Atlanta Nights/Publish America and the Song Poem Industry have had me thinking a lot about talent and its importance in our American culture. And mainly, what I've been thinking is: it isn't. And, lest you think I'm going to use that as a launchpad for a long rant, let me surprise you by saying I think that's a good thing.

Yes, talent is something we all admire, something we hold up as a grand standard. I recognize and admire talent--somewhat jealously, at that--when I read a short story by George Saunders, or listen to a song by the Pixies, or watch a film by Errol Morris. These people, and many more, have built their careers around talent.

But how to explain people such as American Idol also-ran William Hung or American Movie subject Mark Borchardt? They've achieved a measure of notoriety and success, and yet I'm quite sure neither of them has been called "brilliant" in their chosen fields. Indeed, some have called them the exact opposite.

And yet, that's what makes them special. They're so damned passionate about what they do that we as a society find ourselves in their corners. Desire and determination trump mere talent; we celebrate hope and possibility, and that includes artistic hope for people who rightfully shouldn't have any.

I find that admirable, on some level.