Cough syrup tastes disgusting. So companies try to hide the nastiness by adding artificial flavoring (usually cherry or banana). They think by adding something sweet, they're making it better.
In reality, they are only making it worse.
I'd rather they just give me the nasty stuff straight away because I know it's going to help. That fake, nasty flavor isn't making anything easier to swallow. It's completely useless. (And gross!)
It's kind of like getting a rejection letter from an agent/editor or getting a bad grade or getting really bad news. Adding something sweet or nice to soften the blow doesn't make the reality of the situation better.
And the niceness that was added? It actually comes across as fake and insincere.
Am I alone in feeling this way?
Would you rather get a rejection/bad news/failing grade that's veiled with sweetness and niceties or do you just want it straight? Why?
Just give it to me straight. Either way a rejection is a rejection so if an agent uses a form script it really doesn't bother me.
ReplyDeleteStraight....
ReplyDeleteNot in a harsh way, just truthful. It's a waste of time to beat around the bush...
How's school Melissa?
I got through the first round of ABNA.... Yippee! Party at my blog.
Michael
I hope you haven't been sick that your mind is running to metaphors involving cough syrup. Your great at the analogies!
ReplyDeleteOh no, are you sick!? Take the cough syrup like a shot and chase it :)
ReplyDeleteI prefer both. On occasion I need the let down to be laced with kindness aka the white lie. Other times just hand it to me straight so I can fix what I need to fix. It's purely situational.
I hope your feeling okay!
Give it to me straight!
ReplyDeleteBanana flavored cough syrup? Yuck!
Just say "no".
ReplyDeleteSo artificial is not the same as art-official? Just kidding. I totally agree. Give it to me raw.
ReplyDeleteI like it straight, but not harsh. There's no need to be mean. Fake cherry flavor is just mean :)
ReplyDeleteEw banana flavored cough syrup...must be a Canada thing ;p
ReplyDeleteI would only want the sweet if they actually mean it. Like if they give me feedback on what they actually liked along with what they didn't like. I don't know, maybe my skin isn't thick enough. Sugar coating sometimes helps it go down a little better.
I only take the "Green Death Flavor" NyQuil. And that's because I hate black liquorish. I find it's easier to get down when it's not something your mind's trying to convince you you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I still love the taste of Grape Dimatap.
Hmmm, that's an interesting question. It depends. Sometimes I need the niceties, but only if they're sincere. If someone is only saying nice things because they feel bad but don't mean it, then I'll be able to tell that it's fake. Then I'd rather have it straight!
ReplyDeleteI like the "tell it how it is" approach with a teeny bit of niceness so I don't cry :)
ReplyDeletedemitrialunetta.blogspot.com
Bad news is bad news, no matter how you sugar coat it.
ReplyDeleteBanana flavored cough syrup, I'm intrigued.
Oddly enough, my kids LOVE cough syrup. If one has a cough and I'm giving the spoonful, my other son will fake a cough so he can have some, too (no, I don't give it thought).
ReplyDeleteThat said, I think I do like the little bit of nice with the bad. :)
I'd rather people be honest, that way when they say something nice you can believe them!
ReplyDeleteGive it to me straight, but as many have already said, not mean. Niceness is only helpful when it's sincere.
ReplyDeleteAs for cough syrup, WHY would you banana flavor that?! That's so gross!
This is why I only take meds in pill or liquid gelcap form if I can. XP Hope you're feeling better!
Um... I kinda like some cough medicines actually!
ReplyDelete*cough* addict *cough*
Though nothing with a banana flavour. No, no, no, GROSS! Reminds me of deworming medicine which was NOT nice!
I only want the niceties if there are things about the story that they actually liked and that work. Then give me the rejection. I'm okay with rejection/bad news but I want to know the whys.
ReplyDeleteMmmmm, cough syrup. I've always loved the taste. I'm one of those odd people...
Depends on the day and how much of a sap I'm being. The grape is not bad (heh heh) :)
ReplyDeleteBanana flavored cough syrup? *shudder*
ReplyDeleteI'd rather have the bad news straight up. Don't be rude about it, or mean, but just let it out. It's easier (and quicker) that way.
A polite, "no thank you" will do just fine for me.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the sugar coating. I know the bones of the message will still be painful and obvious, but I like to wallow in the possibility that whatever they read didn't totally make them lose their lunch.
ReplyDelete;)
That fake banana flavor is SO DISGUSTING. I would rather get things straight, it makes it easier to take advice on board and move forward.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind cough medicine but I remember being given a rancid-tasting liquid for a poorly tummy as a child.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather be given the truth thoug I do appreciate it when an editor takes the time to offer constructive feedback.
Yeah, I actually don't mind a simple "No thank you. This isn't for us".
ReplyDeleteBut if they do say something kind, I'm probabloy more than likely to query them again with a different project. Maybe that's what they're thinking?
Give it straight. Not nasty, but don't beat about the bush.
ReplyDeleteFor rejections, if you're going to add anything then let's have some sincere feedback rather than a syrupy coating.
You know, I'd actually know the truth - no fibs, no sugar coating. I feel like the "artificial" niceness takes away from the value of any feedback they do give. Great post!!
ReplyDeleteIf I'm going to get any of those things, I don't wait it veiled with sweetness. I want the sweetness right there next to it, in the form of a giant bowl of ice cream. It won't make the news any better, but it will make the impending misery a much tastier place to wallow in.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, good question. I always like something nice but I wouldn't want it to be fake.
ReplyDeleteWith rejection and bad news, I want it straight, BUT if there is anything true and encouraging they could pitch in there, too, I'm all for that. Why? Because it makes me feel like less of an idiot, and like I'm wasting my time. :)
ReplyDeleteWith rejection and bad news, I want it straight, BUT if there is anything true and encouraging they could pitch in there, too, I'm all for that. Why? Because it makes me feel like less of an idiot, and like I'm wasting my time. :)
ReplyDeleteI prefer it straight, if it's a form rejection. I've gotten some that pussyfoot around, like "I'm not interested at this time", which makes me want to ask them, "then what time might be right for you?".
ReplyDeleteBut if it is personalized, and they enjoy such and such but ultimately rejected it for such and such reason, that is helpful.
Oh, definitely straight up.
ReplyDeleteI'll save the sweetness for the wine later when I've finished, like, crying. I hope, of course that there won't be too many rejection letters, pretty please with like, sugar on top.
I think I need a little bit of sweetness with a rejection. I'm weird like that. I had one rejection once that was all mean, and I took it pretty hard.
ReplyDeleteLol - I like alka-seltzer - but the kind with sugar makes me FRUP.
ReplyDeleteStill there is no excuse not to treat someone respectfully - And part of that art is realizing they may have some little weenie feelings lurking around. If you got a really snarky turn down - do you really think it would hurt the same as a polite one?
Also - a pass on your product ( remember your work is your product - not a kidney) is not a pass on You. It is saying "I'm sorry seller - your red shoes don't go well with my orange and green outfit"
Does that mean when you write a brilliant orange book that you should think - not sending it to that guy - he hates me.
No. A polite rejection is an invitation for you to show them your next shoes.
And lets face facts- writers are flakes - look at Hemmingway or Poe......no agent wants to face down the public scorn of some flake who pinned a rejection letter to their shirt as they stuck their head in the oven -????
You never know how you will touch a life - A kind word - that you feel is insincere - may keep another in the world long enough to find the yes they need.
I don't need cough syrup myself - why waste good scotch and bourbon? LOL
I don't mind politeness in a rejection but candy coating bothers me ... in all things :)
ReplyDeleteYep. Straight. Hope you feel better. BTW, I've never heard of banana flavored cough medicine!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely straight... but genuine, if it can be managed, not just added on for sugar coating :)
ReplyDeletegive it to me straight, i put my big boy pants on long ago, and can take anything that comes along... except bullshit! GRRRRRRRRRRR
ReplyDeleteSTRAIGHT UP....but with some encouragement. And maybe a lemon twist.
ReplyDelete