Thanks to Adam for the shout out, and I'm pleased that everybody is chiming in. I guess Don feels like we're trying to tell him to shut up or lie to us, but I have to say that I didn't post the conversation RVC and I have been having as a call for sympathy. First of all, Don and Alison are absolutely right in pointing out that "flame wars" or whatever the kids are calling them these days make for good reading. While I read an enormous list of blogs on a daily basis because I think you all have smart, interesting things to say, I'm not above checking back into the comments multiple times on a "fighting" day. Hell, I'm human. I watch reality TV, too. Sue me. And I don't think that makes me a hypocrite, either, because I'm also not jumping into those conversations and saying, "Hey, boys, be nice to me!"
I'll admit there is a certain amount of politeness I feel obligated to perform when seeing a friend's show I didn't like. My husband likes to joke about how he knows I thought a show was really bad if I tell my friend, "You looked like you guys were having a lot of fun up there." My closer friends, who really ask me to tell them, I will try to give my best constructive criticism. But I always try to start with the things I thought were positive. And sometimes looking for those things in a really bad show makes me think about it that much harder and appreciate it more. I have a lot more patience for artists who have clearly poured their hearts into a show and just been a bit misguided or ineffective in their results than I do for theatre that is shitty because people aren't trying. And I have seen a lot of both kinds. The second kind makes me so angry I can barely see straight, and in those cases, I am likely to just get the hell out of there rather than have to discuss the performance with a friend who is involved. Half-assed crap isn't even worth discussion. But I think it is worth hearing the good and the bad, as long as neither is personal. Personal attacks aren't helpful, but I have to point out that blind praise isn't either. I find it hard to believe there's no middle ground there. Can calm, intelligent discourse still be provocative? That's what I want to know.
As I tried to make clear but I guess didn't quite succeed at, I actually don't blame the blogosphere for my hesitation to express a strong opinion at times. It has much more to do with my own personality, and part of that is formed by my experiences as a woman. I don't think anybody needs to stop what they're doing, and I was incredibly disappointed to read Scott's farewell, though I know he's not leaving the web community entirely.
My interests here are twofold:
1) I'm joining in the call to arms to get some new voices in on the conversation, and
2) I am very curious to learn what are the posts (besides the arguments) that get people interested? That drive that ever elusive site traffic? I think devilvet posted some great ideas, and I'd love to see if more of that kind of post can get people talking. What does everyone else think? I'm interested to know.
I have a ten min play in this
-
*This year, Smith and Kraus has combined its two annual ten-minute play
books into this one volume, divided into three sections: Plays for Two
Actors, P...
38 minutes ago
6 comments:
I think there are at least two different conversations going on, and it's getting hard to untangle one from the other.
Pick whatever interests you most and run with it!
Apologies if I misread the reasons for any hesitation to join in the blogosphere. But, your here now...that's what matters.
I'll have someone shortly on my blog.
Apology not required, dv.
I've posted nothing of substance that will drive site traffic more than something that resembles a fight. But I prefer to drive my own traffic with the next most effective method - collaborative projects, check-ins on those projects, and calls to action.
I think letting discussions stir for a bit and thinking of a project or a work inspired by the discussion that could make a difference - say fundraising for theaters that support women's voices for a half-baked example - will help drive interest. Also, finding places where you can participate with others can often help - when two people collaborate online, they often generate a lot of interest betwixt their posts. I think bloggers taking action to make change that they both find necessary is VERY provocative.
At a certain point linking your blogged ideas to your work is healthy. I think that's one of the reasons Scott has bowed out for now - he's been couched in theory for too long and needs to pound the pavement with his message and see what sticks. dv connects his blog with his work, I connect my thoughts to my work and a number of leveraged projects in various states of development. What works for you is what what works for you!
goodness, it was a busy day.
Post a Comment