wish him the best. I will continue to post to Useless Knowledge at ideas pop into my head. This site continues to provide an avenue for sharing thoughts and ideas with whoever has a few moments to read. Whether that's one person or fifty does not matter. ------------ About the author: Ed Abraham is a concerned citizen living in flyover country, U.S.A., who happens to be truly disgusted by the loss of common sense in our society and is doing all he can to try to reinstall it. Email: eabra@myway.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com. Please link to this article rather than copying and pasting it onto your site (which would be unauthorized and illegal). |
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