So here it is... An attempt to find common direction for fellow bloggers...
There has been an ongoing discussion in our local community about the purpose of our blogs. Is it to only say something deep and profound on a regular basis? Is it merely to state something that leaves itself wide open to accumulate as many comments as possible? Is this a lame attempt to accumulate comments? Or perhaps it is merely for self expression, leaving the "correct" blog entirely up to the writer... Am I asking myself a question on my own blog, not only asking myself a question, but taking the time to write it out? (sorry, carried away)
I was talking to my friend Mike and he made the point that when you're quite for a while people start expecting... That's kind of a lot of pressure to live up to the expectations of the masses.
I can also say I have deleted posts before for various reasons. I mean, what if there are expectations... So much pressure. What if someone thinks I was being really serious when I am only making a sarcastic comment.... or what if I am being serious about a heartfelt moment in my life and someone mocks me... I do want to offer encouragement to others who may take the time to read... I also want to have a good laugh sometimes...
The pressure... ahhhhhh...
So this is it... Let's hear it... Let's get it all out on the table... Once and for all... How does the blog world work for you... What is the key to a successful blog?
May we come to a conclusion rapidly as I am beginning to lose much needed sleep over this issue.
longing for resolution,
-Jason
ps
while I do look forward to the comments on this blog, I am not really distraught nor deeply troubled. I am merely looking to have a comical yet specific conversation here... thank you for your time...
14 comments:
i'm not sure either. no one reads my blog....i kind of just write it to get my thoughts down....maybe preserve an event that happened so if i ever choose to look back i an read what i was thinking. i don't really expect people to read it or make comments. it is a nice feeling to see comments on your blog though, makes you feel like someone cares. but who knows...when you figure this one out let me know.
a successful blog is only successful if it serves the purpose of why it was written
....so its all relative......if you write it to please the masses...they must be pleased haha...if you write it for another reason....you have to meet that goal.
Jay...
You're so wise... Like a tiny buddah covered with hair... (movie reference)
i agree with jay - the reason for my blogging is to just get some thoughts out and think out loud, and if other want to join in on the discussion then cool, if not, no big deal. also it is a way to stay in touch with so many people even though you dont live in close to them.
i have been burned big time by blogs in the past - it is hard to find the line between speaking your mind and being real - or being guarded and careful with words.i value authenticity so much, and it is extremely frustrating when others dont and fire you from churches because of it.
Say word for keeping up with friends that don't live close by... For example, one of my best friends lives over in Houston... hahah... Love ya man
Jason:
Way to go for posting a blog on my birthday... it's just cool to see my date of birth in written form. I always enjoy reading your blogs, as well as those posted by Mr. Ramsey and my husband. It's a great way to share life and, more often than not, humor. Good stuff!!!
I also agree with jay and jda. I write mine because it lets me get some thoughts out. Sometimes it makes people laugh. I also write because I have a coworker that seems to enjoy what I write and I feel like it's a chance to spread the gospel.
I would like the occasional comment, though my coworker comments verbally or through email or IM. Maybe it's just a desire to be heard?
When I first started my blog I thought it was about the most narcissistic (sp?) thing I could do. But then when I saw that some people enjoyed what I wrote I felt compelled to keep going. So I guess it's kind of a ministry for me too.
Keep up the good work Jason.
I'm mostly a topical blog reader. I don't really care to know what someone had for breakfast, or to see pictures of their dog in their blog. If I do care about those things, then odds are I care enough about the person to be interacting with them more than just in the blog, and I've probably already seen and heard such.
I tend to read blogs for insights into people's thoughts, or to discuss issues, or even just as an easy way of being taught something.
This is why I read the ones I do the most ... the pyromaniacs, the calvinist gadfly, the doxoblogy site, purgatorio (well, that one's just ... odd), and even scott adam's blog. He's annoying, but does at least make you think.
(And yes, I suppose I really am as "conservative" as those websites would imply)
Write what you want. Obviously, you have to use at least some discretion since once it's out there on the crazy internets, you can't really take it back. But really, if you want to write about spirituality and Jack Bauer and urinal etiquette, go for it. Last time I checked, your name's on the blog so your free to take it in the direction you want. Write because you enjoy it, not because you feel obligated to meet some person's expectations. That's what I would do at least. Truth is, your friends and the people in your community are probably gonna like it. And if they don't they'll wait until your next post. No biggie.
Thanks for taking the time to share what's in your world and what's going on in your mind.
-Davo
P.S. I know a lot of people who only post about once every two weeks for the sole reason that they wanna downplay the pressure they feel to keep posting. Less of a time commitment too.
why does everybody hate me and my blog?
Jeff,
I love you and your blog. I even care for what you had for breakfast.
There is no need to be so sensitive just b/c you have a daughter now...
Congrats man!!!
-J
In my opinion, the blog world is a place where people can use big words to sound smarter than they actually are, where you can use a lot of caps, profanity, and acronyms to act like you are bigger and badder than you actually are, or where you can post pictures of other people and claim they are of you.
Wait... Sorry... That is a chatroom, or a message board, or Xbox Live.
I like the way one commenter said that it is all relative.
I do not think that it is narcissistic to have a blog, but anyone who puts a counter on their blog obviously wants the ego boost of knowing that people are reading it, or maybe they are forced to keep track of the number of hits by the execs and the board. Maybe they have to turn the numbers in to validate the need for their job with the powers that be.
It just felt wrong posting a comment on the pictures of the baby that would make fun of Jeff. So, I decided to post it here.
The beer PSA is a good one, too.
numbers for execs = funny...
maybe gonna get me fired... but still funny...
It's your blog you post what you feel, you know all about being an artist, just do what makes you happy, cause if you can't be you, then you can't be.....happy....
or you could always just start posting about the A-Team and get blocked by your web filter and that would just solve the whole problem
Post a Comment