[stuff the blue ribbon, kthnx.]

There is definitely something that drives me absolutely up the wall about the idea, baldly stated, that of course one writes in order to be basically worshipped by one's readers. Not just to be read (something I do identify strongly with-- more readers, yesss!!), but to be admired. Oh my gahd. Gag. Me. Now.

That is such a... such... a complete disregard of craft and a sort of dismissal of any kind of pride or pleasure in being a writer in the first place....
    I mean, I imagine even corn-growers may grow corn for money or for the satisfaction in seeing those golden cornfields every year, all due to their hard work, but oh god, I would hope most don't grow corn for that one shining moment one day when they win the blue ribbon and everyone pats them on the back and people are smiling so prettily at them, saying, great job with that there corn, matey! Because... well, it would just be so sad. In that not only is it not healthy to survive only on the praise of others, but it devalues one's work... it makes everything you do out to be about anything but you. How... how very sad is that?

It wouldn't even bother me so much if the people who're constantly saying they write (only!) for positive recs and reviews didn't assume everyone's like that, or it's normal & natural to be like that, or didn't everyone hear? That's human nature, it is. I mean, I'm sure there are some coldhearted people out there who don't understand the sheer overwhelming goodness and light that is pure flattery, but well, let's just not talk about them.... Let's just live in that bright beautiful world where everyone loves us (and those badbad-nogoodnicks who dare speak against our blood and sweat... let's just stone them).... Ahhh, that's better... and now a little to the right... and where are those oiled dancing boys, btw? Fandom owes me.

...And hey, nevermind that the omg-meanie concrit reviews in question weren't even given -to- the authors... because everything we say about a piece of fiction is really... about the writer. Because... that's just how it works. Why? Because. Because that's how it feels. Right, then.

( ....Ranty-rant-rant-mcrantypants. )

~~

EDIT - I love this meme!!
    Go to your media player/mp3 player and put it all on shuffle. Say the following questions aloud, and after each one press play. Use the song title as the answer to the question.

( wheee!! )