It’s fun to watch someone go through a major crisis, even if it’s self-inflicted. Puts things into perspective.
Some thoughts I had last night while listening to the rain bounce off my roof:
Ii have spent each day the past few weeks just inches from tears.
it’s a lot of things: fear and uncertainty about the quality of my book being the biggest, having the sit there and take it while some Rich Fucking Asshole treated me like I was a little kid, stupid computer problems, anne’s ex-husband bullshit, and finally the blog trolls (who I really should have just called assholes, because that’s what they are) and emailers.
Alone, I can deal with any of those things, but together . . . well, it’s just too much to deal with.
But the uncertainty about this book is killing me. I thought I had something really good, and shared it with a few people. Most of them told me it was really good, and gave some constructive feedback. A few of them absolutely ripped it to shreds, and gave me some constructive feedback. The result? I found myself unsure about everything. Unable to trust my instincts. I rewrote major parts to please others, instead of myself, and it left me paralyzed. I’ve since decided to just let it go. I’ll finish some grammatical and spelling corrections, complete a few tiny changes where I want to add more information, and publish the damn thing.
I’m scared. I’m scared that it’s not as good as I thought. I’m scared that it’s better than I thought.
My mom told me that I was in the middle of “vast uncharted territory” and that it was okay to be afraid. I’m not so sure.
I shouldn’t have posted my “I’m leaving, here’s why, okay now I’m back but I’m really leaving and I hate you” post. What I should have said is, “I’m overwhelmed with several things in my life, and writing for WWDN isn’t bringing me any joy right now. As a matter of fact, it’s sort of a chore, so I’m taking some time off.” What I posted gives way too much power and importance to a very small group of people who I should really just feel sorry for.
But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me feel just a tiny bit better to hear from people who actually SUPPORT me for a change. And Ben sent me a nice cartoon.
Note to self: don’t post when emotional.
And you know what else? I am profoundly upset about war, dreams of war, and the Bush Junta. Patriot II? How the fuck did this happen? How did we, as a culture, sit back and put these people in charge?
And these “Terror alerts?” Does anyone believe them? Did you guys read about the “suspected terrorist” in SF Bay? Some tug boat captain suggests that he saw someone in an unlit Zodiac raft at 3AM, wearing a wetsuit. That’s it.
The CG looked everywhere for this boat and its alleged terrorist, and found NOTHING.
But it’s all over the news, because WE ARE ON ALERT!!1!!11!
What happened to critical thinking? Are the American people so soporific that they can’t see this bullshit for what it is?
And now we’re supposed to believe that Osama Bin Laden is JOINING FORCES WITH SADDAM?
What?!
The timing on this is all too pat for me, and I wonder where the fuck the critical voices are who should be questioning this stuff. Where are the other voices in this vast wilderness? Isn’t anyone willing to speak up?
We are marching directly into a war, though there is massive public resistance to it.
We are marching directly into a war, and the media, the supposed 4th estate, isn’t doing ANYTHING to keep people informed — they’re just propagandizing for the Bush Junta.
We are marching directly into a war, though the rest of the world wishes we’d just mind our ouw stinking business.
And nobody seems to care. And I’m “anti-American” because I feel this way.
I was picking up some tools at OSH about an hour ago, and helped an older woman take some plastic boxes down from a tall shelf. When I put them in her cart for her, she moved a bunch of duct tape and plastic sheeting out of the way. She told me how scared she was, and urged me to be prepared and safe.
That’s perfect. This woman, who could be doing several other things today, is preparing for a terrorist attack, right here in Pasadena. Because she’s afraid. Just like the Bush Junta wants us all to be.
Ugh. Note to self: don’t post when emotional.
Discover more from WIL WHEATON dot NET
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I have a book going myself Wil-for ten years now I’ve had it sitting here, to terrified to submit it to a publisher. Don’t wait a decade. Do it now. You’ll always regret the things you didn’t do more than those you did.
Total and complete agreement on the Iraq insanity. Read “Dreaming War” by Gore Vidal, or “The war on Freedom” by Ahmed (British) if you want to know where this is all REALLY coming from. Don’t want to feel alone in your feelings? Join the democratic underground (for all progressives) at http://www.democraticunderground.com and discuss it all with 21,000 people who agree with you. You’ll also find news stories from members all over the world, including the Sydney Morning Herald, the Guardian UK, NZ scoop, the Irish times, and more. You’ll be shocked after reading the foreign press about just how inundated with propaganda we Americans are!
Everyone is so much more eloquent
than I could ever be
but here is my two cents.
I think you are a very good
writer. I have been touched by
the things you have written about
Anne, the boys and your
family. You are doing something
right to have all of
these people check your blog
everyday(I’m one of them).
Keep voicing your feelings and
opinions on anything you feel like
talking about. Your ideas and feelings
are just as valuable as anyone’s.
Just for the heck of it…
Happy Valentines day to you
and Anne.
Like you need more advice… doh!
Even friends may not be people you can trust as critics. Usually we make friends with people who are like us in some ways and different in others, because that diversity enriches our lives. But when it comes to something you are creating, they might not be the people who would have read the book if it came from someone other than you.
You know what you wanted the book to be. Constructive comments should help you refine that, communicate it more effectively. They should *not* change your message. If some piece of advice does this, disregard it. Please only yourself.
Some people will love it, some will like it, some will feel indifferent and others will think it’s crap. It’s all subjective. You’re an intelligent guy. If you like it, it’s probably in a good place. Some people hate Hemmingway. They’re entitled.
🙂
With luck, you will reach a wide enough audience that a portion of the readers will discover your offering to be spot-on for them. That’s the best you can ever do, and more than enough.
Best of luck, and don’t give up, period.
*applause*
Wil, I realise you don’t know me or most of us from shit because the fact is, there are thousands of us and only one of you, but most of us are here because we like reading what you have to say , we enjoy encouraging you in your endeavours and we like being part of a community where most people share their ideas constructively and respectfully. You have nurtured that community successfully and we thank you.
Frankly, the really scary thing about the trolls and nasties who write to you is that we all walk down the street and pass them all the time on busses and buying groceries. I’ve run into them on bulletin boards and chat rooms and never cease to be amazed. Take a deep breath, take a break from the site if you need to, but please know and believe that most of us are regular folks like you…and that’s why we like you and that’s why I, for one, support your site. And this isn’t all about supporting your growth…we all grow from sharing ideas with you and among ourselves.
As for possible war, we are all scared shitless. I’m certainly guilty of not being the most spiritual guy in the world, but lately prayer seems awfully appealing…and I’ll be real careful how I use my vote next time…if there is a next time. Just remember never to give up. You do make a difference. Best, Rob
Since I rarely comment but read your blog daily, I just wanted to make sure you were hearing another voice that supports you. You do a great job with the blog. And judging from what you write here, your kids, your marriage, your writing, and your life. If I knew you in “real life,” I’m sure I’d be proud to have you as a friend. You’re a sane person in an insane world, which is often hard to find. You’re a rare bird, and that’s why I keep coming back to read your blog, why it’s been on my daily reads list since the day I found it.
Sometimes it’s hard to remember to just breathe.
Take a couple of deep breaths, Wil. The pessure will eventually lessen. You’ll make it through.
Wil,
Wheather i agree with your politics or not (for the record I do not), you are a good person, and a great actor. I spent 7 years here is California’s Bay Area acting and doing “Move in’s” for some of the local SF Theater Companies. To say i know good acting when i see it would be an understatement. Not because I’m vain or anything, it’s just that when you see sooo… Much bad acting you grow accustomed to knowing the good stuff.
While i wish you would spend more time giving insite into your life then your political views, i still understand that this site is a extention of what you give to America as a hole. I respect that. More then even i realize. You give more then you need to, to people that don’t deserve anything. The most important of which is your time.
I can take the bad (what i see as bad that is) simply because of all the good i have gotten and will get from your career. You are, wheather you want to reqalize it or not, an actor – And a FUCKING GOOD ONE AT THAT!!!
Focus on what makes you happy and the rest of us will be fine!
I can’t say I’m happy about it, but i don’t think that any of us MONKEYS can.
Let the politicions take care of the country, let Ann take care of the EX-Husband. You take care of Her, the boyz and yourself. Maybe taking some time off from the book is what you need. Think about it, you might get a new perspective you hadn’t thought of before. Look at STTNG you know you wouldn’t have played Wesley the same 1 year after you started, would you? Hell no, the caractor had grown into it’s self and you into it! Maybe you just need the book o move you, before it moves the rest of us!
Oh and Wil, i don’t mind that you never respond to E-Mail — Your just a RICH FUCKING ASSHOLE any way 🙂 Just Kidding—> Smile BITCH!!!
I have also been a longtime reader and have posted once or twice. I know the pain of writing and waiting. I have recently had my first play produced in Dallas and I was promptly torn to pieces by one petty critic, but the sad thing for her is my show has been consistently selling out since opening. So hang in there.
As for war, my brother is currently in the Navy and sitting on the sand in Kuwait. I didn’t support the war before he left and I certainly don’t support it now, but I do support our soldiers who are doing their jobs.
Keep up the good work.
JP
Take it easy Wil,
Ignore the idiots.
Wil ~
I always have to remind myself not to post when emotional. Although I’m sure you could care less, this situation reminds me of one that I went through last year. We had just closed our business, and I was out of a job….then folks whom I thought were my friends starting cutting me down when I was at my lowest.
I blogged alot of it out, I didn’t think they had acess to my blog, but sure enough they did, and started tearing me apart for that shit too.
Anyway the moral of the story is, don’t give ’em another thought and go about your business. And as far as the book is concerned…..don’t give another thought to that either, write it YOUR way!! We’ll buy it, trust me.
Shelly
Wil,
I don’t agree at all with your political views about the war or the “bush junta”, but that’s ok.
I still wanna be in your posse.
I just wanted to let you know that not everyone who disagrees with you about the war thinks it has to be a personal matter.
Amen.
I am so damned sick of all the propaganda and bullshit that is being shoved down our collective throats. I can’t thank you enough for putting up the link to This Modern World on your site. Over the past several months, you and Dan have both made me take a step back and think critically. ‘Anti-American’? How dare they (Bush, Rummy, et al) even suggest it! Damn I’m pissed. I’m pissed at the media, the Brits, and everyone else who is willing to bend over and grab their ankles because Dubya says so. Why the hell can’t people think for themselves?
Ugh. Ok, so I’ve now ranted. But seriously, THANK YOU for putting all this out there, and inciting/challenging people like me to think for ourselves. You’ve greatly affected this monkey’s views, and I really appreciate that. So good luck with the book, and if you’re looking for some down-to-earth people, you’ll always be welcome in Ohio. It is, after all, the Heart of It All.
Cheers,
161.184.198.248
You are a Good Person Wil Wheaton. I have always thought this even when you were a kid actor. It sounds like you have a lot of people around you who love you very much and that you love in return. This is Good. Focus on the good. Let the bad go on by, being good and positive is more fun for you and everyone around you. If it all gets overwhelming, go somplace and do stuff with kids. Kids are the most real people I know and they never fail to bring me back to reality when I Zone out for some reason.
I wish you well.
John
Wil,
As far as your book goes you write what you want and how you feel it should be written. This is your project. Follow your heart and do it the way you want it done.
And as far as your neighbors, you know Mr. and Mrs. RFA (cute story by the way), don’t let them bother you. They are probably jealous because you have the success that you have at 30 that they wish they had in their 50’s.
As for war, we all have our own opinions. As long as we all realize they are opinions and not rip on each other because of our opinions. You and I have a different perspective on this whole Bin Laden/Saddam thing but I think it is great that you can vent through your website and get all these things off your chest.
Don’t let the e-mails and posters that reflect you in a negative way get you down. Just take a few days off the computer and spend it with your family. Realize that your family is number one and as long as you have their love and support, who gives a shit as to what other people think of you. Again they are jealous because they don’t have your carrer at 30.
Have a good one, be safe and peace.
Dave
Hey Will.
I have never posted before as I haven’t wanted to bug you. I have been a wilwheaton.net since RFB was still on and the chat room was up 🙂 I can understand about life gone crazy. I am frightened about the war too. My fiance is in the Navy and overseas currently. We are getting married in October and with the way the world is today I can’t help, but be worried about our future…and whether there will be one. I want you to know that being able to read your site has made me smile,laugh, get teary eyed, and see things in a different way. I want to say thank you for being brave and saying what you wanted to say…for sharing yourself with all of us…and for baring you soul. Thanks Wil!
Tough day at the office, huh Wil?
I moved out of a RFA neighborhood. Less stress is a good idea. My X-wife bought a house in that neighborhood, and I moved out.
Ha Ha.
Take care, buddy.
I think Wil is just experiencing “Outrage Overload” as seen in this fine piece of work by Tom Tomorrow:
http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=14485&CFID=5180707&CFTOKEN=77876395
Note to self: don’t post when emotional.
I disagree. What are you afriad of, people might find out what you really think?
I think blogging is like therapy. You want to run to the street corner and jump and shout and curse people out, but you know that’s not how civilized people handle themselves in society.
Fuck that noise. If you’re pissed off, don’t bury it, it doesn’t help. Let it all out. If you can’t talk about it, write about it. Don’t just sit there and stew.
Everyone is allowed to blow off steam, just as long as you find a non-destructive (to yourself or others) way to do it. Remember it’s YOUR blog, not theirs, and if they don’t like it they don’t have to come back.
Okay, my probably soon to be ex boyfriend is inthe shower, and I am supposed to be getting dressed, but I wanteed to jot this into the guest book while I had time. Or even if I didn’t.
A) I am a HUGE fan. Of you as a person, of you as an actor, of you as a man in his thirties who is willing to put blue shit in his hair.
B) Total agreement re war and junk.
C) don’t let the bstards win. For the sake of folks like me who live vivariously through you.
Damn, shower took less time than i thought.
Take it easy… You are loved.
Jon
Wil,
You rule. That was the most pointed, passionate rant I’ve heard in ages. Straight from the heart, and DEAD ON! Respectable.
For what it is worth, I enjoy those rants and your style, and that is exactly why I will purchase your book. Scream every now and then. We are all right there with you, and it feels good to share in it.
A word to those who would accuse this Wil Wheaton fellow of “whining.”
This is, after all, his webpage on which he voices his personal feelings about subjects large and small. Occasionally, people feel crappy because of a lot of little things and feel the need to voice that. Anyone who has never felt overwhelmed by many small things in their lives is highly suspect in my eyes, mainly because they may be a robot. I do not want to rant, because, though I am new to this site, I admire the amount of positivity on it in comparison to many other post-oriented sites. I know that my opinion may not be respected or taken for much here, but I was always taught that one does not insult another person for having feelings.
Now to address Wil directly. Wil, I’m a songwriter in New Orleans and can immediately tell you that my writing suffers most when it is done for others. It becomes tepid, lukewarm crap fit only for the latest Creed album. But you seem to have figured that out, judging by your post. For this I congratulate you.
I was in Washington DC a few weeks ago for a protest march, and I can tell you without a doubt: there are at least 100,000 people in this country who agree with you. I, though, have begun to have second thoughts. It would be terrible to go to war, but what choice do we have? Saddam Hussein signed a treaty saying that he would not proliferate these weapons, and for twelve years he has done just that. I pose to you the question that I’ve been struggling with: how is America to respond? I don’t want to see people die, but I don’t think that Saddam can just disregard a treaty either.
Face it, your life isn’t inherantly more interesting than anyone elses. Its the universal unsights you occasionally gleen from your life that make your blog worth reading. Heck, the emotion in your last post was necessary for me. I feel like the only emotional person in a sea of automotons lately. So; cool. As for your book. Hey, its not out yet, so I can’t comment. I’ll read it, then I probobly still won’t tell you what I think. I’ll tell my friends to read it if its good, and not say anything to them if it isn’t.
Well, I liked the little passage you put up. It had a wonderful, creative flow, and I wish I could write like that. And if your whole book is like that, then you really have nothing to worry about. I’m looking forward to your book.
And war? Well, I’ve lived there… lived in Kuwait. I’ve got friends there, and it’s scary as anything. Scary to think that the place you were just two years earlier is in the mist of a potential warzone. Yeah, I’m against this war, but I don’t think it’s going to be prevented. *sigh* I don’t think you’re anti-American.
Wil,
Everyone has peaks and valleys in their lives. Right now you are hitting one of those ever so unpleasant valleys. Take heart in knowing that you will feel better, hopefully sooner than later.
As for your beliefs, screw those that tell you that you are un-American. There are too many unanswered questions and not enough legitimate answers. Sadly any American that blindly believes Bush knows best is a sheep. I support the folks that have to do the job, but I do not support the people who are putting them there.
Don’t let go of your beliefs, they are part of who you are nor should you ever apologize for thinking before acting. If more people did that, perhaps things would be better.
May the journey ahead improve, you are strong enough to handle anything! Good luck with the next step of the book publishing process!
Take care!
Wil,
I just wanted to say that I was a little late on reading the last few days posts because of work, but I support your leave if that is what you need, and want. I come here to enjoy this site, to enjoy your natural humor, and intellect. It really pissed me off that there are trolls out there that have to be such assholes. They do that because they are jealous that you have such talent and are blessed with a great following on WWDN. I say, who gives a shit about the trolls, lets just have fun together, when your ready of course.
Love, Marie
Zzzz…Zzzz..Zzzhnhunh..huh?I’m sorry,but I didn’t catch what you were saying;Ifell asleep watching the television
YEAH!
welcome back big guy….
just ignore the RFA’s….don’t let them get to ya..
if treating you like some sort of galley slave is how they get off, just stand up to em, like you did…(nice work that, by the way..dont get cowed by jerks like that)
oh, and as i’m one of the folks that was hoping you’d keep up with the anti-war stuff, thanks for including that bit o’ rant about the code orange stuff…
god..
the worst is that it isn’t even just affecting you folks..
i couldn’t be much further away from you (toronto canada) and thats all we’re hearing about too…
anyhow..
1 or 2 things…
don’t second guess your book…
you are a gifted writer..the book will be great…thats a certainty…
and lastly…
have a nap, kiss the wife and kids, go for a walk with ferris late at night..
and let ferris shit on the lawn of the RFA…
hahah..
justice!
later wil…have a great day…
hey wil: when you ask for criticism you are going to get it…but remember…you don’t have to agree with all of it…the one thing you have to do with this book is to make sure it represents you…and from the excerpt i read here at WWDN i think you did a damn good job of it…we’re not waiting for you to top “GONE WITH THE WIND” with your first book…you have plenty of time to write something like that later…but when i read “JUST A GEEK”…what i hope to see are interesting stories told in YOUR style…not in some style that doesn’t speak with your voice…don’t let the criticism overwhelm you…just keep in mind that this is your first book…and there will be mistakes…but that’s okay…’cause unless i’ve missed something here…you have never claimed to be perfect…and as for the assholes with nothing better to do than to try to hurt you…remember you have a bunch of people around here who think you’re pretty cool…have a little faith in yourself…and i know you’re gonna be alright.
I think the critics are being blocked. Like when they denied a permit to people that wanted to march againsdt the war. But they allowed the KKK to march a few years back. puh
There are too many people in the world that don’t support this war to justify the lack of opposition to this war. They must be being silenced.
hate commenting this far down cause I know you won’t read it, Wil, but, in reference to your book:
Who’s to say whether or not your book is good?
Write it. Publish it. And be happy with what you accomplished.
You think every book out there is liked by everyone? (side note: Siskel and Ebert ripped Raiders of the Lost Ark to SHREADS (originally) and have since changed their tune (well, one of them has) obviously because of time and public opinion.
I’m sure some book ‘experts’ hate Hemingway, but is it an insult to you to say “Wil, you’re no Hemingway?”
My point is, write for you. Stop worrying “if it’s good”
Use spell check and enjoy!
do you even know the 131 people who posted comments about your blog?
just a thought.
oh yes, i’m neither a toll or a rich fucking asshole so it’s all gravy from here on out.
You’re great Wil, I enjoy this website, though this is my first comment.
I would like to say that there are those of us who purposely voted in conservatives who are willing to do what we would like the US to do. Regardless of whatever reasons that are made up mostly to make liberals believe that attacking is a positive thing, it doesn’t change the fact that Sadam is evil (kills and rapes his own people, has gassed the kurds, encourages terrorism against the US openly, etc…) and no amount of politics will remove him from power. I feel that it will be a positive thing for the world to have him removed from office. Period. War in itself is not bad or evil, it is nyaeve to think it is. Many people will be very thankful for the liberation we will bring, and many of those people will be from Iraq, believe it or not…
the duct tape and plastic sheeting is all about giving us something to do…to make us feel like we are doing something constructive against the danger…but i’m afraid it’ll do no more good against a biological or chemical attack…than the “duck and cover” recommendation would have against a nuclear attack…it’s an international game of chicken…and unless someone blinks soon…we will have a war like none that has come before…a war in which the unthinkable becomes thinkable…that sounds like the apocalypse to me
Wil:
Your not un-American for your feelings, just un-informed, wrong, naive etc. As a man that spent most of my life in the Military to defend your right to speak freely, I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO SPEAK FREELY.
As any soldier (or airman) will tell you we do not want war. But we do understand that War is the only thing that works with leaders bent on world domination.
What other country can you image that (being the only SuperPower in the world) would attack a country, hand over power to elected leaders and assist the new government in building a nation. ALL IN THE SPAN OF ONE MONTH!
How many more mass graves would there be in Bosnia, in Japan, in Germany, in the USSR?
I am proud to be an American and proud that we can help make the world a safer place. As far as the American People’s support for President Bush, the November 2002 Mid-Term elections seemed to answer that question.
Thanks
I grew up with people like your neighbours.
My parents wonder why I don’t ever come back to visit. Sigh.
Eat the rich.
Your book will be fine. And if it’s not, I promise to not email “Why didnt ju snog Ashlei Jud when u had teh chanc, u unlitterate hoser?” 😉
I hate the “buck up” talk, but, well, buck up. We love you anyway, and life’s too short as it is.
As to the rest, *shrug*. I’ll scream and kick and fight; I’ll be “disappeared” and finally dropped into a hole in the ground somewhere. That’s a given. But the universe could honestly give a shit about the Oh So Important Us(TM). After we nuke ourselves off the planet and discover the depth of our religious bullshittery in the last eyeblink of our existence, the universe will shrug for .0000000000000000001 seconds to adjust and keep on trucking.
No, I’m not drunk. Though I should probably say that I am to provide a rationale for the above. So yes.
I’m drunk.
Smooches!
Gwalchmai
While the drums beat for war, it is fun to relax.
I found here an entry on another blog that mentions Wil, Drew Barrymore, Lemony Snicket, Quidditch, Victor Hugo, and necrophilia among other things….now isn’t that amazing? (click on my name…)
Well, Wil, something to smile about: Total Information Awareness has been completely zapped by the Senate, along with a restriction against further research into that area without formal Congressional approval. Cool, huh?
And, yeah, the Domestic Security Enhancement Act *sucks*. Agreed. But keep in mind that it was a DoJ draft, and didn’t come from Congress. In fact, there were Senators and Representatives who were surprised that it even existed, because DoJ said it didn’t. So, it’s not as if it’s being actively considered in Congress yet.
Yes. Privacy has been hurt, and there’s a lot in government and in big businesses that just entirely SUCKS right now. But there are a few bright spots here and there … a few encouraging signs. Hang in there, buddy.
And make sure your publisher isn’t going to charge $29.95 for your book, like J.K. Rowling’s trying to do. 😉
The American media has been complicit in the spread of the propoganda since it began. Any dissenting voices in said media have been silenced [or so it appears]. I was thinking to myself a few weeks ago when talk of war with Irag was happening, where is Osama Bin Laden? Where is the war on terrorism? Did it just stop, or was it swallowed up by Bushy Jnr wanting to finish Daddy’s work? They didn’t get Saddam in 1990, I sincerely doubt they will get him now.
The worst part? The dying. All the dying. All the screaming and the bloodshed and the dying that will happen. Bush and Blair seem to have turned a blind eye to the fact that nobody else is interested in having a war.
On a related topic, is it true that if the US goes into a war with Britain against Iraq WITHOUT UN SANCTION, that is against International Law? Or am I getting that from somewhere else?
Tiana
My attitude is slightly different from both Wil’s and $JINGOIST’s. I am sick and tired of being persuaded.
I don’t want to hear anyone’s reasons anymore about why we should go to war, shouldn’t go to war, should kill Bin Laden, shouldn’t kill Bin Laden, should be activist, or should shut up and salute. I don’t even want to make my own mind up. I’m sick of being tired and tired of caring.
The world is going to go to hell no matter what… I have no effect on anything or anyone. People are going to disagree and fight violently over things that have absolutely no effect on me. I have nothing of my own to offer the world and so I selfishly refuse to follow anyone else’s lead. So don’t ask me to care anymore, and go persuade someone else.
I know that I have no business posting this here. The responsible thing for me to do is close my browser and forget what I’ve read, and leave the passionate to their passion. That’s Freedom. But I wanted to express my apathy, even though I know it’s pointless to do so. I Apologize For The Inconvenience.
I was trying to think of something witty, something smart to say to all of that. But the best I can think of is: You’re not alone in this. I’m applying to graduate school currently and have gone through the emotional rollar coaster that goes along with that (not exactly like writing a book, but I know the whole “will they want it/me” sort of mentality that goes on with both). And I can see how the whole “War on terroism” isn’t helping anyone with creative (and other) endevours. I have even found myself being less than positive about the future, not because I fear an attack on the US, but because of what our govenment is telling us or not telling us. I don’t see how we can trust our govenment, perhaps I am too great a synic… ::sighs::
Trust your instincts, Wil. Most of the time that is all that we have. You have managed to captivate readers with a simple blog, I think your book will be able to do just that. Hold tight, do what you have to do and don’t make things harder on yourself than they need to be. Though I myself am horrid at following my own advice, but I always find it good to be reminded of it. It allows me to put things into perspective.
“Regardless of warnings the future doesn’t scare me at all” ((Simple and Clean: theme from Kingdom Hearts)) I think we should all follow this… somehow it seemed right for the moment.
Cheers,
Shannon
Actually UN Res 1441 was drafted by the US to actually “sanction” war if Iraq is found in Material Breach of the resolution. So while another resolution might be nice it is not required.
So when the USA and UK and the OTHER 49 COUNTRIES liberate Iraq and remove the capacity for WMD there will be no violation of Int. Law.
Beyond that, exactly what does it mean to violate international law? Just what organizaton wants to “punish” the USA? Would the UN want to sanction the USA and potentially cut off the US World AID System.
You are all free to bash the USA but remember that we have done and do a lot of good things around the world. We feed millions every day for free.
Feel free to condem the War but please support the troops!
Wil,
You’re an amazing writer. We’ve all seen a little taste of that through WWDN. Don’t worry so much about the book. If it’s written anything like the way this place is…it’ll be awesome. It will make us laugh, cry, smile, and think. 🙂
I look forward to purchasing it. 🙂
Well, maybe it’s Bush’s Economic stimulus plan… tell people to go out and buy plastic sheeting and duct tape, thus putting money into the economy, thus stimulating it. Maybe I’m just stretching… oh well.
This is beginning to sound so much like the ramp up to a WrestleMania it isn’t funny.
Wil,
You’re kicking that coke machine again aren’t you?
Don’t take a break! Don’t give the message you can be controlled. You speak your mind and soul for the world to see honestly and with nothing hidden. The fact you are getting such a strong reaction (both positive and negative) should tell you that what you are doing and saying is exactly right!
Do some research… You will find that those who are/were truly influential people engender massive positive and massive negative reaction from people. Having the courage to be real online and in pubic comes with that cost. But, of course, you do have an alternative: you could water yourself down, blog only what people will like, be boring, be Max kicking the coke machine day after day, be someone else… Then, your “hate” mail will dwindle, but so will you… into obscurity.
Wil,
“Shared pain is lessened, Shared joy increased.” Go ahead and post while you’re emotional, how else can we help you carry the load?
Wil, I share your fears and pain about the current madman running the country. I say this without reservation, because if Bush was a decent guy, he wouldn’t be proposing all sorts of BS economic changes that clearly make the rich richer, and do nothing to spur economic growth. Anyone with an IQ over 130 knows that the way to stimulate growth is to put more money into the hands of those that will spend it – mainly, the poor and middle class. More spending means more demand, and more demand means more jobs. It is a very simple equation. That is why Clinton’s tax increases on the rich worked, and that is why Bush’s policies are wrecking our economy – and since this madman couldn’t care less about the welfare of the common people, this fact alone proves he is a danger to the world as well. I love my country just like right wingers claim to love it. I served my country for 20 years in the Air Force, unlike most right wingers who are closet chickenhawks. And in a matter of only 2 years, I have seen the following – NATO on the verge of breaking up, deficits return, over 2,000,000 jobs lost, constant paranoia in the news just like during the McCarthy Era, and all the goodwill that 9-11 brought to this nation evaporated before our eyes. No one disputes that Saddam is a bad person. But he had nothing to do with 9-11, and our government is now lying increasingly to try to make us believe otherwise…while our real ememy is still alive. heck, Bush hasn’t even mentioned Bin Laden for nearly a year! We must take back our country in 2004 – if there is a still a country to take back. I ache inside like I have never ached before – a totally disgusting feeling towards the man installed as President 2 years ago, who has no vision whatsoever of a better world for all.
I know exactly how you feel. Within a period of 6 months I had two parents die and funerals to plan, a baby born (my daughter), a new job start in a different field (I’m a chemist and the job is genetics), my PhD thesis to finish, and a thesis defense to prepare for. It was way too much to deal with in such a short time. Friends were talking amongst themselves about how long it would be before I blew up or brokedown (I found this out later). I eventually ended up in couselling for depression and anxiety.
The one major thing I learned is that its better to let it out than keep it in! Rant away….thats what we’re here for 🙂
Keep up the good work, and remember that you are your harshest critic.
Darren
Hey wil-
Heck with them trolls and jerks who obviously have nothing good to say about themselves. Hey at leas tyou aren’t on the surreal life.
Ben