# 2 is what concerns me most. since October 7, it feels as if everyone has an opinion and has taken a side, whether or not they have information to back what they are saying. When major newspapers called the terrorists "militants" I knew we were in trouble. I have a poem in a print journal that arrived last week, one in which I have had poems in since I began writing. The front and back cover are inflammatory.. Everyone is heartbroken about this war. But political posturing only serves to divide us more, and flame the fires of antisemitism, which apparently is always simmering just beneath the surface. A venue where I am to read this week has posted memes that consider inflammatory and antisemitic. I think memes on social media are a problem--people can post things thinking ther are funny or smart, when in fact, they are neither.
Thank you. What I didn't put in my initial comment, is that my partner is Israeli and was visiting his daughter and granddaughter, when the terrorists attacked. He had been scheduled to come home on October 8. He managed to get home about 6 days later, I likely hadn't slept a total of 8 hours while waiting. I can only imagine the grief of the families of the hostages after six months. Of course, I grieve for all the victims on both sides of this hideous war. But, why must half the grief be in silence.
I read this the other day but this is my first chance to respond. I loved this bit particularly:
Introverts are put in the position of feeling like they must be public-facing in some capacity (such as social media). This isn’t for everyone—and yet many find themselves pushed into these uncomfortable spaces for fear of being left out of the conversation or their work not receiving the attention it deserves.
I’m just back on social media, really because I have a book coming out next year. Everyone tells me I must do it, etc. I do like Substack. I’m on BlueSky. I’m baffled by hashtags. I’m trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
On AI, I had a client tell me that someone suggested she put her book through ChatGP to check for redundancies. I told her that’s my job, as an editor helping you put your book together. I find AI unnerving.
This is great, Mark! I agree with so much of what you wrote. On a very personal level, I feel you add some “kinship” to my writing life. And when you came to the part about introverts I swooned. IT IS SO DIFFICULT for an introvert to need to constantly be “out” in readings, zooms, and the half zillion social media outlets. Thank you for recognizing the large and the small of this life.
# 2 is what concerns me most. since October 7, it feels as if everyone has an opinion and has taken a side, whether or not they have information to back what they are saying. When major newspapers called the terrorists "militants" I knew we were in trouble. I have a poem in a print journal that arrived last week, one in which I have had poems in since I began writing. The front and back cover are inflammatory.. Everyone is heartbroken about this war. But political posturing only serves to divide us more, and flame the fires of antisemitism, which apparently is always simmering just beneath the surface. A venue where I am to read this week has posted memes that consider inflammatory and antisemitic. I think memes on social media are a problem--people can post things thinking ther are funny or smart, when in fact, they are neither.
Well said, Donna. We're closely aligned on this.
Very sorry to read about these personal experiences, Donna.
Thank you. What I didn't put in my initial comment, is that my partner is Israeli and was visiting his daughter and granddaughter, when the terrorists attacked. He had been scheduled to come home on October 8. He managed to get home about 6 days later, I likely hadn't slept a total of 8 hours while waiting. I can only imagine the grief of the families of the hostages after six months. Of course, I grieve for all the victims on both sides of this hideous war. But, why must half the grief be in silence.
Je me souviens
It was a terrible time
I'm so glad that your partner returned home safely. I share your sentiments. May the remaining hostages be released, and may peace come soon for all.
Thank you. Yes, may peace come for us all.
I read this the other day but this is my first chance to respond. I loved this bit particularly:
Introverts are put in the position of feeling like they must be public-facing in some capacity (such as social media). This isn’t for everyone—and yet many find themselves pushed into these uncomfortable spaces for fear of being left out of the conversation or their work not receiving the attention it deserves.
I’m just back on social media, really because I have a book coming out next year. Everyone tells me I must do it, etc. I do like Substack. I’m on BlueSky. I’m baffled by hashtags. I’m trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
On AI, I had a client tell me that someone suggested she put her book through ChatGP to check for redundancies. I told her that’s my job, as an editor helping you put your book together. I find AI unnerving.
This is great, Mark! I agree with so much of what you wrote. On a very personal level, I feel you add some “kinship” to my writing life. And when you came to the part about introverts I swooned. IT IS SO DIFFICULT for an introvert to need to constantly be “out” in readings, zooms, and the half zillion social media outlets. Thank you for recognizing the large and the small of this life.
Interesting results. (I must have missed sightings of the question.)
Please feel free to add your thoughts to the conversation in the comments section :)