Writing Essentials

Toxicity Within the Writing Community

By: Marcos Campos

Countless people within the writing community have complained about the toxicity that is very apparent in it. It’s truly sad seeing writers get harshly criticized, borderline harassed, just for having a simple opinon. It’s gotten so bad that writers quit it entirely, tossing away their dreams upon receiving such harsh and cold treatment. That is why it is up to the people who actually Do care about the improvement of others to step up and point out the issue thats deteriorating the community as a whole, and stop it before things can get too out of hand. I believe that people such as these, who bash and tear down others, who gloat about insignificant things are not apart of the community at all–or at least a very small, meaningless part of it.

What others think

According to a post by writer Ridely Zarate on the website “Medium,” she holds a strong distaste towards these kinds of people, herself even taking a break from the community due to other writer’s harsh and cruel opinions. “...they’ll really tear each other down over stupid things. Sometimes it’s not even about what they’re writing! I’m actually terrified of asking for feedback in writing groups for this reason. Constructive criticism is great. Tearing each other down is not.” Often times, writers can’t get feedback due to this very reason. Writers such as Ridely struggle with the common issue of other toxic writers, which is never welcomed. “Instead of being polite about what they don’t like, some writers are disrespectful about it.” This quote in itself perfectly summarizes what these toxic members do that can bring down others. It’s not about being harsh to someone and expect them to take it regularly, it’s about kindness and genuine advice that can sprout appreciation and give yourself a good reputation amongst the members. These are the people we need in our communities.

The Impact of Toxicity

Toxicity has countless negative effects amongst others, and it usually revolves around the depreciation and expense of others, which in such big communities, is never welcomed. People who are toxic to others is never beneficial, and never will be. Innocent writers looking for advice could be met with the worst “contstructive criticism” in their life. As mentioned before, writers have had to step away or quit entirely due to the immense amount of toxicity that they’ve received, and it’s a truly depressing thing to witness firsthand. According to a blog post by “Discourse,” there’s a few common ways toxicity manifests, those ways including, “Consistent negativity towards a brand or mission, vocal members dominating discussion to the detriment of others, derogatory treatment of new members, and bullying of individuals or demographics.” This list accurately depicts the toxic actions that can occur, and are most relevant amongst communities.

Conclusion

Toxicity within the writing community is never beneficial nor welcomed. It wards off newer members, and makes members who’re already apart of it, not want to be anymore. In a community such as writing, we need people who are supportive and positive, people who give respectful constructive critism, and are overall a benefit to the group. Toxic members should be dealt with accordingly, as nothing good will come from them. It is simply up to good within our hearts to see what’s occurring in our community and support others who need the help, it’s simply human nature.

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