Image source: http://www.dailyblogtips.com/wp-content/uploads/blogs.jpgI'm no stranger to the internet. I've lived off of it for 10 years now. I've watched it grow to what it is today. I like to think that I helped shape the internet but I certainly know that it has defined me.
My blogs are more than my thoughts written down, or rather typed, each and every post is my contribution to the mass of knowledge and information the web offers to any individual with internet capable device. Just as The Economist noted about LiveJournal, blogs are open conversations. They're faster than email but more inviting and thought-provoking than instant messaging clients. If you knew me well enough, you'd know of my awful social skills. If I had the choice, I would never open my mouth to have a conversation because I prefer typing so much more.
In order to better define what a blog means to me, I could quote Why I Blog from The Atlantic the whole time. That one article explains my exact thoughts on blogs. "Instant and global self-publishing," "spontaneous expression of instant thought," "We blog now—as news reaches us, as facts emerge," etc. These statements are precisely what I think of when I write on my blogs. A blog is like one giant notepad that everyone has access to where one person incites a conversation and the community, whoever large the blogger wants it to be, adds to it no matter when or where any individual is.
I can keep my blog up forever or delete it whenever I want. A blog is my way of connecting with others and how everyone else connects to me. I never have to worry about whether I'm being politically correct or if I have all the facts straight like in print journalism. I have the complete and total freedom to post what I want when I want as long as I'm not severely hurting anyone in the process. I suppose I will go as far as to say that blogs are conversations 2.0.
Hi Stephen. Thanks for commenting on my blog. First, don't worry, I'm not that stressed over my blog. I just can be indecisive and times, and I'm not really the type of person that writes about myself online.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment that blogs are open conversation. I began to wonder if blog are the only arena of the conversation though. If you are having a conversation of a person on a blog, does it just stay there or do they eventually chat online on an instant messaging system or email. Or it could lead to meeting up (which, of course, is not recommended.) I just think its interesting to see if the blog is the conversation or just the catalyst to a conversation.
I also found it interesting your statement about having the freedom to say whatever you want on a blog. That might be somewhat true, but at the same time, do you think personal discretion is needed while writing a blog? What is pushing it too far? Just some things to consider.
I really like your style of writing in your blog. It seems as though you're an avid blogger already. I liked how you made it personal, and yet still scholarly by adding excerpts from an article to support your personal thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI also liked your lines like "conversations 2.0" and that the "internet defined you". This made me think more about what you meant and really makes sense in our digital age. I never thought about the internet defining me, but to much of an extent, it's true. Everyday tasks are changed by the internet, and ways of communicating are continually evolving.
When you say you would rather type than speak if possible, it makes me wonder if one could get away with that in today's world. It almost seems possible now, if not in the near future, to actually do so. Nice job with your first post. You provided a few things to think about and presented it in a nice way. Maybe some pictures next time though? I really like your layout as well. It's simple, but still creative by how you write. Nice job!
Hi Stephen! Great post! You've done a great job developing your blogging voice. There is a sense of simplicity in both your tone and design that make your blog very appealing.
ReplyDeleteThe last paragraph helped me think about blogging in a different way. After reading Sullivan's piece and watching his video I was a little concerned about this whole blogging thing. The power seemed in the hands of the reader, the blogger being there to appease. You bring to light it is a conversation and my voice is only one of the many contributing to this ongoing online dialogue.