Journal Chacham's Journal: Too much "I" 2 10
On further thought, the problem with too much "I" is not so much the capitalization, rather, it seems to be the construct of the sentence itself, that is based around the person.
It may be better to start writing sentences without mention of the self, except where absolutely necessary. Instead of, "I think the reason is self-agrandizement" it can be stated, "the reason may be self-agrandizement". Instead of, "when I wrote that yesterday" it can be, "when writing that yesterday". In the first case, the self-pointer is negated completely. In the second case, it is merely not mentioned. More of a passive action.
When writing documents in the past, there were situations where a program required action from a user. Not wanting to directly reference the user, the document was written in such a way to make the program act on action, but no specific person must do it, nor "must" it be done. So, it was written something like, "the program will continue to process when further input is entered". After pointing out the method used in writing, some co-workers enjoyed the output. The idea is that direct reference to the user "scares" the user, simply because it puts the user on the spot. Or, that until now the user came and went as the user pleased, whereas now, the user "must" be there. That triggers the automatic defence mechanism many have, which shows up as an illogical resistance. But, with no direct references, all such issues were gone, and the documents, seemingly, were better received.
As such, it is possible that the same can be applied to self-reference. And sentences that convey a thought, convey just the thought, and not that the writer necessarily was the person with the idea. Simply because, that isn't important.
Eh.
This gets very irritating (Score:2)
Better for whom? Personally, I hate it. It seems to result in horribly contorted sentences, with no real benefit...
Instead of, "I think the reason is self-agrandizement" it can be stated, "the reason may be self-agrandizement".
You could say that, but how does it improve the sentence? You're removing meaning: instead of expressing your opinion, you are trying to state some abstract possibility.
Ins
Re:This gets very irritating (Score:2)
The writer.
It seems to result in horribly contorted sentences
The sentences should get better with practice.
with no real benefit...
The benefit would be to remove the writer's self-fixation.
You could say that, but how does it improve the sentence?
It does not improve the sentence. It just is another way of saying the same thing, but without the writer puting himself in such an important role.
You're removing meaning: instead of expressing your opinion, you are trying to state som
Re:This gets very irritating (Score:2)
The problem is the concept itself, not how it is worded. However much practice you get, it's still a less logical construction.
The benefit would be to remove the writer's self-fixation.
No - it just gives the illusion this has been done. Like when people with embarassing medical complaints ask for advice for their "friend", or an author writing under a pseudonym - it is still entirely your opinion or story, you are just obfuscating that fact. Do a search and
Re:This gets very irritating (Score:2)
That could be. Though, maybe not. So, experimentation is required.
>The benefit would be to remove the writer's self-fixation.
it just gives the illusion this has been done
I completely disagree. It is my personal belief, that everything affects us. So, specifically changing our thgoughts to not center around "I", by itself is good. Of course, after that, realizing that th
Re: (Score:2)
Once Again (Score:2)
The example you cite, of technical writing, is why most technical writing is considered to be such a miserable burden to read. If it were written in
Re:Once Again (Score:2)
True. But that is a given. That is, the context itself sets whether it is fact or opinion, and if not attributed, the opinion is self-opinion. Or at least, that's what i think it *should* be.
Using the passive voice equates to little more than verbal sleight of hand -- a slick tactic used to avoid accountability and to evade
Re:Once Again (Score:2)
7th grade English class (Score:1)
Although this was an interesting exercise for the year, to write opinionated things without saying it was your opinion, I find it only slightly of interest now. It's useful for wr
Re:7th grade English class (Score:2)
It is fun. But an experiment too. To see if it can be done, if it becomes natural, and what effects and side-effects there are.
but realize the eliminating I from your opinionistic rants is nearly impossibly
Probably. Knowing cannot be had without trying.
however, reducing it does add to the flow and ease of reading
Assuming it is done with skill. And that takes experience.
Thanx for the reply, I appreciate it.