This certainly would not be the first time that I have heard comments like that.

Whilst it is true that there are some bloggers who simply rant and give the blogosphere a bad name, there are also many who produce thoughtful and well informed written material, and when I hear comments like this, I often reflect on the fact that these people are obviously not reading many of the thought provoking and informative blogs which I personally read (including this one of course).

Not to dispute the value of professional editors, but the idea that they and they alone are the only ones capable of articulating an informed viewpoint does not reflect the reality of the modern media landscape.

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Not At ALL.
I can’t stand “gatekeepers” who feel they have some privilege of doing what they do; whether art, writing or basket weaving.

I see it that I nave absolutely NO right to tell anyone what they can or can’t do. I can however encourage people to do what they love…whatever that is. Please…show off your stuff! Get critiques, Improve! Keep doing it every day.

Does this in any way cheapen the work of a creative? Not one bit. Actually it’s the bunghole gatekeepers who ruin it for many.

Honestly, what is the difference between published writer/ artist/ basket weaver and the home published zine person? Honestly, I give less than a damn whether you’re published or not. That doesn’t mean you’re any good. It means absolutely nothing. There’s tons of really GOOD folks out there who aren’t published or are diamonds in the rough who should be ENCOURAGED and included instead of derided as “pft, unpublished” and excluded.

1. Who gives anyone the right to deride or dismiss anyone?
2. What is the difference between published and unpublished creatives?

Seriously…I think there is a sliding scale of skill and everyone is on the road (or should be) of improvement, regardless of whether or how something is put out for the world to see.

Honestly my own scale is dependent on skill, effort, natural talent and people who are willing to learn, listen as well as be frank about what they do. Let the work speak for itself and leave the ego at the door.

“Being Published” is largely a matter of “right place and right time” multiplied by “who you know”, plus an ounce of ability, a little bit of luck, and often a lot of hustling. Note that “skill” is the smallest factor here.

If not for the net I wouldn’t have my writing group that encourages me and pushes me, my number-one beta (who I have never met IRL) and I wouldn’t get to daily talk with writers, agents, and editors who have dedicated themselves to helping me (and others) be the best possible writer. I wouldn’t have immediate access to mind-boggling research, I wouldn’t have — well, so many things.

If your friend wants to stay out on the fringes and ignore what’s in front of them, they’re shorting themselves. I’d say more for the rest of us–but really, as it is, there’s more than enough for everybody.

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I love this conversation! All these wise, articulate responses to your thought-provoking post clearly demonstrate the inaccuracy of your erudite friend’s assessment. Isn’t poetic justice wonderful?

Jeanne

If anything, online publishing gives talented writers who didn’t go to J-school or whatever a chance to be discovered…which is why “real” writers are so threatened.

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@Roland, *sigh* so true. The elite power structure often rages against what they most fear. When we make things more accessible it creates competition and forces the “old guard” to innovate to hold on to their market share.

@Robert, lol! Shakespeare really did write the best insults! Hey, you should write that down. I agree with you, the relationships, knowledge and just plain fun of twitter are valuable to me. Phooey on the elitists who think otherwise.

@Meryl, thank you so much for that! I am so tempted to print this all out and mail it, lol, but that would not be nice so I’ll just enjoy the moment here with all of you.

@Brad, you are spot on. The sad part is that while “the snoterati” belittles the contributions of the online writer, the same is not true of how we feel about them. I love an in depth, well researched, well written story. I mourn the loss of newspapers and adore print media but the respect seems to flow one way. I understand the resentment – you earn a degree and work your butt off to become a respected writer and then “anyone can become a writer with a website and an idea.” However, the same can be said of the 14 year old entrepreneur who out earns MBAs ten times over.

@Sharon, it does get tiring and honestly it’s pointless for the snobs to continue in their complaints. It’s here, it’s not going away, get over it.

@Chris, oooh great point about bloggers and twitter! We must be pre-wired to rail against change!

@Rebecca, I stood up and applauded when I read your right on comment! Well said Rebecca! This one should be bookmarked by believers and non-believers alike!

@Fred, “gatekeepers never like things that break down their gates.” Very telling statement and so true!

@Jamie, whoo hoo! I know such an eloquent response! The comments here are so insightful and such an antithesis to the opinions stated by “snoterati” that I may turn this into something more… Another benefit of making writing accessible to the masses is that people are excited about writing and reading. For those of us who have a lifelong love of words, this tickles us pink. Young people sit down and express themselves in words (not text speak) on their blogs, Facebook and MySpace pages. I am blown away when I read the personal essays of younger family members or kids of friends and delighted that they have fallen in love with writing.

@Jeff, your comment so beautifully illustrates many deeper lessons. Aww, so true that tough times make us nostalgic for the past. As you pointed out though there is danger in looking back rather than moving forward (look out it worked out for Lot’s wife!). I love your statement, “freedom is hard duty.” Yes, yes.

@A.B. I love the smell of old books too! I call the library my “happy place.” I love holding a book in my hand. I love browsing bookstores, especially the old indie bookstores. However, my recent brush with publishing (working with an author) has demonstrated that they are deeply in crisis. It is an industry that can no longer afford to nurture and support upcoming talent. I no longer question why many writers opt for small press or self publishing, unless you’re JK Rowling you’ll fork over profits and get very little help to sell your books.

@Janice, lol! Pens and brushes up for that! I agree no need for fighting as there is a place for us all. I can view photos online and have amazing enjoyment but still love a day at a gallery or museum. You are so right there is no shortage of awful in any medium. Methinks you have captured my sentiments exactly!

@Jeanne – “After all, there’s nothing quite like a flock of noisy, honking geese to highlight the beauty and elegance of a graceful swan.” Your thoughts were dead on and this quote is a keeper for me!

@Kelly, the sad part is that the erudite could lead the way and inspire us all to raise our game. When I read great writing, I learn and am challenged to grow. (Well sometimes I eat chocolate and wonder how I could possibly call myself a writer but then after a bit of self pity I really do grow!) Being a “didn’t adopter” is fine. While we would immensely enjoy you on Twitter, it makes it even more fun to visit and chat with you on your blog. And MCE is present on Twitter because we share. Just between you and me I don’t own an Ipod. In fact, I have not one but two walkmans, a “newer” one that plays CDs and the first one I ever got when I was 16. lol I plan on donating it to the Smithsonian.