Today I was watching Fox News as I frequently do, and they had a commentary about an article USA Today posted yesterday which discussed the blogging craze. What stuck out to the author of the article was that, out of all the kinds of blogs there are out there, the ones which address politics seemed to have the most impact. I think it’s interesting that lots of the people they list are not necessarily ‘famous’ bloggers but folk who become known for a blog that MEANS something, or does something different! Not a blog that’s been around since 1998 so it’s automatically deemed great (mine’s been around since Oct 1999 but that doesn’t make it faboo-luss, just a crotchety old broad among wee babies).
Which brings me to the point of my entry.
I don’t understand the big deal with ‘the most famous bloggers’ names and websites being shoved at us fellow webloggers every which way and angle. Nor do I understand ‘blog award’ ceremonies/sites. Even one of the most celebrated weblog authors, Tom Coates has poo-pooed the idea of such competition, saying that it’s not what blogging is about. I wholeheartedly agree…not simply because I’m a blogger who is not celebrated as others are, quite the contrary. My blog is my world, my writing is mere record of my thoughts and more often than not, my own devlish entertainment and if someone else enjoys reading it, then cheers, mate! More power to ya! Thanks for reading! Otherwise I could give a shit about it some days.
You Sound Bitter….Don’t you like any of them?
Sure, there are several fellows among the lists of ‘famous’ power bloggers whose work I admire…although many blog with the intent on being or aspiring to be an independent news source because they have issues with the media or because they love it and want to be part of it. They post links and commentary–the commentary being sometimes fact, sometimes opinion–to things they hold newsworthy. They also practice self-marketing techniques in order keep bringing in readers. They toot their own horns and toot loudly. Terrific for them! I can toot too, but take me as I am, I don’t try to push the envelope. I loathe salespeople with a capital L. I’ve never tried to be one (albeit several lame attempts at getting atop The Girl Scout Cookie Sell-A-Thon hill, as a misty-eyed, scabby-kneed youth). Personally, I take on a whole different manner of blogging. Some may compare the way I blog to a ‘diary’ or online journal. Be that as it may, I’ve always found the many interpretations and definitions of blogging to be interesting at best, at worst sounding a bit like someone on a high horse “who was there” when blogging was “invented” and as such, they strongly adhere to a belief of ‘THIS is what a blog is and THAT is what a blog isn’t’, and all those who stray from THIS or THAT are NOT bloggers.
I believe my way of weblogging to be the true definition of it in my own way because it is just that. A log. On the web. A web log. Mostly a collection of my thoughts put into written word…all of which I never expect everyone to respect or agree with. My blog, in years past–has not so much evolved–but rather, changed in many ways, as I’ve come to terms with what my blog ‘is’ and ‘isn’t’.
It isn’t a source of newsworthy items, I tried that once and found I only tired of being the 4 millionth person on the internet to have commented on some such thing or other, joining in on the beating of a dead horse. It isn’t a brilliant collection of art or poetry, my heart belongs to literary work in the form of bound books–I never have been any good or very interested in writing poetry, nor do I understand or appreciate much of the liberal symbolism of art. My blog is not a widely-visited ground for public commentary (but it would be okay if it was–I don’t bite). It is not a foundry of technical tips, knitting know-how or spritiual guidance. It is not a community where other bloggers come to rest, read about their buddies or get a grasp on the ‘latest’ anything. It is not a name-dropping session (unless you are in my family, ha ha) or a place where I post he-says and she-says type of commentary…I see alot of blogs that do…although to their credit, I believe most–not all–do so to point out from whom they got a link. It is not a place where all the cool kids go to keep up on anything and certainly not a culture club.
It IS a sporadic practice in free speech. It IS a place I go to put down something funny that happened on the way to work, in line at the gas station, and whatnot. It IS something that I will keep around for posterity. It IS something I do not edit because all of a sudden I’m embarrased about what I said back in March. It IS a growing, maturing thing just like my own mind and soul (I still feel 12 sometimes). It IS something that I expect people might either read and enjoy, or read and bash. It IS my open mic night. That’s what it is. My blog’s a stage and a sanctuary all at once. A true story and yet a conundrum. It is ambiguous and at the same time unequivocal. It is easily both obscure and notable. It is not black and white but grey all over. It’s mine, and it’s just fine.
Well it’s Saturday and my apartment is a dump. What’s new?
A few things. Work has been great, it’s been a bit of a challenge to fit in, what with the current situation being a really really laid back one and me trying my best to shed my past 10 years of dealing with tortorous corporate settings complete with hardass bosses and stringent procedures.
They want to see me stay there and I want that to happen so I’m putting my best foot forward and evaluating my feelings at the same time. I get stressed easily by stuff that my coworkers tell me is ‘not worth stressing over, no big deal’ so I’m trying out methods to keep me calm at the office.
On the homefront, There’s lots going on. James and I finally agreed to disagree on many things, we have agreed on moving this Spring closer to his work but still close enough for me to get on a bus so I can still get to my job, too. Last night I hung out with my girlfriends and ate Chinese buffet (last time I do that for a loooong time). Tomorrow my mom, sis and her best friend are all getting together at mom’s new place to bake, mainly Christmas cookies, which we all later split up and share with friends and give as gifts.
And today & tonight I’m staying in and cleaning house and doing laundry like nobody’s business.
Maybe later I’ll go to the grocery store and get some cookie baking stuff together to bring to mom’s tomorrow.