There was a lot of thought put into that last comment, so I want to respond. But this is the last you’ll hear on the topic. Promise.
(One more thing, I’m completely putting my beliefs out there backed by my name and reputation for anyone to criticize. I applaud Tommy for standing behind his comment and not taking the anonymous route. That takes a lot of guts. Of course, Tommy would be a criminal defense attorney!)
Dear Anonymous, there are still holes in your argument. You argue that one cannot achieve greatness in pursuit of one’s dream while sustaining a serious professional career. Maybe so. I, fortunately, like to crunch numbers in addition to tapping away on a typewriter. You seem to side with this musician/waiter, believing that it’s better to have a non-serious career than a serious one.
At least he is pursuing his dream, correct? Bullshit to that. If he really was serious about a music career, then I say…GO ALL OUT. Fuck waiting tables. Shouldn’t his whole life revolve around seriously pursuing this dream of his? If so (as I mentioned before), teach music classes, line up gigs, friggin post your skills on Craigslist for God’s sake.
Hooray for sleeping on a friend’s couch, you argue. It’s an uncomfortable situation that will likely light a fire under his ass. Well, so is working 40 hours a week! There’s this thing called a job. Yeah, that’s what most people do. It’s something we have to do. Because sleeping on someone’s couch is simply unacceptable. It is unacceptable. I’m going to stick to my guns on this one. Don’t go trying to live out your dreams at other people’s expense. Have some pride.
Lastly, I am tired of the assumption that I need a guy with a conventional career who makes six figures. There is a reason I was insanely in love with an artist. He is unconventional and makes a living, not only through art, but through other means. I admired his intelligence, resourcefulness, and independence.
Anonymous, call me or email me. We can hash this out more. I love a good debate.
One more thing, Anonymous. You’re not that anonymous. I’d bet money that I know exactly who you are.
Last comment on this, and it’s really a response to your jabs at my anonymity since I don’t think further discussion of the waiter will be productive.
I decided to write anonymously because I hoped that doing so would increase the persuasive value of my comments. I have found that the “extra-textual” bias one brings to the reading of a counterpoint can sometimes be mitigated if the reader doesn’t interpret through the lens of her history with the author. Consider it a play for a “fresh slate”. Obviously this tactic bothered you though so I regret on some level that I chose this route.
To put this in perspective, you might reflect on the fact that of your readership, you are the only person Im concerned with; I don’t think I talk to any of the other people who read your blog. Moreover, whatever disagreement I might have generated with your readership, whether I chose the anonymous identity or my own, the effect would be same: zero feedback to me from anyone I know.
Finally, if you know who I am, give me a call and bust me! For me this is all in good fun. And, I hope you know my views are in no way meant as criticism. Quite the opposite actually, since I’m motivated only by a sincere concern for your wellbeing. Oh, one other thing, yes, I did consider posting this under my name, but given the tension created in your last entry, It felt awkward to step forward at this point since doing so would be a tacit validation of the (minor) chr assassination performed on yours truly.