Rob's Surf Report

To Be or Not: is Imitation Flattery?

Is it possible for an imitation to be as good as the real deal?

Think about it: there is imitation cheese, imitation leather, imitation crab… Imitation whatever have you, and are any of these as good as the real deal? I guess it depends on what it is, but most connoisseurs would say that it’s just not the same. Imitation cheese doesn’t melt right, imitation leather doesn’t feel right, soymilk is not really milk – these are good points about products that have a definite purpose, even if that purpose is imitation. The closer we are to tricking the consumer into thinking it’s real, the better the imitation. But what about writing?

We’ve all heard that axiom about how imitation is the highest form of flattery. But how far can you go, and how long can you imitate before it becomes tiresome? That’s a good question. My favorite author is Stephen King. King has his voice, and I have mine. I’ve been writing my own stuff for several months now, and I can confidently say that I have been humbled enough to realize that I could never possibly imitate anybody but myself. So I could sit here and try to imitate King, I’m afraid that I would never get it right.

So sorry Daily Post, I’m afraid I have to write as myself today. I have my own voice, and I’m going to use it to the best of my ability. And I think other people should do that too; write with your own voice, Constant Reader, for that is the best way to express yourself.

this post was prompted by today’s Daily Post prompt.

 

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Published by Rob's Surf Report

Rob lives near the geographical center of the North American continent with his wife, daughters, and one very needy cat. Most days he's a member of the law enforcement community, and tries to keep himself sane by making himself both stronger and more creative. His big plan is to find a way back to the coast and to stay there for good so he can surf the livelong day.

13 comments

    • It’s true, sometimes the imitation works just fine, and so we are able to look past it’s inauthenticity in appreciation of its utility. I’ve heard of some pretty good Chinese knockoffs in recent years, for what it’s worth.

      Reply

  9. Great post – and you know what? If I wanted to read S. King – I would. But since I show up here – I want to read Rob’s Surf Stuff. And that’s how it should be, in my books. To be fair though, the process of trying to write as a faved writer is a very exciting and frustrating process – but an excellent exercise nonetheless. Still … keep on being you -because that is what brings us back each and every time. 🙂

    Reply

      • Oh thank you 🙂

        Now I’m all … well …. whatever. As I was saying to the Indecisive Eejit earlier, I don’t like … well … I don’t take compliments well – but I’m learning.

        And well, it’s your space, your works, words, thoughts, ideas and how you present and write that brings me back – so kudos to you. 🙂

        Reply

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