So, okay. Smart people learn on the backs of others. I'm not smart.
Helium works on a rating system. I'm still trying to earn my stripes before can try to make any money. By grabbing onto the first Marketplace article I could find I actually ended up writing about something I'm not all that passionate about. Now, it's killing my rating and I can't delete it.
I even tried to rewrite the article completely but, the rewrite was rejected. So, I'm stuck and falling fast into last place. I wish I never wrote the piece at all.
So, like they say. Write what you know. If you don't have anything good to say, keep quiet and don't add to the pollution.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
A Lesson In Humility
It has been said that if you were meant to be a writer you would have started young. Really young. It is something that you live and breathe and can't help but do. For this reason I was under the impression that I wasn't one yet.
It is also said that cleaning your storage spaces and getting rid of clutter is a healing process. I propose that it can be a rebirth. Not until I finally went through 25 years of papers did I realize just how much writing I had done over the years and how much of it I am still proud of today.
A few days ago I signed up for Helium thinking this was a new venture for me. It wasn't. It has, however, been very humbling. After each article that you post you are asked to rate the work of others through a side by side comparison.
Let me tell you that after spending two or three hours writing something I wasn't in much of a mood to rate anything but, understand that this is an important part of how Helium works. So, I causally rated my way through three or four screens. Then I was faced with two works that were a bit of a toss up. I liked the way the first one started but, the second got my attention and I really read it.
This is were it gets really funny. I rated for the other one even though I actually read the second and only scanned through the first just because I felt that it was more in line with what Helium's standards are supposed to be. Then, my family (me included) went out for a while. Having some time to reflect I suddenly realized that the article which captivated me so much was actually one I had written a few years ago under a different pen name.
Now, for the life of me I can't remember what that pen name was and I feel like such a fool for judging based on somebody else's standards. That's what happens when you don't take playing God very seriously.
It is also said that cleaning your storage spaces and getting rid of clutter is a healing process. I propose that it can be a rebirth. Not until I finally went through 25 years of papers did I realize just how much writing I had done over the years and how much of it I am still proud of today.
A few days ago I signed up for Helium thinking this was a new venture for me. It wasn't. It has, however, been very humbling. After each article that you post you are asked to rate the work of others through a side by side comparison.
Let me tell you that after spending two or three hours writing something I wasn't in much of a mood to rate anything but, understand that this is an important part of how Helium works. So, I causally rated my way through three or four screens. Then I was faced with two works that were a bit of a toss up. I liked the way the first one started but, the second got my attention and I really read it.
This is were it gets really funny. I rated for the other one even though I actually read the second and only scanned through the first just because I felt that it was more in line with what Helium's standards are supposed to be. Then, my family (me included) went out for a while. Having some time to reflect I suddenly realized that the article which captivated me so much was actually one I had written a few years ago under a different pen name.
Now, for the life of me I can't remember what that pen name was and I feel like such a fool for judging based on somebody else's standards. That's what happens when you don't take playing God very seriously.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
How Would You Say It?
Okay, so now I'm finally going to school. Oh, its not what you think. I didn't decide to enroll in an institution and pay tuition. No. What I did do is sign up for Orato. Posted a few articles with my usual brand of acidic sarcasm and thought: "hey, this is pretty cool!". Then, I discovered that they basically rewrite your entire article for you. It still has your name on it but, may or may not have the point you were trying to get across.
So, who's fault is that? Mine for not being clear enough or theirs because they would have talked about something slightly different? Probably a bit of both. All I know is that it wasn't exactly what I was trying to say or how I would ever say it. Some are better. But, some are not. We all have an opinion. Even the editors.
Yesterday I took the trouble of finding a picture I thought was perfect for what I wanted to say. Today I found that they replaced it with one that better suited their version of the article. So, why bother hunting for a photo?
The tone is completely different. This part is the most valuable. I've often been told I had to soften my tone. Now I'm finally being taught how to do it. It has almost gone from being a stab at becoming a serious writer to a social experiment. Almost but, not quite. After all, if they are taking this much interest and time to completely rework my articles they must feel that there is some worth in them.
I still like being caustic. But, I guess that's what The Dead and Gone is for. Incidentally, did I ever mention why this blog is called that? Basically, because once a thought has escaped the mind and manifested itself you can't take it back or undo it. It's effectively, dead and gone. All you can do is try to explain it, apologize for it, forget it, justify it, prove it, or move on from it. It's like when you present evidence in court and then the judge orders it stricken from the record. The jury still heard it. It still made an impression.
One thing I did learn so far is never post right to Orato. You never know what from your article will take or if it will see the light of day. My favorite piece so far has been completely reworded and reduced from 600 words to 121. Oh, well. Maybe some day I'll revisit it and say it better. Someday, after I've learned to sufficiently soften my tone while staying true to my caustic nature.
So, who's fault is that? Mine for not being clear enough or theirs because they would have talked about something slightly different? Probably a bit of both. All I know is that it wasn't exactly what I was trying to say or how I would ever say it. Some are better. But, some are not. We all have an opinion. Even the editors.
Yesterday I took the trouble of finding a picture I thought was perfect for what I wanted to say. Today I found that they replaced it with one that better suited their version of the article. So, why bother hunting for a photo?
The tone is completely different. This part is the most valuable. I've often been told I had to soften my tone. Now I'm finally being taught how to do it. It has almost gone from being a stab at becoming a serious writer to a social experiment. Almost but, not quite. After all, if they are taking this much interest and time to completely rework my articles they must feel that there is some worth in them.
I still like being caustic. But, I guess that's what The Dead and Gone is for. Incidentally, did I ever mention why this blog is called that? Basically, because once a thought has escaped the mind and manifested itself you can't take it back or undo it. It's effectively, dead and gone. All you can do is try to explain it, apologize for it, forget it, justify it, prove it, or move on from it. It's like when you present evidence in court and then the judge orders it stricken from the record. The jury still heard it. It still made an impression.
One thing I did learn so far is never post right to Orato. You never know what from your article will take or if it will see the light of day. My favorite piece so far has been completely reworded and reduced from 600 words to 121. Oh, well. Maybe some day I'll revisit it and say it better. Someday, after I've learned to sufficiently soften my tone while staying true to my caustic nature.
Treetzat Shest
These things below my eyes feel heavy. They sag lower with every passing year. The skin doesn't spring back like it used to. The pressure doesn't ease from my head. So much remains undone, unaccomplished, underachieved. With every day less time remains. More opportunities not taken.
What makes even less sense is when did they make it happen? Reading biographies of great achievers they too went through so much before and between what they are known best for. In their time they all seemed ordinary. Now, they are immortal. How do I do that? When will I do that?
Somehow, just as I knew about what I have now, I know what I'll be. Somehow,..... but, how....?
What makes even less sense is when did they make it happen? Reading biographies of great achievers they too went through so much before and between what they are known best for. In their time they all seemed ordinary. Now, they are immortal. How do I do that? When will I do that?
Somehow, just as I knew about what I have now, I know what I'll be. Somehow,..... but, how....?
Taming the beast within
Perhaps the hardest thing to do in a stressful situation is calm down. We are often reminded that keeping your head is the only way out but, how many of us can actually do it? I have met the occasional person that goes to great lengths to speak softly... all the time. They're just weird. I have even, slightly less often, met somebody that actually does have the natural gift to remain calm regardless of what is going on.
LITTLE MINDS KNOW HOW TO OUTWIT THEIR PARENTS
If you know them, these are the people to channel when dealing with a 5-year old. These little creatures look for buttons and spend their days trying to figure out the most effective ways to push them. School vacation boredom spawns the greatest tests of will. Even the calmest people will lose it in the face of a child who really knows them well enough.
THE LOUDER THEY SCREAM THE QUIETER YOU TALK
You know it has gotten really bad when it becomes a struggle to speak kindly to your own child and you look forward to time away from them. It has really gone too far when NOTHING they do is cute anymore, it's just irritating. So here is the trick to regain both your sanity and ability to view your child for the wonderful gem that they are: Stop, Drop, and Roll!
Let me explain. First and foremost: Stop what ever you are doing. If you need to, turn off the stove, the tap or the iron. Second, drop the volume of your voice. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes for a few seconds. Finally, get rolling. Grab the little people and leave the house. Go for a long drive. End up somewhere completely new and spend the entire day there.
It doesn't matter if the house is not clean and dinner is not made and nothing is how it should be. It doesn't matter if your spouse will come back and complain about something being other than it should. All that matters is that by the time you get back home your child will be the one you brought home from the hospital and you will be sane again.
LITTLE MINDS KNOW HOW TO OUTWIT THEIR PARENTS
If you know them, these are the people to channel when dealing with a 5-year old. These little creatures look for buttons and spend their days trying to figure out the most effective ways to push them. School vacation boredom spawns the greatest tests of will. Even the calmest people will lose it in the face of a child who really knows them well enough.
THE LOUDER THEY SCREAM THE QUIETER YOU TALK
You know it has gotten really bad when it becomes a struggle to speak kindly to your own child and you look forward to time away from them. It has really gone too far when NOTHING they do is cute anymore, it's just irritating. So here is the trick to regain both your sanity and ability to view your child for the wonderful gem that they are: Stop, Drop, and Roll!
Let me explain. First and foremost: Stop what ever you are doing. If you need to, turn off the stove, the tap or the iron. Second, drop the volume of your voice. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes for a few seconds. Finally, get rolling. Grab the little people and leave the house. Go for a long drive. End up somewhere completely new and spend the entire day there.
It doesn't matter if the house is not clean and dinner is not made and nothing is how it should be. It doesn't matter if your spouse will come back and complain about something being other than it should. All that matters is that by the time you get back home your child will be the one you brought home from the hospital and you will be sane again.
Friday, August 7, 2009
The Inconvenience of Conviction
Living in Canada for over a quarter of a century, I have often been stunned by our society's sense of entitlement and complete apathy toward the idea that our way of life is fragile. We talk about but, don't really mean it when we recall the sacrifices made in fighting for the ability to speak freely, argue with our leaders, wear what we want, love whom we want, and do what we want.
On the other hand, there is a rising tide of religious extremism. Growing up we are often told that we can be anything we want as long as we believe in ourselves. Again, I say we don't mean it. Western society is big on words that don't mean much.
Religious extremists are the alpha dogs of meaning what they say and doing what they are taught. They sacrifice their lives and their children for their ideals. They value dogma over life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
Climate change is top of mind as a massive threat to our quality of life and ability to exist. Well, so is religious extremism. So, here is another "inconvenient Truth": If we continue to try to negotiate with people for whom compromise is incomprehensible we'll be better off if the oceans did over heat and all the glaciers melted.
On the other hand, there is a rising tide of religious extremism. Growing up we are often told that we can be anything we want as long as we believe in ourselves. Again, I say we don't mean it. Western society is big on words that don't mean much.
Religious extremists are the alpha dogs of meaning what they say and doing what they are taught. They sacrifice their lives and their children for their ideals. They value dogma over life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
Climate change is top of mind as a massive threat to our quality of life and ability to exist. Well, so is religious extremism. So, here is another "inconvenient Truth": If we continue to try to negotiate with people for whom compromise is incomprehensible we'll be better off if the oceans did over heat and all the glaciers melted.
Incognito
Every once in a while you see it. The blatant exposure of somebody or something that was best left unknown. To those that do it, it was a passing incident. A way to make a quick and dirty buck. To those unmasked it was life altering, perhaps life shattering. This is the world we live in. The need to know universe of legitimized stick-your-nose-in-somebody-else's-ass society.
The other day I read an article about a guy that won the lottery and promptly got arrested for outstanding warrants. Between the lines you could tell the guy made some mistakes but, seemed to have straightened himself around. He wasn't convicted of any crimes, only accused. What is more, they were petty and a long time ago.
Maybe it's because newspaper reporting has long since gone down hill and it's really hard to find interesting writers that have something truly relevant and unique to contribute to today's reader's mundane existence. The article went on and on about this guy's past. The author was good enough to mention that the guy had a steady job and implied that he has a pretty good head on his shoulders. His plans for the money are sound and well thought out.
Talk about low hanging fruit. The article, which was syndicated, plastered the man's picture, name, amount of winnings, and intricate details of his distant past for all to see. All I got out of it is that the author and paper irresponsibly attempted to ruin a man's reputation based on some mistakes he made 20 years ago.
It reminded me of the time the Toronto Star, incidentally after the Globe and Toronto Sun (National Post wasn't around yet) refused to do so, ran a multi page expose over several days exposing a man and his family who was wanted by the mob.
Anybody will tell you that we live in a world much different than the one our parents grew up in. But, I'll tell you that compassion, discretion, and common sense have become so far removed from the minds of modern day adults and their offspring that perhaps we should think about bringing them back into the school curriculum.
The other day I read an article about a guy that won the lottery and promptly got arrested for outstanding warrants. Between the lines you could tell the guy made some mistakes but, seemed to have straightened himself around. He wasn't convicted of any crimes, only accused. What is more, they were petty and a long time ago.
Maybe it's because newspaper reporting has long since gone down hill and it's really hard to find interesting writers that have something truly relevant and unique to contribute to today's reader's mundane existence. The article went on and on about this guy's past. The author was good enough to mention that the guy had a steady job and implied that he has a pretty good head on his shoulders. His plans for the money are sound and well thought out.
Talk about low hanging fruit. The article, which was syndicated, plastered the man's picture, name, amount of winnings, and intricate details of his distant past for all to see. All I got out of it is that the author and paper irresponsibly attempted to ruin a man's reputation based on some mistakes he made 20 years ago.
It reminded me of the time the Toronto Star, incidentally after the Globe and Toronto Sun (National Post wasn't around yet) refused to do so, ran a multi page expose over several days exposing a man and his family who was wanted by the mob.
Anybody will tell you that we live in a world much different than the one our parents grew up in. But, I'll tell you that compassion, discretion, and common sense have become so far removed from the minds of modern day adults and their offspring that perhaps we should think about bringing them back into the school curriculum.
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