When Writing A Blog Post: The Importance Of Respecting Manufactured Victories

/ Ally Bean

Captain Benjamin Sisko with a baseball in his hand.

THE PHRASE a manufactured victory is from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine [DS9]. The phrase, used in an episode called Take Me Out to the Holosuite, refers to a story in which the plucky DS9 gang attempts to play a baseball game on the holodeck.

It’s the 24th Century and Captain Benjamin Sisko, who is in charge of Deep Space Nine, is a nut about the old-fashioned game called baseball. He insists that the Federation crew + others living on Deep Space Nine learn the game, then play it.

Just once.

For him.

In what comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with the somewhat dysfunctional inhabitants of DS9, the uncoordinated, dare I say tetchy, DS9 team loses the game to a team of organized Vulcans.

However the DS9 team decides to call the experience a win because, from their point of view, showing up together and trying was a victory. The Vulcans balk at the idea that the DS9 team could call their defeat a success, telling them theirs is merely a “manufactured victory”— to which the undaunted team joyfully agrees and keeps on celebrating.

~ ~ ⚾️ ~ ~

OCCASIONALLY I think of this episode when I sit down to write a blog post, like I did this morning. I can want to be a prolific articulate blogger living a fabulous life full of amazing details and drama, BUT you know what?

That’s not my reality.

I’m much more DS9 crew member, stumbling along with good intentions, giving it a go, than a Vulcan who is perfectly logically organized and fascinating.

Thus by explaining the foregoing, which is to say that nothing much has been happening in my real life lately, yet mindful of my commitment to show up here weekly, I’ll end this post having written what I believe is an example of a truthful blogger’s manufactured victory.

And a darned good one at that.

~ ~ • ~ ~

So, my little space cadets, what do you think about the concept of manufactured victories? 
If you write a personal blog, have your written a few manufactured victories along the way?
Are you a fan of Star Trek, yes or no? If yes, which TV series is your favorite? And why?
Anything new happening in your part of the galaxy?

~ ~ • ~ ~

219 thoughts on “When Writing A Blog Post: The Importance Of Respecting Manufactured Victories”

  2. I give you credit and 100 bonus points for the Star Trek reference. If your go-to drawer is the one containing DS9 nuggets, you’re OK with me. Of course, if I had to wait until something fabulous or amazing was happening in my life, my blog could be replaced with the sound of crickets. I hope you have a good rest of the week, Ally.

    Liked by 7 people

    • Dan, thanks for your support. As a longtime blogger I understand about the sound of crickets. I can only write about what happens and when nothing much happens this is what you get! Live Long and Prosper 😉

      Liked by 2 people

    • I like the bonus points idea! Even if DS9 was not my favorite of all the series.

      And I agree with those big moments that, if we are fortunate, are more like waiting for Godot 🙃 Why am I saying that? There’s an ancient Chinese curse that goes “may you live in interesting times.” And while I’m not saying reading at length about Bilbo Baggins second breakfast every day would be as good as hearing him have a battle-of-riddles with the Gollum, if you think about it honestly, would you WANT to face the orcs or would you prefer a second breakfast? Of course, if the orcs are threatening us, we should, we must, muster the courage to fight them. But if we had a choice of wishing said orcs away in favor of said second breakfast, would that be preferable?

      Clearly I need to go have a first breakfast before I return and revise my metaphors 🤓

      Liked by 4 people

      • EW, great to see you here. I know that you like Star Trek. I don’t consider DS9 my favorite series, but I did enjoy it and this episode in particular.

        I want a second breakfast please. Maybe I could invite the orcs for a nosh, change the whole course of the trilogy. Suppose Gollum prefers corn flakes or Cheerios? Coffee or tea?

        Liked by 2 people

        • I’m trying to emerge out of my cocoon, maybe I’ll end up being a 🦋 : thank you for your kind words! Which was your favorite series? Recently a friend convinced me that we should have the different Star Treks categorized into tiers since it’s too difficult to rank them otherwise…

          I love that idea of changing the course of Middle Earth with food (forgive the “course” pun…). I’d think that Bilbo Baggins would go for a second breakfast that resembles something like high tea, with cute little sandwiches (but lots of them!), and many scones with jam! 😋 and if I had to guess, I think he’d serve tea. What do you think?

          Liked by 3 people

          • My favorite series is [was?] TNG followed closely by DS9. Sisko is my favorite captain even if all the episodes aren’t as good as TNG.

            I think of Bilbo Baggins as Winnie the Pooh, so your high tea idea is perfect… as long as there’s some honey involved.

            Liked by 2 people

              • May I ask why “was”? Just don’t know if one should refer to a TV show that aired a long time ago as current [is] or in the past [was]. A grammar thing, actually.

                Sisko, beyond being quite handsome, seemed more human to me. Despite losing his wife, he raised their son. He wasn’t on a space ship flitting around the universe so being on DS9 he seemed more “grounded” to me. Plus he had a spiritual side that made him compelling. Also that voice…

                Liked by 2 people

                  • Good golly, EW, you are into Star Trek! I liked Janeway and her confidence, but the writing in that show was uneven to a point where I lost interest. How about you, what do you think of Picard or Sisko or Janeway? 🤔

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                    • 🙂 more than some, less than others?

                      We’ve only watched Voyager once, but one gets the impression that Janeway and Picard embody grace under pressure. For Janeway, being stuck in a far, far, faraway corner of the galaxy, disconnected from Federation Space and all the resources and support it provides in the other series, with adversaries from within and without, the list of challenges is unique. And yet she handles it all with grace.

                      I’d have to watch the series again to recall the details. It seems to me that if you had to (and I know you don’t :)) choose a commander to serve under, Picard and Janeway would be high up on the list?

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  3. I love this, manufactured victories, ha ha.

    I liked Deep Space Nine and all the others (except Voyager) – Captain Picard on The Next Generation was my favorite. Such amazing writing on these shows. 😀

    But I agree with you about sticking with your own reality and not manufacturing a new one for the purpose of blabbing about it on the internet. 🤪

    Although I must say, even with plenty of drama in my life, I find that sometimes I overshare it and then in hindsight roll my eyes at myself.

    Never too late to reinvent oneself though, right?

    Liked by 5 people

    • Claudette, I don’t know why that episode of DS9 stuck with me, but it has and seemed relevant to writing blog posts. I’ll take my inspiration wherever I find it.

      I agree that the writing and some of the story lines on the Star Trek shows are timeless. Human nature in space, as it were.

      You can always reinvent yourself, especially online– or tidy up the version you have going on. If nothing else we all change, hopefully for the better.

      Liked by 2 people

  4. I think humans do “manufactured” victories all the time, especially with kids, unfortunately. It’s one thing to soothe a loss or misfortune, but to try to recast it as something it’s not is a form of denial, in my little opinion. That’s what politicians keep doing to a greater or lesser degree. It’s otherwise known as lying. 😉

    I used to enjoy Star Trek when I was a kid and enjoyed it with my own kids in turn: Next Generation and Voyager. I didn’t watch DS9 very much or the other variations that have come along.

    Mine is mostly a photographic blog but it started life as a way for me to examine an abusive relationship I had experienced. I haven’t written about that for years now. Have I manufactured some high points? Definitely, especially when I was younger and supposed to be “doing better” a condition required of me by others but that I bought into as well (right up until I stopped buying into it).

    New stuff – I retire in three weeks. 😁

    Interesting post. Cheers.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Lynette, you’re right in that manufactured victories can be a form of denial, a Mr. Trump comes to mind in that regard. However the DS9 gang didn’t seem like they were trying to con the world, more like they were just happy they managed to do what they did. It’s all about perspective, I suppose.

      I remember when TNG was on TV and how each week we were smitten with it. I liked DS9 but watched it by streaming it so it seemed more intense than getting the story in weekly installments.

      I’m smiling at the idea of “doing better” to satisfy other people. I understand that thinking and like you don’t abide by it anymore.

      As for your news, YAY! Good times ahead.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. I get dry spells too. Manufactured victories are part of my time management process. Like painting a wall. I get out the paint, then celebrate. Check for the brushes (which I find), dropcloths and tools. Then I celebrate. Now I notice I forgot something and need a store run The good news-bad news is that I get to celebrate when I come home. All this celebrating and I haven’t yet painted the dang wall!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Kate, I love this! It is so true. By celebrating each step in the process you keep going, moving forward, keeping your goal in mind. I am right there with you knowing that wall will be painted in good time.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. I’m a fan of making the best of things, trying to look at the bright side – besides there really are no failures in life – just things turning out differently?(Everyone num along: “Smile if you heart is breaking…” haha)
    What do they say – “life is what happens when you aren’t looking”?
    Just get a grin and go on – enjoy the journey. You’re a star at that! Blog on!
    (we’re in the last of SR. Staff’s current treatment sequence today – cautiously hopeful. Some thing let you know to be in the moment, be grateful, and enjoy.)

    Liked by 2 people

    • philmouse, yours is an excellent point of view. And really that’s what the plucky DS9 gang was doing with their celebration. I remember “smile if your heart is breaking” song which was an outlook from a different era that still rings true today. Thanks for the compliment, I certainly just got on with it here in this post. Be in the moment, be grateful. Yep, good ideas.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Seeing that my (entirely too prolific) blog is filled with the uninteresting minutia of my life… I’d say all my victories are manufactured.
    As for Star Trek, I watched reruns of the original when I was young but never continued on.

    Liked by 5 people

    • Rivergirl, I’m laughing here. What an astute observation and one that lends credence to the idea that manufactured victories are good ones.

      The original Star Trek series was intriguing, especially for the time. The Next Generation is the one that drew me into the Star Trek galaxy. They either hit with you or they don’t.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. First, you had my full attention with the ‘space cadets’ reference. Yes, ma’am. Reporting for duty! 😎😎😎 And I’d say the wisdom from DS9 – celebrating and honoring victories (self-anointed or otherwise) is the stuff of life! Yes…do it. Don’t wait for the crowds and adoring fans because they likely will never arrive. (And I love ALL things Star Trek but “Next Generation” with Picard and “Number 1” will forever hold an extra special place in my trekkie heart.) 🥰

    Liked by 3 people

  9. First off, every blog post is its own victory–over apathy, inertia, and sometimes technology. As for the DS9 team, maybe they should rebranding their loss as “successful failure?” I feel like failure gets a bad rap in our winner-centric country. I’d like to normalize failure, especially for our kids. You might not have won, but you learned a ton!

    Liked by 4 people

    • AutumnAshbough, I agree with you wholeheartedly. I overcame my own inertia by writing this post and with that small sense of accomplishment I am going on with my day. I also agree that the idea that winning is the only worthy goal is an idea that misses the point that you can learn more from failure than success. And isn’t learning, in and of itself, an admirable goal? 🤓

      Liked by 1 person

    • Agree 1000% I used to tell my high school students this all the time. Learning so often requires risk-taking, and there’s no real risk if you never fail. I tried to build in ways for them to fail safely (with respect to grades) so they would take those risks. And learn stuff!

      Liked by 3 people

      • Rita, yes, you are so right. It’s by taking the risks, then assessing why something succeeded or failed, that you learn how to do better next time. Kids need to experience the ups and downs of life.

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        • I suppose I had some manufactured victories in the year I posted every week. I got a lot of good things out of that (and I hope readers did, too), but now I’m experimenting with posting only when I feel like I have something real to share. (Although, sometimes something real is just, “hey, this is what I’ve been up to, how are you?”) I see benefits to both approaches, for both readers and creators. All that said, I do look forward to your posts and am glad you make them weekly.

          Liked by 2 people

          • Thank you. You’re kind. Having some sort of blogging schedule, albeit self-imposed, is the only way I’ve been able to keep going with this blog. If I didn’t attempt a weekly gig, I’d just fade away and I’m not ready to do that yet.

            Liked by 2 people

  10. I’ve been a trekkie since the original series was broadcast way back at the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, but I don’t have a favorite, I liked them all for different reasons, and so many little things contributed to our cultural landscape. There’s many a day I ask Scottie to beam me up.
    As a food blogger, I can say that a manufactured victory in my kitchen is when a recipe fails, but it still tastes great so we eat it anyway, with gusto! Sometimes, I decide that is how it should have been in the first place.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Dorothy, you’ve made me laugh, she who was around for the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. Of course you were! I agree that each Star Trek series is unique and compelling in its own way. I haven’t asked Scottie to beam me up in a while, come to think of it.

      I am sure that your food failures are good, better than many of my cooking successes. It’s all about effort and learning and adapting. Plus food. Who doesn’t like to eat?

      Liked by 2 people

  12. It’s Vulcan Nature to be annoyed when the LOSERS act like WINNERS by celebrating a manufactured victory.

    Annoying Vulcans is tres amusante!
    “SMILE and WAVE, boys. Just SMILE and WAVE.”

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I will take, or make actually, any manufactured victory I can. I have days that are so dull my morning shower is a manufactured victory, but at least I smell better 😉

    Sometimes, when I realize that it’s literally been months since I’ve written a post (this was both before and now during HoTM) I will dig some tidbit out (although it hasn’t yet come to photos of those morning showers) just to let others know that I’m still alive. I have always held up just how random my blog is so I think I covered the probability of MV long ago, although reminding readers never hurts.

    Star Trek- watched the original until it ended, then life happened and I moved on. Never did come back to the many new attempts. They just weren’t what sustained me during childhood.

    New things in my galaxy? Vaxed prior to trip to Colorado next week. Impressions: 2nd time getting Covid and Flu together and in the same arm…when will I learn and remember the horror… More recently RSV in the other arm. I have never had zero soreness before from any vaccine…ever. I think perhaps the pharmacist gave me water not vaccine but my arm says thank you very much 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deb, you are funny: “I have days that are so dull my morning shower is a manufactured victory, but at least I smell better 😉” And there you have it, the most down-to-earth way to envision your life.

      One of the reasons I keep trying to post weekly, even if it is a manufactured victory, is because if I didn’t I’d just fade away from blogland. A little bit of commitment to being here is helpful.

      We were told by our doctor to not get both vaccines at once and so we did as told. We got the flu shot in the doctor’s office, then 2 weeks later got the Covid vaccine in the pharmacy. Now we are to get the RSV in about a month at the pharmacy. I don’t know why we were told to do it this way because everyone else seems to get the first two shots at the same time. 🤔

      Liked by 1 person

      • Yes, showing up so to speak as a blogger does reinforce that original point of starting a blog in the first place. I am just staggered a bit thinking about turning something along the lines of drivel into a post and expecting others to have any interest in reading about it…yet I persevere 🙂

        Everyone of authority around here was pushing to get all “big 3 vaccines” at the same time. I always go to the CDC for the latest updates and saw nothing that countered those recs- but chose the 2 then 1 route mostly because I wanted the flu/covid to be very active before I travel next week. The RSV was more of an afterthought both in need and now clearly in the pain level involved!

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        • I know how you feel about turning drivel into content but after all these years we do it quite well, don’t we? 😉

          I didn’t think to check with the CDC to see if the doctor’s recommendations were standard practice. I just went with her advice. I figure no harm can come from being cautious about the *when* of the shots, just as long as I/we get them.

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  14. I am a fan of “manufactured victories” and the reason being has nothing to do with Star Trek (I am a big fan) is simple. Reality, or life is harsh so I enjoy, make the most out of the littlest things because if I don’t life is going to make me cry.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. I haven’t seen Star Trek and was not familiar with the idea of manufactured victories, but I like it. I feel that I do the same–there’s not much going on, but we root around and find something worth sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Erin, you said it. You root around, you find something that might be interesting to talk about, then you go for it. ‘Tis the essence of a manufactured blogging victory.

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  16. I figure a manufactured victory fits nicely inside the fake it til you make it philosophy. Sometimes that’s the only way you can Do The Thing, and that’s okay. Sometimes you have to write down “got out of bed” in order to get the dopamine hit of crossing something off the ol’ To Do list. I am a big fan of these things, because they help me power through the times when I have no inspiration or no sense of purpose/progress. You posted, and it was authentic and thought provoking, and I think that’s a real win.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, you are so right: “Sometimes you have to write down ‘got out of bed’ in order to get the dopamine hit of crossing something off the ol’ To Do list.” I’ve even been known to add things to the list after I’ve done them in order to have the opportunity to cross them off!

      Thanks for the compliment. I did post in an authentic way and for me that is the real goal of this blog. Show up and be truthful.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I love the concept of manufactured victories and had never heard that concept before. Take today for example, I was nearly the first person to comment, but then life – the rubbish bit – got in the way and I wasn’t able to write & post my comment. Yet, here I am, still managing to make my comment before the day is out, despite the rubbish of life – and I consider that a manufactured victory.

    My mother had a real thing for Captain Kirk (and William Shatner) whereas I couldn’t abide him, but TNG was my series as I loved Jean-Luc Picard (and Patrick Stewart). He was where one of my favourite terms “bald but sexy” originated 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, your example is a perfect example of a manufactured victory a la blogging. Thanks for reading and taking the opportunity to comment when time permitted. The rubbish of life, we all deal with it.

      I didn’t think much of Kirk in the original TV series but I like him [Chris Pine] in the prequel movies. Sir Pat is easy to like, I get your attraction to him.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Oooh, I may put aside my natural inclination to avoid all things Kirk and give the prequels a go. I love Sir Pat and his great friendship with Sir Ian (McKellen), they’re such a hoot.

        Liked by 1 person

        • The movies are peppier than the TV series with a lot of background about the main characters, how they met, what they did. The movies are humorous, like Pat & Ian in real life.

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  18. I am not opposed to manufactured victories, at all. 🙂
    I cannot think, off the bat, if I’ve written about any of my own.
    I love Star Trek. I started with The Next Generation (Will always hold a special place in my heart); I loved Voyager, even though I had to get used to Janeway’s voice, which bugs the hell out of me; I enjoyed DS9 – not my favourite, but still enjoyed; I loved Picard; and I am just now, watching Discovery and really liking it. I still have to catch up on the few I somehow bypassed (Thank you Disney+ for making them available!)

    As for my part of the Galaxy, I’m getting really tired. Between the last blast of the tourism season, in which I work, and my crazy desire (thanks to my son who really wanted to do this with me) to do so much canning, I am running out of gas. I cannot wait for November 1, tell you what!!

    I’ve not been able to blog, nor go for long walks, camera in hand, to my heart’s content. At all. Time to change, please!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dale, I agree that Will Riker was a hunk, even if Picard was the center of TNG. I watched about half of Voyager, but lost interest in the plot line. I wanted them to get home, of course… but a little more quickly please.

      I’ve not seen Discovery, we don’t have Disney+ but it’ll show up elsewhere eventually.

      I understand why you’re tired. You’ve been doing a lot of pragmatic things, whilst longing to goof off. I have times in my life like that, then it all calms down and I’m back to doing what pleases me. Like writing manufactured victory posts. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Well, I don’t remember ever watching an episode of Star Trek (although of course I could pick Captain Kirk and the pointy-eared one out of a lineup). Beyond that, I’ve never heard the phrase ‘manufactured victory’ in any context. I’m not sure I’d even know how to write one, but that’s probably a lack on my part. As for galactic happenings, there are a few: hummingbirds are gone, osprey have arrived, and the goldenrod finally has begun to bloom. Even better, it started raining a nice, gentle rain about 4:30, and the radar made clear it was going to last for a while. I turned off the alarm, and slept until 7:30 for the first time in forever. It’s a good day in the galaxy!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, my mother always referred to Spock as the pointy-eared one, too. Made me smile with that reference.

      Your good day in your galaxy sounds delightful. I’m glad you are getting the kind of rain that helps, doesn’t disrupt. Our hummers are gone now, too. The goldenrod is a memory at this point. Enjoy your day, oh well-rested one.

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  20. I love the concept! There are times in life where just showing up is a victory. I haven’t written a ‘manufactered victory’ on my blog yet, but you’ve given me inspiration to do so. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Annie, I am firmly of the belief that showing up when you really have nothing to say, and then sharing that you have nothing to say, is a valid way to write a blog post. But then again, of course I would believe this. 🙄

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  21. I’m a huge ST fan although I never got into DS9 mainly because I can’t stand Ferengis. My favorites are TNG and SNW. I do love the concept of manufactured victories and celebrate them every day. The other day I forgot to put water in the reservoir of my coffee machine, so I was puzzled about why it wasn’t working. Now, when I hear the coffee brew, I celebrate that. Life truly is about the small pleasures!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, the Ferengis mellowed out by the end of DS9 but I take your point. I’m smiling here because Zen-Den did the same thing that you did. He forgot to put the water in the reservoir, thought “oh no the machine is broken” then realized it was human error. He now mentions how great it is when the coffee maker works. A small pleasure, for certain. ☕️

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  22. I’m all for manufactured victories – they make life more pleasant. And I enjoy reading them in a blog post! Sometimes, they produce some great writing.
    I’m a fan of Star Trek, so this post was awesome!!

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  23. It’s funny what first comes to mind when reading a post, but my mind quickly went to times when I’ve manufactured wins. Things that seemed like disappointments at the time became valuable life lessons.

    Since retirement, I’ve become somewhat of a gym rat. I get both a physical and mental boost from it. Still, there are days when I’m just not feeling it. Then, I think about someday being a grandparent (our son got married this summer, and I’m hoping for grandchildren) and wanting to be active and fun for my future grandchildren. It usually works to get me there. I still may not have had a great workout that day, but I count those days as wins when I have the mental discipline to follow through.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Pete, you’re right. The disappointments can become lessons so they’re manufactured wins.

      I’d say your example of going to the gym, regardless of the actual effort you put into your workout, is a manufactured victory. We tell kids to take small steps forward, and to me that is what a manufactured victory is. I’m not denying reality, I’m just getting on with things slowly. And then I celebrate.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I haven’t seen that episode, but your description reminded me of many Ted Lasso episodes. The brilliance of that show is how he finds joy and reasons to celebrate in the smallest things… and shares that philosophy with others. I don’t have a weekly blogging schedule… actually no set schedule at all… but every time I hit “post” and send my words out into the blogosphere, it is a bit of a victory -manufactured or not. I want to live a life with more celebrations than regrets.

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    • Janis, I’ve not seen Ted Lasso but when it becomes available on one of our streaming services I’ll look for it. His philosophy sounds like something I’d be all for.

      My only blogging schedule [word used loosely] is to show up weekly– sometimes every other week. I don’t have an editorial calendar, nor do I follow prompts so I am a free spirit about my topics. Like you when I hit publish it is a manufactured victory– that I celebrate.

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  26. Great post today Ally. In my view, any victory whether real, imagined or manufactured, is a win. As with beauty, a victory is in the eye of the beholder. I’ve been a trekky since the the first episode of the original series. While I love all of the movies and different series the campiness of the original cast/crew of the Enterprise hold a special place in my heart.

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    • Johnny2Toes, excellent point about victories being victories regardless of how we describe them. I know many people were instantly smitten with Star Trek when it first showed up on TV. My dad was. The original series is fun to watch now within the context of the rest. What it started is amazing.

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  27. Manufactured victory – I love the term! I think I have one at least every day. Last place in a group game of cards; almost always losing the evening game of pool with my hubby; the list goes on. Just showing up is a victory.

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  28. I love this! Proof that you can learn a lot by watching Star Trek. Captain Piccard and Crew (Next Generation) are my favourite episodes. Nothing wrong with manufactured victories if they serve a purpose and make you feel good.

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    • Darlene, hear, hear! You summed it up perfectly: “Nothing wrong with manufactured victories if they serve a purpose and make you feel good.”

      Many commenters have said they like TNG best. It was good and brought more depth to the series than the first show did. I get that.

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  29. I was a fan of the old school, cheesy Star Trek. The one where the boulders were clearly fake on all the landscapes. I’d watch the reruns on Saturday afternoon.

    I’m trying to think of a manufactured victory of a blogpost. Maybe the old memes, where you pick this or that?

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    • Bijoux, I’d forgotten about the fake boulders. And the ridiculous make-up on the aliens. It was a campy delight.

      Good point about posts that are all memes, randomly tossed out there. I’ve done a few of those over the years.

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  30. Whenever we can find a way to celebrate, why the heck not?! So that’s a win for you and a win for me and a win for everyone! Break out the (oh, damn! what are those drinks I like called? You know, they have muddled mint and rum and simple syrup!) I guess I know what I’m having for lunch, just so I can figure out the name of that stupid drink I like so much. It’s been a while since I’ve celebrated! So, let the good times roll, Ally! Mona

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  31. I prefer the first 2 seasons of the original series. The Art of M is ending in December but I will be relaunching a new blog in 2024. Half written/half illustrated memoir

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  32. manufactured victories are a real thing (ie john wooden). i’m not sure i’ve manufactured any victories on my blog, but i’ve most definitely “phoned it in” with a blog post every now and again.

    i love sci-fi and star trek (doesn’t matter what series). and my big news today is that i got a haircut (a manufactured victory!).

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    • ren, I’m smiling about phoning it into your blog. That is a specialized version of a blog manufactured victory!

      Yay about getting a haircut. You gotta take your victories where you find them.

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  33. Not a Trekkie at all, but I did watch the old “beam me up Scottie” era. Hm.. manufactured victory. I believe I’ve done that – when teaching nurses the specialty of orthopedic trauma. I would take any small win and feel like I was making headway (not everyone loves equipment). As to pertaining to finding stuff to write, it never seems to be an issue inside my head.

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  34. I was a Star Trek fan as a kid as in the original series where you could see the zipper up the back of the outer space creatures. As for manufactured success, I think writing a blog post and hitting publish is a success, manufactured or not.

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  35. What a post and look at all the comments!!

    “If you write a personal blog, have you written a few manufactured victories along the way?”

    Yep, almost all of them, especially during lock-down.

    “Are you a fan of Star Trek, yes or no? If yes, which TV series is your favorite? And why?”

    Didn’t watch it until I got married to one – fond of the original. Series was so ahead of its time, filled with memorable quotes and visuals.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Tracey, I know! The comments on this blog are amazing and wonderful and so much fun.

      Excellent point about posting to a personal blog during the lockdown. Many of my posts were manufactured victories, too.

      The original series is/was ahead of its time when it came to themes and stories and thinking outside the box [universe?].

      Like

  36. Hi, Ally – Who wants to be ‘a prolific articulate blogger living a fabulous life full of amazing details and drama’ when you have a gazilion people reading your blog and 300 of those readers faithfully commenting on each post? And that (which you have) is no manufactured victory! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    • Donna, oh what a sweet way to look at this situation. I hadn’t considered that, focusing on my own lack of content as I was, yet you make good point. People love to comment here and I love people for it.

      Liked by 1 person

  37. I like the idea of manufactured victory. Sometimes we just have to do our best, and call it a win, and that’s exactly what they’re talking about.

    I am a Star Trek fan. I love all iterations, but my favorite might be the most recent season of Picard, which was really good.

    Liked by 1 person

    • J, yes you said it: “do our best, and call it a win, and that’s exactly what they’re talking about.” I liked this episode, feeling it hit upon something universal to human nature.

      I’ve not seen Picard but have read reviews of it. Amazing how Star Trek can keep going, finding new storylines, weaving old and new characters together. There’s a sense of continuity and a sense of freshness in each series.

      Like

      • Ally, my husband is more a fan than I am. I think there were 3 seasons of Picard, and the first 2 were OK. The third season, they got a lot of the actors from Next Generation (plus at least one from Voyager) and that was really fun.

        Liked by 1 person

  38. I mostly share photos from my life along with small bits of personal comments, thoughts, and information. I enjoy Star Trek, although I’m not a rabid fan, and I’ve really only seen the old, original ones. 🙂

    This bit sparked some thoughts: “However the DS9 team decides to call the experience a win because, from their point of view, showing up together and trying was a victory. The Vulcans balk at the idea that the DS9 team could call their defeat a success, telling them theirs is merely a “manufactured victory”— to which the undaunted team joyfully agrees and keeps on celebrating.”

    It reminds me of how these days people want to have no winners or losers, give awards to everyone, etc. I’m not saying it’s not good to try, even if you don’t win, or that everyone shouldn’t, at some level, get a chance to play. But when you get out in the real world, certainly in sports but also in many job situations, there are winners and losers. Obviously losing in those contexts doesn’t make you a bad person or without talents. But there is competition in life so it’s not a bad thing to experience it at a less intense level first.

    One thought I always liked was that you’re better at something than every other person and every other person is better than you at something. I recently heard that the “in” thing now (at least to some) is to give “feedforward” rather than “feedback” because people think feedback will be negative. Sigh.

    Anyway, random thoughts and reactions, Ally. Thanks for another thought-provoking post. As for what’s happening in my life, a recent weekend visit to California for grandson-daughter time and having the house that was my parents’ being remodeled is keeping me busy.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janet, I like Star Trek in the same way that you do. I’m not a rabid fan but enjoy the series that I like. No more than that. A distraction.

      I take your point about how competition is a reality in our lives and you have to realize you will lose sometimes. Not everyone can deal with that, I guess. I didn’t know about “feedforward” and doesn’t that sound like a contrived word? Wonder if people say the same things as when they give feedback, just spinning their words and referring to them with a different jargon.

      I agree with your saying that in essence says everyone is good at something, so respect them and yourself. This makes sense to me.

      You sound very busy between the grandchildren and the house project. Good to have things to do.

      Like

  39. Hmm – I have to admit that the lingo of manufactured victories was something new for me Ally and I am sure I am in the minority when I tell you that I have never seen one episode of Star Trek. I’ve never even seen any of the Star Wars movies. I know that makes me an oddity, but it also means that I don’t always “get” the jokes or memes that Trekkies “get” so I guess I will have to brush up on my vintage pop culture. 🙂 As to the blog, I’m happy to have reached year #10 writing about walking and whatnot … in fact, maybe when I’m much older and not walking as much, I’ll change the blog title “Walking and Whatnot” – it will give me more flexibility.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, not one episode of Star Trek! You aren’t alone, a couple of other people have said the same thing. I’m far from a Star Trek groupie, but do have my favorite series and characters. As for Star Wars, not into it at all.

      I like your proposed new blog title. It’d allow you to gracefully escape your niche while still encouraging you to write about what you love. Blogging is what you make of it, so change whatever you want whenever you want.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I did figure I might be an oddity Ally for both Star Trek and Star Wars. It’s nice to know not everyone is into Star Wars.

        I figure it might be a fun change to rebrand the blog and me down the road – climate change or advancing age may cause a change, though I hope neither happens for a long time.

        Liked by 1 person

  40. Showing up together and trying is definitely a victory. It reminds me of our writers’ group. We aren’t writing quite as much as we used to, but every two weeks or so the four of us show up with something (almost every time), and we’re happy to see each other, even when it’s only on Zoom, and we support and encourage each other. Quite a victory. And this has been going on for about fifteen years.

    I watched Star Trek faithfully back in the old, old days with Capt. Kirk, etc. I lost contact when we were overseas and never got back into it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicki, yours is a good example of a manufactured victory. Your writers’ group sounds perfect, not pushy, more like consistently encouraging. You’re fortunate to have these people in your life.

      Many commenters watched the original but never picked up on the subsequent series. Each series is different, so it really is a matter of finding one that floats your boat– or spaceship I guess.

      Like

  42. The lines from Star Trek are iconic. The words, ‘Manufactured Victory’ is no less so. Although calling a loss a victory has a nasty pallor to it atm in current affairs. Uh hmm… Nevertheless, I do admire your writing Ally. Even when you feel like you have nothing to say, you say a lot! And that is a blogging Victory!
    I Love Star Trek originals – there is nothing like them. It’s one of those TV shows you can watch over and over again and never tire of watching. The nuances, relationship dynamics, iconic lines like, they need to the many outweigh this was not needs the few – well ok that was from a movie not the original series). It has to rate as one of the best scripts.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Amanda, you’re right, so many lines and characters from Star Trek are iconic. Everyone knows them, even if they profess to not know anything about Star Trek.

      I hadn’t thought of manufactured victory in the context of last weekend’s Hamas attack on Israel, but I suppose the terrorists consider their evil attack to be a manufactured victory.

      I haven’t seen the original series in years. If it is available via a streaming service it’s not one we have. Many commenters have said they like the “Kirk” one the best.

      Like

    • Judy, you said it. A topic has to grab me before I’ll write about it. I’m busy enough doing things, but I don’t want to bore people by writing about the daily ho-hum of my life. I know many bloggers, younger ones in particular, are good at listing all that they do, assuming people care, making it interesting, but that’s not me. Dan is funny.

      Liked by 1 person

  44. I’m not much on any of the Treks, and am surprised there was an episode somewhere along the way featuring them playing baseball. I’ve felt like I’ve been manufacturing victories for a while now on the blogging side, and could probably be outright accused of mailing it in at times as my interests have been elsewhere lately…. but I try not to completely abandon my virtual outposts, particularly one I’ve camped on for over a decade now.

    Liked by 1 person

    • evilsquirrel13, this episode stayed with me because it was funny to see the DS9 bunch bicker, as they do, but because of the ending with the outrage Vulcans. I mean, who doesn’t like to upset uptight Vulcans?

      I understand how blogging can get to a point where it takes a backseat in your life. It’s fun, but writing takes time and effort no matter how you do it. I’m with you in that I wouldn’t want to completely abandon any inroads I’ve made in the virtual world, one that in some ways now seems more real than the real world. 🤔

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  45. I concur, your post was a darned good manufactured victory. And I had to look up “tetchy” because I’ve never encountered that word before. I asked my husband and he had never heard of it either. So thanks for teaching us something new today!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Barbara, thanks for your encouragement. I wanted to talk about something more consequential but if nothing is happening… then there’s nothing to write about. Happy to have introduced you to a new word. I do what I can here at The Spectacled Bean. 🤓

      Liked by 1 person

  46. I think manufactured victories are very similar to moral victories, where the object was not to win but to actually try real hard. (Of course, a win is nice, too.)

    The one manufactured victory that I wrote was what I called my “coming out” post, where I revealed that I had been writing a blog to my family and other people I knew on Facebook. It met with yawns, but at least I announced it.

    Never was a Star Trek fan, and in fact fail to see the attraction. Sorry.

    As for what’s happening at my end of the galaxy, Reader’s Digst version: we have a lot of water damage that we were unaware of, and we’re going to have to deal with that before any of the other improvement-type projects can proceed. Apparently they’re going to have to tear out walls and cure any mold issues. That starts Monday, and we’re hoping insurance covers a lot of it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • John, I’d forgotten about the term ‘moral victories’ and you’re right that’s what this DS9 story was about. Star Trek either hits with you or not.

      My experience with blogging and people in real life mirrors yours. I mention I write a blog, they look at me like I’ve confirmed their worst fears about me, then ignore what I write. Rude much?

      Your water damage problem sounds like a nightmare and I’m sorry to read about it. I hope your experiences while having the problem fixed are positive and happen quickly. Nothing worse than dawdling mid-project, for weeks, seething all the time.

      Liked by 1 person

  47. Many of my posts could be considered manufactured victories, Ally. Like you, I often begin the week without a clue of what I will write about. Then the tiniest catalyst presents itself and I’m off and running. 600-odd words later I give the keyboard a rest and wonder, “Where did THAT come from?” Honestly, it’s an adventurous aspect of blogging I really enjoy. Your post is the perfect example of this brand of spontaneity.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dave, you’ve said it perfectly. I agree that it’s the “adventurous aspect of blogging I really enjoy.” I like showing up regularly but not locking into any one topic beforehand. Spontaneity, that’s the draw of blogging for me, too.

      Like

  48. I’ve never really watched an episode of Star Trek, but my dad used to watch it when I was growing up, so I may have watched an episode or two while I was in the room with him and forgotten about it. I have to say that I like the idea of a manufactured victory, as you explained it from the show. In that case, I think I’ve had several manufactured victories in my lifetime. For example, writing a book, having it rejected, not having it published, but becoming a better writer as a result of a friend helping me with the book writing process. 🖤

    Like

    • Kari, my dad liked Star Trek, too. That’s who got me watching the shows, but I’ve never become a hardcore fan. Just kind of like them.

      Your example of writing your book is perfectly in line with manufactured victories. You put in the work, learned along the way, but still didn’t get what you were aiming for. It seems to me you can either fret about it [which you haven’t] or shrug your shoulders and say “oh well” [which you have] then move along the pike.

      Liked by 1 person

  49. Because I have set myself a challenge of writing every single stupid day on my personal blog (and on a pre-determined theme at that!), almost every day is a manufactured victory. I have done it and there may be a handful of really good posts in there, but most of them are not awesome. Eh. I do not have an exciting life and trying to pretend that I do online would be exhausting. But I have written every day for almost a year! There’s some celebration in that.

    Like

    • NGS, I agree that you should celebrate your daily writing accomplishment. Once upon a time I was a daily blogger and I published many manufactured victories. I know how tiring it can be to show up every stinking day.

      I also think you’ve nailed it in reference to having an exiting life: “trying to pretend that I do online would be exhausting.” I feel the same way and sometimes wonder about the people who present themselves as such. I’m worn out just reading about all they do! 😳

      Like

    • Engee, you posting EVERY DAY and sometimes more than once on a predetermined theme has been amazing. There were times, YEARS ago, when I posted every day, and I liked it, but I had more to say back then than I do now. I guess because once you’ve said something a few times regarding similar circumstances, you feel like it’s been said, right? Anyway, I admire your dedication.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Well said, J. I feel the same way. As a blogger I’ve said so much before, many times, that I don’t have the need to say it again. Yet I realize I have new readers all the time who don’t know that I’ve talked about something before.

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  50. I believe that there are a good amount of people living their lives through manufactured victories. You gotta do, what you gotta do. Right?

    I’ve never been a Trekkie, but I can see why many people are attracted to the series/stories. Not a ton of new stuff in my galaxy, just trying to keep myself afloat, but not out of the galaxy entirely. 😳😜

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suz, you are right, of course. There’s nothing wrong with manufactured victories as long as you keep reality in mind, too.

      Star Trek isn’t for everyone, nor should it be. I like what I’ve seen but I’ve not seen it all. Yes, please stay tethered to your galaxy, don’t float away. We like you here. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  51. I started my blog with the intention of writing just about middle age, but all these years later, I tend to just write about whatever happens to be going in in my life. It’s not what I envisioned, but it’s what seems to work for me!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ann, like you I started blogging with a specific purpose [interior design + gardening], too– but now just show up and talk about whatever. I like the spontaneity of it even if I don’t always feel like I know what to say.

      Liked by 1 person

  52. I guess I count manufactured victories as the times when I have so much to write about, but I’m not ready to share or I don’t have time to share the ‘latest’. I still manage to dig something up to chat about. My recent blog posts are just that – I haven’t had the time to take a deep dive into what is ACTUALLY happening, so I’m sharing other stuff that has happened, but that might have slipped through the cracks. The real deal will be shared soon . . . at least, I think it will. We are hosting what might turn out to be a very soggy tailgate this weekend at Mini’s school. I’m hoping after I dry off, I might have more time to ‘splain what’s up.

    My brothers were into Star Trek. I never cared for it. I’m not a big sci-fi fan in general.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ernie, you’ve explained it well. I also don’t always talk about what is currently going on until I’ve had time to process it privately. It sounds like you do the same things.

      I hope your tailgate isn’t soggy, but there’s not much you can do about that. Just deal with it.

      I know some people don’t like Star Trek. I like it but that doesn’t mean anyone else has to. It’s sci-fi, but with heart. My take on it

      Like

  55. Oh, manufactured victories are absolutely a thing. Participation trophies, kindergarten “graduation,” unnecessary blockbuster sequels — they’re all perfect examples. As far as my blog goes, I write when the mood strikes. Sometimes I’ll go a week between posts, sometimes two days. In that sense, those victories are earned.

    I’m a casual Star Trek fan. Really enjoyed TNG and most of the movies, but not enough to get super excited whenever a new one comes out.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mark, I thought about participation trophies when I wrote this, too. There’s a connection between them and manufactured victories. I see it, but don’t worry about it.

      When it comes to blogging I need the accountability that comes from saying I’ll be here weekly, so I try. Hence a post like this one.

      I watch the Star Trek TV shows but never in any order, just if one happens to be available and I’m in the mood. I like the idea of being a Trekkie more than being one.

      Liked by 1 person

  56. I don’t agree with the Vulcans that the DS9 crew had manufactured their victory. They were victorious in their sportsmanship. They didn’t begrudge the Vulcans their win, but the DS9 team had fun and experienced healthy camaraderie by showing up and playing together. Just like so many writers say the most important part of writing is “showing up.” In fact, my yoga instructors often say the same thing. Even if you spend the whole class in savasana (corpse pose), you should still pat yourself on the back for showing up.

    Given how I’m defining manufactured victories, I’d have to say all of my posts are manufactured victories 😉

    I loved Star Trek: The Next Generation. The original Star Trek rubbed me in all the wrong ways. Even as a kid, I could see how sexist (and often lecherous) Captain Kirk was. But since Captain Picard, I haven’t been able to rally around the succeeding series of Star Trek.

    My part of the galaxy is pretty quiet right now and I’m grateful for that 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marie, I like your analysis of what a manufactured victory truly means. Now that you mention it I remember a yoga teacher saying the same thing as yours, that showing up regardless of what you do during class was okay.

      I’m laughing about your posts being manufactured wins. There’s a certain joy to that idea. Kirk was lecherous, that’s true. And the original series was so campy that when TNG came along it seemed inspired.

      A quiet galaxy is a happy one in my estimation. Enjoy it!

      Liked by 1 person

  57. Perhaps I need to work on the manufactured victories, particularly when it comes to blogging. I remember advice from years ago to make a list and to include things like “make a list” on your list that you can cross off easily; it helps you see yourself as successful and encourages you to keep working on your list.

    Liked by 1 person

  58. Thanks for making me smile Ally, enjoyed this one, a good reminder that our victories are what we make them! I totally think they’re subjective, if we’ve learned something (or shown up to write a blog post when that was the goal), then it’s a win! I wouldn’t let those Vulcans get me down. I loved Star Trek as a kid, my favourite was the next generation, I can still remember the Captain’s log opening word for word!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rae Cod, well said. I like how you think: our victories are what we make them! I know I’ve learned from my manufactured victories, so the heck with the Vulcans. I liked TNG too. Of all the series it’s the one that had characters who were easy to understand and memorable plots. I often hear Picard saying “make it so” in my mind.

      Like

  60. I quite enjoyed your recreation of the Star Trek baseball episode in connection with your own manufactured victory. Perfect!

    I didn’t have much going on this week either, so my blog pertained to recent reading. As for next week, what to manufacture? 🤷‍♀️ I’m finishing another book now and watching an abundance of HGTV. Fascinating, I know.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Crystal, somehow whenever there’s nothing much to talk about here I think of that episode of Star Trek. It resonated with me.

      I understand and like your fascinating life. Sounds about like mine right now. Enjoy!

      Liked by 1 person

  61. I love how you transferred this to blogging… I am not a Star Wars fan (which doesn’t mean I have watched some of the movies, but I still don’t get the story/details straight, so I don’t remember that particular story)… but I can definitely attest that I have had manufactured victories in blogging, because in all truth, not every week provides earthshattering blog fodder. I still enjoy your showing up here 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • San, that story drifts into my mind every so often, usually when blog fodder isn’t to be found. So this time instead of thinking about it, I wrote about it. I figure it’s okay to manufacture a few victories every so often. Thanks for your kind comment.

      Like

    • KDKH, I know how you feel. I know almost nothing about popular music, so when conversations about that topic happen I’m lost. But as a child I watched Star Trek with my dad so I got into it early. Still I don’t know that much about it…

      Liked by 2 people

      • I read all my science fiction, I’m afraid. Now, that includes audio books. I was always working, going to college /law school, working, and raising 4 children, many at the same time. I never had the money or time for movies or TV. Now, I just don’t have the inclination. I’m glad you have fond memories of sharing Star Trek with your dad. That sounds wholesome and happy.

        Liked by 2 people

        • I can see how watching TV wasn’t a priority for you. I don’t watch much of it, truth be told. Just every so often a bit of a storyline, or a quote, pops into my head. The same thing happens with books too.

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  64. SO, MY LITTLE SPACE CADETS, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF MANUFACTURED VICTORIES? I think using it for a blog post was a clever connection you made with blogging efforts, so YES MVs happen!
    IF YOU WRITE A PERSONAL BLOG, HAVE YOUR WRITTEN A FEW MANUFACTURED VICTORIES ALONG THE WAY? Yes, my garden shoes came alive. 😉
    ARE YOU A FAN OF STAR TREK, YES OR NO? Yes IF YES, WHICH TV SERIES IS YOUR FAVORITE? AND WHY? I wasn’t as much into the newer ones as I was with the original series. I was fascinated with the transporter and the clothes they wore. I’ve never worn a skirt that short in my life though, so I guess I wasn’t that inspired by the fashions. 🤣
    ANYTHING NEW HAPPENING IN YOUR PART OF THE GALAXY? I’m kind of wishing I had an Earl sitting next to my lonely (adorable) pumpkin.

    Liked by 2 people

  65. Shelley, love your answers. Thanks for your support about Manufactured Victories. We do what we can when it comes to blogging. Your garden shoes are meant to be blogged about, obviously.

    I watched the original series with my dad and I adored the idea of the transporter, too. Just get me there, what kid didn’t want things to happen fast? I never thought about how fashionable some of the outfits were supposed to be. Those dresses/uniforms would never have passed with my mother.

    I’m sure there are many Earls out there in the world, ready for you to buy one, so that your [not rotten] pumpkin has a companion. 💀 + 🎃 = ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  66. Interesting blog here Ally. Honestly, I am not a Star Trek fan and I usually think Star Trek is too fictional and animated. My favorite series are suits because I love to dress sharp in a suit👔👑

    It was my first time reading about Manufactured Victories🙌

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mthobisi Magagula, not everyone gets into Star Trek and that’s okay. It’s definitely fictional– and then some! I’ve never seen Suits but I hear good things about it. Maybe someday I’ll see it, but doubt that I’ll ever wear a suit again. Once freed from that constraint I’m not going back, but you carry on sharp-dressed man. 🎶

      Liked by 1 person

  67. I celebrate manufactured victories!! And I celebrate bloggers 😄😄😄👏👏👏
    It’s funny that mentioned DS9. That was my brother’s favorite Star Trek series. I was more of a Next Gen fan. 😄

    Liked by 1 person

  68. I think that you do have to actually win. Otherwise when they practice war games they might be tempted to let the losing side make strategy in a real war. Although I suppose that publishing a novel that doesn’t sell is a manufactured victory if you buy for yourself one paper copy and burn it to keep a poor orphaned child at a campfire warm.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Charles, so you’re on the Vulcan team! Live long and prosper. A few others have said similar about the need to focus on winning, like losing is always a bad thing. I dunno. When you are so inclined you can learn from any experience, be it win or lose.

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      • I think with strip poker it’s all in the eye of the beholder. I think in a few episodes Mr. Spock lost his Vulcan control of emotions. Maybe it was like Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde except it was Mr. Spock and Dr. Spock the baby doctor.

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