2.Some writers argue that planning messages wastes time, because they inevitably change their plans as they go along. Please explain.
In other words, they are too lazy to follow the recommended writing process!
It's been promoted (and I agree, after watching students in my classes who do and do not engage in planning before writing) that if a person spends about 20-25% of the allotted writing time on the brainstorming and planning (outlining) results in a much better paper -- much better!!
Some writers argue that planning messages wastes time because they believe that the plans will inevitably change as they go along. Here is a step-by-step explanation of their reasoning:
1. Initial planning: When writers start planning a message, they invest time in deciding on the message's structure, content, and overall organization. This involves thinking about the main points, supporting details, and the sequence of ideas.
2. Uncertainty: However, these writers argue that uncertainty is a common aspect of the writing process. As they begin writing and exploring their ideas, they may encounter new information or insights that weren't apparent during the planning stage. This can lead to a shift in their initial plan.
3. Changing plans: When writers encounter new information or ideas, they may need to alter their original plan to accommodate these changes. This could involve rearranging the structure, revising the content, or reorganizing the sequence of ideas.
4. Time wasted: Critics of planning argue that the time invested in the initial planning stage becomes wasted if the plans constantly change throughout the writing process. They believe that since plans are likely to change, it is more efficient to skip the planning stage altogether and proceed directly to writing, allowing ideas to develop more organically.
5. Flexibility: Another argument against planning is that it can stifle creativity and flexibility. By adhering strictly to a predetermined plan, writers may feel constrained and unable to explore new ideas or take their writing in unexpected directions. This can impede the development of unique and innovative content.
6. Iterative process: These writers suggest that writing is an iterative process, where ideas evolve and refine through revisions. They argue that it is more productive to embrace this flexible approach, allowing ideas to develop naturally, rather than sticking to a rigid plan that may no longer align with the evolving thoughts and information.
Overall, the argument against planning messages is that it can be time-consuming and ineffective because plans frequently change. Critics believe that embracing a more flexible and iterative approach to writing allows for greater creativity and adaptability throughout the writing process.
Some writers argue that planning messages wastes time because they believe that plans change as they work on their writing. This perspective suggests that the act of planning can be seen as a rigid and inflexible approach that inhibits the creative process.
However, it's important to understand that planning messages is a valuable step in effective communication. Here are two reasons why planning is crucial:
1. Organizational Structure: Planning messages helps writers establish a clear and organized structure for their thoughts. It allows them to outline the main ideas, identify the key points they want to convey, and determine the logical flow of their content. This serves as a roadmap, providing a sense of direction and ensuring that the message is well-structured and organized.
2. Clarity and Focus: Planning helps writers clarify their thoughts and intentions. It allows them to think through their ideas and consider the best way to present them to their intended audience. By taking the time to plan, writers can avoid confusion and ensure that their message is clear, concise, and focused.
While it is true that plans may change as the writing progresses, this is not a reason to discount the importance of planning messages. Instead, writers should view planning as a dynamic process that evolves as they gain further insights and refine their ideas.
To address the concern of changing plans, writers can adopt strategies such as:
1. Flexibility: Embrace the idea that plans are not set in stone and can be adjusted as needed. Allow room for creativity and spontaneity while remaining mindful of the overall purpose and structure of the message.
2. Revision and Editing: Recognize that the writing process often involves multiple drafts and revisions. As writers work on their message, they can review and revise their plans to accommodate new ideas, changes in direction, or better ways to express their thoughts.
In conclusion, while some argue that planning messages wastes time due to the likelihood of plans changing, the advantages of planning, such as providing organizational structure and clarity, outweigh this concern. Writers can approach planning as a flexible and iterative process, allowing space for adaptations and revisions along the way.