I am doing this in an effort to be more organized with my time, to hold myself accountable for doing purposeful things, to connect to a new community, and to find some sacred space in which to do...whatever. But in this, my first night of blogging, I'm finding I'm incredibly stressed out. What a lot of pressure for something that may, or most likely will not, be read by someone who doesn't already know me. I must admit, after about 45 minutes of thinking of a witty, clever, insightful, and original title (I ended up stealing mine from Ben Sollee. It's a great song, check it out), I started to have second thoughts about this whole blogging thing. But I (we?) press on.
I guess there aren't really any rules so I'll start easy. I'm going to list the reasons this makes me uncomfortable. It goes back to holding myself accountable for my insecurities and one of the blogging websites said that readers find lists agreeable. So we're off.
1. Does anyone really care? Blogging is all about the writer. It's a fine line between creative, purposeful writing and a giant facebook status update in blog form. Some are able to do this seamlessly and create this tapestry of wisdom and humor and story and purpose, avoiding visions of grandeur. Others...aren't. I don't want to be an other. So I guess purpose is key. And that's good, cause I need a reason to find some.
2. I care. People will probably judge and some won't like me. I'm told this is perfectly normal and even reasonable. Normally, this would stop me right here. But no more. If you don't like me, perhaps you could just go away and be quiet about it. I have a fragile ego. It's why I don't sing karaoke.
3. Publish your diary? This is going to get personal. I mean, I'm entrusting my thoughts and feelings and life to anyone with a decent dial up. That's putting a lot of faith in humanity and also a lot of faith in the fact that you probably won't be reading this. Gambling makes me nervous, sometimes faith does too.
4. I'm pretty boring right now. I mean, I'm unemployed and so far I'm writing about blogging. Which I've never done. You can see where this is going. I mean, because we're pretty much there. This will be a serious exercise in creativity and humor and organization. What in the world am I going to write about??
5. Seriously, that's a question. I hear you can comment on these things so let's get going. What are you looking to read about in someone else's life? What's interesting? Also helpful - what's not interesting? Please don't say lists about why blogging makes one uncomfortable.
Phew. That's it. Post 1 - check. If you're reading this, keep in mind it's a big step for me. And come back! It's only gonna get better.
I guess there aren't really any rules so I'll start easy. I'm going to list the reasons this makes me uncomfortable. It goes back to holding myself accountable for my insecurities and one of the blogging websites said that readers find lists agreeable. So we're off.
1. Does anyone really care? Blogging is all about the writer. It's a fine line between creative, purposeful writing and a giant facebook status update in blog form. Some are able to do this seamlessly and create this tapestry of wisdom and humor and story and purpose, avoiding visions of grandeur. Others...aren't. I don't want to be an other. So I guess purpose is key. And that's good, cause I need a reason to find some.
2. I care. People will probably judge and some won't like me. I'm told this is perfectly normal and even reasonable. Normally, this would stop me right here. But no more. If you don't like me, perhaps you could just go away and be quiet about it. I have a fragile ego. It's why I don't sing karaoke.
3. Publish your diary? This is going to get personal. I mean, I'm entrusting my thoughts and feelings and life to anyone with a decent dial up. That's putting a lot of faith in humanity and also a lot of faith in the fact that you probably won't be reading this. Gambling makes me nervous, sometimes faith does too.
4. I'm pretty boring right now. I mean, I'm unemployed and so far I'm writing about blogging. Which I've never done. You can see where this is going. I mean, because we're pretty much there. This will be a serious exercise in creativity and humor and organization. What in the world am I going to write about??
5. Seriously, that's a question. I hear you can comment on these things so let's get going. What are you looking to read about in someone else's life? What's interesting? Also helpful - what's not interesting? Please don't say lists about why blogging makes one uncomfortable.
Phew. That's it. Post 1 - check. If you're reading this, keep in mind it's a big step for me. And come back! It's only gonna get better.
You could blog about a banana and I'd read it. Actually, though, there's a slightly overripe banana sitting next to me and it's making everything smell like banana sugars, which just makes me want to bake banana bread and I'm actually in the office for once, so I can't just go bake bread during lunch and it's frustrating. So don't blog about bananas if you can't make banana bread.
ReplyDeleteMy best suggestion would be to just blog about your life experiences. Like... working at Ned Kelly's for such an awesome manager, or moving to DC where youre awesome friend BK came to visit, or your trek to the Windy City where your awesome friend BK will surely come visit you soon. But in all seriousness, I think people like to read about what others have been through and think about their perspectives on the whole situation. At least thats what I've found to drive some of the greatest dialogues I've ever had. Good luck Al... so far a wonderful start!
ReplyDeleteFor someone who didn't know what to say, you said it very well! You certainly did better than the Vicar when she couldn't think of anything to put in the village newsletter! I think the mark of a good writer is one who leaves me wanting to go write my own stuff. Not because theirs was so bad that I think mine will be better. But because they've inspired me to create by their creation. You did that. Can't wait to see the next one.
ReplyDeleteI always feel creepy when I think I'm "following" someone. I'm not going to do that.
ReplyDeleteBut am excited to read your tapestry of wisdom and humor and story and purpose!
I can tell I'm going to love your blog! The first post really set the tone and I think you've got a great voice. I started a blog a while ago probably for similar reasons you started one, and it's been an interesting experience. And by interesting, I really mean that I never have time to write, so hopefully you'll do better than me. Maybe reading yours will inspire me to write more often (we can be blogging buddies!?). Anyhoo, I look forward to reading more!
ReplyDeleteI love it so far! I'm looking forward to your next one. I'd love to hear more about your adventure moving to Chicago and really just what's going on with you, I hope that's helpful!
ReplyDeleteI love it - but can you make the font a little larger? :)
ReplyDeleteApparently, I'm like Sarah and I can't figure out how to "follow" you. So I'll just bookmark and check back often!
ReplyDeleteLOVING the love!! Thanks guys! What wonderful encouragement. Kate, yes. At least, supposedly. But all of this is getting trickier than I thought. It should be larger now. It should also be in fancy, cursivey font. But that only shows up some times. What does everyone else see?
ReplyDelete