"With all due respect, sir, you're beginning to bore the hell out of me."

Tuesday, September 17, 2013
I used to read the blog of a fairly well-known Science Fiction writer. I enjoyed his pithy commentary on social justice, politics and other topical subjects. And I liked his books, as they were amusing in the way a popcorn flick is amusing. He's a bit lazy when it comes to his craft, and his books aren't deep, aren't really meaningful - but they are kind of fun.

Over the years, however, his on-line presence has basically degenerated into an orgy of self-promotion and on-line flame wars featuring smug diatribes about his superiority. This is not amusing to me, and I can't see why I should continue to waste my time reading his personal screeds.

People absolutely have the right to use their personal space however they see fit. This individual has no obligation whatsoever to use his blog in any way that doesn't conform to his wishes, or provide personal amusement, or move his goals forward.

Just as I have no obligation to continue to visit that space other than as a mechanism for learning about new authors and books. Because when it comes to on-line content, the ultimate sin is being boring.

9 comments:

neurondoc said...

Assuming that I'm guessing the PIQ correctly, I gave on that blog quite a while ago due to the relentless self-promotion.

Janiece said...

I'm sure you are.

For some time I've been deleting the self-promotion posts, but the constant Internet bickering (now with an extra helping of smug superiority!) is what's pushed me over the edge.

Anne C. said...

I've started to only read the "Big Idea" posts. The rest is definitely 100 less interesting.

Janiece said...

Anne, me too.

Tom said...

Anne, I know it's just a typo, but I'm now dreaming of a D&D-type piece of armor, the Helm of 100 Less Interesting. Put it on, and people around you totally lose interest, making you invisible.

Tom said...

Anne, I know it's just a typo, but I'm now dreaming of a D&D-type piece of armor, the Helm of 100 Less Interesting. Put it on, and people around you totally lose interest, making you invisible.

Anne C. said...

Thanks, Tom, for seeing my typo in the best light possible. ;)

Terry said...

Don't forget the Keyboard of Smugness to compliment the helm :)

Janiece said...

I love you guys.