Theos-Talk Archives (November 2001 Message tt00044)

At 04:57 AM 11/3/01 +1030, you wrote:

> |When you write something, do you look and see
> |how it affects the people reading it?
>
> I get very little response so.....
That's one form of reaction. I get it too to
a number of my posts. It's hard to tell what's
been subject to <DELETE>, what was skimmed
over and ignored, and what was found interesting
but not considered worth commenting to.

> > If you do, do you change your writing approach
> > to become a more effective writer when it
> > backfires and you have the wrong result?
> Most of the time I just try to get Bart mad. ;)
That seems to work at times. But here's where
it's good to gauge the effect a posting has on
other people. If your intent is only humor,
provoking a laugh, groan, or yuck, then it's
possible to be more clear about it when writing
something. Chuck the Neo-Barbarian is expert in
this style of writing, and either brings a
bit of comic relief to overly-serious topics,
or is on the don't-read list of people's email
programs.

On the other hand, a serious conversation intended
to get someone to consider an idea with an open
mind -- that is done differently. When people feel
offended or their defenses go up, they'll not be
receptive to thinking differently.

> I just want them talking full stop. Debate is good.
Interesting things get people talking. So do
controversial things. But it's not necessary
to make people angry to motivate the discussions.

> |As a skilled writer, you'd be able to pick
> |your approach, draw together the words, and
> |clearly fashion the thoughts and feelings
> |that you'd share. With less skill, the writing
> |stumbles, and unintended results ensue.
> |
> |-- Eldon
>
> So I'm obvioulsy not a skilled writer then. Does that mean I'm not
> allowed to say anything?
We're all practicing, somewhat short of the
ideal. Are we learning and growing? Do we see
if what we said is understood, and if not,
try different ways of expressing ourselves?
That's what's important. Not that we are
already perfect in what we say.

> If unintended results occur then it's from misinterpreation and
> assumption. People should ask questions to elaborate.
It's true that communication is a two-way
street. Both sides are responsible for it
to work. Not only do we try to be clearer
in what we say, we also try to be better
listeners, asking questions to clarify things
when we're uncertain.

-- Eldon