How to Tell Shit from Shinola
I'm an advocate of simple writing. I'm in good company. Simpler is clearer. Simpler is more concise. Simpler is crisper. Simpler is faster to read. Apparently, simpler also pisses some people off. Okay, only one person...
Why he would react so, is beyond me. I have great respect for him. I consider him a friend. That won't stop me from blasting him.
It's a guy thing.
Most of us don't hold a grudge. Most of us can argue with a friend, then go for beers, right after.
Once is a bad day. Twice is a pattern. Sometimes, even Nit Wits say, "Enough is enough!" They rebut.
If you want to read the post from way back when that started all this crap, it's here.
Phil Friedman went out of his way to twist things around. Phil loves to equate "grade 3 READING level" with "grade three WRITING level."
They are not the same thing. But, hey, when did facts ever stop anybody?
Just to be clear. Here are the definitions of the two words according to Merriam-Websters.
writing
: the activity or work of writing books, poems, stories, etc.
: the way that you use written words to express your ideas or opinions
: books, poems, essays, letters, etc.
reading
: the act of reading something (not very helpful, BTW)
: the activity of reading a book, magazine, etc.
: a book, article, etc., that is being read or that is intended to be read
I think I see the problem. The definitions are quite similar. They both mention books. I think I'll just capitalize the text going forward.
Don Kerr actually said it best.
"No app, however, can replace a writer's ability to use the words necessary to capture the magic of their writing."
Don Kerr
Exactly, Don. All the hemingwayapp.com does is point out a text's faults according to the Flesch-Kincaid readability test. It beats the hell out of calculating it yourself. If you really want to calculate it yourself, I explain how here.
It helps with readability. It does jack-shit for subject matter or writing quality.
A poorly thought out post will still be poorly thought out. It will just be an easier to read, poorly thought out post. Same goes for a poorly written one.
Suggesting anything different implies a quantum leap of logic. That leap would be unsupported by anything I wrote on the subject.
Don't take my word for it. Read the posts yourself. The complete series is here.
Phil often says that Hemingway never said to write at Grade-3 READING level.
I'm sure that's true. It has to be. Hemingway was a Great Writer. He was not psychic. As far as I am aware, he never returned from the grave .
Hemingway died in 1961. The Flesch-Kincaid test was created in 1976.
No kidding that he never mentioned it.
He did, however, practice simple writing before it was formalized. And, FYI, I only applied hemingwayapp.com to Hemingway because it seemed fitting given its name.
I expected a very different result.
Hemingway too was an advocate of simple writing. Don't take my word for it. Take Hemingway's.
Women made such swell friends. Awfully swell. In the first place, you had to be in love with a woman to have a basis of friendship. I had been having Brett for a friend. I had not been thinking about her side of it. I had been getting something for nothing. That only delayed the presentation of the bill. The bill always came. That was one of the swell things you could count on.
Ernest Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises (Grade 2 READING level)
Or, how about this one?
I thought I had paid for everything. Not like the woman pays and pays and pays. No idea of retribution or punishment. Just exchange of values. You gave up something and got something else. Or you worked for something. You paid some way for everything that was any good. I paid my way into enough things that I liked, so that I had a good time. Either you paid by learning about them, or by experience, or by taking chances, or by money. Enjoying living was learning to get your money’s worth and knowing when you had it. You could get your money’s worth. The world was a good place to buy in. It seemed like a fine philosophy. In five years, I thought, it will seem just as silly as all the other fine philosophies I’ve had.Not enough?
Ernest Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises (Grade 3 READING level)
God knows I had not wanted to fall in love with her. I had not wanted to fall in love with any one. But God knows I had and I lay on the bed in the room of the hospital in Milan and all sorts of things went through my head but I felt wonderful...
Ernest Hemingway in A Farewell to Arms (Grade 4 READING level, mostly due to the extra long last sentence. Hacking the Flesch explains why that is so. Replace the "and" after Milan with a period and it drops to Grade 2 READING level)
The Following is an excerpt from my post "You Really Are An Expert! Share Your Know-How, Publish!"
Here’s my favourite passage from “For Whom the Bell Tolls”:
“And another thing. Don’t ever kid yourself about loving someone. It is just that most people are not lucky enough ever to have it. You never had it before and now you have it. What you have with Maria, whether it lasts just through today and a part of tomorrow, or whether it lasts for a long life is the most important thing that can happen to a human being. There will always be people who say it does not exist because they cannot have it. But I tell you it is true and that you have it and that you are lucky even if you die tomorrow.”I pasted that passage into hemingwayapp.com. It said…
Ernest Hemingway in For Whom the Bell Tolls (Grade 6 READING level as is)
- ·0 out of 7 sentences are hard to read
- ·1 out of 7 sentences are very hard to read
- ·0 phrases have simpler alternatives
- ·0 adverbs, well done
- ·0 use of the passive voice
The Very Hard to Read sentence is in bold
You slow down when you get there because it's hard to read. That’s intentional. That’s because Hemingway wanted you to slow down and absorb it deeply.
That is Hemingway’s genius. Don’t even try it.
You shouldn't do it. Heck, you couldn't do it!
So don't worry about it!
Let’s try the passage again, but this time, I’ll remove the very hard to read part.
“And another thing. Don’t ever kid yourself about loving someone. It is just that most people are not lucky enough ever to have it. You never had it before and now you have it. There will always be people who say it does not exist because they cannot have it. But I tell you it is true and that you have it and that you are lucky even if you die tomorrow.”
Me, rewriting Hemingway... I am surely going to Hell (Grade 3 READING level)
End of Excerpt
There are nearly 5 million pieces written every single day. Why should the reader read yours instead of another?
Don't dumb down your stuff. State it more clearly. That's what communication is all about. It isn't easy. In fact, it's difficult.The point is not that you can write as well as Hemingway. You can't. No one can.
The idea is not to chase a READING level for it's own sake. The web app is just another tool. It's no more nefarious than my laptop, my smartphone, or my in-car Bluetooth voice recorder. Use it if it helps you, discard it if it doesn't.
Did you think I chiseled this post on a stone tablet?
I write these posts for those just starting out. I do not write them for you, Phil. I could care less what you think about them. If anything, if you found the posts valuable I would assume I missed my target.
To readers and would-be writers, I say this.
This stuff is not rocket science. Don't believe anyone who tells you, you can't. No, you will likely never be another Hemingway. Do you need to be?
Of course not.
You have knowledge and experiences that are valuable. Share them. Write what you know.
I'll be waiting to read about it.
It's Your Voice. Your Choice!
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Comments
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #42
I... will.. resist... the... urge... to... listen... Must.. fight... it... Oh! Dammit. Now it's stuck in my brain.
don kerr
7 years ago #41
Oh hell yes!!!
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #40
Jim Murray. obviously, as you would anticipate, I agree with you .... on this, and probably only this matter. I'd like, however, to supplement it with an observation concerning a social media platform which shall remain unnamed, but which has the initials LI. That platform of late has been criticized by some for having a high number of trolls, and failing to control them. I don't know about that, as I had only one personal pet troll there, who seems to have sniffed out my trail here. What I do know is that on that platform an ethos of phony positivity was pushed by so many, which created a cloying environment of Insipidipity, where the term "passion" is used constantly, but rarely if ever displayed in actuality. (See, run that through your Hemingway app and smoke it!). Which is one reason, I believe, to move to beBee, where I sincerely hope we will resist stomping the life out of writing and conversing by rejecting all forms of disagreement. Cheers!
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #39
@Wayne Yoshida - Actually Wayne, it had to do with osmotic blistering in fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boat hulls, which was for a long time specifically excluded by boat manufacturers from the list of warranted defects. At the time I had a long-running monthly column in Canadian Yachting and its sister publication Pacific Yachting, and in it I called out boat manufacturers on the issue, explaining that it was the result of a defect in one or both of materials or workmanship, and I documented the engineering and scientific work that had been done on the problem in materials engineering circles. And I argued that since it was not a random, mysterious occurrence in the manner of an act of God, but was predictable based on identifiable criteria, and so should cease to be excluded from warranted defects. The hubbub was significant, but I have to say that less than five years later every manor boat and yacht manufacturer in North America and most of Europe was warranting its hulls against underwater blistering, new, more moisture impermeable vinylester resins were being employed, as well as epoxy-based barrier coatings, in the manner I recommended and pioneered (along with several others) in the industry at the time. Sorry to be so wordy here on Paul's thread, but you asked and he is a boat guy and will understand. Cheers!
Paul "Pablo" Croubalian
7 years ago #38
LOL, old jokes, really? I won't reply. My momma taught me to respect my elders. Oh, wait! I did reply. Sorry, Mom.
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #37
@ Paul \ - And I, sir, shall do the same for you! May I add that it is an honour to be associated with anyone such as you, who is old enough to have made the acquaintance of Evelyn Beatrice Hall. Cheers!
Paul "Pablo" Croubalian
7 years ago #36
Phil and I don't see eye-to-eye on many things. We often disagree (obviously). Sometimes we disagree passionately (also obviously). I don't always like what he has to say (and vice versa) BUT, I WILL DEFEND HIS RIGHT TO SAY IT AGAINST ALL COMERS!
Wayne Yoshida
7 years ago #35
Yes - Strunk & White. And maybe On Writing Well by Zinsser.
Wayne Yoshida
7 years ago #34
Yes Phil, I see this as good and emotional (read: passionate) debate. Slightly off- topic, but the was the boating thing about improper tin paints used on the hulls a long time ago? I worked for a brief time in the marine electronics industry - early 80s.
Dean Owen
7 years ago #33
You guys are the best! Learning a lot from y'all!
Jim Murray
7 years ago #32
don kerr
7 years ago #31
don kerr
7 years ago #30
don kerr
7 years ago #29
don kerr
7 years ago #28
Pssst. Kevin Pashuk "it's a thmall world after all! etc." Enjoy. Hmm. Wonder if I can actually add an audio stream. I know you'd love that so much.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #27
As long as you aren't in a bikini Phil Friedman... It's like the thong that never ends....
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #26
Well said, Kevin Pashuk, do I see the makings of a photoshopped meme here? Paul Paul \ to stand in instead.
Dean Owen
7 years ago #25
Grade 3 is fine by me! Glad to hear all is well in the State of Denmark.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #24
This recent conversation between Phil Friedman reminds me of some childhood friends who were brothers, and Italian. As the only boy in a family of sisters I was sure they were killing each other, but as it turned out, loud, boisterous, and (from my vantage point) violent exchanges were just normal. I should have taken my cue from their mother, who didn't seem at all concerned. It's been that way on high performing teams I've been part of as well... but if you look closely, you will see the 'conflict' is about issues and opinions, and doesn't get personal.
Paul "Pablo" Croubalian
7 years ago #23
Dean Owen feel. That's why I applied it to actual Hemingway passages. It has an unfortunate name. true. Still, it's a great tool. Also, for the record, the app says anything under Grade 10 READING is Good. I'm the one who aims for Grade 3. (I don't usually plug comments in, but this is at Grade 3. Do you feel belittled?) As I also always say, this is what I do, not what you must do, or even what you should do. Your Voice. Your Choice.
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #22
@ Dean Owen, but for my part I am glad you brought this up. But I personally see a very fundamental difference between between the exchange today between Paul and me, and what happened when the party to whom you refer popped up several days ago to attack me. Notice that although both Paul and I employed some colorful language, I don;t believe that either of us denigrated the work or intelligence or integrity of the other. Our disagreement is basically about how each of us respectively sees writing and what constitutes good writing. And my referring to Paul as a Technophyte seems pretty mild to me, especially since he actually admits to be a Technophile. As for me, I guess what you're saying is that I should give up any dreams of a career in shining shoes. ROFLMAOAICGU.
Dean Owen
7 years ago #21
If you guys are good, fabulous. Like I say, I don't know the whole picture and my presumptuous assumptions are based on what I have seen recently. It hurts me to hear Paul say "That said, I am a little fed up and today, I'm in a bad mood. A rebuttal will follow." and "Sorry, Phil, but that is the biggest load of crap I have ever read. It far surpasses bullchips." or you "But to my mind, he is a dyed-in-the-wool technophyte, who is in love with computer and mobile apps, which he believes can provide guidance and counsel concerning just about everything in life, including how to improve one's writing." You can see why these exchanges made me feel uncomfortable. You are both incredible guys that I am honoured to know. But as I say, if you guys are good, then nothing is rotten in the State of Denmark. But as you know, that rough exchange from last week when a third party suddenly appeared and viciously attacked you. That really shook me. I felt not only saddened that the fellow prompted anger in you, but also for the beBee community. I guess it is inevitable that exchanges of that nature will make their way to any social network, but I like to think beBee is different, and the community spirit we have seen thus far certainly shows as much.
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #20
@Wayne Yoshida - I think that you correctly perceive that this thread might be considered a paradigm of lively disagreement and discussion. Colorful, but not, I should think, in any way really personally abusive. I'm sure that both Paul and I have been told much worse things before. I can tell you for a fact that once I published a very unpopular industry-specific piece telling boat manufacturers that a particular defect, which had historically been excluded from warranty, was not the result of an act of God and that it should be warranted by every legitimate builder. Whew! You should have seen the hate mail. Many of my detractors suggested I undertake a program of physical exercise. But I knew they were kidding, because what they were suggesting is anatomically impossible. Cheers!
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #19
Dean Owen on an update of mine was. "Go f%$k yourself, Phil!", for a reason I never really knew. And that eventually led to the HE SAID HE SAID series, which has now just posted its 15th installment. I think the important thing to understand is that this is an intellectual disagreement, and does not involve personal animosity -- certainly not on my part. Et tu Pablo?
Dean Owen
7 years ago #18
Wayne Yoshida
7 years ago #17
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #16
You should know (and I think you were baiting me) Phil Friedman that when it comes to hockey, all Canadian politeness is tossed to the ice like hockey gloves.
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #15
@Kevin Pashuk - please not to worry. I actually did intend my remarks about Paul's post to be "criticism" -- literary criticism, that is, not personal. I also intended it to be friendly, in the way that a Maple Leafs fan approaches a Canadiens fan. Cheers!
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #14
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #13
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #12
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #11
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #10
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #9
Phil Friedman, I never misconstrued your viewpoint as criticism... as a matter of fact, diversity of opinion (handled with respect) is what gives beBee much higher value as a platform. The 6 word novel is an urban legend that has taken on a life of it's own. My purpose in quoting is was to demonstrate the effectiveness of words... 6 words can do exactly what you described - create a whole story in your mind. Other times, 1,000 words are not enough to create the scene. I do however, tend to encourage my team to simplify their writing (and speaking). IT folks are masters of techno-speak that can glass over eyes in 2 seconds flat. I suppose then, that it really comes down to communicating in a manner in which your intended audience will understand.
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #8
Jim Murray - thank you for the kind words. Pretty clearly you and I share some common ground in this discussion, that is, I think we both see good writing as involving more than simply conveying information or instruction. The term "engagement" comes to mind. And the simplest way of saying something may not always be the most engaging. Cheers!
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #7
@Kevin Pashuk - Ah, yes, the oft-cited Hemingway 6-word "novel". With all due respect, I think my take on its significance differs from yours. I see it as a demonstration of the power of a few well-chosen words to evoke thought, images, and emotions in a reader. For me, for example, it brings up a story of a couple who lost a child at birth, after having waited years for a pregnancy, then lovingly prepared a nursery room, bought baby clothes, and the like. Then spent years struggling to overcome the grief and pain, and finally after many years, moving on with a single life-reaffirming act. For others, no doubt, a different story will come to mind. But while it is an excellent demonstration of the power of words, it is not a novel. It isn't even a story. It's a parlor trick, albeit performed by a very skilled writer. And it is no accident that it never appeared on any "best seller" list or in the annals of great literature. For the result is the reader's work, not the writer's work. And for me, good writing is engaging and works to carry a reader with it. Indeed, the compliments I value most about my own writing are those which tell me. in this age of the two-minute read, that the reader felt my piece was "on the long side" but carried him or her through to the end, and turned out to be worth the effort. To my mind: Brevity is over-rated, And short ain't always sweet. Sometimes to express a great idea, Takes more than just a tweet. If my friendly -- and apparently misconstrued -- criticism of Paul Croubalian's article about writing at a third grade level stimulates some serious discussion about what constitutes good writing and what does not, then I am pleased -- however people may come down on the topic. https://www.bebee.com/producer/@phil-friedman/conversation-isn-t-just-politely-waiting-your-turn-to-speak Cheers to all, and especially to Paul, whom I invite to have a beer on me, and send me the tab.
Jim Murray
7 years ago #6
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #5
Pascal Derrien
7 years ago #4
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #3
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #2
Paul "Pablo" Croubalian
7 years ago #1