Meth: a Ticking Timebomb Gone Viral

The Apathy of Community

I'm questioning something tonight, and maybe it's a case of expecting too much. We are a community here on WDC...like-minded and caring people who support each other in this art that we love. I could be very wrong here, but, at least from where I am standing, there seems to be an imbalance of sorts.

I have worked so hard to improve my writing in the eighteen months I've been here. One hundred and seventy pieces that I have put my heart and soul into all on my port for others to enjoy...at least, that's the hope. I check my stats regularly and can see which pieces are going well (how many have read each one) and which are not.

Some items have well over a hundred reads, and yet, will have perhaps one or two reviews. Now, as an artist, this puzzles me. Does this mean the story is rubbish and out of the hundred people who read it, only a few thought it worthy of spending a few minutes writing a short review...or even just thanking me for sharing? Is it that most are indifferent? Or, is it that the majority just couldn't be bothered to give back to the artist what they took out?

In Australia, when we drive in the country, there used to be dotted around the place stalls where the farmer would place fruit or produce at the front gate. No one is in attendance and there is usually an honesty box where if we, the public, stop in and take something from the stall, it is understood that a donation of sorts is placed into the box. There are no fixed prices and it is up to the individual what they think is a fair thing...perhaps just some loose change will suffice. And at the end of the day, the farmer's kids would go down to the front gate, gather any leftovers and check the box.

Once upon a time, not so long ago, it would be almost unheard of for someone to take something and not leave some form of payment in the honesty box. But, times have changed, and it isn't surprising that nowadays, nowhere near as many of these stalls are about. I will leave it to your imagination why this is so, but it certainly says something about a community where people take the work of another and give nothing in return.

Should I be bitter about this lack of consideration? I know I have read some works on other people's ports and not reviewed them...mostly because I couldn't identify with the work, and if this is true for everyone who has read my work, that tells me that I should take up another hobby because obviously, two or three out of a hundred or more who read me think I am worth the five minutes it takes, and the other 98% think I am hopeless. You see, that's what happens...when there is no feedback from the majority, we assume that the work must therefore be rubbish.

I spend quite a bit of time and effort writing this blog. It's not just about my life, but trying to do it in a way that people will find interesting or educational. When I began this blog, it was never going to be just about me. I hoped that it might help someone else who finds themselves in a similar place...addicted to drugs.

I am thankful to all those who have supported me throughout my journey so far...

Simply a LeJenD
Ruwth
Hummingbird
Buddhangela's Brave and Crazy
StarLineSpring
WakeUpandLive
Benjamin Black
Wordsmitty
Jon Dakota
Lilli
Rapali Goswami
Tina launching into the deep
Sum 1
Mary Ann MCPhedran
littlesong
Kare Enga back in Montana
Michael Jay Aich
Dog Pack saving4 premium renew
QP doll
SandraLynn
Redtowrite
Addison
Warped Sanity
Schnujo
Samberine Everose
Lazy Writer
Mischevious Mike
Tiggy
Snow is Writing Poetry
Blueyez
Cass--Ready for Summer Spirit
Rising Tide...

That's quite a list and I thank you all for showing your support. This is why I continue because without these people SHOWING me they care...even a simple click of a thumbs up is all that it takes, I doubt I would.

I am going to do more reviews to try to change this apathy towards showing support for each other's work...anyone who thinks along the same lines is welcome to join.