I am reading Mike Nappa’s book 77 Reasons Why Your Book Was Rejected (and how to make sure it won’t happen again!) and he said:
If you absolutely can’t write with everyday clarity on a subject, then you’re going to have to go into academia. You’ll need a few advanced degrees and a dedication to reach an isolated audience that’s often out of touch with current thinking. but if this style of writing suits you, then you can succeed in this publishing category, so feel free to pursue that option.
Ouch. Several stings in one short paragraph of “Reason No. 18: Eschew Obfuscation.”
Is it accurate? Possibly. Is it funny? Not to me.
Is it something we need to consider? Yes. A lot.
Reminds me of the day (yes–just “one” day) I took a graduate English course. The entire class session I was amazed by their lingo, their coded language, and since I was coming from a Creative Writing background, I was astonished that they understood each other at all. I dropped that class the next day, convinced that frustration at an inability to be understood–and understand–should not be a part of my education. Sometimes when I read your live blogging of conferences, the lingo gets a little thick, but generally YOUR writing is clear and succinct on this blog.