I woke up with a wicked sore throat. So I can’t write too loudly. And I really should be showering, getting ready for another blustery commute into work. But somehow I got sucked into mindless Internet clicking while sipping my tea in hopes of a throat sooth.
What’s going on out there? Lately, I have had some time to play catch up and there seems to be a lot of animosity out there. There’s also this undertow of hysteria. Which is a really strange thing to witness in its written form. I’ve seen this mostly take all over my least favorite term: the blogosphere. And I’ve been left asking some questions.
Why do you read Web sites? Not this one, specifically. I don’t need my ego stroked or, alternatively, whacked. Why do you read online journals at all? When do you read them? What mood would you say you’re in when you decide to sit down and focus on someone else’s life for a while? For the reader, is this a form of escapism? For the writer, is this a brush with fame? Recognition? Is this the easiest way to thwart boredom?
Why do you think this medium “works”?
This morning while brushing my teeth, I started mentally working on a new cartoon. There’s a 30-year-old adult sitting on a couch in an office. He or she is sitting across from a therapist. The doctor is nodding behind understanding eyes. The patient lies back with their head in their hands. The cartoon reads:
“My father was rarely around. And my mother always had a computer in her lap.”
Will there ever be a group called Blogger’s Anonymous? Are there more productive hobbies to be had? Are relationships being threatened? Solidified?
“Hello, my name is mihow. I am an addict.”
“Hi, mihow. But from now on, when you’re here, your name is ‘MICHELE’.”
Was the world always this needy, angry, hateful, and weird and has the Internet helped expose that fact? Or does the Internet help to build it. I’m left wondering: where are we all heading with this one?
You seem to be purposefully not mentioning whatever it is that inspired this post. Unfortunately, that makes it kinda hard to understand. Give us some of that sweet, sweet context.
The only thing I want to do is turn it off.
I might just do that.
I think blogging is a wonderful medium. Never before has the world had access to information and opinion at such volume and so quickly, nor the ability to express one’s self so easily.
Aside from everyone getting a book deal these days, I do think that any writer worth his weight in salt trying to “make it” (be it as a fiction-writer or a journalist or opinion writer, etc.) in this world MUST have a well-tended, high-quality blog.
But if it’s your time in front of the computer is bothering you, come with me next week to a New York Cares orientation. I’ve decided to start volunteering.
I think it’s wonderful, too. Don’t get me wrong. I guess I really just need to lay off some of the goods. Sometimes, I get too click-happy and I’m left muttering, “What the hell?” Perhaps it’s best to stay on a certain side of the tracks and take suggestions from those whose opinions I know and trust. :]
Actually, I spend a LOT less time in front of the computer these days. (We are down to one working computer at home. Well, my laptop sort of works. It’s too slow to reall use, though.) This is probably why I haven’t left a post like this one in a while. (There was a time where I ranted about once a week. hehe)
Last weekend, however, I had a lot of time. The snow and all…
But I might take you up on that.
I think yes, the world was always this needy, angry, hateful, and weird and yes, the Internet helped expose that fact. People feel ‘safer’ behind their computer screens to say things they might never say to someone’s face.
At the same time, though, I have found far more evidence of true compassion, love, and forgiveness by reading blogs than I have the former.
I began reading infertility blogs to understand my best friend and her struggles better. I continued reading and discovering other writers, then started my own, because I found amazing people, beautiful words, and wanted to be a part of it.
Missy, when is the New York Cares thingy? I’m down.
Sarah, you’re the best. You’ve always been a caring individual. More folks like you should be out there reading and writing and chatting online.
You have to register first. Go here:
http://www.nycares.org/
And start clicking through the “Get Started” process. You have to create a signin account and then select an orientation date & answer a few questions. Then, once you’re oriented, you’re free to view the calendar of hundreds of activities, with the option to commit to something regular or just sign up for whatever you want whenever you want (I think).
I’m going to the Monday, 2/27 session at W. 29th Street. (They have multiple sessions each week at multiple locations.)
Why do you read Web sites? I do because it gives me something to do when I’m bored that isn’t watching TV.
Why do you read online journals at all? I have an interest in the ones that I read – I think the people I’ve been exposed to, are for the most part, phenomenal people that I may never have gotten to “know” otherwise.
When do you read them? Generally in the morning or evening or lunch.
What mood would you say you’re in when you decide to sit down and focus on someone else’s life for a while? I’m in the mood to read something entertaining, or thought provoking.
For the reader, is this a form of escapism? Nah.
For the writer, is this a brush with fame? Recognition? oh my gosh – no, not mine, at least
Is this the easiest way to thwart boredom? no, but it’s a fun way – sleeping is the easiest :)
Why do you think this medium “works”? absolutely no clue.
Blech. Sometimes this is how I think that people feel when they read my occaisonal posts. 1 out of 20 of them might be interesting or have something witty or funny, but the rest…. damn boring lists of what i have been up to. yuck.