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Aug. 4, 2007 It has been almost two years since I began writing here at "Useless Knowledge" and by my count I have close too, if not over, 200 articles to my credit. I began because of my interest in the Natalee Holloway case and that was the driving force behind my need to write. I do write privately and have participated in the development of some television and movie scripts. I was better at that than what I do here. I have edited three books; which did not include my husband's book. Both of the books that I edited were published and one was written by the late Steve Fisher. As far as I know he died before it could be published and was about Elizabeth of Bathory. Here's the link. I am a good editor and an even better script writer (especially if concerns sitcoms), even though you probably wouldn't know that from what I write here. The reason, I believe, is that I am not a natural story teller but more of a writer who knows comic timing and how to discern interesting plot lines in other people's work. Long story short, I have never pretended to be a good writer and I certainly would never compare myself to some of the other wonderfully talented people who write here. The point of this article is that even though I am not in my comfort zone here and even though my writing is substandard compared to many others, I love to have a place to come too where I can express myself and it has meant a great deal to me and made my life easier to deal with. It really bothers me to see the in-fighting and the commentary among some of the people here and it bothers me to read the insults and the hurtful words written in the Rebuttal section from one writer to another. It also bothers me when people use an alias to attack someone or to demean them. I am very old-fashioned when it comes to saying what I think directly to the person I am talking too and about. I have no fear of confrontation even though I don't especially like encounters where harsh words are exchanged and feelings will be hurt. I was taught to be direct and to deal with what I perceive as a slight or insult immediately and not to allow the wounds to fester until I get so angry that I regret what I do and say after the fact. I see a lot of hurtful words being flung around in Rebuttal and now on the main page here. I can't change that and I certainly am not going to influence those who are angry and engaging in this non-stop war. I have my friends here and my detractors and that's expected because it comes with the territory of putting yourself out in the public eye (especially on the Internet). I have had some of what I have written here quoted in other places both on the Web and in print but have never been compensated. That also comes with the territory and since the quotes were important to me and the subject matter well received, I had and have no objection to their use by other publications. Maybe I made a difference to someone and that's good enough for me. I never wanted to be a writer in the first place and that's why I no longer write scripts. I have recently been consulting with a couple of writers on putting together query letters and book proposals because the nomenclature is right up my alley and something I have experience with. I am happy to say that one of those writers was signed by a wonderful Agent in NYC and will soon have at least one book published with the possibility of a full series to follow. If I helped him I am beyond happy. So, here I am doing something out of my element and that I don't do very well and instead of looking forward to coming here to read what the writers have to say, and instead of being comfortable referring my friends and other's to this site to read what is here I am embarrassed by the words of anger flying around and the extremely immature behavior that I have witnessed. If it were simply criticism of someone's opinion in an article I would have no problem with that and I would see that as a healthy exchange of ideas and opinions. But it isn't....it's mean-spirited. Doesn't anyone else feel grateful that this place exists? Doesn't anyone else want to put their thoughts and feelings on a site that has value? Doesn't anyone else want to make sure that this place retains it's value and is the best site that it could be for the very good writers and even the not so good ones like me? Those of you who care about "Useless Knowledge" and want it to continue to exist please join with me in ignoring the fighting and the hurtful words. Please don't participate in the ugly side of this web site. Please help to allow this site to serve a purpose.......the exchange of free ideas and the ability to express oneself. ------------ About the author: Meri has a Medical/Legal background and is a former forensic researcher specializing in psychological profiling. Visit the Xlibris Bookstore! Email: writers2@cox.net 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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