Dear people who write open letters:
Stop.
Yes, I realize the hypocrisy.
No, I don't care.
Yes, you should keep reading. It's a letter to you, isn't it?
Besides, if you're huffing and puffing with anger right now as you munch on your Chipotle or sip your Starbucks, you need to read this.
I'm all in favor of people writing about whatever they want, especially on a platform like Odyssey, which aims to reverse the traditional publication pecking order. That said, I can write about why people shouldn't write certain things. Heh, irony.
I'm sure you're all great people, and you put your pants on one leg at a time, just like me. But open letters have gained far too much popularity and footing. They're getting out of control! They're attacking our loved ones and soiling our good names! We need to drop them like an 8 a.m. class.
Open letters are weak. Here's why:
Are you excited? I'm excited.
1. They are vague.
Most open letters just reiterate what those inspirational signs say. You know, the ones made of reclaimed wood that say "Live, Laugh, Love"? The ones that white people put up in their kitchens over their wine shelves?
Of course, I'm going to try to travel, hang out with friends over the summer, stay up late, cherish my family, and "live in the moment." Of course I'll do what I want. Open letters basically tell people to exist.
Be more specific. Give suggestions, but don't just guilt other people into thinking they aren't living to the fullest. That's the irony: we spend our time looking at other people's success instead of fostering our own.
2. They are pretentious.
Oof. Tough word to swallow.
You've got it all figured out, don't you? Gotta tell all those other people what you've gleaned from your vast 20 years of life experience.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't have a lot figured out. But I know I don't like open letters.
3. They're just plain bad storytelling.
If you want people to learn from you, tell them stories. Real stories about you, about your friends, about your family. Tell other people's stories. Give details. Provide context. You know, like a... What's that word again? Oh yeah: writer.
It's not hard to take your thoughts and feelings about something and turn them into an opinion article or a personal account. Everyone's got a story, so tell yours truthfully. Don't rely on this unapproachable template.
4. They don't reach an audience.
"Open Letter to Graduates"? Oh, you mean every person who ever interacts with Odyssey? Why not just title it: "Open Letter to Everyone"?
They don't grab anyone. If they do get some clicks, readers are usually immediately disappointed due to the reasons mentioned above.
It's kinda funny—they're called an "Open Letter," but how is that different from anything else published on the Internet? You know, the thing that's literally open to anyone with a library card?
The point is, open letters just aren't a good format of expression. Don't waste your time by reading or writing them.
