Writer Responsibility

[Crystal J]

Is there such a thing?

As writers…do we have a responsibility attached to the compositions that we introduce to readers? No matter our formalities as writers…whether published, un, freelance, contracted, or hobbyist, we release into the atmosphere literary works that are consumed by others…even on an ethical, moral, or casual level…is there a realm of responsibility involved with our crafts?

[Qwest4fiya]

No, I wouldn't say that any author has that responsibility. Writing is organic, similar in a sense to an airborne disease. If you breathe that disease in and infect others, whose responsibility is that? Some things just are. If your writings provoke discussion, positive or negative, then you have done society at large a service.

[AJ Houston]

Every offering from our mind if we choose to write it is our creation and our responsibility. Like children once they leave the safety of your compound the things you taught them are there but it not mandatory they use them. The words we use can be interpreted in many ways fiction, eroticism, poetry or dramatic enterpretation our job is to take them there. We are not responsible for the actions of others but our moral fortitude should be used as guidance to where we leave in the journey.... We are the words they (the reader) is responsible for their own actions.... Crystal J you excite me pen always, making ink squirt uncontrollably. Keep your pen striking consciousness . as always i thank you for the challenge.

[Inda Lauryn]

I'd say the first responsibility a writer has is to be true to herself and the story she wants to tell. People from different experiences will interpret a work in different ways and I don't think an individual's work can be tailored to try to appease everyone. So I say as long as what is written is from a sincere place within the writer, she has fulfilled her responsibility.

[K Patrick McDonald]

Crystal -

I am guessing that many, many of those who write, forget - or maybe never consider -the ethics that go with creating "the written word." But along with the clicking of fingers on the keyboard, there ought to be an awareness that whenever we hit "send" the result is out there forever. So in my small opinion, we owe society three things with the written word:

1. Accuracy - factual truth
2. Intellectual honesty - Saying what we really believe
3. "Pebble in the Pond" - Awareness that "words" have impact on people's lives in ways we will never know.

Just a few thoughts.

[Crystal J]

First and foremost, infinite thanks for these three principles; consider them recycled as I will use them to further illustrate the foundation of why we as writers ARE INDEED responsible for what we put into the universe.

At some point everything we do has a ricochet. When we aim and shoot, we had better make sure its something that we are prepared to digest ourselves as it may very well make its way back to us.

Although some of my peers give me a hard time for my cautious approach to writing, I'm a careful pen-pusher.

We have to be willing to stand face forward to the things we put out, create, and release.

Unfortunately there is very little accountability in "freedom of speech" therefore the responsibility is also very minimal.

I suppose a few bites in the rear from some of our publications would put a few breaks on some of these pens but by that time the damage will have already been done.

[K Patrick McDonald]

Crystal J, I'm with you.

Qwest, your attempt at logic is flawed on several levels. "Creative writing" is spawned by the author. That's "organic." Your comparison with an airborne disease is only valid if the "words written" are simply a "repeat" of what's already been said. In that case, it isn't authored, it's reported. It is certainly valid to say "some things just are," when discussing mountains & oceans. But humans don't "have" to write. Free will means they may choose not to, and discipline means they recognize societal decency. And I think by now we've all seen examples of negative provocation serving no purpose at all, other than just plain hate. I see it as a fallacy to categorically state such rhetoric is a service to society. There are many things that are indeed better left unsaid.