Totally resonated with me -- the importance of critique and finding people who can deliver it lovingly and honestly (very hard to find them), the Roosevelt speech, which I hadn't been familiar with, and the work of Sean Tucker, whose book I'm about to buy. Thank you.
You’re in my head again, Saddoris! Where you use the word criticism, I use the word judgmentalism. I’ve concluded that fearing others’ judgment feeds into my being judgmental of others. Or maybe it’s the other way round. I don’t really know; and it doesn’t really matter. It’s very tiring. As I create and publish what I do, it reveals the flaws of mine that bother me the most and that I wish to change. Being judgmental of others is high on my list, and I’m already beginning to experience a feeling of being able to publish my content less fearfully. It’s a nice feeling.
“Sound and fury signifying nothing” is not where you want to be. That’s becoming a member of the chattering class. The other approach is writing with a purpose like Godard and Truffaut writing for Ciaiers du Cinema just before they set the world on fire with their filmmaking. That’s criticism that matters and makes a difference. Good post.
I pulled away from social media more than a year ago, choosing to only post on some writing and photos on my blog. Unlike my old social media approach, I'm not looking for more viewers of my material. I do not utilise SEO nor do I actively publicise my material. However, the blog is public and I've received a few random viewers from time to time.
And so, I often question why I continue to do what I do. Why do I photograph, why do I write? Why do I put them together sometimes on my blog? I think like you, I enjoy the process. I like lifting the camera to my eye, I like figuring out different ways of capturing the ordinary. This year, I added another element to my process, slowing down the act of posting to my blog. This act of slowing down and reviewing my work has helped me lift the quality of my images and writing and reinforce the joy of the process.
I agree. That's what I always tell my students. If you find someone who can give you honest and constructive feedback, hold on to them for life. I have a friend, a fellow screenwriter, who always likes what I do. I stopped asking for his feedback because he either doesn't read my stuff or doesn't know how to give feedback. Knowing how to give good feedback is an art form in itself.
Just caught up on the last couple of "iterations." I understand the bottom line. It has to be a concern. But here's the thing. What you do matters. I wept for the loss of your father and for mine. We share many of the same concerns and feelings, many of the same aspirations and insecurities. Yet I'm sure this is true for others who listen because you connect in such a personal way. I know. It doesn't pay the bills, but the value is immeasurable. Sharing the struggle to create in a meaningful way gives us each a little hope in our own struggles. Thank you.
Once again you manage to vocalise express and vocalise my inner thoughts so closely. The criticism/critique to Simon Sinak’s book—which also sent me done a path of deeper ‘why’. Now I’m realising that I was previously content with ‘because’ as my why. I don’t think I need any more than that, but it’s been an interesting journey over the last couple of years.
Thank you, Jeffery! I always enjoy you sharing your thoughts about questions you ponder about. They resonate with me and always give me food for thought.
What a great post, Jeffery!
Totally resonated with me -- the importance of critique and finding people who can deliver it lovingly and honestly (very hard to find them), the Roosevelt speech, which I hadn't been familiar with, and the work of Sean Tucker, whose book I'm about to buy. Thank you.
You’re in my head again, Saddoris! Where you use the word criticism, I use the word judgmentalism. I’ve concluded that fearing others’ judgment feeds into my being judgmental of others. Or maybe it’s the other way round. I don’t really know; and it doesn’t really matter. It’s very tiring. As I create and publish what I do, it reveals the flaws of mine that bother me the most and that I wish to change. Being judgmental of others is high on my list, and I’m already beginning to experience a feeling of being able to publish my content less fearfully. It’s a nice feeling.
“Sound and fury signifying nothing” is not where you want to be. That’s becoming a member of the chattering class. The other approach is writing with a purpose like Godard and Truffaut writing for Ciaiers du Cinema just before they set the world on fire with their filmmaking. That’s criticism that matters and makes a difference. Good post.
I pulled away from social media more than a year ago, choosing to only post on some writing and photos on my blog. Unlike my old social media approach, I'm not looking for more viewers of my material. I do not utilise SEO nor do I actively publicise my material. However, the blog is public and I've received a few random viewers from time to time.
And so, I often question why I continue to do what I do. Why do I photograph, why do I write? Why do I put them together sometimes on my blog? I think like you, I enjoy the process. I like lifting the camera to my eye, I like figuring out different ways of capturing the ordinary. This year, I added another element to my process, slowing down the act of posting to my blog. This act of slowing down and reviewing my work has helped me lift the quality of my images and writing and reinforce the joy of the process.
Thanks for sharing. You inspire me.
I agree. That's what I always tell my students. If you find someone who can give you honest and constructive feedback, hold on to them for life. I have a friend, a fellow screenwriter, who always likes what I do. I stopped asking for his feedback because he either doesn't read my stuff or doesn't know how to give feedback. Knowing how to give good feedback is an art form in itself.
Just caught up on the last couple of "iterations." I understand the bottom line. It has to be a concern. But here's the thing. What you do matters. I wept for the loss of your father and for mine. We share many of the same concerns and feelings, many of the same aspirations and insecurities. Yet I'm sure this is true for others who listen because you connect in such a personal way. I know. It doesn't pay the bills, but the value is immeasurable. Sharing the struggle to create in a meaningful way gives us each a little hope in our own struggles. Thank you.
Fantastic! This piece resonates with me so much. Thank you.
Starting to catch up on my stacks and boy did this one hit.
This is a great piece Jeffery. I am grateful you share with us.
Once again you manage to vocalise express and vocalise my inner thoughts so closely. The criticism/critique to Simon Sinak’s book—which also sent me done a path of deeper ‘why’. Now I’m realising that I was previously content with ‘because’ as my why. I don’t think I need any more than that, but it’s been an interesting journey over the last couple of years.
Thank you for sharing so openly and eloquently.
Thank you, Jeffery! I always enjoy you sharing your thoughts about questions you ponder about. They resonate with me and always give me food for thought.