I’m two years old as a blogger today. It’s my Blogday. My Bloggiversary*. Whatever you want to call it. A Thursday in midwinter.
For me, one of the most tedious type of post is the navel gazing ‘blogging about blogging’ variety. But it is my party and I’ll be narcissistic and self-indulgent if I want to. Truth be told, I don’t even like the word – blog. Sounds lumpy and clumsy and trivial. While certainly trivial, I don’t think the genre necessarily deserves a moniker that sounds a bit like a bodily function. Still and all, better than a ‘tweet’, I suppose.
All this faff and circumstance is designed to mask the central point – I think I might be running out of steam.
I started a blog for the sole reason of keeping my family and friends updated with photos, videos and cute stories about Boy Z. A virtual remedy for the very real distance that I’d placed between us. It served that purpose well.
Somewhere along the way, however, I decided that blogging gave me other opportunities. It afforded me a means to practice my writing – a notebook for the modern aspiring author. I wanted to branch out from my job as a lab rat into the amorphous field of scientific communication, so I started to use my blog as a sharpening stone to hone my craft. But rather than being good practice, my blog posts tend to be hastily constructed and unedited dumps.
I also discovered the therapeutic power of the media. On days where things were getting out of control, getting too much for me, I could dump everything onto the internet and get it out of my system. Then people started to read my site and I started to get a bit nervous and uncomfortable about putting so much of myself out there.
And as more people started to read, I began to become addicted to having an audience. I started watching my stats obsessively and tallying up comments as a reflection of the quality of a post. I started to write for my audience, worked out the type of post that would get me the most positive feedback. In spite of being painfully shy in a small group or one-on-one setting, I love a crowd. I love to perform. That’s why enjoy my job – lecturing is little more than a weekly performance. Lately that is what blogging has become for me.
And I don’t know what I’m doing any more.
Maggie, who I love, described blogging as “the modern writer’s bourbon in the bottom drawer”. That thought has been stuck in my head for the last couple of weeks. I’m not sure what the line meant to her, but to me it’s that dark distraction that whispers constantly, quietly “Drink me.” An easy alternative to more productive tasks, more difficult jobs that, while initially soothing, can eat away a day’s work. A golden diversion that leads to nothing except more meaningless words in the ether.
I feel like I need to pull it together – need to focus on something real. Need to write, really write. I’ve had two years of practice. It might be time to get off the proverbial pot. I guess I just don’t know what the point of this is anymore. I’m certainly never going to make a living by running a personal blog. It isn’t improving my writing. I can’t use my blog as therapy anymore and I don’t even think I’m doing a very good job at the original stated purpose of this blog.
So what’s the point?
(I was going to end this post here. Click publish and move on. But then I came up with the answer to that rhetorical question).
One thing that I haven’t considered in this barrage of pointless introspection is the relationships that blogging has opened up for me. The connections. The friendships. I guess that’s what they are.
Some of you were friends in ‘real life’. I’ve met some of you after connecting via blogging and made fast friends. I’ve ‘known’ some of you for so long that I feel like we’ve met. Some of you inspire me with your words - moving me to laughter or tears, even in the same post. Some of us are sharing a journey around the world and some of us a journey round and around (and around) our kids – the maddest among us are doing both. There are those of you with whom I share much more in common than most people know. Some of you have been kind enough to send me tones of home and some of you keep me up to date with new tunes.**
I’m still skeptical of internet relationships. Always will be. I’m not sure if the connections made through blogging are real friendships, but more and more they are starting to feel that way. So, I guess if there is a reason to keep going, these relationships – such as they are – would be it.
——————————-
*Where are my presents?
**There was no way I was going to get everyone in here. So, if I missed you out I apologize. It wasn’t intentional.
Josh Ottum’s debut album, “Like the Season” isn’t due until September. But if the debut single is any indication of what the Seattle based singer-songwriter is going to offer, then it will be worth the wait for the LP. Playful indie pop in the vein of Ben Kweller, Josh Ritter and Sufjan Stevens on his radio-frendlier days. Keep an eye out for his debut from Cheap Lullaby Records.
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by Agnes
18 Jun 2009 at 23:19
I hear ya. I get a little like that with my blog at times too. Sometimes it’s a drag, trying to think of something to post. Sometimes I’m so full of ideas I have to force myself to stagger them out and make them last. It’s always a wonderful distraction from all the boring meaningless rot I could/should be doing though. And, less so now but certainly in the beginning, I was also an obsessive stat watcher.
Like you, I often see my blog as writing practice and have also been having thoughts lately of getting off my butt and actually writing something more worthwhile. I reckon you’re right though – if you’ve found an audience and people are checking out your posts each day, then surely that’s gotta be worth something? You’re writing a blog that people obviously care about, for a variety of reasons no doubt, and I reckon that’s worthwhile, as long as you still find something worthwhile in it also.
Nice use of ‘faff’ too, that’s such a great word, and way to underused in popular speech I feel.
by Agnes
18 Jun 2009 at 23:21
I meant way ‘too’ underused. And look, my mistake netted you an extra comment! Does it count?
by maggie, dammit
18 Jun 2009 at 23:46
I know it sounds simplistic, but I think you need to take the good and leave the bad. In your case, maybe don’t post as often? Post things that you’re proud of writing-wise? Maintain the relationships? Let go of the ideas of what you think this space is supposed to be?
I quit once (as you know, because we have grown old in blog years together) and I never intended to come back. When I did, it was completely on my terms. The problem is I didn’t know what those terms were before I quit — does that make sense? I needed space and distance and a solid idea of exactly what I was doing out here, so I appreciate where you’re coming from.
I’m not helping, am I — and that’s because this has to be about YOU. That’s the only thing that will ever work. And, you? You are worth reading in any capacity, for what it’s worth.
(if you want to take this conversation offline I’d be happy to…)
maggie, dammit´s last blog ..And the wall comes crumbling down
by Rol
18 Jun 2009 at 23:57
Happy blogday. I go through these crises of blogfaith every now and then too, but then I get over it and go back to the grindstone.
Rol´s last blog ..This Book Will Save Your Life
by Gwen
19 Jun 2009 at 00:13
I really understand your perspective so much on this one. Sometimes I wonder if my blog is taking me away from more fruitful endeavors. I’ve come to the conclusion that I probably wouldn’t be writing at all if it weren’t for my blog, at least not like I used to. I guess what happened was that I got burned out from writing and not getting any feedback on that writing. Of course, my blog started out as a way for me to talk about my grief, work through it, flex my writing muscles, and, as you said, has recently turned into so much more than that. I have relationships with people, I know people that I wouldn’t otherwise know, and I’m so much better for it, I really am. You are one of those people I am so glad to “know” and I really hope that you keep blogging because I would miss you if you stopped. And that’s real.
Gwen´s last blog ..Def Leppard Saved My Life Today
by SSG
19 Jun 2009 at 00:21
ya happy bloggerday. did you get my sweets?
SSG´s last blog ..Back from blighty
by tysdaddy
19 Jun 2009 at 00:54
Hey! I got the word “a”. The first letter of the alphabet! A single word that says so much! I’m grateful . . .
Your blog is a lot like mine, aside from the expat thing; you write about whatever moves you at the time when you sit down to write.
You’ve written brilliantly about evolution, science, and spiders. You’ve taught me things, and given me a different perspective. That’s why I love coming here; I know I’ll get something that meant something to you.
I don’t get a ton of hits, but the people that visit, and stick around for any length of time, are those I’ve taken the time to get to know in some small way, and the ideas and thoughts they (you) share are always unique.
So thanks, and I hope you find the heart of this blogging thing . . .
tysdaddy´s last blog ..Scream Into the Silence
by Coal Miner's Granddaughter
19 Jun 2009 at 01:17
I have to keep telling myself that it doesn’t matter about the stats, the numbers, the amount, that it’s quality not quantity. And when my kids read Possum Magic and smile and try so hard to say kookaburra or echidna? I remember that I have a friend down under, a friend I never would have met had we not taken that first tentative step onto the Internet.
And the same holds for posting. Last year, I felt I had to post six times a week, the I owed it to my readers. And you know what? I started my blog for me, not for readers. The readers are just the icing on the cake (a very tasty, fudge chocolate icing, I might add) and that I need to blog for me and no one else. If that means I post once or twice a week? Then so be it.
Post when you can, read when you can, and let me know when you need more UGA gear for Boy Z and your soon-to-be newest addition.
Coal Miner’s Granddaughter´s last blog ..Kentucky Borderline*
by Jacob
19 Jun 2009 at 01:53
Just so you know, as a writing teacher, I can tell you that even freewriting, writing whatever comes to mind, unedited, on a regular basis actually does improve your writing. The written language is a separate language from the spoken one and practice really is practice. I found out last year that the more I wrote, the easier it was to even come up with ideas. My brain started looking for ideas where it normally wouldn’t have.
As for Internet friendships, I don’t know if they can hold as fast or be as true as friendships in person, but I think they can come close. Honestly, after moving back to my hometown, most of my real friends are internet friends most of the time. My blog and theirs have kept us closer than we would have otherwise I think.
by Gypsy
19 Jun 2009 at 03:01
You know I understand this. I think that anyone who blogs for a consistent length of time gets to the “what am I doing here anyway, I’ve run out of material” point. I used to be focused on stats and counters and all of that, but I finally just let it go. I still want readers, of course, but I’ve stopped trying to write every weekday and I’ve stopped checking my stats entirely. Haven’t checked them in months. I found that relieved me of a lot of the pressure I’d placed on myself to the point that blogging became something I do because I want to, not because I have something to prove to myself. You know?
I hope you stick around because I love coming over here and visiting with you. And that’s what it feels like: visiting with friends.
Gypsy´s last blog ..Throw me a fricken bone
by Xbox4NappyRash
19 Jun 2009 at 05:20
You made me check, I’m one whole week ‘older’ than you.
The internet friendships thing I was, am, and always will be sceptical about, but I have really made some good friends.
I also relate to your ‘what’s the point’ notion.
Well done on maintaining very high standards for such a period.
Xbox4NappyRash´s last blog ..The nuts & seeds of the matter
by heather
19 Jun 2009 at 07:39
Hey, I have been down this road too. I have even discussed it over drinks with one of the greats; here’s the thing: I appreciate your blog. It makes me smile or get upset or, well, whatever, it makes me happy to read it.
The rest is up to you, my friend. I had to give up on stats and counters and responses; I just write whatever needs to spill. My only advice is make sure you are getting what you want.
Happy anniversary.
heather´s last blog ..Soccer Chicanery and other Parenting Shenanigans
by Hezamarie
19 Jun 2009 at 07:43
Happy Blog-a-burtday, AFM!
Oh, the Blog question! I’ve been down that path once a many time -actually, just recently. Still I think I’ll stay on board, though. I’m not sure about cyber friendships but I do feel driven to keep the aspect of communication (in whatever form of mediocrity it may be) alive. I believe communication will only improve humanity and I think you blog certainly contributes to that.. er, not the mediocrity part
Hezamarie´s last blog ..lucid in Florida
by jen
19 Jun 2009 at 08:33
happy bloggiversary. i remember your blog in its former incarnation, and only recently stumbled across you again. nice to see you’re still around.
having kept a blog for 5 years now, i can relate to this – there are inevitable highs and lows. but like anything in life, the more you invest in it, the more important it becomes. for myself, i’m not convinced there has to be any bigger purpose to blogging than the innate impulse to create – after all, isn’t that one of the qualities that makes us human? and for me, that’s enough. if those words reach someone else’s heart or mind… well that’s just gravy.
hope you stick around for a while yet!
by blues
19 Jun 2009 at 08:44
Dammit. You mean there’s a chance that I might not read about your life in Aussie land soon?
Maybe you shouldn’t see it as an obligation and just start seeing it for what it is. Here when you want it, when you have something you want to dump (but actually from my persepctive it feels more like generous sharing that you’re doing, not dumping).
I’ve been going through rut after rut. I went to London last weekend and instantly started feeling like I needed to produce some kind of report on my trip, and it started feeling like a chore and I was not inspired to write a thing about it because I felt I had to describe it and it just tired me so.
I have to not feel obligation in this activity and I can’t look at my stats either cause it drives me up the wall.
But it would be a huge lie to say that the only thing I care about with this is writing and reading good stuff. I’m actually concerned about friends throughout the world and want to know what’s up in their lives – including yours.
by Nichole
19 Jun 2009 at 09:07
“Were friends,” eh? I hope you didn’t really mean anything by that. Happy blahgday. (I hate that word, too.)
Nichole´s last blog ..Harrumph.
by Mooselet
19 Jun 2009 at 10:37
I so get this – there are times I just can’t be bothered with the blog. But I get “itchy” when I ignore it too long – I’ve found it to be a good outlet. Over the years (coming up on 4 years in October) it’s gotten a little more focused but it’s mostly about, well, me and what’s going on in my life. I also find it to be a little liberating – I can say things there that I would find difficult to say out loud.
I think internet friendships are different but no less “real”, and I value the ones I’ve made through my blog or on the net.
Happy Bloggiversary, my fellow mad expat.
Mooselet´s last blog ..MST3K Distraction
by alice
19 Jun 2009 at 13:00
Happy Day! We all struggle with the content — I’ve been having a very hard time lately — but it’s a thing that ebbs and flows as other things in our lives wax and wane. You say more than most, and you do it with an incredible about of style and literacy (expecially for a scientist!). And don’t worry about your audience — we’re in the era of the RSS feed, so most of us won’t miss a post, whether they come every day or a few times a month!
alice´s last blog ..Big Gay Fundraiser: Stonewall Revisted?
by flutter
19 Jun 2009 at 13:12
Happy Blogiversary, I am really honored that you included me in this post. Thanks for you.
flutter´s last blog ..No. Effing. Whey.
by Damon
19 Jun 2009 at 14:41
AFM – Happy 2-Year Blogiversary…..I have to say that of all the blogs that I have reached out to since I entered the blogisphere about 10 months ago, yours is my favorite. I enjoy the wide variety of content…from Boy Z to science to politics to photography to life Down Under. I’m not a music fan so often times those posts go right over head, but that’s OK. Not every post can appeal to every individual.
I’m honored that you included me in your post. I do believe internet friendship is real. Just keep writing what’s on your mind. No pressure. No deadlines. Just don’t give it up.
Damon´s last blog ..The story BEHIND this dress.
by Ginny
19 Jun 2009 at 15:53
Happy Anniversary!
For what it’s worth, I kind of like the fact that you don’t have a singular purpose here. I click over, and I don’t know if I’m getting new music, or baby pictures, or an evolution/creationism debate. Where else could I possibly have all those needs met? Hmmm?
by headbang8
19 Jun 2009 at 18:32
Many thanks for your kind words, and congratulations on two years of fine writing.
Her’s why I blog. Ten-thousand hours, that’s why.
Malcolm Gladwell, of Tipping Point fame, maintains that you must practice your craft for ten thousand hours before you become a master. That’s about five years of a normal working life.
If that craft is writing short observational pieces, a blog is the ideal way to spend five years (or its part-time equivalent) productively, honing one’s skills.
HB8
P.S. If you and I are on “the same journey”, you’re in big trouble.
headbang8´s last blog ..The Einstein Memorial Turd
by Noble Savage
19 Jun 2009 at 21:10
I feel like packing it in and deleting my blog at least a couple times a year. But I never do because no matter what external pressures say blogging *should* be or *should* produce, I know what it is to me and that is only what I make of it. Instead of looking at it as preventing me from doing other things (which I’ve been doing up until recently), I am looking upon it more and more as a catalyst toward fulfilling in the gaps that modern life presents. As a work-at-home mother looking after two small children all day, it definitely provides me with a sense of community and an outlet to sort through my emotions and thoughts in a healthy way and with positive feedback instead of stewing in my own misery or uncertainty. That alone is worth more to me than all the other factors that go into blogging.
Blogging has also given me the motivation to finally realise that I CAN be a ‘real’ writer if I want to be, but that blogging is real writing too. It’s given me the confidence to start writing a book and believe that I can really do it, and do it well. I don’t think I would’ve ever gotten that boost if not for blogging. So (for me at least) blogging has had a positive influence on my life overall and while I have my dark moments where I wonder what the hell I’m doing and think it’s a huge time-suck, overall it is a good thing, I think. But if it’s not working for you anymore and there are more negative days than positive, then obviously everyone would understand if you needed to give it up. I think you have a lot to say and a unique perspective and style of writing. I’d be sad to see you go if you do.
Happy 2 year bloggiversary! Give it a bit and see how you feel.
Noble Savage´s last blog ..Is Chicago, is not Chicago*
by Joe
19 Jun 2009 at 21:38
Yay…. I’m an “and”!!! By the way, I actually felt bad about that post I recently made about a dream I may or may not have had. Thanks for the guilt trip. Happy Blogibirfdayversary!
Joe´s last blog ..Some things they don’t tell you
by Jill/Twipply Skwood
19 Jun 2009 at 22:57
I think what I finally decided (or maybe what I decided for now) is that it’s a hobby, just like any of my other hobbies. Because it IS time consuming and for that reason it sort of does have to be justified. So I try and treat it just like any of my other hobbies. That is, I have a certain amount of time I can spend on my various hobbies, and whatever time I spend blogging is time I can’t spend on the other hobbies. It’s fun and it’s relaxing and it’s creative but it could easily, easily take up all the time I would let it…
Happy two years!!!
Jill/Twipply Skwood´s last blog ..Death by Teenager
by arizaphale
20 Jun 2009 at 00:53
Yeah, whatever. Suck it up BlogBoy!
(Which roughly translated means: love your work)
arizaphale´s last blog ..Body Clocks and Bloody Cats
by April
20 Jun 2009 at 01:43
I’m by no means a serious blogger, we do it to keep in touch with long distance family and friends too. After the unpleasant kerfuffle on our blog a while back I haven’t really felt like writing anything.
As long as you have fun doing it than I say it’s worthwhile, but when it becomes a chore, it’s time to tone it down. But that’s the thing about blogs, it can be whatever you want it to be, you don’t have to post everyday (with RSS feeds, people won’t be wasting visits).
And it doesn’t get much more “real life” than CoMO.
April´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Wild-life on the beach
by mongoliangirl
20 Jun 2009 at 09:14
I love your blog, AFM. I truly do. I’m glad you’ll keep blogging and also hope you do focus and get some other writing done.
mongoliangirl´s last blog ..Reading Room
by Cat
20 Jun 2009 at 10:52
You’ve written all of my thoughts. I want to quit blogging and focus on my novel, but I sure would miss my bloggy friends.
Happy Blog Birthday!
by velocibadgergirl
20 Jun 2009 at 12:12
Happy anniversary! For what it’s worth, I hope you keep blogging.
velocibadgergirl´s last blog ..
by Susan Wanderlust
20 Jun 2009 at 13:06
Aw. Just when I discovered you.
But I understand what you mean. I’ve been blogging for five years now. Lord, FIVE years. I’ve lost steam with my first blog, which is about one specific topic. Like – what ELSE can you say about the topic? And it has gone unupdated for a long time now. But I’ve made so many friends via the first blog I’m too reluctant to let it go. I know how you feel.
Hope you continue blogging
by ZenMom
20 Jun 2009 at 14:36
Selfishly, I hope you stick around. I’ve only just started reading! But I’ve so enjoyed what I’ve seen so far.
ZenMom´s last blog ..Fathers and Suns
by Laura
21 Jun 2009 at 01:42
The sentiments you expressed are, it seems, the modern version of “why do I do this” expressed by any writer, artist or creativ person. Ultimately, for me, it’s getting my words out of the drawer and into someone’s mind without the rejection letters from any agents and publishers. All the best to you on your wordly journey.
by mjrc
21 Jun 2009 at 05:27
very clever, that last paragraph! thank you for counting me amongst your internetty friends.
i think one of the best things about blogging is that it offers you the opportunity to look back over the past couple of years of your life and see what you were thinking, how you were feeling, what you were dealing with during that time. in the olden days, people kept journals, and i think they are very valuable.
i definitely hear you about the struggle for content, the way the blog can suck time away from other things, but at the same time i still have these extremely strong urges to write–thoughts that come to me that i simply must put down–and that keeps me going at this point as well.
happy blogiversary! (i hate the word blog, too!)
by mjrc
21 Jun 2009 at 05:27
very clever, that last paragraph! thank you for counting me amongst your internetty friends.
i think one of the best things about blogging is that it offers you the opportunity to look back over the past couple of years of your life and see what you were thinking, how you were feeling, what you were dealing with during that time. in the olden days, people kept journals, and i think they are very valuable.
i definitely hear you about the struggle for content and the way the blog can suck time away from other things, but at the same time i still have these extremely strong urges to write–thoughts that come to me that i simply must put down–and that keeps me going at this point as well.
happy blogiversary! (i hate the word blog, too!)
by yellojkt
21 Jun 2009 at 06:02
Happy blogiversary!
I let my fourth pass unnoticed. You have to remember that blogging is a hobby and that the pace and detail you put into it us up to you. And you seem to be doing it very well. Hang in there.
yellojkt´s last blog ..Father’s Day Video
by NATUI
21 Jun 2009 at 10:59
To everything there is a season, eh? You blog is whatever you need it to be. And it seems a lot of your readers love the fact that it isn’t tied down to one single topic. I like Jill’s hobby comment. Sometimes you feel like a post, sometimes you don’t.
I can also understand having lofty ideals for a blog, such as increasing one’s writing skills. I wouldn’t say blogging has honed my writing skills (it doesn’t take a lot of talent to say ‘fuck’ a lot), but it sure feels nice to know a few people get my humor. In a world of overly-serious playdates and new relationships, it is nice to unleash a bit.
I guess I am saying just do what you need to do. Want to review music on week? Do it. Want to post a bit of fluff? Do it. People will take what they want and leave the rest, as they always do. You will definitely look back and see the ebb and flow of your life. It can be a good reminder of how long something has been a burden to you (like your job) and a reminder of how many hurdles you have surmounted. Either way, I am damn glad of the night WW brought me to your little corner of Oxford.
NATUI´s last blog ..Don’t Look Under the Cabbage Leaf
by Carolyn Online
21 Jun 2009 at 11:15
Can I just say that anyone who could pull off that last paragraph with all those links can’t stop blogging. It was a blogging masterpiece.
You just do what you have to do. I have a feeling when that new baby comes there will be so many stories bursting forth you may feel the need to blog just to get them out.
Carolyn Online´s last blog ..Deep South primer.
by Jessica K
21 Jun 2009 at 13:07
Wow, how long did that last paragraph take to type out?
I felt the same way about my blog a while back, but I just couldn’t delete it! Instead I just decided not to feel pressure from it anymore. I just write what I want, and I NEVER look at my stats anymore. It’s more fun just to write for the fun of writing. Anyway, I hope you don’t give it up.
Jessica K´s last blog ..Hummingbirds
by ms picket to you
21 Jun 2009 at 14:47
Firstly. I’m the “us.” Wow.
That feels so sweet, from so far away. And so very very lovely.
But really, this post speaks to me on so many levels.
For me, i started writing a blog because my husband said I should to practice writing. I thought that maybe he and maybe my mom would read it. That changed. I found people I cared about, or at least I found lives I cared about lived by people I didn’t know, and suddenly, this practice in writing became an experiment in relationships.
Sometimes, like in real life, I feel guilty about letting those relationships slide, because I can’t write as much, because I can’t read as much. Sometimes, in real life, I think writing a blog is not really writing. And just exhausting. And maybe a waste of time.
You have shared things here (like this) that are both bloggy and “real” writing. You, my dear Down Under Man, you inspire me. If you wanted to post practice chapters of a novel, I would read it.
Also: I am pretty sure if we bumped into each other with name tags on that said “freeman” and “ms picket”, we would just hug right away, clink beers, and yeah, be friends.
by admin
22 Jun 2009 at 13:25
Agnes – I’ve been working on my Australian slang. What does ‘argy bargy’ mean?
Maggie – I think I just have to get past this idea of ’success’ as a blogger. What the hell does that mean anyway?
Rol – I think that this is the best advice. Get over it.
Gwen – True. I probably wouldn’t write without the blog. I feel obligated, so I force myself to write. I have no self-discipline.
SSG – I did, why did you send them?
Tys – You forgot to say that we are both longwinded.
CMGD – Football season approaches.
Jacob – I’m not sure about the internet friendship thing either, but it’s the reason for me to keep blogging right now.
Gypsy – I’m totally hooked on the stats thing. Would be a hard habit to quit.
Xbox – I don’t know about ‘very high’.
Heather – Yeah, I like your blog for that – you write what is true for you.
Heza – Improving humanity is well beyond anything I aspire to do!
Jen – Well said. Glad that you found me again.
Blues – I think that’s part of my problem, the obligation – perceived or not – of it.
Nichole – I don’t mean a thing.
Mooselet – That’s the best thing, writing things here that I wouldn’t dare to say out loud.
Alice – I like your model – short, frequent posts.
Flutter – No worries.
Damon – Thanks.
Ginny – Maybe what I need is a good debate. What shall we do? Abortion? That would be ‘fun’.
Headbang – That 10,000 hours quote is a fine one and an excellent point!
Wow, lots of comments. Back for the rest later.
by admin
22 Jun 2009 at 14:24
NS – I don’t think I’m going anywhere yet. I just need a bit of self-discipline. No blogging until I do a bit of real writing every day.
Joe – That was cruel!
Jill – A hobby. That’s a good way of looking at it. I like it.
Ariza – Well said!
April – I miss CoMo sometimes. Seems a different life now.
Mongola – Thanks!
Veloci – Thanks.
Susan – Five years is a long time. I think that’s why I try and blog about different topics, I’d exhaust a single topic very quickly!
Zen Mom – I think I’ll be around for a wee while yet.
Laura – I know, with such wringing of hands. You’d think I was a teenager.
MJRC – That is dead on. The last couple of years have been amazing and, if nothing else, I’ve got this record of that time. I just need to figure out a way to make it permanent…
Yello – Thanks.
NATUI – Me too.
Cat – You did! You can’t!
Carolyn – Wasn’t that hard, just links!
JK – You’ve got it sorted, just dip your toe in when the mood strikes.
Ms Picket – I don’t know what the hell I want to write. That’s one of my problems. But I think you’re right on your last thought.
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by The Life of the Aspiring Singer-Songwriter || HomeSingingLessons.com
22 Jun 2009 at 15:30
[...] The problem with faith is like the problem with doubt | A Free Man [...]
by Agnes
22 Jun 2009 at 18:51
Ahhh, argy bargy is a good one! Sometimes it’s used to describe an argument, but I usually think of it when watching footy, when a few players start roughing each other up a bit. I quite like ‘don’t get in a strop’ and ‘keep ya wig on’ as well.
by rassles
23 Jun 2009 at 06:51
You impressed me quick on this blog (in its entirety, not just this one little tiny post among all the business). You know, a couple months ago or whenever it was. But you’re just so damn smart and you like things that are good, and it’s so pretty over here. I mean if your blog was a party, there would be food that’s comfortably unusual, like, okay, you’re serving hamburgers, but with sauteed red peppers, garlic, gouda, and maybe foi gras (because it’s a little controversial, but still fucking delicious).
Also, you have beer.
rassles´s last blog ..The Declaration of Creative License
by muskrat
23 Jun 2009 at 13:20
Now that I only read like 5 blogs a few times a month instead of like 100 blogs every week, you’re one of the very few I still read whom I haven’t actually met in real life. I don’t think we have much in common, but I do enjoy your perspective and honesty.
Happy blogiversary!
I’ve developed some friendships online that have become friendships offline, something that’s probably easier for someone in Atlanta than Adelaide. Most of all, though, blogging helped me learn how to use and leverage social media, which has meant that, after only 2 months of being on my own, my firm’s website now comes up front page when one googles my area of expertise and “atlanta.” The day I made the front page, I started getting phonecalls. So, see? There are benefits.
As Maggie and others have said, however, do it when and how you want to do it. When I was a kid, when I had a good day, I got excited about writing about it in my journal (sometimes while the “day” was still happening, so I still had time to make it an even better day). I try to do the same now, instead of feeling like I gotta keep putting words on a screen so that I can keep up with expectations.
muskrat´s last blog ..on father’s day
by courtney
24 Jun 2009 at 03:01
Whoa, just catching up here. It sounds like you’ve convinced yourself to keep blogging, but I’m still going to put in my vote for you to keep writing. Your blog is one of my favorites.
Even though I haven’t met most of my blogfriends in person, I still feel closer to them than I do to many of the people I know in real life. Perhaps that’s sad, but I do think writing is a great way to get to know someone. I don’t really make friends easily, but since I’ve started blogging I feel like I socialize a lot more than I did before. With the people I met through blogging and then met in person later on, it was like we were old friends. I find myself thinking about the people I only know through writing, hoping for good things for them and their families, and I would miss them if they went away. I include you in that, Chris. So keep blogging.
courtney´s last blog ..I’m Just Going To Pretend It Hasn’t Been More Than A Week Since I Last Posted. Sound Good? Good.
by Audra
25 Jun 2009 at 18:23
I live in constant fear of my blog becoming this popular. I never check stats or publicize (publicise? Damn these z’s and s’s! My naturally fabulous spelling is now all mucked up!) my blog, but I do get mighty excited when I get positive feedback from complete strangers! And I am jealous that your family and ‘real’ friends actually participate on your blog…and I also feel a little slimy when I use the word blog.
Let me know if you are ever in need of a molecular biologist.
by lora
29 Jul 2009 at 12:06
I’m finally catching up with comments.
First, congrats. Your blog is awesome, and now that it’s growing and changing again (along with your life), I’m suspecting it might just get a bit awesomer.
Second, thanks for the link!
lora´s last blog ..