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Journal eugene ts wong's Journal: My writing lacks cogency and thought and realism. 11

Journal by eugene ts wong

I was quite surprised to see this as reply to 1of my posts.

You must still be in college. No offense, but your writing sounds like pure drivel. It lacks cogency and thought and realism.

I usually take a bit of pride in what I write, because I try to ensure ease of reading. However, someone seems to frown upon my writing. I'm not sure about what he is complaining about.

Well, my simple response to that is to say, I want to write as concise as possible. So, some of my thoughts may not be all that developed, in that I'm not giving you all of the details. That's because I don't want to waste your time on issues that may not interest you.

So, if you want more info, then please ask. I don't mind doing a Google search, or 2, for you.

That being said, I find it a little hypocritical to have a /.er tell me how to write. Yeah, /. is the bastion of good writing.

Also, if you have corrections, then please be specific. I'm not into generalizations.

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My writing lacks cogency and thought and realism. More

My writing lacks cogency and thought and realism.

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  • Don't sweat it. The guy who ragged on you probably isn't that great of a writer anyway and I'm positive he's fucked up sentences in his lifetime. And this is /. There is a reason why the Internet is known for poor writing: it is nebulous. Posts aren't great literature, they aren't supposed to stand the test of time and be handed down to posterity. They are only quick memo-like statements designed to get a point across.

  • complaints? (Score:2, Insightful)

    by KshGoddess ( 454304 )

    I've never got complaints, but I've many times had to clarify thoughts -- I tend to oversimplify and leave out details that I think everyone already knows. It's the way I talk to users, as well. I talk at my level of understanding, and bring my technical speak down to a level where their lightbulbs can go off.

  • Either the person who posted that response if an English teacher, or else they're unable to figure out another way to rebutt whatever it was that you said, so they went for the `call the other guy a moron` approach. Ignore 'em! :)

    If you start attracting the Grammar Nazis on a regular basis, then you know you've got a problem with your writing...

    Many times, I've started writing a comment, then realised that I hadn't really thought out what I was going to say, so I cancelled and maybe came back to it when I had a better idea. I'd rather have a fully-formed statement with maybe a few misspellings than a half-baked one that I dashed off in a hurry. Also, I'll go and do something else for a bit if I get a writer's block halfway through writing a comment.

    Never write in anger if you can possibly help it. Being sober when posting to /. is probably a good idea, too. :)
    • Either the person who posted that response if an English teacher, or else they're unable to figure out another way to rebutt whatever it was that you said, so they went for the `call the other guy a moron` approach. Ignore 'em! :)
      He replied very quickly, & it seems that we are on the same page for many things. The problem was that I was speaking in ideal terms, as in if I could have it my way. He understood that differently, & his response, if I understand correctly, was, "Oh so it's all about you!". That's just a rephrasing of how I interpreted him.

      I'm just glad that he & I agree with each other on important issues.
      Many times, I've started writing a comment, then realised that I hadn't really thought out what I was going to say, so I cancelled and maybe came back to it when I had a better idea. I'd rather have a fully-formed statement with maybe a few misspellings than a half-baked one that I dashed off in a hurry. Also, I'll go and do something else for a bit if I get a writer's block halfway through writing a comment.
      Wow, man. That takes a lot of commitment to quality. Usually when I start, I feel so obligated to finish. I'll try to pause more, & reflect on what I say. I feel pretty good about what I write, but I'd like it to be more persuasive & have a better flow.
      Never write in anger if you can possibly help it. Being sober when posting to /. is probably a good idea, too. :)
      Well, if I'm never angry & always sober, then there'll be less flaming. So, it's not perfect solution! ;^P
  • many people say things for all kinds of reasons, especially on the internet. if the comment was made based on one statement you made, it could just be that one statement you made was lacking in those things, but your writing is generally pretty good. that's cool. everybody botches. it could be that the condescending tone was intended to make you think his point of view is correct. could be the guy has no clue on writing and needs to find people to pick on in order to feel better. it could even be that the reply was meant as help or guidance, trying to encourage you to explain and develop your ideas a little better.

    don't take things like this personally. if you think there is something to what he said, give some thought to how you could express your ideas better then move on. if you don't think there is anything to it, just let it go. you are a very sincere person and that can make it tough when people misinterpret your intentions. it's not your fault and it isn't your problem.
    • I appreciate the idea of not taking this personally. When I 1st saw your subject line, I thought that if I am getting all excited about this 1 particular post, then it must really imply that I've been able to avoid problems for quite a while. That blows me away. I completely forgot how good things have been for me.

      Thanks for the encouragement & advice.

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