by Paying it forward is not a new idea unto itself. Many people have advocated the philosophical percept of paying it forward. Certainly, the concept is not an Oprah innovation. There are internet groups that promote the idea of paying it forward. Among these would be 1stturningpoint, Red Room, Authors, Writers, Editors, Publishers, and other Writing Professionals on LinkedIn, and Infinite World of Fantasy Authors. Then, there is the very supportive Lillian Cauldwell, owner of Passionate Internet Radio. I have had the privilege of being a guest on her shows several times through the group Meet the Parrots.
The expressions ‘you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours,’ or you grease my palm, I’ll grease yours,’ or ‘do me a favor and I’ll do you one,” bastardizes and rapes the fundamental and basic concept of simply helping a fellow human being. Paying it forward is simply helping someone else. No strings attached.
Attach strings, or conditions, then the recipient expects there will be a demand for pay back. Such behavior creates obligation and no one (at least generally) appreciates being obligated.
In my world of writing, we can and do pay it forward by mentioning a fellow writer in a write up, doing a review of a book, mentioning a writer in our daily blogs, guest blogging, interviews (written, oral, and video), and referring to them in book talks and numerous local presentations.
It doesn’t hurt to do that. It causes no pain. I could mention many examples of my own in which I have been the recipient of a pay-it-forward. But that would take several pages. The list, if I should create one, would certainly include award-winning novelists Ann Charles and Jacquie Rogers, college professor and prolific author, Dr. Robert Walker, Hollywood producer/director John Klawitter, novelists Charlotte Boyett-Compo, and Rowena Cherry, graphics designer Steven R. Walker, and last but certainly not the least, Jeffrey High of Camano Community.Net, and Roy Lesher of Camano Island Activities News Letter. You get the picture. And to each of them —I say thank you!
Remember, paying-it-forward takes so little time, costs nothing, and means so much.
[...] Norman W. Wilson: What it means to “Pay it Forward” | CamanoCommunity [...]
You’re so right, Norman. I truly believe that paying it forward is ultimately rewarding, especially when you see someone succeed and you played a small part in helping them up the ladder.
BTW, one person who walks the talk about paying it forward is Dr. Norman W. Wilson, who I’m happy to call a friend.