Mark the date

[serene]

If you're like me, it goes like this:

First you go here, to papersky's post.

Then you read the post she links to in sfwa.

Then you decide having an LJ or two makes you by definition a pixel-stained technopeasant.

Then you glory in it on April 23rd.

Who's in?

(Truthfully, I sympathize with those who feel the internet is Ruining It All, and I have always loved the Lead Pencil Club, especially the line in their manifesto that says "If our computers develop a virus, we will not seek a cure." But I love those things hypocritically, because being online has been huge in my life, and has helped me create the life and the art that I love.)

Comments

[patgreene.livejournal.com]

I know that it's hard making a writer or an artist. But I am not comfortable with the notion that art or writing -- and disseminating it -- should only be the province of those who get paid for it. Which is the point I took away from Hendrix's rant.

I can't speak for science fiction -- I don't read it, and only buy it in book form for others. But I do read a lot of non-fiction writing of various sorts on the net.

My LiveJournal is rambling about my life. My other blog is not -- it is, as Serene mentioned, unpaid volunteer writing. I've never been published, and probably could not be, so what I do may well fall outside the purview of Hendrix's rant, I don't know. Many of the blogs I read are performing unpaid journalism. Dave Niewert's Orcinus performs a valuable public service in keeping people abreast of continuing developments in the anti-immigration movement, among other things, for example. He also has ads for his books on his site. He operates basically on PayPal contributions. According to Hendix's rant, that's wrong. But reading Orcinus or any one of the political/news blogs I read doesn't mean I don't also read the Mercury News and the St. Petersburg Times, and watch the eleven o'clock news (once in a while -- I usually read my news).

I could never get hired to write a traditional newspaper column. I won't lie and say it wouldn't be nice to reach lots of readers -- someday I may actually get around to doing the sort of groundwork one needs to do to have a very popular blog. (Not to mention reestablishing a regular blogging schedule: ) ) In any case, the Internet allows people who have something to say a place to speak, and a place to practice their craft.

I have a feeling that this is a place we'll just have to disagree on, and that's okay.

I don't have poached eggs, but I do have a pot of red beans and rice cooking, even though those won't be done until tonight : )

[klwalton.livejournal.com]

I think I'm being somewhat misunderstood; I don't think the dissemination of art or writing should only be the province of those who get paid for it. I apologize if my writing wasn't clear enough :). If I felt that way, I wouldn't write my blog, or my LJ, or read the excellent writing from others in those mediums.

I seem to have stepped between two poles, starting with my misunderstanding of how the system works and mouthing off before being educated. But believe me when I say I wasn't exactly enamored of Dr. Hendrix's position.

My profession is a lot more cut-and-dried with regard to money (and I'm talking about video production in general, not just news gathering). I am guilty of projecting my experience and knowledge of that field onto the discussion here. The fact is they aren't comparable.

Ooh, red beans and rice. Comfort food for me, even if I am a Californian, born and bred :).

[patgreene.livejournal.com]

Looking back, I don't think I read you original comment carefully enough. I'm sorry. I could see where in your business people undercutting you by working for next to nothing could be a real problem -- it looks to me like there really is only a finite amount of work available, unlike for writing, and it really is a zero-sum game.

I moved from New Orleans when I was three, but my mom used to make red beans and rice throughout my childhood. I love 'em, and have told the kids if they don't they can just make their own dinner :)