As every writer knows, there comes a time when they have to edit and revise their earlier draft, or even earlier work. When a writer has to delete something that is superfluous, uninteresting to others or for any other legit reason, it’s called “killing one’s darlings”.
I just deleted 33 links from the file “Inspiration“. Many of them were my old darlings that I had used myself in my classes to inspire my students to feel good, be optimistic or get strength to carry on.
There was 007’s Secret to Saving the World (I have always had a soft spot for Pierce Brosnan), and Angela Maiers (whom I have met) declaring You Matter, which once made a student of mine walk out of the room because he didn’t think he mattered. This ultimately led to a long relationship even after he stopped coming to school. He mattered to me.
I also said goodbye to Denzel Washington, Kid President, and one of my favourite books, Jonathan Livingstone among others. None of these and the 27 other links had been clicked on even once for almost 18 months. If even one teacher had once found a link useful during this year or last, I saved it, but if nobody… it was sent into the bin.
WebEnglish.se has grown too much. In a precious file (at least to me) like “Inspiration” there was just too much stuff. I have learned that when there is a plethora of links, one cannot fathom the value of them and gives up looking. I do that, why would not my readers?
This was the first step and I will gradually continue deleting what hasn’t been popular with teachers for a while. If it ever happens that something has gone missing that you are still looking for, do not hesitate to ask. I can always find them somewhere, if they are still on the net. It’s easiest to PM on Facebook or send a note to [email protected].