Let's write entries, not billboards

Upon joining Progressiveu, I have found myself writing more. I know my standing in the scholarship contest is rather low, but nevertheless I enjoy writing enough to continue. The entries I have been seeing are typically thought-provoked and well-written. The most enjoyable ones are well organized, well argued and, well-- interesting. I am glad to be participating alongside such thoughtful contestants, but it has become aggravating to me and perhaps to other participants when the only feedback we receive are advertisements.

Personally, I am tired of getting the comments along the lines of “Nice. Now go read mine at…” As a contributor, I had hoped that the comments would help me improve my writing style and provide other points of view on a topic. I thought comments should be thought out and beneficial. They should offer insight for improvements. For arguments, the beneficial comments critique the overall structure. They point out the strengths and the weaknesses of the argument. Many of our posts are arguments. We might not be in a mood or in a position of arguing, but many of us are stating an opinion or a wandering thought. Why do you think this way? What made you think of this? How does it connect with something else?

I spent a couple weeks writing on of my entries, partially because of the research I used and a time juggle. I received three comments. One was complimenting. I will not lie—I am human. It is nice to get a compliment every once in awhile. The other two, however, were the same comment, advertising some else’s blog with no connection to mine. I do enjoy reading other posts. I know I am fortunate to be included in a site where there are various points of view and backgrounds for a single topic. However I am frustrated to see that some posts of my own and of others are simply catalogs for people’s blogs.

Conversely, writers should expect helpful criticism. Of course, it is annoying to get the “u r stupid, u suck” comments, but it is useful to receive something that can respect your thought process (there should be one though) and make you learn. Sometimes it is hard not to respond to immature and/or rude comments that only use a hard-worked post as a billboard or bash forum.

I would recommend, and perhaps other writers would agree, that if readers leave comments, they should be (or try to be, I know at times it can be hard) respectful of the opinion and of the work. As a writer, understand that your writing will be read by many people who will criticize your writing. It can be hard not to take it too personally. Some comments are not respectful, some posts are not respectful. I do not expect that everyone will agree with everything I am writing about, but respect my work and I will respect yours.

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