Ender's Other Game

In Orson Scott Card's sci-fi novel "Ender's Game," there is a side story about two kids (Peter and Valentine) who access a futuristic version of the Internet. Because their viral arguments are so well researched and reasoned, they develop an online following of readers. In fact, without having their identities exposed, they become published writers and grow a readership of millions. Basically this is the dream/expectation of anyone who blogs on a regular basis. The goal is to have a reader base. The goal is to make a difference in the world around you and that can only happen when people are aware of you...theoretically.

I think there is a contradiction in striving for original opinions yet reaching for as many people as possible too agree with you. I feel the best writers--or other artists for that matter--reach people in a way they understand but inspire thoughts never thought before in a way never seen, heard, smelled or felt before.

Actually I going to take my own advice right now and restrain my long-winded tendencies about setting writing/artistic standards and cut to the main point I was going to somehow get around to making: quality in any facet of life is roughly 20% luck, 30% skill, 50% effort. And more and more, effort seems to be a "yes-or-no" situation rather than a spectrum.

Also, in "Ender's Game" the online reader fan base eventually demands Peter and Valentine be put in real political power--as the current leaders were weak and ineffective. Peter and Valentine step into these roles and change society for the better--with Ender's help of course. However I don't think this is the actual end goal for any blogger; including myself, as I wouldn't mind living vicariously through someone I knew I inspired. Still...the entertainment business pays better than the world of politics.

This post was kind of all over the place. Good.