A "Hack"

I am re-reading The War of Art, a book I read about 6 years ago and blogged about back then.  

I find the book a fascinating and moving read for many reasons.  Today I just want to make a note of Pressfield's account of what he calls "the hack".  This insight really resonates with me and is one that  I have tried to sustain for a quarter of a century in my academic writing, I believe it is the reason why my motivation for research and writing today burns just as passionately today as it did when I first completed my PhD. 

A hack (p. 152):  someone who second guesses their audience.  A hack doesn't write from their heart, but rather asks "what is the market looking for?"  The hack writes hierarchically, which means they write what they think will play well in the eyes of others versus what they authentically want to write or think is important.  In writing hacks function like politicians who first ask the public what they want before taking a position on such matter.  They pander to their audience.  

Cheers, 

Colin