Introspection Of All Things Refereeing & Writing

In the past few months I've been asked on more than one occasion, "What's it like to be a writer?" and I laugh at the question. I'm certain no one really wants to know what it's like to be this writer.

Last weekend I had an opportunity to re-examine my goals and the path to those goals while working a basketball officiating camp in the northern suburbs of Detroit. With a constant rotation of high-level prep games being officiated and classroom discussion geared to equal parts rules and philosophy, the downtime lent itself to some serious introspection. The former question crept into my consciousness as I thought about the road I've taken and the fruit I've labored for both good and bad.

First, self-inspection can be a powerful tool. A truthful, constructive self-examination can be a good mental cleanse. Two years ago I started a blog with little technical savvy and a rusted, steel-trap of a memory for all things writing. My goal? Discover the writer in me that had been shelved in 1996 after the newspaper strike in Detroit had thinned the ranks of writers and journalism jobs alike. Fast forward ten years, when long-established precursors revealed the beginnings of a long-term depression in Detroit's professional sales markets. Staying in sales would be an agonizing discourse in frustration with little chance for sustained success. If I wasn't willing to move, I had to be willing to do something else to earn a living.

In short, I had to become a writer again. However, the process back to that designation would prove to be as challenging as any I could have imagined. My missteps hurt me. My success came slowly and in short doses. There were more than a few mornings when yanking myself out of bed was a victory in of itself.

More problematic was my writing, which had deteriorated from a lack of practice. The quickest way to rediscover the better half of my abilities would be to write publicly and do so often through a blog. I first had to allow the criticism it would garner both good and bad to force me into working longer and harder at polishing my craft. Proving to be a harbinger of things to come, it almost immediately created an acrimonious relationship between myself and some in the officiating industry, from fellow officials to assignors and administrators of local associations, prep and collegiate affiliations alike.

It pissed some people off. I cost me a few officiating assignments and a big writing assignment to boot, although that would be turn out to be a watershed moment of victory later on.

After a few, tenuous months, I decided on a platform that made sense and switched my weblog to TheWriteReferee.com. It was a simple, clever play on words. I write and I referee, so I'm the WriteReferee. I needed a platform for my return to writing and this was the option that made the most sense, but I had other problems to contend with first. My writing wasn't strong during that first year. I struggled to find my voice, the topic was weak and often, I was hampered by ethical considerations of trying too hard not to alienate the powers within the officiating community.

Regardless of my best efforts, the blog created a schism in the local officiating community, and it didn't feel good. I had to learn to accept the negative reaction to create a voice for myself -- it wasn't easy. I toughened up, kept my head high in the face of people who didn't approve of my writing, my template or my platform. Looking back, it was a lot of bluster for nothing. The naysayers who cried wolf to assignors, athletic directors, state and local associations and whoever else would listen about my blog are still officiating as they were two years ago. That games that are played and officiated today aren't any bigger or smaller because of this blog. Two years later, I'm syndicated and have a book out in six weeks.

Was it worth the price of pain? Yes. Was the journey enjoyable or comfortable? No. Would I have done some things differently? Absolutely. I'm also certain that wouldn't be a good thing. I'm better, smarter and wiser for the journey of the past 24 months. I've come to respect some incredible people in the community of writing and refereeing I never would have thought possible to call friends. I've watched others become consumed by anger, jealousy or contempt masked neatly by their disapproval of me.

Last weekend revealed my acceptance with the idea you can't be all things to all people. You can't make everyone happy. You can spend too much time being a Yes-Man or bending over backwards to smooth the grass you just walked on. You have to be happy with who you are and why you do what you do.

Life's too short to spend another minute trying to be something you're not for someone else.

Comments

TC,

Sam Ellis died this morning. I figure you have probably worked with him

TC,

I am curious. I have followed your blog since its inception, and at times I didn't agree, and expressed my opinion as such. At a point, you started to edit and screen the responses. I actually emailed you in disagreement with the practice, but I certainly understand the need. My question is: What percentage of the comments get posted on the blog?
While I have not always agreed with the blog, or your philosophy on officiating, I enjoy reading your work, and I always like to see you and speak with you. Keep working hard, and all the best of luck to you.
Mike

Mike:

Certainly I remember the comment that was deleted and your opinion as it related to that decision.

As a percentage, I'd say close to 95% of all comments have been posted. Of that number, I'd say 80% have been edited to omit names or content that doesn't add to the message of the comment.

And yes, there are some nights I get in my car and wish I'd done some things differently. Thanks for your opinion and well wishes -- it is appreciated. Have a great 4th!