I was having a conversation with a good friend last night (after I'd posted my last entry) about blogging. I mean, why would someone pour out their random thoughts to a largely unlistening world about the most trifling aspects of their life? Who are these lunatics called 'bloggers' and what is their motive? Well the first question we might ask would be that of Pratchetts 'everyman' guard cum policeman cum ambassador (yes, that was a funny episode) cum detective, Sam Vimes: "Where's the money?" (Usually very good method of untangling mysteries, by the way) The short answer - nowhere to be seen. Ya ya, you're going to tell me that some people actually make a lot of money off it yadda yadda. That's like saying The ultimate solution to get rich quick is to write 800 page novels. Yes there have been spectacular successes but unless I become an English royal sometime soon (highly doubtful) I won't be one of them. Neither will any of my friends. Probably. Well then, perhaps you think we're just oozing with thoughts, ideas and experiences and must pour them out or burst. *Cue rude buzzer noise* Wrong! Most of the time when I come to write these entries I'm thinking What the fat am I going to talk about tonight? Because I don't lead an exciting life. I'm a cleaner! And I'm not constantly pondering deep and philisophical matters, contrary to the opinion of some. So why all the effort then? Answer: We like hearing ourselves talk. Or more precisely we like crafting, then reading, our own posts. How egotistical! I hear you say. How self centered! And you're not? But really, is that not a worthy enough cause? It's more than just self-congratulation (though it, admittedly, certainly contains a bit of that). In listening to oneself think, one discovers new concepts, ideas and personal aspects never before considered. You don't 'find yourself' (anyone who is trying to do that, you have my deepest sympathies), rather you explore yourself. If you think that's a bit esoteric, give it a go. The results might surprise you. Or terrify you.
Having said all that, when we minor bloggers recieve a comment it brightens (if not our day) our hour. We like to know that people out there are listening. And I do try to make my 'explorations' interesting for those who have no such goals. Even to the extent of taking on the role of social commentator and entertainer. Both of which I'm enjoying immensely, though they sprang up accidentally as it were. What began for ourselves grows and reaches out to others.
In short: Long live the Blogger! May their days be many, and their memories sweet.
2 comments:
On exploring yourself:
I wholeheartedly agree. It's more than just going on a 'journey to yourself' (sounds like a pretty short trip, anyhow), it's almost a way to condense the day's thinking unto a managable plane.
If I spend the day preoccupied with work, I might not get much time for actual thought. My blog allows me to say what I feel, or be creative, even if it's largely for myself.
And of course we all like to share our thoughs - but not with too many people. I might feel restricted if I was too popular.
Although, sometimes, it's only slightly less weird than talking to yourself.
If I spend the day preoccupied with work, I might not get much time for actual thought. My blog allows me to say what I feel, or be creative, even if it's largely for myself.
Exactly. It offers clarity through exploring, sorting, and sifting. It's the modern version of keeping a diary I suppose, coupled with being a bit of a soapbox from time to time.
I wonder if we ever leave the egocentric nature of childhood.
I'm not sure... I actually don't know if it's as clear cut as all that, though I certainly see your point. Is self-centeredness and selfishness the same thing?
Post a Comment