Why I Read Blogs

My reasons for reading blogs have changed. A long time ago, I enjoyed reading about life experiences. My blogroll included the journals of soldiers, teachers, drunk college students. I was fascinated with the story of life, as told by a variety of people.

Then I became interested in discussion. Those blogs invited argument, and I participated with gusto. I discovered a great deal about myself during that time. It was fun to defend a position. I also learned that I didn’t have to agree with everyone, and in turn, people didn’t always have to agree with me.

Nowadays, the blogs I read are written by people who are passionate. They love the focus of their blogs and want to share their love with others.

Through them, I learn. They have broadened my horizons when it comes to history, art, music, writing, and books. Plus, they’re comfortable with themselves. They don’t have to know everything, and occasionally, they slip in a personal detail about themselves. It lets their readers know that there’s an actual human behind the blog.

In reading blogs I’m looking to learn and discover. I also know what I don’t want.

I stopped reading blogs by people who are interested in creating fan clubs. I’m happy for your success, but it isn’t all that interesting. But I do wish you the best of luck with it all.

I’m highly suspicious of people who are too opinionated. If every entry is an opinion, especially a negative one, I start to feel tired. Having a reaction to everything has got to be exhausting. Besides, I can’t take someone seriously who has an opinion about everything.

I don’t like blogs written by people who are phony. By adopting a certain tone, you can manipulate readers for self-serving purposes. It always amazes me when the audience of these bloggers react like trained puppies.

What else has changed? Well, my comments have dwindled. I don’t necessarily think that I should comment each time I have a strong reaction. It’s best to be quiet, especially if commenting is pointless. Am I going to change someone’s mind? Am I going to contribute to the discussion, or am I whistling in the dark?

The changes I’ve listed coincide with changes I’ve made in my daily life. Since moving to Alabama, I’ve been more aware of making positive choices. It’s been a slow process, but it’s an infinitely rewarding one… But that’s just my opinion.

Comments

[J.D.]

Ah, as someone who doesn't lack for opinions...oh dear. I mean, me, of course! This blog business has been challenging for me, and a good exercise on what my intentions are. What they were originally, and what they are now. Engaging with others, at times, has allowed me to discover what I do and do not want or intend. Often I have to shut myself off from the apparent 'community' I didn't know was even out there. I don't want to write in reaction to those folks. I want to write in ways that help my own process. Sometimes I fail. Sometimes I succeed. I have had to re-work my own relationships with 'blogrolls'...they don't mean anything to me personally. I wish only to link to places that feed me.
Cheers, Laura!

[malachy walsh]

I read blogs that are generally about theatre that strike me as provocative, personal and truthful.

I wrote a thing about what links I put on my blog roll that seconds that, generally. (http://litdept.blogspot.com/2007/02/blog-roll-internet-equivalent-of-your.html)

I confess to sometimes pointing out my triumphs on my own blog, but hopefully, in the larger context of what my blog is about, that makes sense.

I find it's also a great place to work through a few ideas that usually come out as half-baked post-show utterances.

[Laura]

Hey,

You don't point out *every* *single* *success* on your site. LOL. Occasional triumphs are fine. I think it comes down to an attitude more than anything else. Personally, I want to know when people's stuff goes up or the good things that happen. I'm definitely interested in that. It's all about intention, I suppose. (Intermission definitely has a point!)

Laura