Comments on: 9 Little Known Activities to Complete During Summer Break

By: Turn Key Sites Resdy to make money

Turn Key Sites Resdy to make money — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:15:05 +0000

Excelent Incomes and very fast

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:41:59 +0000

Nate, thank you so much for your blog. It has really shed some light on where i should place my energies. And with winter break coming up, i find this article to be very appropriate (if not a bit late at reading it.)

I always look forward to your posts.

Thank you!!!

By: Ralph

Ralph — Sun, 17 May 2009 20:36:50 +0000

As someone for whom summer vacation is a distant memory, I don’t disagree with your ideas but I would suggest that you do something that you won’t be able to do with a job or other responsibilities that you can remember and enjoy always.

By: Vin | NaturalBias.com

Vin | NaturalBias.com — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:54:37 +0000

Hi Nate, great idea trying to convince students to get some value from their time. It’s a shame how so many people (adults included) waste their time in front of the TV.

Instead of reading a book, why not 5 or 10? I know, getting kids or young adults to read at all is a challenge, but reading consistently is where the benefit really comes in.

Of course, I love the blog suggestion! It’s a great way to improve computer, writing and communication skills, it provokes thought, and although it may not be profitable, it provides a taste of entrepreneurship.

By: Nate Desmond

Nate Desmond — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:52:49 +0000

@ Kris

Thank you for your polite reply. It is always nice when people can rationally discuss an issue without engaging in a flame war.

I think that I was slightly unclear in my last comment, so I will try to clarify here:

1. I do believe that some books should never be read (eg, Harry Potter).
However,
I also believe that some wrong books should be read to sharpen one’s mind (eg, The Origin of Species).

2. In addition, I do advocate some “self-censorship”.
However,
I do NOT advocate forcing my ideas on anyone else any more than I want their ideas forced on me.

3. Finally, I do NOT, in any way, advocate internet censorship – the internet should be an open medium for everyone.

Once again, thank you for conducting this discussion in a polite, friendly manner. Even though I disagree with you on some issues, I respect you for your polite attitude and willingness to discuss these issues.

Thanks,
Nate

By: Kris

Kris — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:37:45 +0000

@ Nate
I have to admit that I baited you for that, Nate. After reading that you couldn’t become a sommelier with a good conscience, I had an idea of where you stood. But hey, it’s your conscience, not mine.

I would argue that reading books you disagree with makes your mind sharper, not lazier, as you are better able to rebut arguments. I’m an English major, and many books people suggest to me are poorly-written. They just help me notice what makes writing “poor” — that way, I am better able to notice what makes writing interesting; it improves my writing, actually.

Most importantly, I want to say that what people love about the internet is the free exchange of information. Anything you want to know is seconds away. Right now. Restricting information or suggesting that it should be restricted (by calling it “wicked,” suggesing self-censorship) is not going to be popular on the internet. This medium is one that requires easy access to all sorts of information and, more than anything, an open mind.

By: Nate Desmond

Nate Desmond — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:32:22 +0000

@ Kris I am a Christian, so my idea of what is “good” and what is “bad” is (hopefully) based on the Bible. I do not even pretend to know where the line should be drawn between “good” and “bad” books, but it certainly should be drawn somewhere.
The best way for me to answer your question is with a link. I have just launched a review site and on that site I have a list of genres which I consider to be good and genres which I consider to be bad. You can see my list at http://join.familyreadingreviews.com/prospective-authors/writer-guidelines/.

Thanks!
Nate

By: Kris

Kris — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:13:16 +0000

Wicked books? Like what?

By: Stefan | StudySuccessful.com

Stefan | StudySuccessful.com — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:15:29 +0000

The simplicity of reading a book, that is my number 1.
Besides of course working, blogging and recreation.

Good advice,

Stefan