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I have to agree that there are good writers and there are bad writers. Good writers often become popular. So do bad writers.
Some examples: I grew up while John Steinbeck was still writing and everyone I knew got excited when each new book came out. He was one of America's great writers and one of it's most popular.
James Patterson is a mediocre writer and is the best selling author in the world.
Among the popular thriller writers of the past few decades, David Baldacci is probably the least capable, and yet he's one of the best selling authors.
This doesn't insult readers of the poor authors or compliment readers of the better authors. I've enjoyed some books by Baldacci and Patterson. I see no problem with that. I don't only enjoy good writers. If a mediocre writer has a good idea I'm willing to consider reading it.
I probably should mention that one of my favorite authors when I was a teen was Richard S. Prather, who wrote the Shell Scott books. They weren't particularly well written. They weren't bad either. Kind of so so. But the character was completely outrageous and was a lot of fun to read about. I still read and enjoy one from time to time.
Yes, some authors are better than others and some are worse. And popularity has little to do with that. If you want proof think of how popular was the TV show "Alf" and also "My Mother the Horse". TV didn't get any worse than that but people loved them.
"The West Wing", which I personally think was the best series ever in the USA, was also very popular.
People of good taste recognize good writing but they don't necessarily disdain less than good writing.
There's nothing to argue about here, folks. Calm down!
Barry
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