The Endings Will Always Suck
And I like em that way
As much as I would love to write like so many of you here, who put cohesive arguments into the universe and impact people’s lives with clear introduction, exposition, and summary statements, I just can’t do it.
I’ve tried to be a good little writerboi and construct very linear articles, going from thoughts to evidence to recommendations in a nice logical manner, but I just can’t do it. It never feels as genuine as just walking around and making a recording on my phone of whatever thoughts meander in, then just writing that up. This act is more journal than article, and it’s the only style that keeps me engaged. Unfortunately, it’s kind of always going to suck. It’s always going to be perspective-driven and flowery, going the most circuitous route.
I’m also never going to know how to end it very well. Do I tie it up with a nice line that says “And that’s why you guys should X, Y, Z?” Do I draw a conclusion? Do I note the sorry state of the world and plead with you to do better? Do I give ten bullet points of what metrics to use for fulfillment? Well, maybe sometimes, but not all the time, or even often. Most of the time, I’m actually just going to trail off when I feel like the thought has naturally culminated.
Once I get to the point where I have more than 25 subscribers (which I’m very grateful for, thank you so much, having 25 people in the world who care what I say is flabbergasting and lovely), what I’m really hoping is that this open-ended style lets you jump right into continuing the conversation, gives you a point for commenting or for feedback, and allows me to hand the baton off to those who are interested in furthering the dialogue.
I write for exactly one reason: to put myself openly and genuinely into the world, hoping that people like me will see a mirror into their own souls and choose to interact. I write to find my people, and I can’t do that if I only want to be the advisor or the figurehead or the expert because then you’re only finding followers. What I really want to find are peers, friends, collaborators, homies, blood brothers, a wolfpack, ride-or-dies, and people who want to wear matching shirts in a bowling league.
I’m comfortable standing in front of a room and speaking, but I prefer sitting at the table and discussing. It’s hard to discuss something that’s already tied up with a nice bow. So I always feel uncomfortable when I get to the end of a thought that becomes an article or an essay and I don’t know how to wrap it up.
In my head, what I like to picture is myself being on the street, speaking the words of my essay to the general public, and then at the end just quietly standing there and waiting for somebody to engage. My articles end with my ears open and with a hope for intentional, genuine communication.
end
With love, from me to you
-Alec
No AI was used to write, edit, or otherwise modify this article. Which may mean the article is worse, but at least it’s genuine.