Why you should be flattered when writers use you for a jump off post

My friends, if you find yourself the inspiration for an article, blog post, book or rant, please don't take offense. All writers take material from their everyday world. It's nothing personal. In fact, most of the time, it's not even about what you said, but what you inspired them to consider.

Be flattered that your opinion means something to someone. Be happy that someone's listening. Be assured that even if a writer disagrees completely with what you have said, they value your opinion enough to talk about it.

And speaking personally, as that famous quote suggests, but in simpler terms, I will defend your right to say what you feel, no matter how screwed up I happen to think it is.

Inspiring a writer to think isn't as easy as it seems. Give yourself some credit.

Speaking personally, again:

I've written about every subject under the sun at this point. So, if your thought process presents an avenue I haven't yet taken, you should be flattered. No, really, you should. Even if I'm dissing you, calling you on your bull-crap or reacting negatively to your views, that means I value your thoughts.

Think about it. I'm a writer. Taking ideas from life is kind of what I do. So, don't be insulted if something you say inspires me to express my own thoughts on the subject. In fact, you should expect me to. It's nothing personal. It's my job. I'm always looking for things to write about. And the fact that what you said or did or posted inspired me says a lot about you.

The same goes for the majority of writers out there, I'm sure.

You should be flattered that your subject is the one I chose to write about out of the thousands of subjects I consider addressing every day.

Thanks for the inspiration!