When you are deciding what to leave out, begin with the author.
— John McPhee
Far too many writers inject themselves into otherwise interesting pieces.
If you're one of the culprits, please, get over yourself.
We don't care that you struggled to start your piece; thought about it for days on end; wrote about the same topic in the past; wrote on a tablet; wrote with your cat in your lap; wrote while suffering anguish about the state of the world; wrote late into the night; absolutely adore your subject; absolutely loathe your subject; are uncertain you've done your subject justice; or are delighted with your final product.
We. Don't. Care.
We care about the world outside your ego.
Readers, if nothing else, are avid.
They're searching for news, opinions, and new ideas.
Your ego provides none of that.
"Let the reader have the experience. Leave judgment in the eye of the beholder. When you are deciding what to leave out, begin with the author. If you see yourself prancing around between subject and reader, get lost. Give elbow room to the creative reader."
Cut the crap.
NOTE: Here's an example of "it's all about me" writing.
NOTE: Here's an example of "it's all about me" writing.