- Joined
- Nov 14, 2014
- Messages
- 137
- Reaction score
- 9
I am well aware of the benefits of networking. But I've also seen some drawbacks to it.
Lately, I've been feeling really jaded by the writing world. Publishers and authors alike. This creates too much negativity, and negativity and I have a hate-hate relationship.
In an effort to spare myself the bad thoughts and the cynicism and make myself a generally happier person, I'm slowly fading away from my network. There are a few persons I trust and are keepers, but I can't count the number of requests for connection that are purely self-serving. I have no quibbles tossing those at all. But sadly, I'm at the point when I'd rather not try new people, for fear it will all be a waste of time and energy. And I don't want one-way relationships, where they take but don't give. So I'm refusing all new connections. It will be my loss in some cases, I'm sure of it, because there are also good people out there. But I don't want others to take advantage of me.
Same as the fact that when I do something worthy, I try and do it by myself. And ultimately, while I appreciate the help of people who genuinely want to help me, I don't want to give the image that I'm riding the tail of someone who is more popular than I am just so I can sell a few more books. I feel that for some, it's more the case of "If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours/you'll be the flavour of the month" - you name it - and I don't like it.
Is this an arrogant attitude that will ultimately mean that I'm shooting myself in the foot?
Lately, I've been feeling really jaded by the writing world. Publishers and authors alike. This creates too much negativity, and negativity and I have a hate-hate relationship.
In an effort to spare myself the bad thoughts and the cynicism and make myself a generally happier person, I'm slowly fading away from my network. There are a few persons I trust and are keepers, but I can't count the number of requests for connection that are purely self-serving. I have no quibbles tossing those at all. But sadly, I'm at the point when I'd rather not try new people, for fear it will all be a waste of time and energy. And I don't want one-way relationships, where they take but don't give. So I'm refusing all new connections. It will be my loss in some cases, I'm sure of it, because there are also good people out there. But I don't want others to take advantage of me.
Same as the fact that when I do something worthy, I try and do it by myself. And ultimately, while I appreciate the help of people who genuinely want to help me, I don't want to give the image that I'm riding the tail of someone who is more popular than I am just so I can sell a few more books. I feel that for some, it's more the case of "If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours/you'll be the flavour of the month" - you name it - and I don't like it.
Is this an arrogant attitude that will ultimately mean that I'm shooting myself in the foot?