Tuesday, March 15, 2016

The Internet – For Better or For Worse by Alison Henderson

Yesterday I read a post from a fellow author that re-emphasized something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately—the harm/benefit ratio of the internet. She had written a post on Facebook and then re-posted it to her personal blog about her journey as a writer. She began, as most of us do, lost and unknowing then learned a tremendous amount about the mechanics of good writing from working with a small press, and is now self-publishing. I believe she’s found the perfect outlet because her books are a unique mash-up of genres that would likely be beyond the imagination of most publishers.

In her post she talked about continuing to work hard learning her craft—something we should all do—and asked for recommendations of good sources. One woman replied by saying she had picked up the first book in this author’s series because the premise sounded intriguing, but couldn’t finish it because of “made-up words” and “improper usage”. The example she gave was a word common in vernacular language, although technically not a “proper word”. My immediate response was that if that had bothered her so much, she probably hadn’t been able to finish a single book written in the past thirty years.
What troubled me more was that this response was posted on the author’s personal blog. This reader (or non-reader) either follows the blog (why??) or made the effort to search it out in order to leave a negative comment. And I believe her action is part of an overwhelming current trend.

Freedom of speech is guaranteed in our Constitution, and as a writer I fully believe in the value and necessity of personal expression. However, simply because one can say something in public doesn’t mean they should, and all comments are not equally valid. For example, consider the absurd and inflammatory statements made on Twitter by so-called celebrities and politicians. Then consider the equally absurd and inflammatory responses from the general public. Cyberbullying has ruined countless young lives, and Internet trolls gleefully attack complete strangers just because they can.

I love certain aspects of the Internet. Without it I would never have connected with any of you. I wouldn’t be able to buy my favorite brand of chai latte or pizza dough mix because my local grocery stores no longer carry them. I wouldn’t even be able to sell my books. However, the availability and anonymity of the Internet has also freed people of all previous social restraint. Good manners and shame are things of the past, and we may never get them back.

Sorry for the rant, but I’m old and I think about these things.

Alison
www.alisonhenderson.com

9 comments:

Margo Hoornstra said...

Rant away, Alison. You're entitled. It's unfortunate that so many spew on the internet simply because they can, and anonymously at that. I suppose as with all things, the good rises to the top and the bad goes where ever it is that bad things go these days. As a target of trolls more than once, all I do is shake my head and move on. Oh, and you're right about the bonus of all of us meeting on the internet. That plus outweighs so many negatives.

Brenda Whiteside said...

We live in such an impersonal era, thank you Internet, text messaging and social media. I believe if those people who are boldly rude and thoughtless had to face the person in the flesh, the words would remain nasty thoughts. Common courtesy and politeness is no longer common. There's no owning the hurt inflicted. Words tossed out into the ether don't have the repercussions. We grow less humane with less in flesh contact.

Rolynn Anderson said...

Do you think that part of this is because it's free and too quick? When you had to put pen to paper and stamp to letter, then post the complaint, it took time, consideration and money. The protest had to be really important to go through this process. Too late, though...cat's out of the bag. And let's face it, half of what we're hearing in this election (both costly-advertising-and considered/planned rhetoric), should never had been said, either. The millions spent on this election on inflaming rhetoric...I shake my head.

Jannine Gallant said...

Ranting is good for the blood pressure! We need that safety valve. There are a lot of mean-spirited people out there. The best we can do is ignore them. As for the political aspect, I won't even touch that because I might explode...

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO! Words are often used in new ways. That's one of the beauties of language. It can create a strong visual. A black ribbon of road. Ah, we can see it, yet the road is no ribbon and we aren't using the word properly. Yes, no doubt the woman felt superior and within her rights to correct the author on her personal blog. People can be so nasty. We've lost civility, manners, that Golden Rule we learned as children. Awesome post. Did I say bravo?

Alison Henderson said...

Thanks for your comments, ladies. I'm a bit pressed for time the next few days because my mother and sister are visiting. Yay! At any rate, I appreciate your support - as always.

Alicia Dean said...

Well said, Alison. I am amazed at how rude and insensitive people can be. I guess it's because they hide behind their computers. If we lived by the creed of only saying online what we would say to someone in person, the world might be a more pleasant place. Yes, I too value the internet for the same reasons you mentioned. :) (well, maybe not the chai latte or pizza dough mix :))

Leah St. James said...

Readers can be cruel...not to mention just plain wrong. A lot of what people think are errors are often style choices. (I transcribe the "feedback" line at the paper where I work. I have nicknamed it the spew-your-guts-in-venemous-hate line.) I think Brenda and Rolynn had it -- attacking on a blog is impersonal and too easy. Like Alicia said, If the complainers had to look their victims in the eye and express the comments in person, I'll bet most would slither away.

Diane Burton said...

Good rant, Alison. I've read many books that I didn't like so didn't finish. But I'd never post anything like that. First, I know how hard writers work, and--more importantly, I don't want to hurt someone's feelings. The Golden Rule along with what goes around comes around.