I decided to engage in a little bit of self promotion today. The dictionary defines self-promotion as “Promotion, including advertising and publicity, of oneself effected by oneself.”
This is the sort of definition that makes you test the aeronautical ability of the dictionary in question. Clearly an “end of the day” entry, when the person in charge of the definitions simply didn’t care. Nowhere in the history of mankind has someone read this and said “Oh. That’s what self promotion is.”
Had I been in charge of said entry, it would read something like this.
“Self Promotion is an execrable activity which will leave you feeling something like a cross between a street urchin and a snake oil salesmen, and these feelings will be effected by oneself. Avoid at all costs.”
It’s not that I hate myself. I don’t. I’m rather fond of me. I spend a lot of time with myself, and intend to for the forseable future. It’s just that I hate talking about myself (“Then why the f@#k do you own a web site with your name on it?” A brilliant question for which I have no answer.)
It’s just that I have a strong aversion for people that are obsessively in love with themselves, and spend the precious moments when they aren’t singing their own praises, trying to teach you the words.
– – –
David Sedaris was in town, tonight (Eugene, OR) I’d actually met him two years prior, when I’d handed him a DVD/short film I’d written and directed, of one of his stories. Months later he sent me a post card, wildly encouraging of my filmmaking aspirations, and…guardedly optimistic of my literary ones.
Given how huge a fan I am of his writing, I thought that perhaps the (i use this mathematical reference point constantly) transitive property of literary appreciation would apply. If I like him, and you like him, maybe you’ll like me? So, I frantically threw together a webpage (with my name on it) and printed up some business cards that had a nearly-clever introduction them and went to the performance.
The plan: Simply accost people and tell them who I am and invite them to look at the page.
Next up: The Execution
‘It’s just that I hate talking about myself”
I think you’re probably getting shouted down by your (overly critical) inner voice. I hate to tell the inner voice to shut up though, because it (he?) is nearly as funny as you are.
Dude. I definitely agree with Julie. Don’t be arrogant, but never put yourself down. especially in your writing. Confident people rule the world, and get the most attention.