Experience vs. youth: An academic opinion

Young and passionate is impressive, I believe I used to be that way. But there is something to be said for working smart, having perspective, a sense of integrity and the ability to be a quick read. I also don't believe I developed as a writer until I was well until my 30s, maybe much later. (Many would say I never did and am on the downward side of a mediocre career). Perhaps, but one of my biggest problems with younger writers is there inability to grasp a nuance. It's a craft, learned by doing.

 

Agreed, and why is it considered a given here that older writers can't be passionate and driven? I know I want to get to a story more now than I ever have, and I'm not getting any younger.

 

True, but as long as we're on that analogy, let's note that a number of those HS players never reach that ``upside'' potential. And wasn't one of the reasons for the NBA's age limit concern the trend toward right out of HS players was driving down the quality of play in the league, presumably because so many of them weren't NBA ready?

 

80% of professional print journalists over the age of 35 will be out of the industry, for good, within 10 years.

It is what it is.