Don’t Fall for the Smoke Merchants
Embarking on the journey of self-learning can be a perilous endeavor, especially in the initial stages when you’re navigating uncharted territory. I’ve been there, Timmy, and trust me, it’s a phase where the lack of knowledge can make you an easy target for those who seek to take advantage. It took me some time to fully grasp this reality.
Greetings, Timmy. Today, I bring forth a crucial warning. Before you dismiss it, hear me out. I find it necessary to issue this caution early in our discussion. My motive is twofold: first, to ensure everyone is well-informed, and second, because, from my observations, such warnings are conspicuously absent.
It appears taboo to provide candid warnings. Many resources I’ve encountered seem tailored for consumption or to bolster the author’s personal brand, often linked to a YouTube channel or blog (guilty as charged). Please, remain composed. I’m not stating it’s inherently wrong. When I believe something is wrong, I’ll express it unequivocally, without embellishments or figurative language. What I’m expressing is a concern about the potential lack of substance, the feeling that they might just be selling smoke.
As I delved deeper into the realm of self-learning, a stark realization dawned on me—while one can speak of writing in a theoretical vacuum, the undeniable influence of reality will seep in. This, I found, is the missing piece in the teachings of many who claim to instruct on writing online. For those engaged in crafting narratives intertwined with the human experience, there often seems to be a conspicuous absence of humanity in their guidance.
Consider works produced by corporate giants, those that exude sterility and lack a certain soul. Ponder over why they often feel devoid of life. The answer typically lies in the involvement of too many hands. Major projects initiated by large studios, TV series, and even some books are the culmination of numerous contributors influencing the final product. The distinction between good and bad lies in how well the positive contributions are integrated and refined to the point where the seams are nearly imperceptible unless deliberately sought out. On the flip side, the negative results from excessive meddling, to the extent that the original purpose becomes muddled. The pursuit of profit by corporate entities often erodes the core of a creative endeavor. As it becomes more chaotic, it’s easier to lose sight of the fact that, at its essence, the project is a profoundly human story with human elements. Spectacle alone, devoid of substance, can only captivate for so long before it becomes meaningless.
Returning to the smoke merchants, while grand projects have their merits, the majority of authors are ordinary individuals with limited resources. The connection lies in the potential to overlook the essential human factor. Many content creators on the web, particularly in the realm of writing, seem fixated on selling formulas, methods, and products. No judgment here—I don’t fancy starvation either. However, in this pursuit, they risk extracting the necessary human element from the creative equation. Formulas and methods provide a semblance of security and safety, and our addiction to these assurances can become detrimental.
Smoke merchants, methods alone are but one part of the equation. Without the human factor and its right application, you don’t have good writing; you have mere writing. This is a lesson many new authors might never learn or might learn too late if they only heed the advice of the smoke merchants. Self-learning demands introspection, a profound reflection on what you are doing and where you aim to go. School doesn’t teach this; we must discover it after formal education concludes.
Consider this a gentle warning, Timmy, to be on guard and vigilant—not necessarily against danger, but against those things that might blind you. No two paths are the same, no two people are truly alike. Just because someone is sharing their methods with all the certainty of a preacher, the fire of a politician, and the desperation of a salesman, always remember: you are you, and you can never be them. Or, to express it more precisely, do the work, find yourself amidst the smoke, observe what works and what doesn’t. It’s the only way. And as for what the smoke merchants sell? Keep it in mind—it isn’t useless. However, never confuse utility with dogma.
Until next time.
