He played the piano like no other. Literally. When legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk sat down at the piano and started playing, he would hit the keys with his fingers held flat, almost attacking them to produce the ringing, percussive sound he was known for. His compositions and improvisations were full of dissonances and melodic twists and he often divided single-line melodies between the two hands. Yes, at the time, Monk’s play was definitely different.

One day, he was listening to the radio when a music critic talked about how amazing Monk’s play was although he didn’t use “the right notes”.

Monk immediately grabbed the phone and left an unambiguous message for the radio host:

His answer was as blunt as it was true: If you don’t like how I play – fine! That’s your right. But that doesn’t make my way of composing or playing wrong. It’s just not for you.

The same is true for many other things we create. Take your personal website, for example. Your writing might not appeal to others. People might find it irrelevant or even dislike your style or your message, especially if you are writing about something new and unconventional. But if it’s important to you and if it contains a bit of yourself – and it certainly will –, whatever you write and publish on your site isn’t wrong. You are free to try out different formats, techniques, and styles. Write about what you think and care about. Find your unique way to express yourself.

A personal website ain't got no wrong words.

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