When we visit the blogs of others, we expect to see unique writing styles, diverse topics and a variety of personalities. If every person wrote the same way, then reading would be very boring. Likewise, if they wrote just like we do, then what would be the point in reading their work?
Or am I wrong about this? Do we want other peoples’ blogs to have our writing style? When they write about a topic, do we want them to use the same words that we would if it were our blog? I would hope not.
However, I am learning that some people do want this. They hop around to various blogs, critique their writing styles and make suggestions on how they would have written the post instead.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate constructive criticism. However, there is a difference between constructive criticism and “let me re-write your post.”
Whose blog is it anyway? Ours or theirs?
Me - Who am I? 
That’s odd! I agree with you, a blog is supposed to be your own person voice about whatever you are writing about. Everyone’s voices are different, therefore their writing will be different. This is a good thing! Not everything will be good, or great, but it should at the very least be “them”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. It may not always be great, but who ever said it had to be? That’s what makes the writer, *the* writer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point. I may occasionally point out a grammatical error, but I would never suggest another way to write someone’s post. Did that happen to you?
LikeLike
In my opinion, pointing out errors is fine and appreciated. That is what I would consider constructive criticism. Yes, but overall it was minor. Unfortunately though, I’ve heard about others experiencing the same thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why would people do that? I am different and I enjoy other people’s styles.
LikeLike
I’m not sure. Different is a good thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I know I wouldn’t want to read just myself. Seems kind of silly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are you sure it wasn’t spam? LOL. There can’t really be people that do that. Seriously. I’d totally not approve that comment!!
LikeLike
I’m sure, and sadly I’ve seen it happen on other peoples’ blogs too. Not sure why people do that.
LikeLike
A blogger who’d do that is pretty ridiculous, Me Who. A typo or blatant grammar mistake point-out are appreciated. But any unsolicited English teacher/editor advice is egregious and pompous. It would call for an unfollow. Maybe even public shunning.
LikeLike
It can be very helpful when people point out errors and like you, I appreciate that. That’s how we learn. But editing another person’s work without them asking for it, is crossing a line in my opinion. I’m not here to edit anyone’s work. I just want to read. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I don’t like someone’s style, I just don’t read. If I wanted to read someone who only wrote like me, I would not follow anyone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you on that. There are many blogs that I do not read. Yes, exactly. Then we could just read our own. WordPress – community of one. How lonely that would be.
LikeLike
Isn’t it amazing how people like that can slip into our head when we aren’t looking and just know exactly what it is we really wanted to write but couldn’t quite portray it to the finger tips without their psychic help lol sounds like a control freak to me 😉
LikeLike
Ha! It is amazing! I don’t know how they do it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would practice my virtual middle finger to those people to be honest. Tell them to kick rocks!
LikeLike
I believe you would, and understandably so. For that reason, I actually thought of you when I wrote this. 🙂
LikeLike
😉 I am glad I came to mind lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shows how special you are. 🙂
LikeLike
Are you kidding? That is crazy!! If I don’t like the style someone writes in I don’t read it, or don’t follow. So easy. I’m with Opinionated Man on this one 🙂
LikeLike
YES! I was finally right about something!
LikeLiked by 2 people
oh yeah 😀
LikeLike
😉
LikeLike
That’s how I am too. Why read something that you feel you need to correct in order to be happy with it? There’s plenty of other blogs out there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on alittlebitoftruthorlies.
LikeLike
Thank you for the Reblog!
LikeLike
I definitely agree. I love to read the different styles of peoples writing. I love reading what is interesting topics to someone else, because I may even learn something new; which I am all for. It is totally theirs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The different styles and variety of topics is a large part of what makes blogging so wonderful. There is a whole world out there aside from our own, with so much to learn.
LikeLike
Great thoughts! I do (well when I do) go to other blogs for the purpose of influencing my own writing, pick up tips, etc., but I certainly wouldn’t ever dictate to someone else how to write. I frequently don’t have much faith in my own writing let alone telling others that my style is better. Constructive criticisim is just that – constructive and usually helpful but that other type of “advice” is just ego.
LikeLike
Same here. We can gain a lot of insight and helpful tips when reading other blogs. There are many amazing writers out there, each one different from the other. I might have to agree with you about it being ego that causes people to edit others’ work. What makes them think that their writing style is any better? Maybe it is, but it’s their style and theirs alone.
LikeLike
I am not sure why anyone would want to go around correcting other people’s blogs any way. But I have seen it. Shake my head when I do see it. I read for the message. Not the technicality of the writing.
LikeLike
Exactly, I read for the message too. If I were reading a novel that I had purchased, it may be a bit different, but this is blogging. Who said it had to be perfect?
LikeLike
I have been contemplating adding a “My Blog Rules” to my personal pages at the top of my blog. Where I don’t have any rules. 🙂 Because, after all, it’s writing. And it’s for me. 🙂
LikeLike
What a great idea! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m kind of glad that I don’t claim to be a writer, and there are probably more than a few who skip right on by my blog. I have a style that’s all over the place, and I’m sure what I have to write about isn’t everyone’s pleasure. However, I was once called a moron (which I’ve expressed before). That’s what the delete button is for—or a way to nicely put them in their place. Maybe ask them if they want to write your blog? 😉
LikeLike
The majority of the blogs that I read are all over the place, like yours (and mine). But that is what makes them interesting and keeps me going back for more. It’s awful that someone would have the nerve to do that. It’s a good thing that you deleted them. There is never an excuse or reason for name-calling. Ha! Guest blogger – tempting, but I may never get my blog back. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Who are these people who do this? I’d like to visit their blogs; maybe give them a taste of their own medicine. I do know one blogger who was doing this to me. I stopped the subscription I had to her blog. A blog, in my case anyhow, is a work in progress and is personal. It isn’t made to be a showcase for anything.
Whoever they are, they are despicable.
LikeLike
You’re right. Blogging is not meant to be a showcase necessarily. It’s simply about writing what is important to us. It’s a place to express ourselves. How we choose to do that should be up to us, not anyone else. It’s disappointing that you had to experience the same thing. Why do people feel the need to do that? Maybe they have the wrong idea of what blogging is about?
LikeLike
I am really surprised that someone would presume to correct how you express yourself. Unsolicited! If you don’t like it, don’t read it. Problem solved!! I, for one, enjoy other writing styles and content. How boring life would be if we were all the same. Your blog is perfect just the way it is 🙂
LikeLike
Cara, I completely agree with you. There are many blogs that I don’t read. We choose ones we like and the reasons vary, but each one is different from the other. That’s what makes them intriguing. Thank you very much! I appreciate that. 🙂
LikeLike
Wow, let me get to the bottom of this support ladder so I can comment:)
Variety is the spice of life they say. But, to some degree/extent, don’t we all seek common ground or others like us to feel okay with ourselves? If a person is picked on for having a big head, wouldn’t the odds of them becoming a monster like Frankenstein running amok depend upon finding others with big heads? So, if someone does write in a way that resembles our own or speaks our minds for us, is that not a good thing to make us feel better about ourselves? They popped the bubble in our brains. And, to that, we respond (hopefully) with a refreshing comment.
But, sure, no, we don’t need everyone writing or speaking exactly the same way or content lest we be mockingbirds or repeating computer code.
I’d confess to telling people how to write their posts from time to time, but I am tired of being on trial. I blame my teachers if that’s okay:P I wouldn’t be such a “grammar Nazi” without my “good education.”
LikeLike
You’ve got a great point there and I agree. It is comforting to see other bloggers who are like us and experience some of the same issues as we do. It is very nice to know that we are not alone.
But, one thing that makes them stand out from each other is their writing style. I wouldn’t want to read computer code either.
So you’re one of the culprits, eh? At least you confess to it. In my opinion, correcting someone’s grammar is okay and I appreciate it. It’s the attempting to edit what the post says that is not okay. Feel free to blame your teachers. That’s a compliment for them.
LikeLike
Bah! Style! I hate that word. One of my teachers nearly flunked me for that lacking.
I think we are just as capable of grouping with someone who writes like us “style-wise” as we are with someone who writes what we think/feel.
I feel bad when I can’t grasp someone’s “style,” when their creative efforts bounce off me like oil in water. I see others praising the artist while I can’t get the gist of the piece. [It also doesn’t help when the artist is very attractive. :)]
I confess because I have been having a bout with conscience and have been “thrashed” by mobs with torches and forks for speaking my mind when it wasn’t polite. I got into a war about honesty versus mindless praising. It all felt futile, later. I realize I was being too loud. But, I still stood by honesty. I guess I was just, once more, misplaced.
Not when it’s not just or accurately “grammar.” It may be spelling, tone or a lack of rhyme. It might be me cautioning someone to tone down lest those who read rally the attack dogs (“Release the hounds”). Who knows, anymore. I say so many things and too often find myself regretting trying. But, just as often, I get mad at silent “followers” and people who only supply “tweets” of praise without much explanation of that praise. WHAT did they like about the post? Why are you smiling? Don’t just LIKE it. Tell why.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So, what about what I said did you LIKE? I am curious.
LikeLike
Sorry, it was a crazy busy weekend and I didn’t want you to think that I had ignored your comment. Mostly I like the tone in your writing. You may not like the word “style” but you certainly have a very unique one. Being unique is good thing.
LikeLike
Hmm. Okay. No worries about feeling ignored unless we talk regularly or I have commented on several posts without a single response. I would say those are my posting peeves.
I ask people why they click the LIKE button, and the best answer I’ve gotten is it’s a bad habit with no reason.
Sometimes, being unique is good. Other times, it makes you the Hulk, turning people who can’t understand you away.
LikeLike
Pingback: So why did I think I needed to flap my trap? | Mark Bialczak
I love your style!
LikeLike
Thank you, Ann!
LikeLike
I like to tell people who write poetry my favorite parts, the ones that moved me or gave meaning to the poem. I once accidentally misinterpreted a poem. I ‘read it my way,’ which didn’t bother the person. I was so happy they explained what had motivated them to write it. My brother is a great artist, but he is always happy when people ‘interpret’ his art. He likes to say simply, “Art is in the eye of the beholder.”
This being said, I feel as fellow bloggers, we should encourage each other, help each other to know what we said or wrote meant something. I actually am not so crazy about those who simply say, “Fantastic job, Robin!” and then say, “So lovely” the next time. I would say I am silly for mentioning this, but I would like to hear what made them feel more, care more, what meant something in my words… what did they ‘take’ from their visit? If they would like to push “like” before reading my post, this is also okay, as long as they then read it. Sorry, a long answer… smiles, Robin
LikeLike
Your brother is right. Art is in the eye of the beholder and I believe that the same stands true for poetry. Poetry can be easily misinterpreted, but it’s different meanings to individual people is part of what makes it so special.
I appreciate how you take the time to point our the specific parts of posts that meant the most to you. That tells the writer that you truly read the post and are enjoying their writing. I agree with you also, that it is nicer to hear a reason as to why I person liked a post rather than a simple compliment. But, at the same time at least they took a moment to comment. Speaking of thoughtful comments, this was a great one. Thank you.
LikeLike
Oh dear. Why do people think that because they sit behind a keyboard they become warriors and desktop authorities on everything.
I am sorry that this happened to you because it is something that really shows a lack on the part of the person who posted it. Lack of knowing when to be quiet and allow a person to be themselves.
LikeLike
I think that the screen gives people an added sense of boldness that they enjoy, but that they do not have anywhere else. So therefore they take advantage of it.
Thank you. Being ourselves in writing is what writing is all about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh lord. My blog is full of grammatical errors. I hope the grammar police stay away. Even if it means lower stats. 😉
LikeLike
If they find you, just hide under the blanket until they disappear. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sound advice
LikeLiked by 1 person