299written posts
offlinecurrently
The point was that writing may be subjective, but there's people employed whose approach to editing is based on more than "this is just my opinion." So I think dismissing talking about writing based on "it's all subjective" is a bit short-sighted. Maybe I'm just entirely wrong for questioning the status quo. I accept I'm probably the weird one here. hate to say this, but i've worked with multiple editors for publications with millions of readers and every single one of them had their unique editing style, and their notes were oftentimes contradictory. they were all highly respected in their field. so really it shouldn't be surprising if rp is also highly subjective. that's what i love about it, and what keeps me coming back for more posts! Yes, I’m aware. But again, I’m not arguing writing (and roleplaying) aren’t subjective. I’m saying you can give feedback on writing that is rooted in more than “oh, I just like it this way.” I don’t want to pull the “I’m a professional editor at a publishing company” card, but it’s not like I’m saying this as some hobbyist enthusiast. My colleagues and I do give feedback to writers based on what the writer wants to achieve with their prose, and what techniques one could use to achieve that. And I assume so do you. It’s not just, “well, imo…” It remains subjective, but I believe firmly there’s a difference between “I use long sentences because I like them” and “I used a long sentence here to build up the same sense of overstimulation the main character is experiencing from the constant barrage of sounds and flashes of light and voices and the clanging and banging of pots and pans and mice skittering over the floor as aunt Marie’s cackles with delight while a train’s lights flash in the rearview mirror.” If someone asks, “Hey, how can I convey this character is being overstimulated?”, is the answer “Eh, that’s a matter of opinion”? Sure, there’s not one universal answer to that question, but knowing what you can do can help people develop the style that works for them.
|
last edit on Apr 6, 2024 0:01:45 GMT by traveller
"Once upon a time I was a baker and everybody was impressed. But I didn’t need approval because I already knew I was the best. Everything I made was a masterpiece - it all taste like heaven! But then unfortunately I turned seven."
|