Bad academic writers differ not at all from bad commercial writers. Instead of composing in words, bad writers compose in ready-made phrases. They do not notice when they have substituted approximation for exactitude, because their minds are elsewhere, usually on the unthreatening shrug of familiarity they want from their readers.
Let’s keep it simple…. most folks don’t KNOW any better, so don’t complain. Most newspapers write at a 3rd. grader’s level of understanding…. Because, most people read at that level. So,why should anyone try to write anything better? There are not so many Buckleys roaming around out there.
Wait, what I mean to say is that newspapers should write clearly to best communicate information. Columnists write above 3rd grade level, and some of them want to write beautifully or illustratively, so they will use the words they can.
The reading level of a work is not a hindrance to good, beautiful, powerful writing. It will restrain complexity, but simple writing can be gorgeous, and gorgeous writing isn’t what we’re talking about above. We’re talking about sound thinking and sound word choices to deliver a good story. The blogger complains about a movie with hackneyed dialogue, flat characters (I gather), and only a decent plot. Anyway, awful writing isn’t simple or grade school writing. Simple writing can be great.
I agree with your last sentence. Well, heck, I agree with most of what you wrote here lastly. I’ve read that Hemingway was great because he wrote simply and didn’t waste any words.
Not to belabor the point; but I would assume you are a much better writer now than you were when you were in grade school.
Good, clear, beautiful writers are that way because of; gifts from God, great efforts to make use of their education and BECAUSE THEY CARE.
I don’t see many writers today who are craftsmen.
Wordsmithing today often gives the impression of being excessively wordy. It seems that many “writers” publish, they don’t write. Strong plots, the beauty of the read…creating wonderful strings of words and ideas aren’t in the mix any more.
I’ve wished all my life that I could be a great writer… Most of what I do is crappy silliness…
How I envy you and Lars and others who really have the gift! God is great!
In the mean-time, I’ll let my ears burn while I head off for jury duty…
That’s a good analysis.
Let’s keep it simple…. most folks don’t KNOW any better, so don’t complain. Most newspapers write at a 3rd. grader’s level of understanding…. Because, most people read at that level. So,why should anyone try to write anything better? There are not so many Buckleys roaming around out there.
Why write better? Because we are better. And of course, for the chicks.
Well said Phil….well said!
But, does that mean you will by plying newspapers with soul deepening requests to improve, for society’s sake?
No, b/c I don’t give a rat’s…
Wait, what I mean to say is that newspapers should write clearly to best communicate information. Columnists write above 3rd grade level, and some of them want to write beautifully or illustratively, so they will use the words they can.
The reading level of a work is not a hindrance to good, beautiful, powerful writing. It will restrain complexity, but simple writing can be gorgeous, and gorgeous writing isn’t what we’re talking about above. We’re talking about sound thinking and sound word choices to deliver a good story. The blogger complains about a movie with hackneyed dialogue, flat characters (I gather), and only a decent plot. Anyway, awful writing isn’t simple or grade school writing. Simple writing can be great.
WOW! My ears are turning red!! :>)
I agree with your last sentence. Well, heck, I agree with most of what you wrote here lastly. I’ve read that Hemingway was great because he wrote simply and didn’t waste any words.
Not to belabor the point; but I would assume you are a much better writer now than you were when you were in grade school.
Good, clear, beautiful writers are that way because of; gifts from God, great efforts to make use of their education and BECAUSE THEY CARE.
I don’t see many writers today who are craftsmen.
Wordsmithing today often gives the impression of being excessively wordy. It seems that many “writers” publish, they don’t write. Strong plots, the beauty of the read…creating wonderful strings of words and ideas aren’t in the mix any more.
I’ve wished all my life that I could be a great writer… Most of what I do is crappy silliness…
How I envy you and Lars and others who really have the gift! God is great!
In the mean-time, I’ll let my ears burn while I head off for jury duty…