Writing with Integrity
Writing with integrity means being true to yourself and your readers.
There have been a lot of articles about writing lately and I apologise for adding yet another. However, this is something I feel really strongly about and I want to share my feelings. These are my feelings only, based on no scientific evidence, no opinions borrowed from others. Some of you will agree with me, some will disagree. That is good. That is what I hope will happen.
As writers, we write for all kinds of reasons. Some of this is for expectation of money, some of it is for pleasure. No one has the right to question or judge our reasons for writing. However, we should question our own motives and be true to ourselves. In other words, we should write with integrity.
What is integrity? The Collins Concise Dictionary defines it as adherence to moral principles; honesty. The quality of being unimpaired; soundness. It is the idea of honesty and soundness we should all think about when writing. There have been recent articles on automatic word arrangers, that take the work of someone else and rearrange the words to produce a new article. I had no idea these existed. That is about as dishonest as you can be to yourself if you call yourself a writer.
I agree, writing an article means research, but by that I mean genuine research. It means reading as much as you can about your topic, making note of key ideas, then producing something that is original to you. Add a personal touch to the facts, so that readers know that you do know what you’re talking about. It is often said that it’s easier to write about something you know, something you’re passionate about. That is certainly true, but there are also times when writers may need to write something without prior knowledge. Any writer worth reading knows they have to research quickly, look for a different angle or different approach and run with it. People do not want to read rehashed material with no energy left in it. If you don’t have writing ability, there are plenty of books, courses and classes you can read and attend to develop that ability if that is what you wish. And yes, on-line writing sites such as Triond are a marvellous place to develop those skills. But, develop them using your own work and your own ideas. Develop your own style.
The other area where I feel integrity is becoming lost for many, is in subject choice. Another debate currently doing the rounds is whether we write for money or pleasure. Or even both. Again, that is a decision each writer needs to make. Again, it is a case of being true to oneself, showing integrity. Some writers are asking the question, which are the best topics to write about? I suggest the best topics to write about are those you feel passionate about. Who is to say your article will or will not appeal to others. You write the article because you feel you need to. Just as I have been motivated to write this one. If the article is well written, it will be read. People are always wanting to learn more, to extend their knowledge and understanding. You will struggle if you spend time choosing a topic you think will be popular, do a little research and then write without any passion. Passion and the way words are used are what give that extra magic to articles and make them money earners, if that is what you want.
So, please consider where you lie in the area of integrity in your writing. Ensure you’re being true to yourself and therefore true to your readers. Make every article one you want to write and one your followers will want to read. Don’t undersell your writing ability. Treat it with the respect it deserves and make it a window into your existence as a writer.
Liked it
Click the icon to the left to subscribe to Writinghood with your favorite RSS reader.
- Just a Love Note
- Toddlers on Triond: Take Time to Make Your Comments
- I'm Sorry Triond...but There's Someone Else
- Addicted to Triond?
- Is It Wise to Keep Writing for Writing Sites?
- Triond is Online Writing with Training Wheels
- Painting Pictures With Words
- My Triond Writing Experience
- A Writing Sabbatical
- The Tipping Point: Why Triond is Going Nowhere
March 5th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Thanks Val for your wonderful insights!
March 5th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
I agree with you, well said. I think that the issue of quality vs quantity has to do with what you say, if someone wants is focus on money they will produce quick and in large quantities. If someone wants to focus in writing to grow a readership he/she will focus in quality, the money will come later as you build a good readership.
March 5th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Well done. I write my articles as an extension of what I do and who I am, that used to be called originality. I like that you do the same. Good article.
March 5th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Well written
March 6th, 2010 at 5:52 am
Totally true and a great article. Integrity is important and I feel that the best writers are those who stick to it. If you only want to write for money, I think you will not keep it up. It is hard, underpaid work and no easy cash if you really want to accomplish something. I admit I kind of underrated writing till I started on line. But you are right that it is a good learning school. Here you can collect reactions and see what gets read and what not.
March 6th, 2010 at 7:02 am
Integrity truly counts. Articles written for the sake of money will easily show itself. And a displeased reader will never want to read such articles again. We show our colors through what we write. Nice composition by the way Val. I could feel your enthusiasm in writing it. Thanks!
March 6th, 2010 at 8:05 am
great article Val. These spinner programs are meant for people to use on their own writing so they can publish it various places. They were never meant to be use for people to steal others work.
I have been practicing spinning a couple of my own articles (not by program by hand) in an effort to make them read better. I can’t even imagine why you would want to take anyone elses work and pay for a jet spinner program to their work.
March 6th, 2010 at 8:19 am
I write poetry because this is what I love to do, If I am expecting to get paid for it then I should have quit a long time ago, I like taking my imagination to new heights, Well written Val thanks for sharing.
March 6th, 2010 at 11:56 am
An invaluable lesson for all. Many thanks Val.
March 6th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
good points to ponder! very nice insights Val..
March 6th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Thanks for all your comments.
March 6th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Good point.
March 6th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Here,here Val.
They other day I was reading an article , and my face screwed up, thinking I am damn sure I have read this, so I back tracked and sure enough , there it was a few words rearranged but the same.
This is awful I thought.
But any way each to their own,tut tut .
I so agree with all you have suggested, Thank you for speaking openly about this.
March 6th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Interesting, Val.
For me, my articles are not professonal types, but are original. The only research I made is searching for suitable pictures to support them, to make them more interesting.
I always enjoy reading yours, Val, because you always write your thoughts, they are original and genuine.
March 7th, 2010 at 1:09 am
I agree with you, Val. Thanks for your insights
March 7th, 2010 at 2:42 am
I so agree with you. I was so suprised over Christmas to see an article close to one I had written on the Twelve Days of Christmas and it was almost word for word what I had written.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:03 am
nice share…thnx
August 25th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Good article Val. I certainly try to write with integrity, Each article is well researched, Is about something I care and know about, and spell checked, proof read, and edited a dozen times.
What gets me Is all the articles that are made ‘Hot Topics’ or receive a zillion hits that are poorly written, with little or no research done, and completely outside the author’s area of expertise.
I am a mental health care professional and I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen people writing on some aspect of this field, being praised to high heaven in the comments, and knowing absolutely nothing about what they are talking about. Some of what they write is even dangerous. When I respond to any of these mine is the only negative voice in a sea of praise for this kind of work.