The definition of a hack


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Robspierre
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The definition of a hack

Post by Robspierre »

I've been reading Steven Pressfield's The War of Art, his treatise on writing and creativity.

He gives the following definition of a hack:
I learned this from Robert McKee, A hack, he says, is a writer who second-guesses his audience. When the hack sits down to work, he doesn't ask himself what's in his own heart. He asks what the market is looking for.
Pressfield goes on to write:
The hack condescends to his audience. He thinks he's superior to them.
Rob
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SandChigger
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Re: The definition of a hack

Post by SandChigger »

Nice. And oh so apt with regard to our favorite hack. :)

[Edited; didn't like my original wording. AR FTW! :P ]
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TheDukester
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Re: The definition of a hack

Post by TheDukester »

Damn, that's perfect.

+++++

(I did his Rommel book on audio last year ... good stuff)
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Nekhrun
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Re: The definition of a hack

Post by Nekhrun »

Those could fit into a #McDune tweet.
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TheDukester
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Re: The definition of a hack

Post by TheDukester »

Image
"Anything I write will be remembered and listed in bibliographies on Dune for several hundred years ..." — some delusional halfwit troll.
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Nekhrun
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Re: The definition of a hack

Post by Nekhrun »

Love it.
"If he was here to discuss Dune, he sure as hell picked a dumb way to do it." -Omphalos :character-cookiemonster:

Happy Memorial Day everyone! -James C. Harwood

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Tleszer
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Re: The definition of a hack

Post by Tleszer »

Nice! :clap:
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Robspierre
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Re: The definition of a hack

Post by Robspierre »

TheDukester wrote:Damn, that's perfect.

+++++

(I did his Rommel book on audio last year ... good stuff)

Dukester, have you read any of his other work? Great stuff.

Rob
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TheDukester
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Re: The definition of a hack

Post by TheDukester »

Just that one. I've heard of Gates of Fire, of course. Maybe I'll put it in the queue ... I'm always on the lookout for my "next read."
"Anything I write will be remembered and listed in bibliographies on Dune for several hundred years ..." — some delusional halfwit troll.
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Robspierre
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Re: The definition of a hack

Post by Robspierre »

I've read everything but The legend of Bagger Vance.

Gates of Fire is what 300 wishes it could of been. I cannot recommend it enough. Powerful storytelling.

Rob
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