There are a number of us on here who come from academic backgrounds and have had to learn that readers here are not like readers of academic pieces and we don't have to justify our perspectives and opinions, although I still do copious research, look for evidence from credible sources, and include footnotes. Old habits die hard.
I've also had my struggles with the focus and structure of my posts, opting to strike a balance between what I want to communicate and what readers seem to respond to. Not many seem to listen to music samples, probably because that takes extra effort and a lot more time. I notice that very popular writers make sure that what they want the reader to 'get' is in the text, so I'm now following that approach while still including the music. I see myself as a curator in selecting from the options available the version of the music that I personally favor or that I feel gets the point across best.
Bottom line, we get to engage with music on an ongoing and intimate basis, and to me that's an absolute privilege that I value highly.
Congratulations on the one year anniversary, Richard. I have only been subscribing for a short while but have enjoyed your posts immensely. The Camus quote on Scott 4 (or is it 3?) resonated with me back when and it still does. More power to your writing hand and I look forward to reading what comes next from it! Martin
There are a number of us on here who come from academic backgrounds and have had to learn that readers here are not like readers of academic pieces and we don't have to justify our perspectives and opinions, although I still do copious research, look for evidence from credible sources, and include footnotes. Old habits die hard.
I've also had my struggles with the focus and structure of my posts, opting to strike a balance between what I want to communicate and what readers seem to respond to. Not many seem to listen to music samples, probably because that takes extra effort and a lot more time. I notice that very popular writers make sure that what they want the reader to 'get' is in the text, so I'm now following that approach while still including the music. I see myself as a curator in selecting from the options available the version of the music that I personally favor or that I feel gets the point across best.
Bottom line, we get to engage with music on an ongoing and intimate basis, and to me that's an absolute privilege that I value highly.
Thanks, Ellen, and agreed, especially on the ongoing engagement with music on the delicately negotiated balance between writers' and readers' wishes.
Congrats on your anniversary, Richard. I look forward to seeing what year two brings and hearing more about your book project!
Thank you, Michael, and thanks for your engagement with the newsletter during the past year - I’ve really appreciated it.
Congratulations on the one year anniversary, Richard. I have only been subscribing for a short while but have enjoyed your posts immensely. The Camus quote on Scott 4 (or is it 3?) resonated with me back when and it still does. More power to your writing hand and I look forward to reading what comes next from it! Martin
Thanks, Martin. Yes, Scott 4!
Tasty indeed. Thanks for sharing, Richard.