Edit, Man, Edit

Editing has gotten a bad rap.

As a writer, and someone interested in the written word as a fulfilling means of communication, one would think it strange I believe in the power of editing.  The ability to be precise and concise in ones writing is the number one rule in many a wordsmiths handbook….even the prolific Stephen King touts the unspoken golden rule – brevity.  

Our society is a full pendulum swing away from editing itself…between Facebook and Twitter, cell phones and iPads, we let it all ‘hang out’.  We say anything we please – without fear, without care.  And yes, there is something bold in that…powerful….but also very short sighted, and for lack of a better word, stupid.

I do look up to people who speak their mind – who are honest and forthright – who say what they think and feel.  It is very brave.  When spoken eloquently, the truth or opinion of truth, can change people…much as a Martin Luther King Jr. did when he spoke his ‘dream’ to the world.

And then there is someone like Mark Twain, who I just recently heard, is having his autobiography published (in volumes, no less) 100 years after his death.  One of the most famous authors of our time, he had an ability to be both biting and sentimental when he spoke his beliefs.  Apparently he left tons of material behind, in a diary type fashion, that was to be compiled and published a century after his death….some say to protect those he wrote of (as he obviously didn’t want to edit his material) and others say it was a grand PR move.  But whatever the reason, Mr. Twain did not mince nor edit his meaty words.

So why do I believe in editing so strongly?  Because it is often in our best interests.  We all do it on a daily basis whether we realize it or not.  We edit what we say to our boss (how many times have we’ve bitten our tongue), what we say to our loved ones, or even strangers.  We all know saying what you really feel is not always best at the moment you’re feeling it – although the reverse argument has its validity.  It’s more of a “think” before you speak, before you post, before you tweet, philosophy I believe in.  And what could it hurt?  Does a re-read of an email or report or letter ever cause any harm?  No…but the public publishing can.  As the expression goes, sometimes things are better left unsaid.

Our forefathers edited the Declaration of Independence before they signed it, didn’t they?  The laws of our society are such that although we’ve penned our right to free speech, we should also understand that with that freedom comes responsibility…to each other.  Speaking out, demonstrating, blogging are great venues of expression and sharing – but they should be tempered with humility and compassion…for others viewpoints and belief systems.  So many people abuse the right of free speech as a means to promote their own personal agendas which creates an unhealthy society, mired in the mentality of “me”. 

Our modern social media environment has allowed us to become more global than we ever imagined – and as technology continues to expand and advance, so too will each of our reaches.  What you put out in the world – in print or video – will become part of your history, your story to tell.  Say what you feel, what you think, what you believe…but always keep one thing in mind…learn to edit.

Edit.  It begins with E…and I love E.