I do say in the article that how a writer chooses to use filter words is totally up to them. And this article was about using a particular writing device to achieve a particular affect, there's no "rule" stated. I'm very much a believer that there is no "one way to write" or even a "right way to write." Each writer has to decide what best for their story. If they don't want to try anything I suggest, that's up to them. It's their call.

I never once said not to use them, I said how a writer uses them depends on what that writer is trying to achieve with their writing and how filter words affect show, don't tell. I hope I do influence new writers who feel they must follow a particular rule to be successful, and let them know that's that true. The better a writer understands how to use the tools at their disposal, the better that writer will likely be. This article simply suggests one tiny tool to help with that.

Every writer needs to do what's right for them and their story.

You are giving advice - or pretending to do so - to new writers, many of whom could be easily influenced and really end up believing that there is ONE way to write today, as you state without recognizing the limits of your own observation. Ages are never monolithic and multiple styles always operate, in spite of what narrow minded people try to impose.

Francesco, 'Rules' in writing are ever-changing. I think it goes without saying that what is popular today, will be gone tomorrow. But we're writing to sell today, right? And there's always the caveat that you can break any rule you'd like, as long as you're really good. Write on!

Most welcome. I found I used them less and less as I trained myself to edit them out after, so odds are you'll see the same. All that revising afterward will stick and you'll naturally write without them.

Thanks! I do the same thing before I edit, how funny. I have a file of notes and things to check to keep it all fresh in my head.

Thanks!