Published 24 February 200924 February 2009 · Main Posts Judging Ruddism Jeff Sparrow Mark from LP invited me to judge the thread running there on two-word definitions of Ruddism. It’s a spin-off from a competition we ran to promote Bob Ellis’s essay ‘Muscular Timidity’ and his upcoming Melbourne presentation (2 April at the State Library) for the launch of Overland 194. Anyway, the LPers are a very industrious crew, and below is a hastily compiled short-list: ‘pointless hyperactivity’ ‘aspirational regression’ ‘diet Howard’ ‘bold banality’ ‘meagre beaver’ ‘apologise, forget’ ‘frenzied inaction’ ‘earnest catchphrase’ ‘ruthless equivocation’ Winner announced soon. Jeff Sparrow Jeff Sparrow is a writer, editor, broadcaster and Walkley award-winning journalist. He is a former columnist for Guardian Australia, a former Breakfaster at radio station 3RRR, and a past editor of Overland. His most recent book is a collaboration with Sam Wallman called Twelve Rules for Strife (Scribe). He works at the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne. More by Jeff Sparrow › Overland is a not-for-profit magazine with a proud history of supporting writers, and publishing ideas and voices often excluded from other places. If you like this piece, or support Overland’s work in general, please subscribe or donate. Related articles & Essays 8 May 202611 May 2026 · Nakata Brophy Prize The 2026 Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers (Poetry) Editorial Team Please follow this link to enter the prize. Sponsored by Trinity College at the University of Melbourne and supporters, the Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers, established in 2014 […] 6 May 20266 May 2026 · Main Posts Join the Overland Board Editorial Team Overland is looking for a Treasurer to join the board. If you care about literary culture, have governance experience and a head for finance, please consider applying. Expressions of Interest […]
