The Art of Letting Go: A CRE-iterative Process and Virtual Synergy Dynamic
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Why should I be sending a streamlined version of my recent essay titled, Generating Virtual Synergy: Turning the Iterative into the Creative? Why the need to rework it? To answer these questions, I must traverse the pragmatic to the psychological. Hopefully such (psycho)-analysis will provide another window into the iterative process.

A concrete motivator was an editor of ORATE Speakers Bureau Website saying they are more carefully monitoring article length. I was way over their new word ceiling, hence the “request”: “We need you to reduce “Ten Tips” to “Five?”

The “Ten Tips” had generated some very positive feedback. I even suggested dividing “Generating Virtual Synergy” into two parts. The editor tactfully acknowledged this being a “wonderful idea”…but they still wanted a leaner version.

Okay, so my ego was a bit bruised. You know the old adage: Vanity thy name is Gorkin! Actually, my two-part counter reflected a hard-earned understanding that major editing was not mere cosmetic surgery, a little nip and tuck. And especially when enamored by almost all of my ideas and examples…which of the pearls must be grudgingly tossed back into the sea? Yes, having to tear down and redesign one’s hand-crafted word artistry evoked a sense of loss – parts pride and artistic control – if not some short-lived grief. (There’s a familiar voice inside: C’mon get over it.) And adding insult to injury…I was caught by my own recently coined maxim: Keep It Short and Smart!

Stop Ruminating and Jump In

Not surprisingly, anticipation was worse than the actual “cut and paste” operation. As the Ancient Roman poet and philosopher, Horace, avowed: To begin is to be half done; dare to know – start! The result of cutting and combining some of the ten steps and strategies as well as casting out several no-longer-so-precious-pearls…a more concentrated and punchy KISS! In fact, tightening up the document led to tossing some abstract concepts while more concretely illustrating those left standing.

The trimmed down, “Five Steps and Strategies” version, was, IMHO, still a hearty spread, full of meaty chunks of ideas, learning points, and stories. Was “Ten Tips” the equivalent of a belt-loosening ten-course oral orgy? Ugh…anybody have some Alka-Seltzer? If what was left out was truly essential, I could always write another essay; with the leftovers have another “food for thought” meal. Right now, though, I’m feeling nicely sated!