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Spiritual: February 14, 2007 Issue [#1542]

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Spiritual


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  Edited by: Puditat Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Spiritual: relating to the spirit or soul and not to physical matter; intangible. Collins Dictionary and Thesaurus

This newsletter explores ideas of the spiritual nature that exists in each and every one of us in an open and non-judgemental manner.

Each editor brings to the newsletter their own backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and opinions. Whether you disagree, agree, doubt or applaud the views expressed, let us all show respect to each other. Together we can learn something about the many varied aspects of the spiritual self and enjoy our differences in true meaning of the Spirit of Community.

Enjoy! *Cool*


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Letter from the editor

** Inflammatory Writing **


What is inflammatory writing?

Usually it is related to a subject about which there is hot debate and widely differing opinions. Religion, politics, race, and gender roles are common 'hot topics'. This is where you will find the majority of inflammatory writing.

Writing of this sort is very emotional. It is often driven by passion, either good or bad. It arises from a passionately-held belief in something, eg. an ideal, to be right or wrong. As fraught with emotion as it is, it utilises language that is strong. So, actions are not described as 'weak', but as 'heinous acts of cowardice'. Or, laws are not 'inadequate', they are 'caveman slobberings on 21st Century paper'. The writer does not attempt to soften their viewpoint, in fact hasrhness is sought. Balanced arguments are not synonymous with inflammatory writing.

What is the purpose of inflammatory writing?

Inflammatory writing, being borne out of deeply-held convinctions, seeks to convey the message to the reader. Some such writing is used to pull down another person's opinions or actions. Some is intended to balance out an opposing piece of inflammatory writing. So person 'A' writes an inflammatory piece on why black is white, so person 'B' then writes their own inflammatory piece arguing that white is black.

Inflammatory writing is an outlet for emotions, quite often anger, frustration, or indignation. I have not seen it used to convey the warmer emotions of love and respect.

The other reason people write this way is to create a sensation. Whether it is to invite readership, such as a tabloid headline, to create division or argument (I would call this an anti-social use), or so the author can feel like they are heard.

Where should you use inflammatory writing?

NOTE: These are my opinions.

Inflammatory writing is finding a niche amongst blogs where people feel they can talk about subjects on which they are passionate -- their own 'soapbox', if you will. This may or may not be an appropriate venue, but people do it nonetheless.

There are few places amongst publishable venues for inflammatory writing. Publishers are generally looking for well-reasoned and supported arguments, not emotive ramblings.

There are times when we feel compelled to do what we do best - write - in order to vent our emotions on a subject where we perceive injustice. This is normal and healthy. The difficulty then comes in deciding what to do with your explosive piece of prose. Ultimately each person must decide whether to unleash their inflammatory comments onto the world at large, or not.

What are the results of publishing inflammatory writing?

Inflammatory writing is likely to receive a response. Often it leads to an equally inflammatory reply, but not always. If you write, and then post a piece designed to antagonise or present your points, then expect to receive feedback, not all of which you will be desirable.

Writing like this may reveal more of yourself than you might wish. It talks about your opinions, but what does the word choice and emphasis reveal about your personality, attitudes, or 'intelligence'?

Will it reduce your 'reputation' as a serious writer who can write reasoned, supported pieces, on any subject. eg. Do you have to be passionate about something to be able to write about it? This line of questioning is something I do not have the answers to, but I raise them as a thought...

I found this comment on the internet whilst doing some research on the topic. I think it's a pretty smart summary...

         "One popular explanation is that we can type much faster than we can think. If even first thoughts are too slow for email, what chance is there for second thoughts? There is something in this. If I want to write a postcard to someone to express my loathing of their latest book review, I have to find the postcard, write it by hand, find a stamp, walk out and post it - all of them time-consuming or troublesome moments which give me plenty of time to wonder whether I really mean to do or say these things and to conclude that I probably don't. Responding by email or on CiF, on the other hand, is almost frictionless. It is the equivalent of shouting at the Today programme and being heard. But the sheer ease and speed of internet communication, while it might explain why there is so much of it, and why so much is vacuous, does not explain why it should so often be nasty."
Andrew Brown,
The Guardian


For the complete article by Andrew Brown, see http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/andrew_brown/2006/07/why_are_people_arsehole...

One final thought...

Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.
Proverbs 26:6


Till next time:
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Editor's Picks

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 HAVE FAITH AND HOPE:an acrostic- winner Open in new Window. [E]
Don’t lament that life’s glass is half empty. Have hope and faith that it will be full.
by Dr M C Gupta Author Icon


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Micro-fiction story about a ring, and a miracle.
by winklett Author Icon


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Ask & Answer

*Leaf4* Dear,Puitat's we have to look to God first then the positives of this life and move forward.Very good scripture readings....Don.
donald

         Thank you. *Smile* Nice to read your supportive feedback.

*Leaf4* Another quality NL Puditat, and the subject one we writers grapple with continuously.

Thank you for highlighting a poem of mine... I will be sending another e-mail your way shortly. *Heart*
windac

         Thanks you, my friend...and you're very welcome. *Wink*

*Leaf4* Good newsletter, enjoyed the reading. Very inspiring.
friend Author Icon

         Great to hear! *Delight*

*Leaf4* Thank you for the time you put into this newsletter. We are all blessed by it.
Rusty
PAPA CASON Author Icon

         It is my pleasure, Rusty. Thanks for the kind feedback. *Smile*

*Leaf4* Again, what a wonderful job. I hope we hear all about the camping trip in the next newsletter. I so miss those outings when my husband was well and we could go but I have my memories.
I've attached an item. It's really not a poem, more like a letter or prayer to our precious Jesus.
In His name and service,
Prayfully,
Diane
Being Diane Author Icon

         Thank you for the lovely feedback. We had a fabulous time camping and made some very good, long-lasting friendships, including with a farrier from America whose tent was beside ours for almost the whole week. *Wink* God certainly turned on the weather for us, too. We enjoyed a complete week of endless sun and stunning sunsets over the ocean. Then there was the McNaught Comet, which put in an appearance over us for the latter half of the week. We both felt incredibly blessed during our break.

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