LJ vs. Art

[rogin]

One thing that I like intensely about LJ is that several professional writers have set up shop here so that I can run around and friend them, but today one of my favorite authors grrm (who is taking exceedingly long to finish his new novel) posted this link.

Basically it says that LJ interferes with the ability to write professionally. Most people here in fandom write for the online world, so I should think that LJ is rather a booster for creativity here. But still some of the issues remain. That it can easily distract you from work and that it's generally easy to loose oneself within. That the instant gratification is great on one hand but messes with ones own standards on the other hand.
I would be quite interested to know what you think about this? How much of your time goes to LJ? How has LJ changed your take on your own art?

Comments

[jasonsnene.livejournal.com]

First of all, comparing LJ to vampires was particularly ironic, especially for the BtVS fandom! But I think he made several valid points. For me, it was easy at first to get lost in finding new friends and new things to read. Now, I've gotten myself on a better schedule and have set aside time to go through my flist and read and comment and still write. I'm fortunate though because I don't work, so it gives me that extra bit of time. For those who do work, I think it's more of a challenge but part of being a writer is making a commitment to yourself to write. You have to be dedicated to it. Well, speaking of which, I'd better get through the rest of my flist and get back to writing. :D

[flake-sake.livejournal.com]

I tend to get lost when I should study but there's a ton of things that I distract myself with. If it wasn't LJ, it would be a book, tv, computer games, coffee, the gym, role playing... whatever.
I guess for a writer it must be even a bit harder, because talking about his book with the fans could be considered work too

I agree that a time schedule is the best way to deal with it.

Btw.: Guilty pleasures arrived today, I only got to read the first 10 pages or so, but I think it's my kind of thing. It reminds me quite a bit of the Dresden files. Thanks for the rec again!