True Blogger?
The other night Derek and I got into a discussion about blogging. He said that because I do not blog all of the time that I am not seen as a true blogger. I brought up the fact that I never seem to have anything to say, other than personal items that only the family will care about. He suggested that I start talking about opinions that are important to me, but my answer was very interesting.
During my life, I have always felt like the only person, besides those in my family, to hold certain opinions. I was brought up a Conservative Catholic, so you can imagine what my values and opinions are. Although I try not to judge those I am close to, my opinions have not changed significantly through the years. I have grown and become more open minded for sure, but my base beliefs will always be with me.
When I told this to Derek, he advised that if I would start to voice these beliefs I would find that more people than I realize also feel the same way. But in finding that out, I would also be beginning a debate with those who do not feel the same way about life’s issues. I am not the type of person who enjoys arguing with people. I always come away feeling as if they are upset with me and even if I don’t know them, why would I purposely want to piss people off?
Perhaps I am overly sensitive and emotional or had too much of arguing when I was growing up, but that is not what I want to do. I do understand that not everyone will always agree with what I have to say and I certainly do not agree with what others have to say all of the time either. I would rather be pleasant with everyone than bring up subjects that might upset them.
So in saying this I am worrying now that someone might be reading this thinking I am putting blogging or debating down. I personally think that blogging is what you make of it, so I think that when I do get the time to say something, no matter what it is, I am participating in the blogging community.
Hi Amanda,
For about a year almost everyone kept telling me I need to get a blog going..I kept thinking nobody is going to care about what I have to say outside of housing issues..And then I started thinking about all the issues that need to be talked about and I started to blog in late August..What I find is exactly what Derek said to you..Many people feel the same way about the same things you do..most dont talk about them and people are interested in your opinions especially if you know them and lets face it..we have alot of friends:)
I love writing on my blog now because almost everyday I am connecting with people..many of whom email me instead of leaving comments and I have learned many things from many people because I try to remain open minded also..Your opinions are important.. Derek is absolutely right..and you will be surprised how many feel the same way when you express them 🙂
If I never posted an opinion because someone would disagree with me, I probably wouldn’t be blogging at all. I’ve disagreed with many people. The key is to keep your arguments (positions) based in what you believe and backed up with as much factual or empirical evidence as possible. Some people, when disagreeing, tend to get personal. That is counterproductive and, in my opinion, discredits their position.
I think you will find that most fellow bloggers have a common goal on issues, to improve things for everyone. Different points of view are worthwhile to broaden the discussion.
I don’t have a blog, just a journal, a “cheese sandwich blog.” I post pictures of the cats, or from my phone, and sometimes share stuff about work, the house, things I’m eating, or memorable events. I don’t think I really blog because, I don’t try to write for an audience. If I was to start blogging I would want to have a theme or topic… not just write randomly like I do now. Your situation is interesting because you share a space, an audience with Derek… but there are enough friends reading that they would be supportive.
But blogging is more about community than content sometimes. Even kitty pictures can have a place in the blogosphere. The carnival of blogs idea is kind of cool and can apply to anything. There’s a weekend cat photo blog, so voila, your cat photos that you think no one would care much about are shared with a blog community.
Think about the kind of blogs you most enjoy reading. I’ve found I like the ones that have a topic or theme, but also where people share their personal lives a little too if it fits. For example, one I read is about (written by) a woman who moved Moracco and is building a guest house there. Another is mostly about the weekly food/recipe columns in the NY Times and the LA Times.
I’m thinking about having a small business/start-up blog since starting a business is a goal for 2007. I think I could share what I’m learning in a way that people would both teach me things and learn from my experience.
I guess I do fit in, in my own way. 🙂 Derek always gets upset with me because whenever I do say something it seems that I always get a response and he can blog 50 different things in a day and hear crickets. At least I know people are listening! 🙂
Everybody blogs for their own reasons. I use mine as more of a journal for my own stories and thoughts. I do it mainly as an outlet. If people read it and enjoy it, that’s fine, if not, that’s fine too.
Not upset, dear, just an observation.
I have known several people over the years who have felt the same way about arguing/discussing/debating–whatever level of rhetoric it takes–as you do.
One friend aptly quoted a song by the band Live:
“Look where all this talking’s got us, baby.”