![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=91.7){kind=small}
cranky Today, when I got on the computer to begin the work day, something came up that got me thinking, deeply, on the two attributes listed in my title: Professionalism and Community. I've been mulling them over all day since, and, have been considering what I would say about both, in my blog.
Today, with so many other ways of accessing and creating information, I believe now, more than ever, we have a chance, as a human whole, to almost rediscover ourselves creatively. Maybe a bit of a Rennaisance in the technological age? Hey, I'm not a prophet, and I can't claim to know, but, still, I like that the opportunites for people to express themselves in a variety of ways creatively, now exist, thanks, in a large part, to the internet, and our communication via the internet.
But, yes, I digress. I write this blog, moreso, to ponder and define professionalism and community as I see it.
Professionalism ~
Now, to me, some of the most important attributes of professionalism are: critical thinking, diplomacy, logic, decorum and tolerance.
Let's face it, thanks to the ease of modern travel, and job opportunities that sometimes have you working with people on a global scale, today, tolerance and decorum, and diplomacy also, become even more important, in the professional work place.
But what about a cyber workplace? What about the internet, in some ways, as a larger business community, broken up into its sectors and niches? Now, let's say the dark fiction, or horror community, is one of those office buildings--or sectors.
See, that's how I see the dark fiction community, on a professional level. In fact, since I also work in other genres (erotic and erotic cross-genre, and I've dipped my toe into non-fic), and I also work as a freelance editor, that is how I see the small press and underground publishing communities as a whole--as one large conglomerate business office, in which I have to work, and co-exist with a multitude of various personalities from all walks of life.
That being said, in a regular office, if I walk into Jim's cubicle--or stand outside Jim's cubicle with a couple friends--and crack rude, racist joke about Jim's ethnicity, and I am overheard by the big boss man, I deserve a firm reprimand, do I not? In fact, does not poor Jim, who has been heckled for something he sure as hell should not be heckled for, have the right to file a racial discrimination suit against me? Damn right Jim does! Such behavior is way out of line, not professional in the least, and it certainly lacks decorum. It's downright tacky and juvenile, to be blunt.
So, then, really, with the amount of people that often make their living either part time or full time, through working within the publishing industry--be it as a genre writer, a freelance editor, a mixture of the two, or maybe you have three or four industry related jobs to make ends meet--should we not, perhaps, in a sense, think of the online writing communities as a large chain of interlocked business partners, all working toward similar goals?
And in a professional community--a chain of businesses working toward a common goal--should we not practice similar ethics to as if we were in a physical work place? Should we not adopt the motto of professionalism defined by tact, courteous, decorum, diplomacy, critical thinking and logic?
For instance, say Mr. Yammguishi wished to enter into business with Mr. Grotto. Neither have met before, but Mr. Grotto has heard things about Mr. Yammguishi from his business associates and friends. He dresses weird, doesn't hang out at the best country clubs, has last year's gold clubs on the green......
So say, Mr. Grotto, based on this rumor and petty childish, highschool way of thinking, declines to enter into business with Mr. Y. Ten years down the road, Mr. Y buys out Mr. Grotto in a hostile takeover bid. Do you think Mr. Grotto made a decision based on logic and critical thinking in the above example? Well, obviously not, and I'm simplfying, but, I think you get my point.
My point is this: When it comes to how I present myself professionally, and as a person in general, I certainly don't worry about petty things in the other person's presentation of themselves. As long as they show they have tact, decorum and care for their work, and the future of their career, should I really care if their hair is green, or they have piercing coming out of every orifice?
When I decide to interact with a person on a professional level or personal level, I don't take their physical appearance, or what elite forums they may belong to or what not into consideration. I look at the body of their work in their chosen fields in the publishing industry. The results they've produced. I research them professionally, often, and I look at them diplomatically. Always, personal jump to, junvenile thoughts or conclusions are put aside. I am not in highschool, nor will I act like it anymore.
So really, isn't name calling, and posting up pictures of other creatives to poke fun, or URLs, all a bit beneath us in the industry? I say that to the underground publishing industry as a whole--not just dark fiction writers. I mean, last time I checked, I was a thirty year old woman with bills to pay and a life to live. Not some highschool sniggering teen making fun of the "new kid on the block"
Not professional--not at all. And I think people that handle themselves in this manner should, really, hang their heads in shame.
Now, their may be some people who are considered professionals by one industry organization and not another. Every organization has different rules, laws and standards, and that is not a bad thing in the least! Life should be about diversity, as should organizations. How can we foster creative growth in the underground industries, if we do not make room, also for a variety of organizations' to stretch their limbs and find their place as well?
Heck, yes, there is the odd person I might not particularly care for in this underground area or that, but would I ever hurt that person, air those feelings, or be cruel to them? Hell no! I avoid them, wish them well in their life path, and just leave them be. To irritate them, and make rude comments about them incessantly like a schoolyard bully, is not only counterproductive to them--it's draining on my time and counterproductive to me. I'd much rather be writing, or making a new freelance editor contact, so I can submit stories, edit and get more editing contracts and WORK!
Community ~
Which leads me to my point on communtiy. Yes, yes--I know there is a great divide, particularly in the dark fiction community, on self-publishing and fortheluv markets. Well, before I say a little bit on community, let me say where I stand on both of these.
When it comes to self-publishing, I won't do it. Simple as that. Now, that being said, that is NOT because I have anything against it. To eachheir own, although, I do agree, if you are going to go that route, know what you are doing, do your homework, and get another editor or proofer to look at your work before you self-publish. Remember, your reputation as a writer who can tell your reader a good story that they can follow, not full of technical flaws, is on the line here.
Why won't I self-publish? For myself, I am simply not comfortable doing it. I don't feel my abilities are up to it, but, that is just from my perspective. That is just my tastes and personal choice. And last time I checked, my opinions, or anyone else's on this planet, were not the end all be all.
I know authors who self publish, and they have had others edit their work professionally for them, and they have marketed it in a professional manner, and busted their humps to promote their works and achieve their dreams. To them I say major kudos! It takes a brave person to give self-publishing, and the self-promotion it takes with self-publishing to be a success, a heartfelt chance.
On fortheluv markets, well, no I do not submit to fortheluv anymore, but, I have submitted to viable nonpaying markets in the past, and, while I am not suggesting every writer should give away their short tales, I don't see the harm in giving away a tale or two, as a beginner, to a market that is nonpaying but viable. These are, of course, markets that are fewer and farer between, but if you do your homework, you can find some nonpaying markets that are creditable indeed.
So, what it all comes down to, to sum it up with community, I suppose, is this: Why the "Bleepity Bleep" can't we all just get a long? (not to sound cliche and yoink from Rodney King). But, really, is name calling, spite and elitism going to get the underground publishing industries anywhere? And as an adult working in the industry, really, instead of poking holes into other people's dreams, and acting like insulting highschool no minds, would you not be better off writing and continuing in your dreams, and simply avoiding those within the cyber community that you do not care for?
Live and let live--that's my motto. I'm here to write, land more freelance editing jobs (shameless plug--I have references available and please contact me for my rates at: blackfaery76@yahoo.ca ), and help other writers and underground artists out, as I climb my own ladder. I'm not here to back bite and call names, or snigger behind people. I'm a professional and I'm determined--dedicated to my craft. And if you like me, great. If you don't, well, there is the door, baby, don't let it hit you in the ass as you leave.
Back to work. I got student loans to pay off.
Louise xox
February 19 2007, 03:11:22 UTC 5 years ago
February 19 2007, 03:19:05 UTC 5 years ago
Take care and big hugs back!!!
Louise xox
February 19 2007, 03:35:19 UTC 5 years ago
February 19 2007, 03:38:34 UTC 5 years ago
Hugs~
Louise xox
February 19 2007, 19:55:20 UTC 5 years ago
February 19 2007, 20:40:37 UTC 5 years ago
Love and hugs, to my fav werewolfie!!!!!
Louise xox