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Re: Jimmy
Well, Nautikos, that's why I thought that the best piece should be last ( the "grand finale" ) but as you say, in advertising, it's perhaps the other way around. Unfortunately, it's a moot point now! 
posted by
JimmyA
on March 30, 2012 at 5:36 AM
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Jimmy
Some very interesting observations here! Of course I haven't thought much about it, but I'm not sure that the order as suggested by your teacher is necessarily the best under all circumstances, although it may well be so in the world of advertising...
posted by
Nautikos
on March 29, 2012 at 6:26 PM
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Re: You are not alone
I have a feeling, Against, that there are many people out there who were in a similar situation, where they pursued a particular career, only to have it upended by circumstances beyond their control. However, I have to believe that my circumstances were a hell of a lot worse than most others ( again, read my book "The Hindering" ).
posted by
JimmyA
on March 29, 2012 at 6:50 AM
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Re:
Me too, Bright. One of the main reasons why I wrote my book "The Hindering" was because I got tired of retelling my story over and over to explain why those dreams were never fulfilled. It's easier now to simply hand someone one of my business cards and say "Here . . . read this. It will explain everything!"
posted by
JimmyA
on March 29, 2012 at 6:47 AM
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Re:
Thanks, Sam. Yes, this particular lesson can apply to many different aspects in life. I guess it kind of falls under the category of not getting a second chance to make a first impression! 
posted by
JimmyA
on March 29, 2012 at 6:44 AM
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You are not alone
At one time, I had studied library science and pursued it as a career. My career was short-lived--four months--because of circumstances that escalated out of control.
posted by
Against4WindsOn2Flam
on March 28, 2012 at 9:24 PM
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You definitely understand how it works now but I do wish your dream had been fulfilled! 
posted by
BrightIrish
on March 28, 2012 at 3:57 PM
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I am very sorry that it didn't come about for you! You are correct in saying that it is about presentation, portfolio or otherwise! sam 
posted by
sam444
on March 28, 2012 at 3:43 PM
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Re: It's the same with putting together stories in an anthology,
That's a very true assessment, Ceil. My collection of short stories does begin with the one that I felt was the strongest and most entertaining. See? My portfolio lesson carried over! 
posted by
JimmyA
on March 28, 2012 at 1:33 PM
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Re: I was thinking as i read, No not last, the attention span of these people
Thanks, Kabu. Like I wrote, that's why he was the teacher and I the student! And I hope you do get to read "my story." It's very intense, very compelling . . . and very true!
posted by
JimmyA
on March 28, 2012 at 1:31 PM
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Re:
Glad you agree, FSI. It's not as though I learned "the hard way," but I did learn!
posted by
JimmyA
on March 28, 2012 at 1:28 PM
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It's the same with putting together stories in an anthology,
but I would say, start with the best and end with the second best.
The opening story grabs the interest and sets the tone for the next. If some in the middle aren't quite as good, closing with another really good one keeps the reader from ending with a sense of disappointment.
Quite opposite from a show or concert, where they try to put a warm-up act first and the main event last. having more of a captive audience that is not likely to walk out in the middle, and expects the best at the end.
posted by
Ciel
on March 28, 2012 at 11:01 AM
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I was thinking as i read, No not last, the attention span of these people
is about one nano second put the best first. They will actually look, the teacher had the right idea. now I want to read your story.
posted by
Kabu
on March 28, 2012 at 9:58 AM
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Oh yes, setting the biggest firecracker first (metaphorically of course) is the way to go.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on March 28, 2012 at 9:32 AM
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