mutterings about the internets

[threeplusfire]

So, LJ Idol. Part writing, part popularity contest, all made of interwebs. I decided to enter and write because I find deadlines to be motivational. I don't imagine I'll come anywhere close to the end or win, but I figure I can at least get a good six to eight weeks of deadlines to force me to write.

It also gives me the motivation to read LJ entries of people I might not ever see. This is both good and irksome. I've read some fascinating stuff from people such as alycewilson and mandolinorange. Some of my friends, like rm and abbismom, are also writing in LJ Idol. They write enlightening, interesting entries.

Then, there is the flip side. I can't help but look at an entry like this one and wonder how the hell a list of songs qualifies. Sure, making a mix tape on a topic is creative. But seriously? Ostensibly this is a writing exercise and there's absolutely zero writing there. I have conflicted feelings here.

Let's not even get started on how being brave on the internet is about as transgressive as egging someone's house. Being an asshat, and not an especially well written one does not constitute bravery in any way. This situation makes me even more conflicted. I'm not voting for that writer because I think the entry doesn't express apathy so much as it does ignorance and I don't find it in any way creative or well done. I find myself wondering if that entry will always cast a pall over anything else I see from that writer.

Comments

[rm.livejournal.com]

I am so happy to see bodlon getting more votes that that hate.

[halfacork.livejournal.com]

I think my answer to this week's topic would disappoint you.

---full of apathy.

[copperwise.livejournal.com]

RM, I enjoy reading your posts of entries from LJ Idol, and the ones from my other friends who have entered this round. I don't always agree with everyone, but I love the fact that you and my other friends can WRITE. I'm rather disturbed to see the people commenting that the piece in question was a well-written essay. I not only disagree with the writer, I'm afraid it was fairly mediocre in presentation as well. I'd much rather disagree with you on something, because at least I'll get a good read out of it.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Oh sweet gods above, me too. bodlon wrote some very eloquent comments in response to that bit of insanity.

I am getting less votes than a mix tape. Woe!

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

AHAHAHAH :P
<3

[shannon-elaine.livejournal.com]

I was just waiting to be flamed for my entry. But I think everyone was too busy with the one that gratefuladdict wrote to worry about mine.

[norda.livejournal.com]

Your motivations and mine for entering this contest are quite similar. Unfortunately, I'm in a writing lull apart from these Idol entries, so even the prod of writing weekly has not yet lit the proper fire under me.

I used to be quite an essayist. Time and stress have taken their toll, and thus I'm letting The Blog Stoker's DRACULA Project speak for me these days. [And even that's been delayed... we should have been well into Behead the Vampire, Save The World territory by now.]

I do enjoy your essays... I've been aware of you through other journals I read, and am pleased to be writing alongside you, even if this week I took the easy way out and let frivolity speak for me rather than my innermost heart.

[bodlon.livejournal.com]

If I said I'm kind of watching my votes and hoping that trend continues...?

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

I really thought yours was a thoughtful take on religion and the reasons for your apathy. Religion's always a touchy subject, surely. I liked your conclusion. It had a sense of peace to it.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Sometimes, we need some frivolity. Especially after these two topics! Helps balance things out from all The Epic Serious.

Thanks for the kind words.

[shannon-elaine.livejournal.com]

*blushes*

Thank you!

[tigrkittn.livejournal.com]

(delted and reposted because I can't edit and I realized too late I didn't say what I meant!)

I think the "mix tape" is supposed to be poetry if you read the titles down. I'm surprised at how quickly it went up, and it's original, but it's not "good writing".

The sentiments expressed by gratefuladdict may mke my head spin, but trying to change her mind reminds me of a saying a friend of mine is fond of - that's it's like trying to teach a pig to sing: it just wastes your time and annoys the pig. If it were well-written I might have voted for it anyway, because that's what gets my vote. Not being my friend, not saying something I agree with. Unfortunately it didn't even have that going for it, in my opinion and clearly a lot of others.

*shrug* I'm apathetic about other people thinking it was well done- they're entitled to their opinion ;) (wandered over here from [info]abbismom, by the way!)

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Oh poetry, I always fail to understand you! I don't know why but it is true. I might have to return my liberal arts diploma for that.

I understand your point - there's only so much one can do on the internet before it becomes beating your fingers on the keyboard. It wasn't well written - hell, Jesse Helms wrote that essay years ago and with better punctuation.

[abbismom.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the shout-out!

I agree with the song list entry. Is it clever? Maybe...I was honestly too distracted by the format to finish it. I bet it took a long ass time to do it. But I agree, it's not good writing.

I hadn't read the "I'm so sick of tolerance towards those pesky minorities" essay until you pointed it out. Two hours later, I'm thinking that the elegantly written responses like yours and kathrynrose's have helped that particular contestant think outside of her box. She has definitely been challenged, and that's a good thing.

[lawnrrd]

I may be an asshat, but at least I can write.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Very true - plus, I get the feeling your opinions may be built on more experience/living. Also, much cuter.

[lawnrrd]

That's right! I am
irresponsible,
capricious,
cheeky,
selfish,
extravagant,
affected,
a liar,
uncertain,
and irresponsible

But I
get away with it
because
I am cute

But I am
loved
because
I am cute

—Pizzicato Five, "Watashi" (English translation of Japanese lyrics)