I occasionally play with the form and content of the posts found on this site. Sometimes, it’s a test of reception. I want to know if the writing style or subject matter is welcome even if it’s only welcome by a few. Other times, it’s simply a way to test myself, to explore different ways of saying things, or to think through things such as perfectionism or writing through the ugly middle.
That testing and exploration perhaps has little to do with “selling” Write Right. Playing with form and more thoughtful content serves no conceivable purpose. If I were to focus solely on the writing that might draw potential clients, I would write more Write Right posts and practical pieces. I could do that, but I know it would be the fastest way to send Write Right over the cliff. The experimentation with form and content is a necessary ballast. It ensures the longevity of the site and the business.
I wouldn’t say I’m alone in that thought, either. Other business owners are adding content – and sometimes form – that experiments with the essay or visual media. Others have Friday posts that are designated to any topic they feel like addressing. Still others have a monthly or weekly series about poetry.
Why do people do this? Why do I do it? I think it’s the fact that these “different” posts feed a part of ourselves, the part that needs to be challenged mentally and creatively, the thing that needs to grow. The day-to-day posts and how-to tips don’t do it. We’re all interested in exploring things other than the basics. None of us mind writing the practical posts – I know for a fact that the three people mentioned in the preceding paragraph care deeply about helping people – it’s just that we need to refresh our own minds and spirits so that we can write the practical pieces. We have to be a little self-centered so that we can be a lot other-centered. We have to find rest, and we sometimes do that by experimenting with form and content.
Image: Daniel Dudek-Corrigan (Creative Commons)