Plain Writing

View Original

Gyroscope, instructions

Advice is great, but advice on its own won’t make you a better writer. We become better writers by writing and it’s always easier to write when we’re inspired. To that end, a creative prompt using an ordinary item.


gyroscope, instructions | an exercise in, “Wait, what?”

This week’s ordinary item: A toy gyroscope

What is it: According to the instructions, “The principle of gyroscope is applied to aircraft, satellites, astronomical sight glasses, guided weapons, and tunnel centerline measurements.”

Wait, what?

Recently one of our children received a toy gyroscope for their birthday. Inside the package was a set of instructions.

“The hardware mechanical gyroscope, adults, the elderly can play to the student, has the effect such as educational years of age, decompression, dementia, can satisfy the mechanical friends love, is the most useful gift for kids and family.”

This is either the most beautiful abstract poetry that we’ve ever read, perhaps beyond our ability to comprehend, or it is pure nonsense.

The instructions went on…

“Fat gyro. The heart is not afraid of the shadow. Not a gamble. Does. Do not play with children under the age of three to avoid hurting their fingers.”

We got to the end of our birthday evening undecided.

Fantastically brilliant! Far beyond me! Spectacular! Or, is it pure nonsense?

To determine which, I need your help.

Today’s task: You be the judge. Is this abstract brilliance or pure nonsense? Make your case in the comments.

Remember: Have fun with it. Push the boundaries and think creatively. Most importantly, write something!

Inspire someone else — share this page with a friend or colleague.


LOOKING FOR A STRATEGIC COPYWRITER TO ASSIST YOUR TEAM?

My name is Derek and I write all kinds of things for businesses of every size in many different industries. Do you have a writing or strategy need? This is what I love to do.