Why Do We Write?

[Quarks 2,255]

Writing: An integral part of human society, from school to the forums of all the different MMO’s. From the centuries old writings of Homer to the modern stylings of Brian Jacques. With the recent increase of writers in our forum and the creation of TWG, I posted a mediocre guide to forum writing. After the turbulent fall of TWG, writing for the forum became a bit harder but doable. With the recent addition of the Newspapers sponsored writing group, AWC, I thought it was time to look into why we write.

 

---

 

It all starts in elementary school, 1st grade; you learn not only to read but to write. And your early writings are abysmal but seemed amazing at the time. Scratchy handwriting, alternating between upper and lower case letters depending on how easy each was.

 

But it is, and will always be, a part of the curriculum; which leads us to our first reason, we are forced to write. Jobs, school, all have a strong influence on writing. From emails to a five-page essay on some random book and random symbols in school. We write because we have to, and every time, especially in school, we whine, moan, and hate it, leaving a bad taste in our mouth in relation to writing. I have yet to know someone who actually enjoys writing essays for school, and says “yay” whenever a new piece is assigned.

 

We plod along, never really enjoying it, only just barely tolerating it, because who doesn’t want their high school diploma? Anyone, anyone at all? I thought not. We wrote because we had to, and that was the only motivation we ever had, and for many, the only motivation they ever will have.

 

 

This then leads us to the next group: the reading lovers. Again, 1st grade, reading the I can read as our only source of “literature”. We slowly grow into reading comic books, or the comics in the paper, depending on access.

 

At this point, we are forced to decide whether reading is for chumps, or if it is actually worthwhile. To those who decided reading is for chumps, you probably haven’t read this far anyways, so I can safely say that you are really missing out on a fantastic part of life. If you decided you like reading, you gain multiple things, 1.) A better vocabulary and 2.) a greater appreciation or writing.

 

To mimic what we already love is a strong motivation, and one of the reasons I personally started writing on the forum, in the steps of Reporters such as Kirby, hogree, Goldy, and even an NS, aka The_nublet, clone tossed in there (for some reason). Finding something you enjoy, and trying to copy to for others to enjoy, is that enough of a reason to write?

 

 

Maybe there isn’t anyone you look up to. No one you’re trying to imitate, no one to have you style fostered from under. Well, that leads to another reason, recognition. We all want to be recognized for what we have done, it is human nature. Be it constantly checking the forum for someone to comment on an article, to people just knowing yes, you did a good job.

 

One of the best ways, as of recent, to become recognized on the forum is to begin writing and posting it on the forum. People will read and comment, going the whole nine yards. You begin to come out of the @Shadows and you will, more likely than not, become more well known. For example, if I had not begun to write in the forum, I might have left the forum, or just did nothing but spam forum games and posting “nice” on new Off-Topic topics.

 

Recognition is one main motivation for writers, at least for me. A subsidiary that could possibly offer more recognition in Tanki than the Newspaper team. Renowned as the best writers here in the EN community, and is a goal for many a writer in the forum. It takes a lot of hard work to gain the skill, and a motivation to go through the work. To constantly improve, until you reach that goal. And once you’ve reached it, to stay there, to continue to write. The position is but a starting point.

 

 

Maybe you don’t care about recognition, what then? You can always write to help others. Guides, stories, opinion pieces, can all be helpful. Guides can help people play better in game and give useful tips that others might now know. You share information you have with others who might not be as skilled, or to provide a different a way to approach something that people wouldn’t think about twice. Stories are fantastic for creating worlds, for getting people out of the moment. 

 

A good book, story, poem, vignette can each spread your personal ideas while entertaining the public. And opinion pieces to help other people make personal decisions. For example reviews for kits are helpful, as it allows people to plan ahead for what they want or to avoid other kits (Mammy m1, isida m0 anyone?). Or they are used to make a point, or to share opinions. To explain your thought process, why you feel that way. Your ideas fuel your writing. And your writings can help others succeed in Tanki.

 

Now that we have dug deep into why people right, slowly going towards why we write for Tanki, slowly narrowing the field, I am going to shoot out of that narrow field. The most common reason why we write, besides being forced to, is we enjoy it; or to quote NS “I like words”.

 

There is no magical touch, no divine grace that allows one to enjoy writing. It is just finding the right outlet. I used to despise writing and dreaded every writing assignment. There is no real explanation to explain why people enjoy writing, it has been a part of human culture for almost as long as communication itself has existed. And while it can have a negative connotation, it can be quite enjoyable past time.

 

Community’s Opinion:

 

I also asked some of the Community’s most well-known writers, Reporters, and AWC members, what motivates them to write, and what motivates them.

 

@Night-Sisters
"Because it's an expression of your thoughts on paper for other people to read, words don't just fade away. They are tangible. Writing is a tangible expression of your ideas, thoughts and inspirations.”

 

@GoldRock

"Because I have a Pen." 

Goldnug is an evil human. Be sure to never ask him a legitimate question, ever.

 

@tweezers

"I write to get away from the rules and regulations that are put on us when we write for school items, and because sometimes emotions kinda pile up and this is how I let it out. If it entertains someone, why not?"

 

@Darren4Turbo

"I write to improve my English language abilities, as well as grammar and spelling. I also write for the Amateur Writing Club in which I can do my writing training in."

 

@Yisroel.Rabin

“I write because I find it fun, and I what else is there to do anyway? I don’t write often, but I usually do when I’m done all my main school work. I like to write in the TO forum because I have discovered by accident, that I’m great at writing funny kind of articles, and I’m currently working on another funny article. If I can get people to laugh, why not? “

 

Me ():

Writing is something that was a recent discovery for me, as in October. I did hate writing assignments, teachers always told me to put in more detail. It was an overall horrible experience for me, never something I enjoyed. But if I had to say why it would probably be a mini-therapy. Real life isn’t fantastic, and I can kinda get lost in reading and writing.

 

I write because it allows me to leave the moment. I put time into it because I don’t want to be wasting my time. I enjoy seeing others enjoy my writings, and I enjoy reading others works. It has also given me a small community where I feel accepted.

 

 

Writing is an effective way of communicating ideas and helping our forum. It adds something new, something that hasn't been explored - to create a new style, a new way to help or to entertain. This is regardless of whether you want to make a solid point or to meander around a subject, letting people choose to create their own opinions. So, in conclusion, don't be scared to write and try to enjoy every moment of it. Writing is only as fun as you make it... so have fun! 

 

Edited June 18, 2016 by GoldRock
Formatting changes + edits suggested and made by author.

[GoldRock 6,165]

@GoldRock

Before posting Goldy's answer, I would like to mention that he can be a bit of a jokester, and I advise no one who is sane to interview him. I was only able to get it with the answer with extra prodding from NS, it took a total of 15 minutes for 1 question. With that being said, here is his answer:

 

“I guess I write because I have this like, source of inspiration that acts as a tool for getting me to write. It's like... a wonderful thing to rely upon and I always use it whenever I write. It works a certain way too, you have to like, really grasp it. Idk, it's hard to explain but, the results are words on a page, heh.”  

 

In other words, why do I write?

 

 

Because I have a pen. Read it carefully  :ph34r:

 

In all seriousness, here's the moral of the story: this is why you should never accept random abstract drivel that could mean anything as a response, interviewers - make sure it actually has meaningful content, not just that it sounds vaguely relevant!

 

And you're welcome for the troll, I thought that was a pretty good one if I do say so myself :blush:

 

[asifmehmood 1,576]

I don't write :P

[drazeruzumaki 5,021]

I don't write :P

But.. To post that you DID write something...

Or maybe is it type?

Edited June 18, 2016 by drazeruzumaki

[Penguin40 1,714]

Hhh I'm the second group, because I love writing. Yes, I love writing, and I really am the opposite of what you said in group 1.

 

But nice article :)

[zaintahir 458]

Why not take my interview -_-

I'm somewhat well known...right?

I mean I wrote as many topics as darren :D

Edited June 18, 2016 by zaintahir

[asifmehmood 1,576]

If you want my opinion too.....

 

I don't write or even read a lot .-.

I think you wrote something good, I didn't read it sorry :P

normally I get a headache once I see a loooong text.

Wow we are from same branch.

[basenji7 1,199]

I love reading  :wub:

And hey, I read better stuff than that in first grade ok

 

Great job, Bry!

Edited June 18, 2016 by basenji7

[Hex 11,520]

Nice!

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

Nice article. I like how you built it up.

[Taco 2,820]

Nice man, I don't necessarily write, but instead I type, or even speak to others that need some form of humor or inspiration. :)

[The-Operator219 1,929]

I do it because I think I'll finish what a start but end up procrastinating until I eventually scrap the project.

[Quarks 2,255]

I don't write :P

Thank you, thank you. Glad you wasted your time with something that doesn't apply to you (bow)

 

I love reading  :wub:

And hey, I read better stuff than that in first grade ok

 

Great job, Bry!

Generalization, I too am an avid reader, but you get the point. I hope. 

 

Nice article. I like how you built it up.

Thanks. I figured I would leave the obvious till the end. Kinda anti-climatic :p

 

Nice man, I don't necessarily write, but instead I type, or even speak to others that need some form of humor or inspiration. :)

Yeah, ik, I have seen your flood on skype :D

 

I do it because I think I'll finish what a start but end up procrastinating until I eventually scrap the project.

(high five) Procrastination isn't a skill, but a way of life.

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

If you want my opinion too.....

 

I don't write or even read a lot .-.

I think you wrote something good, I didn't read it sorry :P

normally I get a headache once I see a loooong text.

Waw nub – doesn't seem like you've ever read a novel before :P

[The-Operator219 1,929]

It's a double edged sword, procrastination.

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

I just read 2 Novels in my whole life.

You should really read more...

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

I really want, but I can't :(

tomorrow I have a German exam and it is about the novel I should have read before, but I still didn't read it >.>

At least listen to audiobooks :P

[snipe3000 678]

I really want, but I can't :(

tomorrow I have a German exam and it is about the novel I should have read before, but I still didn't read it >.>

O.o

[snipe3000 678]

At least listen to audiobooks :P

Nope.

 

that's boring  :mellow:

Agreed. I can only read a book if it holds my attention in the first chapter. However, If I had to choose between audiobook and a book that didn't hold my attention, I would choose the latter,

[snipe3000 678]

In other words, why do I write?

 

 

Because I have a pen. Read it carefully  :ph34r:

 

In all seriousness, here's the moral of the story: this is why you should never accept random abstract drivel that could mean anything as a response, interviewers - make sure it actually has meaningful content, not just that it sounds vaguely relevant!

 

And you're welcome for the troll, I thought that was a pretty good one if I do say so myself :blush:

 

:D Nice wordy explanation in quote. 

[Quarks 2,255]

:D Nice wordy explanation in quote. 

it really should've been "Cause I nug"

 

*mic drop*

[snipe3000 678]

it really should've been "Cause I nug"

 

*mic drop*

Doesn't mic look weird? I mean, it looks like it should be pronounced, well, -mik-. not mike.

[basenji7 1,199]

(high five) Procrastination isn't a skill, but a way of life.

Lel I'm a Pro Crastinator  :ph34r:  :ph34r:

[Justsomeonelol 148]

Doesn't mic look weird? I mean, it looks like it should be pronounced, well, -mik-. not mike.

I have been pronouncing it like "mik" my whole life

edit: nice article btw :p

Edited June 25, 2016 by Justsomeonelol

[Quarks 2,255]

I have been pronouncing it like "mik" my whole life

edit: nice article btw :P

Well, I guess I never named the microphone I was using then.