Am I Being too Six-Sensitive?

[Jared Handley]

I get messages from time to time from Six-S friends who want me to read their external work. No biggie, except I've noticed a handful of these have never even read (or commented on) any of my blogs. I pretend to be thick-skinned about it, but it seems a little insulting, especially since I appreciate even harsh criticism, and have always (hopefully) demonstrated as much in replies. Am I alone here or does that seem kind of... ?


Couple notes: I love reading other people's work so don't hesitate to send me (or keep sending me) your links! And if you're saying "Hey, I've read your stuff!" then I didn't mean you.

[Teresa]

I think as people we should give as much as we take when at all possible. Regarding those who ask you to read their work, it's probably a request sent in a mass "friends" email and the writers never considered plucking out the names of those they're not giving to lately. They figure, Hey, the more the better; I'll give my share later on or whatever (if even that much thought goes into it). Are you being too sensitive? I don't think you're capbable of that. You're a balanced guy and you see a legitimate imbalance. It's there. I don't think those who request of ALL are putting much thought into the individual names on their lists. They're just throwing out the list. You certainly don't have to read their work if you're too busy. You should read who you want, when you want. You're a busy person and have writing of your own to do. So actually, those who throw out these requests are the ones who are being INsensitive. There's a bit of the "Look-at-me! Look-at-me!" inherent in all writers. It's something we have to be careful about.

[Jared Handley]

Such patient wisdom. I bet you have a sweet voice, too.

To be fair, I'll admit I'm not exempt from Look-at-me syndrome, so...

[Sandra Davies]

In recent weeks, in my less ... tolerant? ... phases (like 90% of the time!) I have wondered if there was a way of differentiating between real Friends, who comment and whose work I enjoy reading and those who I have a sneaking suspicion only befriended me so as to have another person to send to read their further flung posts. There is a middle tranche too, who have been inactive for a while and it would be useful to be able to park them in the equivalent of a 'hibernation box' ...

But as for you being too Six-sensitive? - nope, no more than the rest of us sensitive writers, if that's any consolation

[Jared Handley]

I'm glad to know I'm among your rank, in any regard, but particularly one that relates to level-headedness.

[Absolutely*Kate]

Dang, Jared! Ms Sandra delivers so swell ...
Outta the hibernation that summer and life stuff did deliver ... 'cause finding (and refinding) authors you know and writers on the flow is ever its own just (cool) rewards!

I'm glad you posted this discussionary soon - I'm reading into familiar 6'rs and a slew o'new guys ... always an invigourating experience. PLUG: Read Ms Davies! She has facets she still keeps discovering! ~ Absolutely*Kate

[Stephen Torelli]

Some read your work and love it but don't know how to respond because they cannot identify at the moment. I think that it's an honor to have Sixers request to read their work. Also, busy schedules can be another reason some don't reply. Regardless, a thick skin is necessary in this business. Keep blogging!

[Bonnie]

Hey Jared..I just caught your question here. I think most of us read the writers we know we relate to and those we enjoy sharing with. I do not always comment on every piece I read, but for the majority of the time, I do read what is posted on the main page. And I likely miss postings because of time. Sometimes, I feel I have nothing to add to what has been said, or even though I enjoy the article, I have no particular comment; although, I could simply say, "great work". Anyway, yes, we all want to be recognized, but I feel it is also important to be secure enough in our work and in the group here (awesome) not to feel slighted when some do not comment. Too bad the site doesn't count the number of views as well as comments..or if it does, I haven't found that button. Write on, Jared!

[Stephen Torelli]

Bonnie, well said!

[Jared Handley]

Glad to hear you guys weigh in. Thanks for the thoughts!

[Angela]

This is a long-time personal "issue" of mine, in that I believe good writers are good readers first. My credo is to always read and comment more than I post. It is very interesting to look in on discussions that relate to this topic, because discussions similar to this one have appeared more than once. You will most likely see a number of like-minded people here who appreciate what you say, and many missing sets of eyes who need to be reading and joining in.

[Absolutely*Kate]

OH GREY ... YOU SO ROCK.
That about says it best ... and good readers become all the better good writers for it. Points of view ... senses of you in how you view what another has to say ... and the way ... that she/he did it. Yeah ... that's growth, what it's all about in scribing-world. ~ Absolutely*Kate

[Michael Brown]

Really busy. It's really late, but wanted to put up two cents worth. (I didn't even know this discussion was on.)
If someone who doesn't review you asks you to review them, do or don't as you see fit. If you don't, how will such a person castigate you? They can't. If you do, and you still don't get a return reading (or comment), and then decide to let their next one go, they probably won't even notice.
To yourself be true. If you like it, say it, and don't worry about a review from me, me, me people.
You are top notch, in my book, and it's easy to see where (whom) some of your fine character stems from.
--M