"to be or not to be"

Why is he dumb? I write and make some extra bucks doing so. Writing poetry isn't necessarily a profitable career move, but if he wants to do it so be it. Being a writer is a gift that most people don't understand. You are taking feeling and ideas and forming them into words. It is Art, you know. I'm all for anything to do with Art and I wish your friend the best.

I'm totally convinced that you are one who reads little and appreciates it even less. I'm sure your friend would not use such words to describe any ambition you may have, if any. Why don't you try standing behind him in his quest for happiness instead of standing in his way? Writing and most especially poetry, is an art that many wish they could aspire to, and those who do simply reach for grander heights. I happen to have a poetry group on MSN, and I rather enjoy reading others writings; although I must say, I enjoy it most when other people appreciate what I have written. I, and I'm sure many others here, take offense at your attitude with the art of writing in any form. If your friends is interested in some CONSTRUCTIVE criticism concerning his writings, you can have him get in touch with me. I'll direct him to my group, or some other avenue where he can truly pursue his dreams without further fear of ridicule.

As a writer and a poet, I take offense to your use of the word "dumb" and I'm sure your friend does too. Just because it is not something that interests you does not make it dumb. My kids are involved in sports. I was never into that but I certainly don't discourage them from following their passion. I don't know what you consider a "weird attraction" towards writing and poetry. If a person is drawn towards a certain profession or hobby, they have a passion for it, a gift from God, who are you to debase him for it? Granted, writing won't make anyone rich, but millions of writers make it their profession and can live comfortably that way. Encourage your friend, don't knock him down. If you were a true friend you would support him in his passion.

Dumb is a very strong word and trying to sway someone from their dreams , well that is just plain malicious. I love writing as well and make no monet doing it but would love to be able to follow that dream. You call yourself a friend, I call you a sore spot. Any friend would show encouragement and stand by their friend in support. I believe you need to understand friendship, Sorry to sound so strong but no one should ever be allowed to stand in the way of another persoms dreams

If everyone felt as you do, we would have no writers in the world! I think it is "dumb" to give up everything on the whim of becoming a full time writer, however if your friend loves it, there is nothing to stop him starting slowly and building a career. Maybe you could encourage him to find some way of making an income while continuing writing until the writing pays enough to live on. I would worry that if you put down your friend's dream, you might lose him as a friend.

I think it's great to follow your dreams but you also have to balance that with common sense. Your friend shouldn't give up on his dream but he also shouldn't let it interfere with his ability to provide for himself. He should probably get a part time and write in his spare time but if things aren't panning out get a find a different career path and treat writing as more of a hobby.