And it's back to Elbow..

I like Elbow's idea of a teacherless writing class. It's like a book club but for writing. I think it's a great way for people who are not comfortable with others reading their writings to become comfortable with it. Another thing I like about this idea is that it tells you how to be supportive and helpful without being too critical of a member's writing. It's one thing to helped on something, it's another to be criticized for it. I also like how Elbow gave ideas on how to run the group and some example of what to write, because I know I would have no idea what to do if I were in a group like this, so it definitely helps.

I thought it was funny, too, how Elbow gave a way to "secretly destroy" the class itself. It's a contradiction because in the whole chapter he talked about how to get it started and how to make it work, then he gives a few paragraphs on how to destroy it. I thought it was hilarious.

All in all, I think this chapter was more of a "life lesson" rather than a informational chapter on "writing without teachers". But I think it was needed. Whether writing in a teacherless class, in a class with a teacher, or working in the real world, everyone should be able to work together, communication effectively, share and listen to ideas, and be helpful with their peers all while being polite, it is possible. I like to think of this as tough love: "The writing is great but this is how I think it could be improved."