Not Using Betas, or, Like, Workmanship Doesn't Matter, Does It?

[fox]

Ooh! If you want, you can come to my house. I'd love it if you came. We can have some dinner. I'll cook! But I'm not going to follow a recipe or measure any ingredients or anything. I don't believe in that kind of rigidity. And I've never made this dish before, but I'm not going to tell someone what I'm making and and ask her if she thinks it looks/smells/tastes like what I'm trying for. It's more important to me to just put things in as I feel the impulse.

Anyway, when you come for dinner, we can sit in my new dining room chairs, at my new dining room table. I made the table and chairs myself! But I didn't sand the lumber first -- hope you don't mind. And I didn't use a square or a level or anything, so you might want to hold on to your plate so it doesn't slide off the table, and the chairs might be a little wobbly. I guess the chairs might fall apart completely. [shrug] Sorry. But, you know, this is the shape the furniture had in my head, so I didn't figure I needed someone to try it out and make sure it actually worked before I invited people over. I mean, people, when I invite them, they don't have to come.

Comments

[queenofstars.livejournal.com]

dare i ask what you read?
...
on second thought, no, i don't.

::offers camomile compresses for sore eyes::

[ajinamoto.livejournal.com]

What a perfect analogy. Or is it metaphor?

Remind me to check your LJ for any clever snarks, you're good!

[gloriana.livejournal.com]

But - but - do you all want to destroy my creativity??!! 'cause, if I read my work over once I've written it (much less show it to anyone before I post!) it destroys all the sponteneity! And my genius can only work in a spontaneous non-critical atmosphere!! (The very presence of a dictionary just squashes my spirit!!!)

So, don't you want me to write more, huh? Then why are you so negative about it?? Why are you trying to discourage all us poor new writers like this??? Why can't you just LET IT ALL BE FUN??!!

[Etc etc etc. Yawns and closes the book, and goes away.]

"School isn't the funnest of things"

[wholenother.livejournal.com]

"And why should I have to spell rigth?"

"What do you mean by 'critically engage the texts'? It means I get to criticize others in any way, shape, or form I choose, right? Or I can just parrot what they say."

"But I paid for an A!"

Oh, the many times I have heard TAs and AIs repeat phrases like those! Makes me glad I'm a research assistant instead.

Sorry to hear it.

[lamardeuse.livejournal.com]

As someone who's never used a beta, I'm a little confused as to why everyone who does choose to use one considers it impossible for some of us to turn out a quality product without one. I certainly don't think any less of anyone for using a beta. I've been one myself, and approve of the process. It's just not my style.

You're welcome to come on over (http://poutinette.tripod.com/main/main.htm) for dinner anytime you like and let me know if my cooking meets your standards. I'm honestly interested in your opinion. I promise I won't cry if you don't like it. :)