What does bragging sound like to you—how do you decide when someone is bragging, especially in print? Are blogs just outlets for braggarts? What is the difference between sharing, exuberant sharing and bragging?
What little creative spark I have manifests itself in writing—I like to write. I also like to fish. It seemed a natural merger to write about fishing. But why do I think I should share that writing with the world? Do I care if others read it? Do other bloggers care if other people read their blogs? We bloggers must care, if we didn’t, we would just keep to diaries and journals (paper or electronic). I guess it’s our way of getting “published” without getting published.
Why do professional writers write? Is it only about the money? Do they also have an urge to share? No matter what type of writing they engage in, is it still a type of bragging—“Look at me, I can write.” Artists draw, paint, sculpt, etc. Is it bragging when they have a show? Or is it all just a form of self-esteem boosting: to see your stuff in print (or on display) means you (or your work) are valued, or at least acknowledged?
We might share because it feels good to have the acknowledgment of others—we all need a little pat on the back. Sometimes we even think we have something worth sharing—something others may find value or joy in.
But blogging brings a new element to sharing—the ability to easily dialog. Blogs can become conversations. I like that aspect of blogging, and assume anyone with a blog likes it too, else why blog? (But I’m finding sometimes this isn’t the case—I notice my comments on others’ blogs are longer than the average.)
When does a writer cross the line from sharing because we’re excited to share, or encouraging friendly dialog, to bragging? At what point is it considered sharing to make others envious? Does the onus to prevent the perception of bragging fall on the writer or the reader?
I may write that I caught a trout. Maybe someone reading my piece has never caught a trout and would dearly love to because that is a species the reader has never caught and always dreamed of. Am I bragging? Might the reader perceive that I was bragging? What would I have to write so a majority of people thought I was bragging?
In the fishing world, these may be considered as topics for bragging: size, quantity, location, species, fishing companions, technical difficulty of the fishing or situation, and gear (let me know of other topics you can think of). When we write about these topics, then name them, is there a need, a logical reason, for naming them?
Couldn’t we just say, “I caught a fish,” and have that be enough? But for must of us bloggers it isn’t enough. We go on to give some, or many, details.
What if I said, “I caught 50 wild rainbows over six pounds during a three day period while fly fishing with X (fill in the name of your favorite famous fly fishing personality). I was fishing size 34 midge dries with a 3 weight hand-split, hand-made hollow bamboo rod Y with 10x tippet on my large arbor Z reel. All of this while staying at the luxurious A resort in the location B. All of which cost $C.”
Is it the unusual or out of the ordinary that makes it bragging? What if all of the above was true, but I live in location Q and stayed at my house, not the resort—would that be bragging? What if person X is my neighbor—would that be bragging?
Having read plenty of fiction (and dabbled in trying to write it), and in teaching it, I know that words have meaning. they have power to sway a reader in his thinking. If I want a reader to think of a character as wealthy, I mention some of his possessions and their brands. If I want a reader to think of a character as poor, I will again mention the brands, or the possessions’ conditions. Is it the same with blog writers?
Is a “finally crafted rod” less bragging than a “split Tonkin cane rod”? How about a “bamboo rod”? “Johnny X split cane rod”?
How about dollar value? Is it when your “typical” (right, define that!) fisherman can’t afford the mentioned item that it becomes bragging? When the rod is over $100, is that bragging? $200? $500? $3000? How about when it was a $2000 rod but it was received for free?
We have all read pieces in which these things are named, and the names are impressive, and it doesn’t sound like bragging. So just naming them can’t be the problem. When does naming become bragging? Is it because of the frequency of the naming? Is it in the words chosen to convey the naming? In my mind bragging is an attitude the bragger has. So how can one sense an attitude from a written work when the author is not there in person. In writing, this is called “voice”—you can get a feel for the author by their style of writing and can often tell when a particular author has written any particular work (even when you don’t see the author’s name attributed to that piece), because of their voice.
And yet, when the reader reads something he is envious of, does it matter the author’s voice or the things being named? If I have always wanted to have rod Y, and the author mentions they have rod Y, and I think the author is bragging, is he really bragging or am I’m just jealous?
Think of as many non-humorous, personal narrative (things that happen to the author) fly fishing pieces (mine, yours, anybody’s) that you can. Answer one or both of the following questions (or whatever):
1) What criteria do you use (either consciously or subconsciously) to determine whether or not an author seems to be bragging?
2) Is the burden typically on the reader or the writer to not have the writing come across as bragging?
Usually numbers take a narrative past the boundaries of recital and into more rarified turf, but it’s not always bragging – some choices of words might be due to personal excitement, the thrill of reliving the battle, and the achievement of some personal goal.
Bragging is fairly obvious because the practitioner imbues all of his/her posts with the same glowing recital, it’s not something they can turn off – which may be why they started writing in the first place, all their buddies had heard the same stories multiple times.
All the constructs of the language are subject to interpretation – and the writer may have attempted to imbue his prose with one thing – and the reader interprets it as another. Both are innocent and guilty.
I’m always struggling with the King’s English, but over time expect to be able to say what I mean in a taut and concise fashion. Differences in vocabulary and perception will color both my worst and best efforts, it’s likely I’ll enchant some and disappoint others.
I think most angling bloggers write what they know will never survive the editor’s desk. It’s an act of rebellion that’s caused by the silly pabulum that passes for content in the major periodicals. There’s a glut of aspiring writers attempting to cover the path less trodden, most do so without self worship.
I prefer blogs to all other media, for the same reason. Some fellow writes something that is either revolutionary or thoughtful and giving of himself in the process. If I could take a computer into the crapper – I’d be at peace with the world (and save a lot of pine trees in so doing…)
Keith,
Thanks for taking time to unglue yourself from the crapper long enough to find a computer and contribute. I looked at the time stamp of your comment – I always wonder how you post to your blog daily, fish as much as you do, experiment with those revolutionary materials and do those other, mundane things, in life: like eat (okay, not so mundane), work, social life, etc., you don’t sleep!
Interesting you say that about magazines compared to blogs. The only subscription I’ve had in the last year or so is Northwest Fly Fishing (and that just lapsed) – blogs have definitely replaced my magazine reading and subscriptions.
Stop reading my pablum and go stuff yourself (not in the King’s/Queen’s English way, but the good ol’ American Thanksgiving way).
Interesting post. I guess what’s bragging or not is a gray area. For me a writer is not bragging if he/she is trying to convery some important information to the angler, such as a good fishing destination, or a good fishing tactic. On the memoir or story side of writing, I like reading about writers experiencing a change of value or perception. I guess that can be described as personal growth. Often these writers share their disappointments as well as their successes. For me part of my disappointment with fly fishing literature is that most of it is light and humorous, and I get the feeling that the writer is showing off his/her wit rather than sharing from his/her heart.Randy KadishRandy
Hey Randy!
The most popular fly fishing writing is probably the John Gierach type stuff. Much of his work fits the “light and humorous” category. Patrick McManus too. And I like that type of stuff occasionally, but I tend to like the more thought-provoking pieces more. Typically fitting into the personal narrative/memoir category. I’m also trying to find more fiction that doesn’t focus as much on humor (I quite liked Travers Corners, for example). Different strokes for different folks.
“Experiencing a change of value or perception.” I like that! Something that makes me think in new and different ways about the ordinary is what I like to find and read.
I like Keith’s comment about “reader perception”. I think that plays a key factor, plus there are so many writing styles and some blog authors simply do not have the ability to express themselve they way others may be able to do so.
First impressions will impact a readers perception as well. The first time you read a blog you might well think” this guys an ass”, but after reading his posts for a period of time you might come to the realization that he just has a unique style of writing or an off the wall sense of humor that you did not pick up on at first. Then again, there are certainly those out there that are doing it just for the “look at me” factor.
Scott-I too have wondered the same thing about Keith, but he sure does come up with some interesting stuff.
Hi Harry!
You know, (I’m not sure if I said this already somewhere up above and I’m too lazy to look) I find I don’t think most blogs are too bad when it comes to the bragging thing. This book I read just really hit me. I finished it about a month ago. I took a bunch of notes and reading through them I ragged on the guy pretty hard. And my remembrance of the book is the same. I’m going back and skimming (and will probably reread big portions) before writing my review for the very reason you stated about the “first read” factor. I want to make sure I really feel the way I think I do (or change it) before I pen it.
Yes, Keith impresses me with not only the amount of writing he’s able to pull off, but the variety. And the hoot factor (I’m frequently chuckling while reading).
The secret to getting it all done in a 24 hour day is to be wierd enough to scare people…
The typical non-fisherman sees an unshaven fellow with a big gut, talking to hisself, and prone to long fits of swearing – as something to avoid. Real anglers stop and ask “how many days you been wearing that tee-shirt?”
If the answer is > 10, I’m a prophet.
Oh Christ, now I’m bragging …. I think …
I started writing to be published back around 1986 my last year in college. I had an English professor who told me that my final paper for his class was well written and that I should try to get something published. I chose fly fishing and fly tying because he also told me to write about something I had passion for. I will admit that it has mostly been an ego trip (seeing things in publications). I did a lot of little stories and articles without any pay for a publication for no other satisfaction than seeing my name as the author. I then started feeling like my fly tying talent was unique so I wrote about techniques I felt I had created (again an ego trip, and I guess a form of bragging). I will also admit that the tone of my little fly pattern book, again, has a tone of bragging and was written as a way to get recognition for some fly creations. Some of my writing, I’m somewhat embarrassed about it’s look at me attitude.
Now, having confessed, I’ve also found that writing is another outlet for a desire to create. I’ve dabbled in several creative outlets and have always felt a need to “make” something.
I must confess too, that I have never felt secure in anything I have written. I feel like I’m always looking over my shoulder, just waiting for someone to say, “dude, you really suck!” I’m insecure enough that if someone came right out and said that, I may just stop.
Robert,
“…for no other satisfaction than seeing my name as the author…” Yep, that’s me. But I don’t have anything published, so I don’t have that “satisfaction” yet. I’ve only submitted a couple of things for publication, and the longer I go being rejected, the more I wonder if that would even do it for me now (seeing my name in print).
That creative outlet is a kicker. I wonder why some people have that urge? I love music. I love the guitar. I took a couple of guitar classes in college 20 years ago. I own an acoustic and an electric guitar. I stink! I would dearly love to play and just riff my time away, but I’m uncoordinated and just can’t manage my fret hand for either smooth chord changes or single notes. I have really put some effort into it on at least three separate occasions for chunks of two or more years and never saw improvement. But something about musical creativity gnaws at me. But I just don’t see it happening and it really ticks me off. I feel more adept at writing.
Security in writing. I belong to an online poetry critiquing site. Many I have visited are nothing more than a place to get a clap on the back about your “excellent” work, even though most of it is crap. However, the site I belong to is brutally honest. But, if you want help becoming a better poet, that’s the place. So I have found that site helpful in creating a thicker skin.
You just made me think of my next post: the manipulation factor of those who “create.”
Scott
Love your comment on the creative outlet thought. I truly envy those that are creative. I too love music, but have absolutly no talent for it. I have been trying for two years to teach myself to play harmonica and have little to show for it. Practice has not made perfect. I understand your frustration completly.And the real rub? My mother was a music teacher! Played concert violin-my Dad played violin, my sister plays several instruments, both my daughters can play several. The music gene completly skipped me. Same goes for poetry-can’t do it worth beans.
The only “creative” talent I can claim is a little bit of ability to do pencil sketches-as long as I stick to something simple. Frustrating as hell at times to try to do something creative and the result is downright embarrassing. Maybe in the next life.
Looking forward to your next post.
Harry, Although nowhere near concert quality, my dad is self-taught to play guitar, mandolin, accordion, harmonica, flute, recorder, etc., etc. in a passable manner. I feel your pain!
It’s kind of like basketball too. I have passable size (6′-1″), but can’t jump and worse still, klutzy as all get out.: balls bounce off my feet, shins, elbows, whatever, but I can’t dribble worth spit. But I’m comforted in knowing I got that from my dad, he’s always banging into things with his head and toes (it just wouldn’t be dad without a new scratch on his forehead).
So Hikes Like Turtle is no more! He is now Plays Like Spit! I guess I should say something complimentary on Scott’s behalf. He is excellent with any construction work…so maybe we can refer to him as Builds Like Beaver…and equally impressive is his ability to thoroughly fish small streams…he is the master dabbler while I tend to just rip through and take what I can…so he may also be referred to as Fishes Like Otter. For entertainment purposes to pull out that classic laugh from Scott…I will refer to him as the GREAT FLO…FLO is kinda a cool name…maybe FLO Jo. Hmmm…what could Jo stand for? Maybe that is the country side of Scott. I don’t think of Scott as a city kid, because he moved out to the country and when it comes to fishing trips…the further away from civilization the better. Now, Jo might be a little on the feminine side, which Scott doesn’t have (unless you count certain members of his family)…so maybe Bob instead…FLO Bob? I don’t know…I will keep on working on it…FLO Bill, FLO Po (Kung Fu Panda name), FLO Billy Ray, FLO Billy Bob…Flo Jo is still sounding good right now…let see…FLO dodo, FLO lo, FLO hoho, Fa la la la la…you might wonder why Scott fishes with me or posts my comments on his blog…reason is, is that Scott has this morbid, decript, mean, sarcastic evil side to him like I do. It has been revealed to me on more than one occasion. None more vivid than when the fishing stinks but the bull shooting targets are plentiful. I am sure the day will come that we start giving human (middle school student) names to our bovine targets. Just a subliminal way of venting stress and frustration that we both have being middle school teachers I guess. FLO mo, FLO less, FLO bow! Now we are getting close…FLO bow-jo!? FLO wer…nope, not that one…FLO duos (generic oreos)…okay, okay…the talking bull is getting a little deep…FLO jo for now, but I don’t think Scott is going to let it stick for more than maybe a minute or two next fishing trip.
Dan, You must be feeling some cabin fever and it’s only November (I’m afraid what February will be like for you)!