3 ms·
I had a lot of free time in the past and spend a lot of it writing. 99% of what someone writes will be crap. That is like 1% of the code you write actually runn
by Taylor_OD 6y ago
I had a lot of free time in the past and spend a lot of it writing. 99% of what someone writes will be crap. That is like 1% of the code you write actually running. It is really difficult to feel motivated to keep writing when your normal output is at such a low quality.
I'd argue that this is the number one hurdle to writing more and writing "better".
- pier25 6y agoIMO that's the wrong way to think about it. As I see it, it's not that what you write is 99% crap and 1% good stuff. It's more like you're sketching before producing the final painting. It's not crap, it's just an unavoidable part of the process you need to go through. Also, thinking that 99% of what you write is crap must be super demoralizing.
- Taylor_OD 6y agoI think it's the only realistic way to think about it. It's not sketching an outline then producing a quality piece of writing. It's sketching an outline then producing something that is very mediocre. Even after revisions. 99% of the time. If you can accept that and still show up to write every day you will eventually produce some good work. If you cannot then you will very likely be demoralized and quit. I'd argue some greats and naturals may have a higher quality output rate up to something like 5% but that's still 95% shit.
- pier25 6y agoI don't know. To me there is a fundamental difference between something that needs more work and something that is shit. Maybe it's just a perception thing since writing is so malleable compared to other mediums where there is no fixing anything (eg: watercolor).