So you want to be a Professional?

[Anonymous User]

..... than I apologize for misleading them right here and now.

Simply adding the souce 4 or 5 pages ago would have done the trick, we all make mistakes, no biggy, it happens, correct them and move forward.

I wasted far too much time over the years arguing pettiness with a couple people, I'm not accepting applications at this time. Besides, as Miles Franklin once said, "It's a sign of your own worth sometimes if you are hated by the right people." Which brings to mind the words of William Goldman, "If I believed what they wrote, I'd have slit my wrists a long time ago."

I wipe with my right hand. That statement will bring the usual few complaining about right hand usage, theories of the amount of paper I use, how slow or fast I wipe, the thickness of the paper, and if I am qualified to wipe at all. This is the price one pays for contributing, I am finally accepting this fact. See my signature.

To paraphrase an unknown artist (no citation, sorry).... say what you want about my accomplishments, my work, or my contributions, my flaws, my mistakes, at least I contribute. One thing that is certain, hate me, loath me, despise me, you just can't ignore me, can you?.

I have a couple more rather large projects underway, so you guys can go ahead without me, I'll jump in now and then, if I have the time.


As always,


Will

 

[Redwing]

I have a couple more rather large projects underway, so you guys can go ahead without me, I'll jump in now and then, if I have the time.

Bets on how long he'll stay away?

My money is on the short end. That dude can't resist trying to get the last word in...

-rw

 

[Klytus]

William is not amused.

 

[rockm]

"To paraphrase an unknown artist (no citation, sorry).... say what you want about my accomplishments, my work, or my contributions, my flaws, my mistakes, at least I contribute. One thing that is certain, hate me, loath me, despise me, you just can't ignore me, can you?."

Jeez.

Will,

If you're going to be a writer, author, or editor, criticism comes with the job. You will find that simply being gracious and conceding that you made a few mistakes, then simply asking that any photos used from AOB be credited might a more righteous path to follow.

Since you've left in a funk, this probably ain't gonna happen though...

"Don't go away mad. Just go away," Gunny Highway, Heartbreak Ridge.

 

[catfish chapstick]

why does everyone have something to prove? isn't there a bigger picture to consider?

 

[Anonymous User]

Will,

If you're going to be a writer, author, or editor, criticism comes with the job. You will find that simply being gracious and conceding that you made a few mistakes, then simply asking that any photos used from AOB be credited might a more righteous path to follow.

Since you've left in a funk, this probably ain't gonna happen though...

Jeez.

Mark,


You should read a thread before you comment on it, already said we all make mistakes, already fixed my own, already asked politely, been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

http://bonsainut.com/forums/showpost.php?p=41679&postcount=205 and from 226 "Simply adding the souce 4 or 5 pages ago would have done the trick, we all make mistakes, no biggy, it happens, correct them and move forward."

Now it appears Redtruck will just continue to use AoB photos here and elsewhere, so that leaves only one option, AoB may have to follow the lead of every other forum out there and allow its photos to be viewed only by members, instead of the open and free to everyone policy we have used for over 5 years now.

I am currently writing the announcement and explaination, using redtruck's example, to post with the change there.



Will

 

[rockm]

Going back and fixing a glaring error only after being embarrassed by a sharp reader isn't really what I'm talking about.

 

[Anonymous User]

Going back and fixing a glaring error only after being embarrassed by a sharp reader isn't really what I'm talking about.

1) I'm not embarrassed, when you produce the amount of work I do, mistakes happen, no big deal, hope you're not losing sleep over it, I'm not.

2) Sharp reader? Hardly, my work is vetted more than Sarah Palin, lol, but this is good because I couldn't afford such a dedicated editorial staff on my own.




Will

 

[rockm]

"I'm not embarrassed, when you produce the amount of work I do, mistakes happen, no big deal, hope you're not losing sleep over it, I'm not.

2) Sharp reader? Hardly, my work is vetted more than Sarah Palin, lol, but this is good because I couldn't afford such a dedicated editorial staff on my own."

This is EXACTLY what I'm talking about, sly, insulting, high-handed responses to some very basic concerns about your writing--you SHOULD be embarassed--any writer worth his salt would be. Some professional writers would have been (some HAVE been) fired for such an "error," but since you're not really a professional writer, as you don't get paid for your work, that's really not possible, I guess.

Your work ISN'T being vetted more than Sara Palin, or such a glaring credit error wouldn't have passed through the editorial review process. While the Internet has greatly lowered the bar for what passes for editorial content these days, I'd hope those who have entrusted themselves to chronicle this art/hobby/activity would have higher standards.

 

[mcpesq817]

So after 24 pages of posts, I'm a little confused. Maybe someone can help me out:

1. Did Will ever post trees in response to the challenge he issued Al? I saw Al post at least 5 trees on here, but haven't seen any trees from Will. Sorta like the school bully who challenges someone to meet them in the playground after school, yet doesn't show up and hides behind his mom's skirt instead.

2. After scolding people for posting images without attribution, was Will ever contrite for his own glaring error? All I've read were posts from Will attacking and deflecting blame to others. Maybe I just missed it.

Then again, I found it interesting that a guy guilty of plagiarizing the entire introduction to one of his articles (which to me seems to be a much bigger deal than someone not seeking financial reward that posts a picture from a public website onto a message board without attribution) would actually lecture others on the proper use of attribution, particularly when he apparently doesn't have his own act together. This is particularly interesting given that the plagiarist continually puffs himself up as being some kind of professional writer, when the person he is lecturing is merely a casual poster on a message board.

 

[Anonymous User]

Your work ISN'T being vetted more than Sara Palin, or such a glaring credit error wouldn't have passed through the editorial review process.

It didn't pass, one of my "fans" found it. My articles and other work are vetted by these "fans" on a regular basis, are you kidding me, I have more people dissecting my every word than most professional writers, lol. Like I said, I couldn't afford to pay people to do the work these guys do and I can always count on them to point out every little thing and each time they do, I make the corrections, learn, and the article is better for it...

Some professional writers would have been (some HAVE been) fired for such an "error," but since you're not really a professional writer, as you don't get paid for your work, that's really not possible, I guess.

Actually I do get paid when published, but that's none of your business. I agree with you, I'm a half assed writer with plenty of room for improvement, isn't it silly that such a poor author as myself can be published so much? What's your excuse?

http://blogs.knowledgeofbonsai.org/will_heath/published-articles-print-media/

Oh, thanks for reminding me, I need to update that list with a few articles recently published....


Stop being a jealous crybaby and do something positive for a change, besides crying about what others are doing. Leave that brainless banter to mcpesq817, Al, and others who do more complaining about others than anything else.

I am used to the criticism and fully expect it, see my signature.




Will

 

[Smoke]

Well at least you threw away that stupid thesaurus you got with your birthday card money and changed the word to announced like 99.9 percent of the people in the english speaking world does.

Don't you feel better for me pointing it out!

 

[bwaynef]

It didn't pass, one of my "fans" found it. My articles and other work are vetted by these "fans" on a regular basis, are you kidding me, I have more people dissecting my every word than most professional writers, lol.

I'd like to clarify that I do not count myself as one of your "fans", whether in sincere form, or, as implied by your quotations, sarcastically as I assert no more value to you than many others on this board. I rarely interact with you on any forum, and when I have I can't remember why I'd be lumped into any group (as I've never taken much from those interactions and would be surprised if many were memorable to you). Surely there are others much more vocal of their "fandom" (as you might call it) than I. Obviously the barriers to entry are exceedingly low.

As a professional, I would think you'd be happy for someone to go to you before going to a copyright holder with concerns of infringement, and as such I wouldn't think any ill-will or claims of self-indulgent fan club membership would be warranted.

If this fan status is a result of company I keep or partnerships I've made, you'd be wise not to jump to conclusions. There is more to the story than you've read. As such, I'd like to formally request removal from any imaginary fan club.

 

[Anonymous User]

I'd like to clarify that I do not count myself as one of your "fans", whether in sincere form, or, as implied by your quotations, sarcastically as I assert no more value to you than many others on this board. I rarely interact with you on any forum, and when I have I can't remember why I'd be lumped into any group

You are correct and I apologize, I did not mean to lump you in this group, just suffering from the kicked dog syndrome, sometimes the wrong person gets bit for the kicks of another. I am sorry.

As a professional, I would think you'd be happy for someone to go to you before going to a copyright holder with concerns of infringement, and as such I wouldn't think any ill-will or claims of self-indulgent fan club membership would be warranted.

I am happy for such corrections, I only wish they would come other than as a rebuke or in a flame war.




Will

 

[rockm]

I've been a "published" writer for 25 years now. Having worked as a writer, reporter, editor for a dozen or so publications with circulation above 100,000 during that time, I have managed to amass a bit of an understanding of how things work.

I pretty much get what you're doing. As for being paid, well, I'd be willing to bet you have never been paid for any article appearing in a "name" print bonsai publication. They accept almost any article because they're looking to fill space. If you have been paid for one of those, good for you, you're special.

Bragging about being a sloppy half assed writer is just plain lazy and irresponsible--thinking that readers vet your writing is a mind-boggling thought (No, they're not editing, they're running across glaring mistakes that should have been eliminated BEFORE the article was published). Your articles aren't any "better" for it, nor is your reputation as a writer. If you think the editors/owners of magazines LIKE being called on the carpet because of errors, ethical questions and the like, you're very wrong. Some have long memories and keep score on stuff like that.

As for working for some kind of positive change, wake up. Read between the lines...I am challenging you to live up to your potential. You have shown that you've got some knowledge and a knack for getting it out there. Thing is, you're your own worst enemy. You work so hard to turn people off, your message is lost.

Stop with the hair trigger temper, constant whining and childish tantrums. YOU chose to put yourself out there with articles, web sites, contests, etc. etc. etc. (and etc....) It is YOUR responsibility to think --and ACT--positively and professionally. I'm not relying on others to buy my stuff, read my bonsai articles or establish some kind of bonsai reputation. YOU are.

Stop being a poseur and start being a professional.

As for being a "crybaby," well i'm rubber you're glue...My dad can beat up your dad, nyah, nyah

 

[Anonymous User]

I pretty much get what you're doing. As for being paid, well, I'd be willing to bet you have never been paid for any article appearing in a "name" print bonsai publication. They accept almost any article because they're looking to fill space. If you have been paid for one of those, good for you, you're special.

I must be very special then, as I have always been compensated for my articles, not much, in fact damn little compared to my articles in non-bonsai related publications.

As for being a "crybaby," well i'm rubber you're glue...My dad can beat up your dad, nyah, nyah

That about says it all.





Will

 

[Klytus]

Poor ol' William,a truly tormented soul.

An Internet Persona all bloody and bruised,it takes a fall and the boot always goes in.

Onlookers say to stay down but it rises again.

Like a Hollywood script gone awry.

 

[Klytus]

So,should one write as though the words arise from some final arbiter of reality?

I can think of several reasons to use the word eschew here.

 

[Rick Moquin]

That is it in the nutshell...I've said a few times live by the sword , die by the sword.

Man..this is timely...I have not even had the time to talk about the huge glaring editing nightmare in "Mission of Transformation". I love it when someone makes themself such a target. Sometimes they just get lobbed to ya and you have no recourse but to take a swing.

ahhh..well it's a holiday weekend.


mmmmm...leftovers

The actual quote you are butchering is “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword." and the citation you missed while still harping on me for the same is - King James Version of the Bible, Gospel of Matthew, 26:52


It took you long enough, I thought this would never be brought up, however I was sure Chris would be the first to jump on it. Bring it on Al, but may I suggest you gather all the facts on the editing first, as much as I, to quote you, "love it when someone makes themselves such a target" I think this will be much more interesting with a fair warning. Let's start with a hint, just to be fair, do you really think I would have put William Valavanis's name under my own picture? Also, please be careful you don't inadvertently drag someone else though the mud in your continued attempt to "target" me, as Chris recently did.

Since, Cris and Al and the regulars are here and lined up, it looks like we have another Will Bash thread and since you can't help but to study my works (which sure beats being ignored any day), bring it on.

Someday when you actually do something other than talk, maybe I can play the role of armchair quarterback and scream at the real players from the bleachers.....



Will

I sure would like to know what this is about? Santa brought Robert's much anticipated book and I sure do not know what folks are referring to

 

[Anonymous User]

Look under my picture in the preface and you will see they mistakenly put William Valavanis's name under it......