Imitation and Flattery

They say imitation is the biggest form of flattery. They certainly talk a lot. While not usually buying into the temporary hype of the things they say, I'll have to agree this time. Mitch Albom has always been my favorite columnist to read. His way of concisely getting his heartfelt message across in so few words, with so much emotion, has always been admirable to me.

One thing Mitch relies heavily on is looking back at the past. It is convincing to hear real life stories that we can relate to. You don't feel any pressure when reading an Albom column because he never argues with you, Something Philip Agre suggets in his Writing for a Webzine article. Though provocative and persuasive, Albom never tells anyone that their way of thinking is wrong; he let's the reader decide this for his or herself. He also never hints at the smallest bit of condescendence.

This is what Agre is talking about when he instructs aspiring writers to speak in a public voice. Noting that speaking in a public voice means, "saying what you want to say while being confident that your audience will understand it," you must enter the same playing field as your audience; on the same level. Ironic that a sportswriter would be the one to do this best.

I can't think of anyone better to imitate than someone who has gracefully reieved so many prestigious awards and honors. I first started reading Albom's columns when I was a little boy. I would sit at the table, spilled milk and cereal crumbs abound, and open up the Sunday paper. Now I'm sitting in front of a computer and still reading it. I try not to eat at my desk, but I definitely still read Mitch's columns. Just as the hard copy of the newspaper is disappearing, so is my fear of failure. I can be like Mitch Albom. I can imitate and reach towrds his success.