This is such good advice in the main as I strongly beleive in showing up with a spirit of generosity no matter the forum. However I would like to challenge the idea that 'political rants' are to be avoided. For many people political rants might not be their style anyway, but for other writers their political views might be an important part of their identity (or even relate directly to their writing), and to shut it off entirely can feel inauthentic and make showing up harder, not easier. I take the question of whether or not to share political views on a case-by-case basis (not everyone is prepared to take the risk of potential blowback, for example) but as a general rule I do think it's possible to be both personable/ kind *and* to be clear about what your values and beliefs are. Not everyone might like you for it, but that's ok - we don't actually have to liked by everyone!
I agree that it can be fine to share political opinions. Like you, I believe that is on a case-by-case basis. It depends heavily on the author, the genre they write, and the audience they have curated. I was referring here specifically to political rants, not just sharing opinions or thoughts. By which I mean, when someone goes off online (or in-person) in a mean-spirited way that is not thoughtful or professional. Hope that helps clarify that!
So important and so well said 🥰 (insert me getting excited about finding yet another good show about writing 😆 squeeeee)
Thank you, Arria!!
So completely true. Readers are constituents, and they deserve your attention.
Yes!
That's true
How about I have a quick chat with you sir
A great reminder. Thank you 😊.
This is such good advice in the main as I strongly beleive in showing up with a spirit of generosity no matter the forum. However I would like to challenge the idea that 'political rants' are to be avoided. For many people political rants might not be their style anyway, but for other writers their political views might be an important part of their identity (or even relate directly to their writing), and to shut it off entirely can feel inauthentic and make showing up harder, not easier. I take the question of whether or not to share political views on a case-by-case basis (not everyone is prepared to take the risk of potential blowback, for example) but as a general rule I do think it's possible to be both personable/ kind *and* to be clear about what your values and beliefs are. Not everyone might like you for it, but that's ok - we don't actually have to liked by everyone!
I agree that it can be fine to share political opinions. Like you, I believe that is on a case-by-case basis. It depends heavily on the author, the genre they write, and the audience they have curated. I was referring here specifically to political rants, not just sharing opinions or thoughts. By which I mean, when someone goes off online (or in-person) in a mean-spirited way that is not thoughtful or professional. Hope that helps clarify that!