I read several blogs, comment on several, though occasionally deleted because it doesn't fit their philosophy or political bent, or just because they don't like me. Here's a sampling of comments from several blogs, no names included.
You are correct, there is enough bad in this world. All of us should be able to look back on days that were wonderful and carefree and enjoy reminiscing and called them good old days.
I like your attitude!!
etc, etc. Find a blog that has differing opinion, one that does not delete them. What then is the point?
Do we do these just to get praise, affirmation, and reason to post more of the same? Rather like trump, who's still holding election rallies.
I don't have an answer, not even many suggestions or ideas. One might be to not delete responses you think somehow impugn your ideas. Or even disagree with them.
If what you want is what you have, blogs that have comments that essentially say "Good Job, we agree", then you've found your home. Me, I'm unsatisfied with it.
The best of our blogs, and I won't mention his name, has few if any comments that disagree. And he is a analytical writer, with a lot of experience. If he can't generate some controversy, what hope do I, a retired medico, have?
I'm asking you out there, bloggers, to let some controversy in. Encourage disagreement. Otherwise at the beginning of your writings say "all disagreements will be deleted".
And there we'll be, trump's america.
Cheers,
Mike
I disagree. There. Are you happy now? :D
ReplyDeleteYeah, you're right, Bruce. I should just fucking give up. Not being sarcastic, not in the least. I should just give up, ease into what's remaining of my twilight years, and leave the world to it's own fate. Good advise.
ReplyDeleteMike-I hear what you are saying, but....
ReplyDeleteI think of this blogosphere as a place where people interact, leave thoughts and impressions, pieces of their life, and traces of our time.
If someone challenges a post where I get on a soap box, I try to respond in a decent and civil way, to encourage and applaud conversation and dialogue. I worry that perhaps those of us in this corner of the cyber world may be like other media users--in silos--reading and feeding on what agrees with us.
In a personal sense-since the election I have written more about policy, politics, attitude and expectation than before. In my heart of hearts I think I do it for my daughters, so they can see their old man speak up on principal, even if I am dead wrong or full of beans. I also do it for myself, to leave a marker, an imprint to state what I think is aberrant, wrong and against the best interests of the principles of equality, freedom, liberty.
Does it make a damned bit of difference? Probably not, but it is evidence that some of us thought about it, worried about and said our two cents.
Blogging has become a kind of speakers corner, or coffee shop where each of us are given a few moments to let it out. It's a high water or maybe low water mark. But it is a record.
And I absolutely love the personal reflections and impressions. It's a great way to get to know folks. Keep it up.
I also do it for my kids, let them know that the propaganda I raised them with has some philosophy and rational behind it, and some moral sense.
DeleteWhen I first started bloggging, back in 2004, I wrote a lot of political satire, but then I tired of it...
ReplyDeleteMike, our generation was raised to political and ideological discussion --not purposed to convert or isolate. The object was usually to at least broaden understanding and, at most, reach workable compromises. I'm reminded of debating issues with roommates in school --underwear arguments that went far into the night, accompanied by much laughter. Real communication is often accompanied by laughter. Here at the other side of the age spectrum, I see that's where real learning took place, and did not conclude with deletion. Civility and respect were implicit --some people have lost that trust or, sadly, never experienced it. As for blogging achieving anything, I feel I've retired in the company of good minds --yours included--and that's something.
ReplyDeleteFeel the same about your blog, Geo. I don't have your imagination or philosophical depth, choosing the more technical side of medicine and the black and white reality of that. But here I am, and your blog is one of the three I value the most.
DeleteCordial disagreement is fine but a bit of a post art. You'd think on a blog, however, there would be room for discussion.
ReplyDeleteExcept.....we somehow select our audience.
DeleteI rarely blog about political things anymore (I do post that sort of thing on facebook sometimes). I used to, but my blog has morphed more into an online journal of sorts. But when I did, I didn't mind people disagreeing with me as long as they kept it civil. Abusive comments I deleted. Still, there is something to be said for a social media outlet serving as a sort of sangha. Yes, if you fill your blog-world with like minded people you'll get mostly agreement. But you also get support. And with things as they are in the trump world, don't we need to be reminded that not everyone has lost their damn minds? I know I need that.
ReplyDeleteYeah, and you are one of the luckiest people I know, with the little I know. You've had a good couple years, m'dear. I wish many more for you.
DeleteYou do facebook? Just started again myself, after a couple years staying away. My two daughters told me that was the only way I'd get current pictures. Let me know via email if you'd like to 'friend', if that's the word.
You need someone to argue with. You could cultivate some pro-trump acquaintances, but that would be so futile. How do you have a discussion with a closed mind. My good friend of thirty years and I dissolved our friendship last year. Neither of us understood the esteem the other held of their beliefs and the disdain of our own. Discussions became fruitless and pointless. Sadly, it ended in tears for one of us, who could not understand that the other did not find an interracial marriage "disgusting."
ReplyDeleteSo, why blog? Consider it a community of supportive friends. Can't have too many.
DeleteCultivate pro-trump acquaintances. I figure I have a year or two maybe left, rather not spend it in Deer Lodge at the state pen.
DeleteGreat post. So there I agree. I view blogging as a kind of coffee klatch gathering. I've met many IRL from initial contact on blogs. And usually they are kindred spirits. So disagree on your conclusion it's a waste of time. Email me so I can friend you on FB.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Alas, I disconnected from FB yesterday.....several reasons, but it's media I can't get along with.
DeleteI blog as a kind of diary, shared with strangers I'll never meet. Disagreeing with me about my internal musings is intrusive for me. I grew up with enough rage and silencing, that my blog is where I get to speak uninterrupted, not required to tolerate even the mildest attack.
ReplyDeleteI started my blog as a writing exercise, which it still is. A nursery to grow my ideas, not a windblown cliff to beat them into shape, though.
I think it depends on why one does this. I invite insights, but not argument or pointed disagreement.
To all my commenters.....I live in a glass house, metaphorically speaking, and don't really have anything to say.
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