"H" Is For Hard

[cbertsch]

The piece I'm writing is making me enormously anxious. Even though I know it's likely that my subject will find fault with much of it, I still want him to like it. At the same time, though, it won't be worth anything unless I put my own stamp on it. I guess that's what makes this kind of journalism so hard. I keep thinking about how happy Dennis Cooper was to be writing a profile for Spin on Bob Mould, only to end up pissing him off despite the best of intentions. Being a fan isn't enough. In the end, I have to stand up for my own perspective regardless of the consequences. I just wish that I could once and for all renounce the dream of pleasing everyone. That's a shortcut to madness.

Comments

[jakemacalister.livejournal.com]

CB,

I totally hear you on this situation. My last paper for Popular Culture dealt with the use of the bashing scene in Young Adult Literature dealing with gay males. I interviewed the authors who all responded by the way. I felt terrible because I strongly criticized the over use of this convention. I found out quickly that they were happy because their work was getting the spotlight. I said that one book had romance conventions so of course the main characters had to suffer before the happy ending. Instead of getting pissed off, he thanked me and quoted me because it gave his book more litery value. When the critics which have a sharper tooth than I do slammed him, he used my analysis as a defense. I hope for the best for you. You just never know or worse it sounds like you do.

[cbertsch.livejournal.com]

Thanks. That is helpful. Part of the problem with the guy I'm writing about is that he has been written about a great deal and is also an accomplished writer himself. He doesn't need the publicity. So it's easier for him to tee off.

[jakemacalister.livejournal.com]

Oh, I know a little about that I quoted ME Kerr and she was very specific about the context of her quote. Still not the powder keg you seem to be strattling. Good Luck, CB.

[cbertsch.livejournal.com]

My powder keg is very smart and very clued in to possible misrepresentation.