When I entered the blogging world, I didn't know that it was an exclusive community. It's not but some in the blogging world would like for you to think that. I felt that I had a different take on issues and that blogosphere would be the place for it. I really wanted to be invisible, neutral, non-gender, non-raced as I placed words into this space.
What a surprise, when folks who want to be in control of words, thoughts, and ideas, need to know who is behind them. Nowhere did it say you had to be a certain age, race, or gender. Nowhere did it say, you had to say certain things in a specific manner.
What I found out, is that some bloggers want to be the only legit voices for whatever issue. Or you are a legit blogger if you have connection to traditional news media or connection to the traditional political party affiliates. Some bloggers are considered legit by the number of visit or hits on their pages. Some bloggers are legit if they have been recognized by their peers. Some bloggers are legit if they update on a daily basis. Some bloggers are not in this group, some bloggers have been recognized because they are good at want they do.
The last group are the bloggers I like reading. I've read a few of Fort Wayne's Bloggers, and find them witty, challenging, and some with a great sense of humor. Many give as good as they get, but they say what they have to say, and that's what I like about blogging.
Credo - My two cents (or whatever value you find in it), be whoever or whatever you want on your blog. Do what you enjoy, say what you want to say. But do it for yourself, first. If people don't like you, they're free to hit the "next blog" button.
ReplyDeleteOh, and just ignore the assholes out there. They enjoy harassing you if you react. Don't give them the pleasure.
I hope my blog is enjoyable to you. But if not, take my above advice! =) I'll still pop in to see your point of view regardless.
Have fun!
I think this medium is exciting because it takes this issue of "legitimacy" that you bring up, and it turns it on its head.
ReplyDeleteYou are legitimate because you have something to say, that's the point of all this, isn't it?
This is pure democracy, ugly, rude, and often uncomfortable, but so is life.
That's just what I think.
I enjoy reading your perspective because I think you hit on some issues that aren't addressed by local media, and the types of bloggers you mentioned above.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Craig's assessment on the legitimacy issue, as well as John's thoughts about doing a blog FOR YOURSELF.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I enjoy the debate, regardless of partisanship, bias, or whatever else may rear it's head.
Blogging (imho) has taken the common person to that next level...a level where they can be heard (depending on how many hits you get), but notwithstanding, there are others that comprehend your views, as well as those who do not.
There will always be those that argue for argument sake alone, and always argue without the facts of a matter.
Conversely, there will be those that embrace and enjoy the insight, the perspective, and the truth that one can bring to these blogs.
It can be both frightening and yet wonderous when you take that step into this much larger universe.
Just do it from the heart.
B.G.
Credo, I started blogging as a release. I found it extremely cathartic. Then as more and more people began reading what I had to say, I was encouraged to continue writing as much as I could. There are some days when I find myself with nothing to say . . . that is, nothing to say that hadn't already been said better by other bloggers. There are other days when I am simply burnt out from over-blogging. Yet I find myself getting back to it with a refreshed mind.
ReplyDeleteI don't consider myself legitimate - then again, I'm certainly not illegitimate. I am who I am and you are who you are.
Like William Shakespeare said in Hamlet, "To thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou can not then be false to any man."
I will be adding a link to your blog.