RhetTech
Abstract
Is it possible that all writers are introverts? Or are most writers simply terrified of collaborating, sharing their work with a group (read: exposing their writerly vulnerabilities, their “is this good enough” selves)? We can’t all be introverts, but most of us likely struggle with fear for our “is this good enough” selves. But why fear collaboration? I can think of two reasons: what we discover through, say, a peer review session may change not only our relationship between ourselves and our writing, but our relationship with others, our audience, and what they think of our writing: we fear being judged by others. But if we want to change this world with our words, we must create and build a stronger we. We need to think of the audience, our virtual community—not as a judge of our work—but as the gear in our writing process that helps us produce exemplary work, meaningful work. To build a productive relationship with a virtual audience, writers need to be open to sharing their work online. In this paper I reflect upon my experience (fear) with writing collaboration, explore how digital media has opened avenues for writer-audience interaction and community building, and why we must change our mindset, connect with our audience, embrace their critiques, become a part of the wider community, and grow together – write together.
Recommended Citation
Deb, Deea
(2023)
"In Virtual Proximity: Choosing
Community Over Solitude,"
RhetTech: Vol. 5, Article 12.
Available at:
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/rhettech/vol5/iss1/12
