Writing Boots

On communication, professional and otherwise.

I guess I’m just a snarkyfunnydestructivemeansmugpointhaving kind of cat

11.06.2009 by David Murray // 22 Comments

I had a counselor when I was in drug treatment as a teenager—that lead gets 'em every time—who said, "If one person tells you you have a tail, ignore them. If two people tell you you have a tail, you better check and see."

I was reminded recently that every single time I write something that provokes a big reaction, that reaction can be boiled down to:

He’s too snarky.

He’s too funny!

Why isn’t he more constructive?

And how would he have done it better?

He’s not perfect himself, you know!

Mean spirited!

Self-satisfied!

Smug!

Bold!

He’s got a point!

Lighten up, everyone!

Cancel my subscription!

Well, it appears I have a tail. A number of them, actually.

The same bitter, dry-drunk counselor also told me something else (he shouted, and pointed at me with a finger that had been partially amputated):

"You need to see yourself as other people see you!"

I thought then and I think now: What good would that do?

Categories // Uncategorized Tags // reader feedback

Comments

  1. Eileen B says

    November 6, 2009 at 11:41 am

    I love when you drop “when I was in drug treatment as a teenager” bombs. It gives you further mystique.

    Reply
  2. Diane says

    November 6, 2009 at 11:49 am

    If you’re referring to the cover letter story, just think what “You need to see yourself as other people see you!” means in relation to that. “Kid, from this letter, people see you as a self-centered asshat vs. a potential asset to the organization. It’s all about you, and you can’t even be bothered to spell the company’s name right. That’s how they see you. Get it? Got it? Good.”

    Reply
  3. David Murray says

    November 6, 2009 at 1:14 pm

    @Eileen Further mystique, for me? How could that even be possible?
    @Diane Hee har.

    Reply
  4. Steve C. says

    November 6, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    Who says you’re too funny?
    Steve C.

    Reply
  5. Steve C. says

    November 6, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    Who says you’re too funny?
    Steve C.

    Reply
  6. Steve C. says

    November 6, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    Who says you’re too funny?
    Steve C.

    Reply
  7. Kristen says

    November 6, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    Well, actually I HAVE said “He’s too funny” . . . of course, I’ve also said every single one of the OTHER comments too. Well, all except “Cancel my subscription” (the blog’s free).
    Don’t worry about it David! We’ll all be HAPPY to tell you how other people see you – no need to thank us, that’s what friends are for!!

    Reply
  8. Steve C. says

    November 6, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    You Canadians are such suck-ups, Kristen.
    But that’s why we Americans love you so much!
    Mur: Your blog should have another subhead:
    Writing Boots: Putting the ME in Social MEdia!
    Steve C.

    Reply
  9. Steve C. says

    November 6, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    You Canadians are such suck-ups, Kristen.
    But that’s why we Americans love you so much!
    Mur: Your blog should have another subhead:
    Writing Boots: Putting the ME in Social MEdia!
    Steve C.

    Reply
  10. Steve C. says

    November 6, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    You Canadians are such suck-ups, Kristen.
    But that’s why we Americans love you so much!
    Mur: Your blog should have another subhead:
    Writing Boots: Putting the ME in Social MEdia!
    Steve C.

    Reply
  11. David Murray says

    November 6, 2009 at 8:34 pm

    Steven, are YOU criticizing ME for writing too much about myself? No, that can’t be happening.
    No.
    That can’t.
    Be what’s happening here.
    No.
    Can’t be.

    Reply
  12. Steve C. says

    November 7, 2009 at 9:52 am

    Of course not. Now ridiculous would that be?
    It would be too ridiculous to even consider.
    Steve C.

    Reply
  13. Steve C. says

    November 7, 2009 at 9:52 am

    Of course not. Now ridiculous would that be?
    It would be too ridiculous to even consider.
    Steve C.

    Reply
  14. Steve C. says

    November 7, 2009 at 9:52 am

    Of course not. Now ridiculous would that be?
    It would be too ridiculous to even consider.
    Steve C.

    Reply
  15. Steve C. says

    November 7, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Did you know that all the social media gurus and prophets and shamans have stopped calling it “social media” and now call it “social.”
    As in, “If you want to truly inbed social in your organization, you need to get a seat at the table.”
    So I thought I’d be the first person to shorten it to “so”, in order to make a name for myself and be awarded Guru status myself.
    But then Chuck “The Goose” Gose had a better approach, and said we should shorten the second word instead, to “Me” instead of Media, because that’s what social media is all about.
    So I’ve been itching to use the “Putting ME in Social Media” for two days now and this was the first chance where it made sense.
    Steve C.

    Reply
  16. Steve C. says

    November 7, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Did you know that all the social media gurus and prophets and shamans have stopped calling it “social media” and now call it “social.”
    As in, “If you want to truly inbed social in your organization, you need to get a seat at the table.”
    So I thought I’d be the first person to shorten it to “so”, in order to make a name for myself and be awarded Guru status myself.
    But then Chuck “The Goose” Gose had a better approach, and said we should shorten the second word instead, to “Me” instead of Media, because that’s what social media is all about.
    So I’ve been itching to use the “Putting ME in Social Media” for two days now and this was the first chance where it made sense.
    Steve C.

    Reply
  17. Steve C. says

    November 7, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Did you know that all the social media gurus and prophets and shamans have stopped calling it “social media” and now call it “social.”
    As in, “If you want to truly inbed social in your organization, you need to get a seat at the table.”
    So I thought I’d be the first person to shorten it to “so”, in order to make a name for myself and be awarded Guru status myself.
    But then Chuck “The Goose” Gose had a better approach, and said we should shorten the second word instead, to “Me” instead of Media, because that’s what social media is all about.
    So I’ve been itching to use the “Putting ME in Social Media” for two days now and this was the first chance where it made sense.
    Steve C.

    Reply
  18. Eileen B says

    November 9, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    Or a combination of SO ME. It seems appropriate, no?

    Reply
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