New and old writers alike always like to read the BBS and responding to mail to see what fellow citizens have to say about their articles. While it's always nice to see that comment that so-and-so made about how good the article was and what you could have done to improve it, you always stumble upon that one comment that breaks you. They didn't like it. And they tell you.
Horror story, right? I mean, what could possibly be wrong with your article? You thought it out well, you elaborated on it more than that essay for history and you spent time on it. You chose a topic that most could relate to, so you wouldn't feel alone when writing about it. So what could be wrong?
Other than the person that wrote such a comment, who knows?
When my article "The Theory of Evolution" was published, I was completely excited. I wanted to hear what other people my age felt about it and what they believed in. I wanted to see the comments that would help me improve my writing. I wanted to read what others thought along with my beliefs. However, when I looked at the BBS a few days later, I was not only shocked, but appalled, stunned and surprised.
I sat in disbelief at all the comments that were written and as I clicked on each one of the titles and I read them, my jaw dropped. These were not the kind of things that I wanted to hear! These were the exact opposite!
After I read each and every comment, I checked my mail and sat in my chair, noticing that the number of letters in my inbox had not only doubled but tripled. Obviously, the citizens of Whyville had something to say and they weren't going to stop themselves.
I can only be talking about one thing: negative comments. I could not (and still can't) believe the amount of negative comments that I got about that article. Not only were they about the article in general, but they were disrespectful towards me and what I believe in. Sure, my jaw dropped when I heard that basically nobody liked the article, but my jaw hit the floor when I read that some people had said that what I believe in was wrong.
I had several types of comments. I had some telling me that the article was good, but it could have been more elaborated on. Some told me that I only used Christianity for the Creationism section, and that I should have written about other kinds of religions and what they believe in. I had people yelling at me that what I believe in contradicts the Bible. Others chose the more direct approach, telling me that I would go to hell for believing what I believe in.
Well, citizens of Whyville, guess what? You did nothing but make me regret sending in that article. You didn't change what I believe in. You didn't convert me to a different religion. You didn't make me feel bad for what I believe in. All you did was make me feel regret, which is why I'm writing this article.
Some can argue that writers need this kind of negative energy. They say that negative energy creates drive and inspiration and that exactly what they need to write (Look at Edgar Allan Poe, for example. He had a terrible childhood and managed to produce some of the world's best poetry). But others say that they need positive influences to create their best work and do the best that they can possibly do.
I would like to tell the people who do write a ton of negative comments on, not only mine, but everyone's articles, have you really got nothing better to do? If you really need to tell people that their articles were the worst or telling people that what they believe in is wrong, all that means is that you seriously need a hobby. Desperately need a hobby.
Continue the constructive criticism, because that's what we as writers would love to see. We want to know how we can improve and we want you tell us what you want to read about. We want to know that you think and what the articles make you feel. We want you to tell us your opinion!
Just remember the golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have then do unto you." You wouldn't want me telling you that what you believe in is wrong, would you?
This is bluebag, going to work on a media project
(I'll give you so much satisfaction, you'll quit your complaining, but I know you never will . . .)
