S is
for Self-Aggrandishment
I had to look this word up when I received a comment on one
of my earlier posts using it. Here’s
what it means:
Adj.
|
1.
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self-aggrandising - of or relating to or
characteristic of self-aggrandizement , self-aggrandizing
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2.
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self-aggrandising - exhibiting self-importance;
"big talk"
boastful, braggart, bragging, braggy, cock-a-hoop, crowing, self-aggrandizing,
big proud - feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you
measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride; "proud
parents"; "proud of his accomplishments"; "a proud
moment"; "proud to serve his country"; "a proud
name"; "proud princes"
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The post in question was for the letter C, where I discussed
being one of the co-hosts of this year’s A to Z Challenge. I guess to the commentor I came off sounding
a bit cocky (or a lot cocky…don’t really know).
It gave me pause and made me think about some things. That resulted in this blog post…lucky
you! :)
I didn’t respond to the comment back then, so I guess this
sort of is my reply. In my mind, there’s
a difference between “tooting your own horn” and “rubbing it in”, and it’s the
latter where a charge of self-aggrandishment could possibly come into
play. As far as touting my
accomplishments go, in essence that is what this blog is for. I started this blogging journey 2 + years ago
for one reason, to help me in my pursuit to become published. That doesn’t happen by remaining meek and
silent, you have to stand up tall and let others see what you are capable
of. Sometimes that means waving your
arms, jumping up and down, doing cartwheels, acting the fool, whatever it
takes. Once you have their attention
then hopefully the depth of your words and sincerity of your message will lead
them to closer to you. At least that’s
the plan…my plan.
I agree - and especially here in the blogging world. This is where I can "practice" using my "outside voice". So I say, go ahead - toot that horn!
ReplyDeleteI just went back and read that person's comment, and it doesn't even make sense. 0_0 Don't stop being proud of yourself. Don't stop sharing your accomplishments with us. If someone can't stand that a blogger is confident and hardworking, there are literally millions of other blogs out there they can read ;)
ReplyDeleteReally? Someone thought you were acting cocky??? That's really surprising. That's not an adjective I would ever associate with you - ever!
ReplyDeleteI'm puzzled by the comment, and find it very rude that someone would leave a remark like that. I've never had that impression from your blog. I totally agree with Sheila, the blogging world is great for me because it has helped me learn to be more confident, something we all need in this publishing journey. Hope you and all the rest of us have plenty of reasons to toot our own horns as we continue on!
ReplyDeleteThe way anyone gets noticed is by getting noticed. If you want to try the route where you literally let other people stumble across you, then let me be the first to tell you, it's far easier for them to ignore you. Talent can't be noticed hiding in a box.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right that a person can't remind meek and silent if they're going to make it in this industry. You have to make some noise, jump up and down, waving your arms yelling, "look at me! I did this!"
ReplyDeleteBut I don't think you've ever crossed the line from 'tooting your own horn' or 'rubbing it in.'
If I saw that comment, I must have let my brain just skip over it since I'd also have to look up the word! HA . Maybe that person didn't know what it meant either.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly never came off that way to me. I always really enjoy reading your blog posts. Mostly they seem pretty down to earth and interesting to me.
ReplyDeleteYou know, when a person points a finger at you, three fingers are pointing back at the person. I haven't read your blog for very long, but I have yet to get a sense that you are cocky.
ReplyDeleteDL, you are anything but cocky! One person's opinion, so wouldn't worry about it. And being a co-host is an honor. You should be proud of it.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so I totally went back to make sure it wasn't me, lol. But I don't use large words like this unless I'm trying to sound cool. And I hardly ever do that. (Sound cool.)
ReplyDeleteI also had to go back and read it, and I think she misunderstood that your joke about being attracting a demographic and being eye candy was a joke. Whatever. You're fine. If we can't be proud of our accomplishments, why they hell are we blogging in a public forum? And there's a big difference between being confident and happy with your own success and putting down folks that you think are lesser than you (see also: Aubry O'Day on the Apprentice). You were sharing your excitement at being tapped. Nothing wrong with that. Keep on keeping on, dude.
ReplyDeleteLOL. I don't even know what that commentor was talking about. You're fine.
ReplyDeleteThis place is one of the only places I can celebrate my writing accomplishments and the accomplishments of my peers. Co-hosting this large of an event is huge.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Celebrating one's successes could probably come off as overly cocky or "self-aggrandishment" (not sure if I even spelled that right) if you were being something you are not. In other words, you've had this blog and a growing following because people enjoy the blog and enjoy celebrating in your successes when you share them.
ReplyDeletePeople perceive things differently. This appears to have been one of those commentors unfamiliar with your humor, your style or the fact that you are your strongest critic thus the occasional celebration is a good thing.
Perhaps that commentor will read this response today, come back to check out other blogs and gain more familiarity with you. Maybe not. Either way, long as you continue being you. That, in the end, is all that matters.
Dude, you are right to be proud of your accomplishments, but you are absolutely NOT someone who is boastful, braggardly, or ego-driven.
ReplyDeleteGoing back and reading the comment in question and seeing how she uses the word, the first thing that comes to mind is from "The Princess Bride,"
Vizzini: "Inconceivable!"
Inigo Montoya: "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
In other words, I don't even think she used it in its correct and literal sense.
And even if she did, I still strongly disagree.
Good post. Sometimes, you have to be excited for you accomplishments. Also, as you stated, you have to get attention in the writing business. Good luck with your writing, it sounds like you know what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteWell one thing's for sure: you can never please everyone in this writing pursuit because it's so subjective. In the meantime, toot away!
ReplyDeleteHaters gonna hate. :)
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, you don't come across as cocky or self-aggrandizing at all to me. Keep up the good work!
Chances are that commenter was cranky that day, set off by something entirely unrelated to you, so I'm glad to see you haven't let the comment stifle you - and even got a really good S out of it!
ReplyDeleteYou've only ever come off to me as sincere and honest - and when good things happen to you, I sure do want to know about it and see you celebrating. :)
I agree. You have to toot your own horn. I have visited here a few times (not as often as I'd like) and one thing I would never associate with you is cocky. You're an awesome blogger and a pillar of this community.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I think you seem like a very down-to-earth person!
ReplyDeleteI think she was referring to the "eye candy" portion and it was probably tongue in cheek.
ReplyDeleteI certainly have never felt you are boasting. And you're an awesome co-host!
Totally agree, what on earth is blogging about anyway? It's all opinion, your own!
ReplyDeleteWell.... mine's actually fact, but with my own take on it.
In fact, I must just take this opportunity, in the clearly supportive atmosphere of this blog, to say my blog is much better than anyone else's. Really just brilliant. All the other blogs just fade into whiteness, all the words melt and run down the page, etc etc blah-de-blah, compared to mine.
There! Now I've made all of you here sound lovely.
http://www.lizbrownleepoet.com
I totally agree with this post. I really like how you write.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
Well said.
ReplyDeleteJoel Osteen has a saying, "Wear your blessings well."
There is nothing wrong with boasting about the things that make us happy. :)
Well-put!
ReplyDeleteNew follower :)
Self-aggrandising? You? Never! And a great point: tooting your own horn is one thing; rubbing people's faces in it is another.
ReplyDeleteJ.C. Martin
A to Z Blogger
In our family self-aggrandishment was called, "Getting on you high horse." How in the world would we ever get to know each other in the blogosphere if we don't talk about ourselves? Listening to other writers' thoughts and journeys is a force that pulled me into blogging in the first place. And BTW - toot that horn when there is something to toot about. Celebrating the success of others is inspirational.
ReplyDeleteHere, Here! Good answer. We're taught to be self-depricating, to act humble, to poo poo compliments. In the end, that does us dis-sevice. Why can't we celebrate our success and let people know about our art?
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page