A Thinking Blog?
Posted: Saturday, March 24, 2007 by Travis Cody inWARNING: This post evolved into a bit of a rant.
Terra Shield at The Secret Back Up Blog says that my blog is one of five that makes her think. I'm truly honored.
Along with that designation comes The Thinking Meme. I've seen this interesting meme making the rounds at some blogs I visit.
So now I'm supposed to follow the rules, the first of which is to post the rules:
1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.
2.Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme
The Thinking Blogger Award.
3. Optional rule is to display the 'Thinking Blogger Award', which you can get by checking out the link in rule #2.
I went back and read the original post, just to get an idea what this is all about. The first thing I noticed was that this blogger is blogging for a reason completely different than the reason I started blogging. Another thing I noticed is that the blogger requests donations. That's fine, but it's not why I blog.
The next thing I noticed was what I hoped was an unintentional insult to folks who blog because they choose to share their thoughts, or their writings, or their photography, or their funny stories, or their musical likes, or their forays into dating, or their adventures in child raising. There seems to be a dig at memes in general, and a suggestion that memes somehow are not "worthy" blog topics.
Then there was this quote, "Please, remember to tag blogs with real merits, i.e. relative content, and above all - blogs that really get you thinking!" OK. But then there was this quote from the meme originator in the comments section, "I hope this meme will encourage, even if a tiny little bit, for better content among other blogs."
"Better content"? I beg your pardon?
Got some news for you - there's nothing wrong with the content of my blog. It suits me, and it's full of things I felt like posting when I posted them. If I want to post three days worth of videos from groups that recorded 30-40 years ago, well then I damn well will! And if I want to write a treatise on what I think is wrong with the government, then I'll do that too. And if I want to post a string of silly words, then no one is going to tell me that my content is inferior.
I'll post a full recap of Dancing With the Stars and I'll post my thoughts on American Idol. And you know what? I'll read blogs that do that too. And enjoy them and post encouraging comments.
I'll also read military blogs. And blogs from college students trying to get through the day. And blogs from story writers and poets. And blogs from comedians. And sometimes I'll read a blog for information or for discussion or to see what the "other" side might be thinking.
The point is this - when I go cruising through the bloggosphere, I have no particular intent in mind. I enjoy stumbling across something funny or profound or socially relevant or just plain silly. I don't need to read an "important" post all the time. Sometimes I just want someone to make me relax.
I visit an assortment of blogs that cover the bases for me. And I participate in memes.
As for my own blog, if something I write makes a visitor think, well that's a happy by-product. I don't set out to write posts that will change the world. Or change anyone's mind. That's not my gig y'all.
I'm a writer. I'm a music lover. I enjoy American Idol and Dancing With the Stars. I have a goofy cat. I'm in love with a beautiful woman. I really enjoy classic cars. I like to read. I'm buying a new condo. Sometimes my job sucks. I like CAKE. That's my life and that's what I'll write.
If that content isn't good enough for you, then click the Next Blog button at the top and move along. There are plenty of blogs out there that have what you want. There's no need to denigrate a whole class of bloggers, even if it was unintentional.
Terra, I'm grateful to you for listing Trav's Thoughts as a blog that makes you think sometimes. This isn't a rant against that. It's a rant against someone who would have the audacity to suggest that "better content" is needed in the bloggosphere. I say there's room for all types of posts and all types of bloggers.
There's no right way to blog y'all. It is what each individual blogger makes of it.
Every blog listed in my sidebar has made me think at one time or another, and they've made me laugh and relax and feel like a member of a community. There are many other blogs that are not in my links yet that do the same.
To all of you, I say thank you.
End of rant.
You said it sweetness!
My blog is first and foremost for ME, yeah that's right. It helps me to clear my head and get rid of excess energy. It's a personal blog gosh darn it and I won't be held hostage by anyone. It's one of the reasons I don't do memes or PayPerPost.
Sure I want to make the world a better place but some days I just don't feel like a "Super Hero" LOL by the way I am waiting for your creation to substitute the baby oil Professor!
I don't need anyone creating pressure...that which I started the blog in the first place to escape!
I share your sentiments!
BRAVO!
Hugz
Tisha