October 14th, 2010 
Admin Question by 10-15 Bride (formerly KK): Does being something other than a fiction writer make you unqualified to answer writing questions?
Can someone explain this to me?
There is one user in particular on this site who has made ignorant comments such as “chubb loser” or “weirdo” and tried telling me that I am a talentless hack with no imagination. Now, I have done nothing to provoke this person. But because I answer questions relating to those writing fiction I am all these things and completely unqualified to answer them.
I have written fiction but because of my lack of patience to fully develop a story I prefer my copywriting (content development for Web sites) and journalism. I know writing and I know what works and what doesn’t. I’ve been writing long enough professionally to understand how to write good fiction even if it isn’t my expertise.
Sorry to make this question primarily about me but I’m curious as to your thoughts on the subject. Does not being an expert in fiction writing somehow make one unqualified? Does it make one a talentless hack without an imagination? Or is a writer qualified to answer general questions so long as they do not require much expertise?
Thoughts?
CompSci: Actually, I have ignored the person and their comments don’t bother me. I was just thinking of the hilarity of it all and decided to pose the question. People like this person amuse me more than they annoy me.
CK1: “Writing non-fiction and a lack of imagination don’t go together.”
People are surprised to read that even content writers must have creativity. You think because I am developing content for Web pages or writing a business plan that I don’t need to be creative? Think again.
I can’t say in a business plan, “This product is good.”
I have to get creative and say something to the effect of, “This product strives to maximize productivity for the user and allow for a broad range of uses” or some such crap. It’s been awhile so I’m a little rusty.
Creativity and imagination are VITAL in both fiction and non-fiction writing.
I’d really like to know who the people are giving thumbs down. Not one of these answers are wrong. It’s very rude for a question that is based on opinion, not fact.
Bailey: The person in question is actually a she, not a he.
Samantha: You are always welcome here. No need to feel unqualified or unwelcome. We all can learn from someone here, even me. I thank you for your kind words and contributions.
Sadie: You up for another drunken spiel? Haha. Lemonade and vodka right here! I’ll behave tonight.
Best answer:
Answer by Shelby Shazam
I don’t agree with the person who’s criticizing you. If a doctor specializes in Oncology, does it make him any less of a doctor? They obviously don’t respect fiction as a notable form of writing.
tell them to hush.
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