Do we risk our distinctive voices when we adhere to someone else's idea of what good story telling is?
According to one article I've read, it's more likely you will lose your distinctive voice when you work with a critique group where your work is re-worked by many different writers until it begins to resemble a work by committee. This article also stated that basic instinct is a writer's best tool, though basic instinct alone won't carry you to publication unless you do hone your skills and learn about craft. I think several folks have said it here -- there's a balance. But there does have to be a certain level of professionalism in your writing for an editor to consider it. Of course, the majority of writers here aren't working toward publication; they write for fun. But even when you play football or tennis for fun you still follow the rules.
One thing that has not been mentioned yet is the obvious thought that if you're not interested in improving your craft (and there's certainly nothing wrong with that) then why bother to read these threads? Just don't open them, or if you do and realize it's something that doesn't interest you, click "Back" and go on to something else.
