Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?
This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.
Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.
Jump in the discussion.
No email address required.
Notes -
I lurked themotte for a long time. One day, not too long ago, I decided I want to get more serious about participating. I can think of a few pull factors that motivated me:
I have something valuable to share, either because of my unique perspective/experience or because I've picked up something that not many do.
I'm curious to be proven wrong. It's happened at least twice that I got feedback that shook me on a deep level because I realized that I overestimated my understanding of a topic.
On the technical side, some answers to your questions:
I've grown to like writing, so each post or comment that I write is a little fun exercise.
Some posts of mine were first drafts while others took a week or two to draft and redraft until I was satisfied with the level of clarity.
This was a major hangup of mine in the beginning. I was nervous about how people would perceive my writing. It turned out that most are curious and I feel like every time I post is a chance to get sucked into a scintillating discussion. This realization really helped alleviate part of my perfectionism and bring my perception more in line with reality--in other words, I worry less and post more.
The times when I post the first draft, I've usually turned the idea around in my head for a while or talked it through with friends. The times I need more drafts are usually because the idea is vague and I don't know how to structure before transmitting it in words.
The quality of comments my writing gets here is astounding. I do not feel like I'm yelling into the void.
There's a lot to unpack here probably, if you're willing to bear the discomfort.
More options
Context Copy link