We can break-down semantics here, but what really constitutes "crap?" Some may think the books you read are crap because they're too difficult or they don't like the subject material. There are so many factors that come along with reading a book that it's impossible to discern what is "good" and what is "crap." It's all subject to opinion. This is what these conversations always seem to break down to: opinion vs. absolutism. "There is no perfect way" vs. "There is a perfect way."
As far as Brian's beliefs on writing, I think he makes excellent points in his rules on writing thread about what is a pretty good path towards writing to the best of your ability. Problem is, not everybody follows good writing habits and they are successful in spite of them. Does this mean they're "crap?" No, it means that they found perhaps a different way to connect with an audience.
I've experienced the same thing. I've read books that I read when I was younger and thought "Hmm...that's not very good." But therein lies my error. It WAS good because I liked it when I read it. And that's what (most) books are about. At least as far as the fantasy genre goes. People read fantasy to enjoy it, not necessarily pick it apart. If I enjoyed the books when I was 15 then they did their job. I agree that certain books may appeal to 15 year old Phil that don't appeal to 30-something year old Phil. My main concern with reading and writing is to make it as good as possible at that moment. I think something that severely limits new writers is this need to be perfect right out the gate. Sometimes you need to stumble and falter to learn what works best for you. Even everything you perfectly polish now might look like crap to you in another 5 years. It's impossible to live up to certain standards. But I admire anyone that attempts to. Just for most people, it's best not to obsess over too many matters when writing OR reading.
As far as Brian's beliefs on writing, I think he makes excellent points in his rules on writing thread about what is a pretty good path towards writing to the best of your ability. Problem is, not everybody follows good writing habits and they are successful in spite of them. Does this mean they're "crap?" No, it means that they found perhaps a different way to connect with an audience.
I've experienced the same thing. I've read books that I read when I was younger and thought "Hmm...that's not very good." But therein lies my error. It WAS good because I liked it when I read it. And that's what (most) books are about. At least as far as the fantasy genre goes. People read fantasy to enjoy it, not necessarily pick it apart. If I enjoyed the books when I was 15 then they did their job. I agree that certain books may appeal to 15 year old Phil that don't appeal to 30-something year old Phil. My main concern with reading and writing is to make it as good as possible at that moment. I think something that severely limits new writers is this need to be perfect right out the gate. Sometimes you need to stumble and falter to learn what works best for you. Even everything you perfectly polish now might look like crap to you in another 5 years. It's impossible to live up to certain standards. But I admire anyone that attempts to. Just for most people, it's best not to obsess over too many matters when writing OR reading.