Why Say Anything?


I just read yet another post delving into the often asked question as to why people take the time to blog, politically or otherwise. I have seen these explorations and read their dissections before. This one was the third notable item of this ilk that I have digested in about a year's time.

The most recent one mentioned one of my large pet peeves... the criticism of having a long blogroll. The author suggests that "nobody" reads the output of everyone on their blogroll and postulates that people likely create such to enhance their individual popularity only. Perhaps that is true with some, maybe even many. But that seems not only grossly presumptive and unfair, but it also attempts to color everyone in general with a broad paint.

Sure, they exist. So what?

Idiots exist, and plenty of them, too! So should we stop meeting, socializing, developing relationships of various proportions and commiserating with people because there are plastic imitations amongst the true gems? I think not. In fact, I think it is a complaint that is hollow.

I have what has been described by some as a long blogroll. The folks that are there were selected and included carefully because of their noble views and their ability to convey them. I have felt a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment many times when someone mentions they found another that they deemed enlightening via my list. I also make every effort possible, within the same constraints of time that we all operate, to visit and see what each is up to periodically. I feel no compulsion or responsibility to visit each daily, although some I do. I also do not comment every time, whether I agree or not with the post and/or the author.

I have even removed one fairly capable writer from my list because he produced a stinging, condescending reference to anyone who might have a list of more than eight or ten sites. There are hundreds of thousands of blogs on the Internet... and each of us is to only be impressed by a handful?? I find that quite ridiculous. Furthermore, I think it is very much revealing of a major personality flaw. However, because I recognized this writer as interesting in his own way, I still visit his site and read his words on occasion for my own interest. I simply do not choose to recommend him to others.

Another common complaint about bloggers in general is their alleged chase of fame and "popularity". Sure, that is out there, too. I think anyone who reads blogs much has found it and accurately identified it. I know of one very talented blogger that outwardly admitted and lamented his quest for fame (without success to date). That one does great work and, in my opinion, simply has not been widely discovered yet. I have no contempt for him as his goals are unhidden and certainly his option.

I have no problem steering others to writers and posts I feel are worthy, either. My main motivation? It is to spread the good words when the good words are located.

Yes, there is cheap cellophane. Yes, there is generic, thinly plated chrome. Yes, there are fakers. Yes, there are lime light seekers and those with a lifelong brown nosed journey. What is new about any of this in speech, or writing or any other form of communication?

Should we recoil from it all, only because truly finding that which is really good requires the same careful sifting and standards of any other life endeavor?

Should we shun all developed trends towards camaraderie because it might be perceived as sought for our own "invalid" reasons?

We could choose to stay home when not working, speak only of essential business and refrain from fraternization of all sorts otherwise. Then we could smugly state that all our motives were pure and single tracked. Maybe folks that don't participate in discussion outside of these basic forms are right and I am wrong for what I present here... but that is not how I see it.

I simply cannot write daily. I cannot comment daily. But when I do either, I have my own standards I impose upon myself. I do this without expecting my standards to be everyone else's... and what reason could I have for believing otherwise?

I do read a post by another in its' entirety... every, single word. I also read every individual comment before I comment... if and when I comment. I have no reservations about recommending those items when I find them with substance and something significant... in fact, I go out of my way to do so. I believe strongly in giving encouragement to those who contribute their opinions, even when they sometimes run head on into my own (I'll probably tell them that, too!). I believe in being polite when it is deserved, critical when fair and trying to maintain some reasonable level of demeanor throughout.

I don't care if you are a "rock star" in the blogging world or just a nobody like me. I am interested in your mind, your views, your passion and your conviction to your principles. I am humbled by the goodwill I have found and enraged sometimes by the ignorance.

I am uninterested in fame. I never request placement on anyone's blogroll... if I am there, it was that owner's decision. Period. My blogging is unknown to almost all of my personal friends, although I am outspoken in conversational circles and my efforts here would likely surprise very few if they were aware. I am "here" to speak and be heard by only those who wish to listen. I don't solicit readers and I very rarely "trackback". I only want traffic that comes by under their own power, for their own reasons. If you don't like my material or what I have to say, please go elsewhere and don't return... it will be much simpler and enjoyable for both of us. I write for personal satisfaction and to participate in the vast din of those who care. I strive to resist writing "fluff" just for the sake of writing. I have learned to deal with my own felt need to write regularly when responsibilities interfere or I can't put it together. I am beholden to no one. I am unafraid to show human emotion and compassion. I pride myself on ever present consideration of the two most important parts of the human element... the soul and its' governing intelligence.

Communication and exchange... They simply must be the most highly valued ingredients in this fascinating, perilous time we exist in.