Sunday 3 January 2010

BLOGGING - the Ultimate in Self-Indulgence?


Blogs are strictly short-memory-span-affairs. I’d love to start one. And startle the world with my wit and wisdom.

It will not become a diary, if I can help it, there is one of those already, handwritten in children’s exercise books, rather ‘pooterish’, along the lines of ‘and then I did this and then I did that’. There is the risk that blogging might become too self-absorbed an activity, something I do by myself, in my study, while life happens elsewhere, without me. On the other hand, I might find a way to write a ‘proper’ blog, whatever that may be, something to advertise to other bloggers, if any of them ever find their way to my portal.

Blog entries will probably be no more than ephemeral writings that can be continued or stopped at any time, which mean as much or as little as the momentary thought; strictly self-indulgence and introspection, the sort of stuff that was once called navel gazing; a collection of musings, scribblings, memories, moans, joys and the occasional flash of inspiration.

Format and frequency of writing must be flexible, honesty will be paramount; after all, nobody will ever know who I am.

The whole idea is brand-new, it only came to me while I was walking the dog this afternoon.


I’ll call it Friko’s Musings.



This is what I wrote in November 2008, when the idea of blogging first came to me. I knew no other bloggers then, it was something periodically mentioned  in newspaper articles as  occupying the young, the self-interested and computer literate or, on the other side, journalists and others who saw it as a form of public service and a source of information.

It still took me two months to get past the stage of politely coughing on the wrong side of the door into blogland, waiting for somebody to invite me in, before taking a deep breath and jumping in, with a post which was more than just a tentative clearing of the throat, a post where I risked voicing an opinion and coming out into the open. After all, nobody would ever find me.

It took until March before I had my first comment and from then on I wrote more regularly, with comments coming in painfully sparsely but regularly. By the summer I had my first follower. I had also learned to explore blogland myself,  finding blogs I liked and visited. Blogland etiquette demands that you visit people, that you reply to comments and leave comments. Nowadays, I visit blogs new to me and leave comments, if I have something to say; but if there is no reply or return visit, I soon drop them.

I am still very careful about telling anybody I know ‘in real life’ that I blog, it’s mostly embarrassment though; nobody has ‘come out’ to me either.

There have been many blogposts in my time online exploring the joys or otherwise of blogging, the reasons for and against, the benefits and pitfalls of blogging, etc. The majority of bloggers praise the wonderful opportunities for making friends, for getting feedback, for learning about other countries and people of other nations; there are bloggers who use the medium to collect stories for their children, who become their own historians; there are those who talk about hard times, whose blogs are part of a therapy to overcome the most gruesome experiences in the safety of an anonymous blog;  many bloggers want to share the good times too and tell us about particularly pleasant, funny, times. There are poets and writers and artists, there are housewives and granddads and house-bound people, whose outlet on the world is the internet; there are well people and sick people, old people and young people, in fact, ‘all human life is here’ and, for my part, long may it continue.

Writing a blog encourages me to think over what makes me feel good, what makes me happy. Because I also post photographs, I carry a little camera with me everywhere, which means that I look at the world around me much more attentively than before. I notice so much more than I used to do, blogging is helping me to stay alert and alive to possibilities.

Yes, blogging may be the ‘ultimate form of narcissism’, or  ‘the ultimate in self-indulgence’, or even a ‘fake form of communicating’; yes, ‘friends and followers’ may be total strangers whom we might not like if we met them; yes, finding something worth saying is very hard and we may rarely, if ever, achieve it.  (all quotes found in newspaper articles).

Instantaneous access to millions of other people via the internet is not always a good thing, a lot has been written about the harm that could be done;  of course we could also all bore each other to death. 

Online interaction brings pleasure and convenience to millions, including me; I would never have met as many friendly, informative, clever, funny, interesting, and like-minded people anywhere else in so short a space of time. I have also been fortunate in that I have yet to come across any abusive, offensive and humourless bloggers. Once or twice misunderstandings have occurred, jokes may misfire, the tone of voice may get lost in the writing and there is no body language to be read. Not every blog I dip into enthralls me and my unfocussed ramblings, which are Friko’s Musings pure and simple and lay claim to neither literary nor  any other merit, cannot be of the slightest interest in the great scheme of things.

So, on this almost anniversary, having well and truly entered the wonderful world of bloggers, my polite little cough has vanished for good and I make no apologies for staying put.


Friends and Followers, stay with me.






38 comments:

  1. I didn't notice you had a cough!
    From just a few miles down the A488!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Liebe Ursula,

    zu allererst meinen herzlichsten Glückwunsch zu Deinem Blog-Jubiläum und vor allem zu dem Entschluss zu "Hüsteln"... einfach wundervoll. Ja, dieser Jahreswechsel veranlasst Dich, mich und offensichtlich auch noch eine ganze Reihe anderer Menschen in blogland darüber nachzudenken, was, warum und ob überhaupt wir hier treiben ..

    Ich stimme Dir in vielen, eigentlich in allen Punkten aus ganzem Herzen zu. Letztendlich ist es wie sonst auch im Leben, wenn wir etwas Neues für uns entdecken, das uns fesselt, amüsiert, berührt, unterhält ... wir müssen entscheiden, inwieweit es uns guttut. Und mir geht es wie Dir, mir tut es gut und solange wie ich dieses Gefühl habe, werde ich in dieser wunderbar vielfältigen Welt herumwandern. Mal mehr, mal weniger auffällig. Denn oft genieße ich nur still und ich habe ja auf meinen Blogs Statistikprogramme eingebaut (und das schon von Anfang an!), die mir stets zeigten, dass es viele reine Leser gibt, die doch recht viel Zeit (mehr als nur einen Klick, sondern häufig sogar Stunden) in den Blogs lesen und es (so hoffe ich doch!) genießen. Auch das fand ich immer schön, besonders, wenn ich feststellte, das es sich um Stammgäste handelt.

    Ich bin gerne hier und besonders auch in Deinem Fall (hört sich schräg an, ist aber lieb gemeint) hätte ich es aufrichtig schade gefunden, wenn wir uns nie "über den Weg gelaufen wären".

    ganz liebe Grüße aus dem völlig verschneiten (wie seit 30 Jahren nicht mehr - totales Kanada!!) Norddeutschland

    Isabella

    ReplyDelete
  3. Friko, you will never be rid of me now! I adore your insightful, experienced, witty, irreverent, occasionally contrarian posts and comments. Funny how you can be attracted so quickly to, and connect so easily with some, in this forum. And you Friko, for me, are certainly one of those special few.

    I love your summary of what brings us to blogging and what convinces us to stay in spite of it getting wearisome at times. I think we are hard-wired to want to achieve something, leave our mark, be remembered and perhaps blogging helps people fulfill that need.

    Not all narcissism is pathological, btw. We all need to have ego strength, a certain level of self-interest to take care of ourselves, reach out, to feel we have something to contribute. So I say: "Healthy narcissists unite!"...and looks like we have found the place to do it. (The blogs we are turned off by, are often ones written by the pathologically narcissitic - and they are an immediate turn-off to anyone with simply a healthy level of narcissism.)

    Of course, people who go on and on and on and... in their comments are a real turn-off too. If they could just be succinct, comment on our post and leave....but noooo......they expound about some thing or other and signal us where not to go next on our bloggie excursions! :) :) :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. A friend of mine likened blogging to having pen pals. Hmm, not quite, but I can see where she was coming from.

    In reality (whatever that is) blogging is a much richer experience than a regular exchange of correspondence. There is the sense of community and the wonderful prospect of sharing with others from all over the globe.

    Friko, I'm so glad you've decided to stay put.

    ReplyDelete
  5. There's always something new to write about in this fascinating world of ours isn't there.

    I do agree with Bonnie about how certain blogs 'click' and they are the ones that are returned to time and again. I think what I've learned over the past 3 years in blog-land is that we are, with few exceptions, essentially the same under the skin. World-wide we share the same hopes and fears and importantly we talk to each other - we communicate - break down rather than make barriers.

    I look forward to reading more of your musings - glad you stuck with it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I find it is like writing in a journal and letting the "ghosts in the attic" make comments and add their two cents. I really smiled at the phrase 'we could also all bore each other to death.' I am sometimes bored by others as I sometimes bored them. But the nice thing is we can move on and no one really notices!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You are so right about this!! When I started blogging, I at first didn't tell any of my oh so careful, cautious and worried German family, who would think I'd be totally nuts to put myself out there. However, they've become my biggest supporters and my daily readers! And as to the blogging community - everyone (including you) has been so supportive as I explore my creative side publicly. I learn from others and maybe some will learn from me. It has opened my mind! So congrats on sticking with it for so long!!! Hugs, Silke

    ReplyDelete
  8. You write a really good blog you know. I can identify with so many things that you've said. It is a bit of a risk when you start. I'm like you - don't tend to tell the people that know me - well didn't used to - hubby looks over my shoulder at what I'm writing now. The authors of blogs that I go back to time and time again, even though I've not met them face to face have fast become good friends

    ReplyDelete
  9. Well said. You have encapsulated the many reasons for blogging and reading blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes, blogging is a strange phenomenon; surprising in its effect. I used to blog to myself at first, almost as therapy, then as comments began to creep in, I became aware of a readership, thin and ghostly, and slow to grow, and began to address those readers in my mind. They now seem real and substantial, and part of my life as we become aware of our similarities and shared interests or amusements. And strangely, my small experiences often acquire more meaning once I consider them as blog material.

    I was addicted from the start, and can't imagine stopping either the writing of my own, or the reading of other people's blogs. Don't you stop either!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm glad that your cough as gone away and that you are firmly and confidently established here in blogland (blogdom?). Your posts always have something of interest, whether historical, semi-fictional or gardening. At heart I am just a curious person, I guess, because I value the glimpse into the lives of others that blogging offers me. I haven't yet encountered the threatening or abusive reader nor have I yet let friends and family know what I'm writing. Anyway, for whatever reason, you've been drawn to this medium and I'm happy to have 'met' you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. friko you are such a talented and truthful writer - honestly, i look forward to my visits here. there are times when the realities of the rest of my life preclude my responding to comments left on my own blog or to leaving a comment on the blogs i visit, but i am always grateful. happy blogiversary!! steven

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am so glad to have crossed your path, and to have remembered the way back to your site. There's so much variety in your posts, each one is a treat in a unique way.

    Several years ago, I began writing a blog after having read and commented upon a selection that just somehow struck my eye. Some of those whom I read encouraged me to try writing myself. I continue to regularly thank them for that little nudge.

    My posting frequency varies greatly. I don't do much planning of what I am going to write before letting my fingers hit the keyboard. The spontaneous quality is important to me.

    Wait, I must stop. This comment is rambling.

    May I wish you a wonderful 2010 and thank you for visiting my neighborhood. xo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Just popped over from Rachel and her filing. I love blogging; it's like having lots of really good articles written by people you admire and share interests with. Happy 2010!

    ReplyDelete
  15. SBS - oh, it's gone now. I've half read your last, hilarious post, then Beloved called me to cook his supper; I shall get back to you the minute I've answered these comments.

    veredit - thanks for this lovely comment _ i've been over to yours but haven't seen any blogging entry? And yes, i too am very glad that we have met here and cn get to know each other both here and maybe elsewhere.

    Bonnie - you make me sound like some demented, cantankerous, old harridan, always out to make trouble. Well; maybe you're right and I am. It's fun, anyway. And I really like long and involved comments - what I don't like much is, when you've written an entry that says something you have thought out carefully, and the comment you get is "great post". and nothing else. You get the same reaction when you posted something in a hurry that has cost you little effort (it might still be good, though), "great post".
    Oh well, perhaps the person commenting means it and they just don't have the time to reply more thoughtfully.
    Some time I'd like to talk to you about this hard-wiring - does it ever fade? Or does it go on into retirement and could it possibly be the reason for feeling irrelevant once retired?

    MartinH - Some blogbuddies you just want to get to know better, which is hard in this medium. You have to have a lot of patience and work out their personality bit by bit, over time. I agree with what you say, about the rich pickings for those who have the stamina, but I can't quite make the connection with pen friends either.

    mountainear - that's very good, we are all the same under the skin and blogging helps us to break down barriers. I am very happy to be part of this world-open band and do my bit for understanding.

    Tabor - Of course we are bored sometimes, nobody can produce riveting stuff all the same, some can't ever, but we don't read them, do we? If I let the ghosts in my attic out too often, I'd frighten all my friends away. They get the odd outing, but no more. And I usually preface the post with the warning : rant coming!

    Silke - As somebody else said, we are all very glad to find approval and appreciation. Perhaps it is easier to find this in blogland because we don't let our crosspatch or moany side out very often.

    mollygolver - I do wish you'd post more often. It is always nice to return a call, you get more of a dialogue going that way. Have I perhaps not looked in the right direction? Thank you for your kind words about my blog. My Beloved gets a look-in now, occasionally.; He helps me with an English word or a bit of grammar, although he dithers so much I usually write my own version anyway.

    Jackie - Thanks Jackie, you have a successful blog yourself; if you say so I must be getting something right.

    Rachel - exactly! I don't really need to say anything else, but you might feel left out. But you have hit the nail right on the head, and the bit about blog material couldn't be more true. It really does make me feel more alert - grist to the writer's mill, isn't that what it's called?

    Pondside - And i you. I think we have very quickly found that we like each other's blogs and taken it further from there, I am very happy to have done so.

    steven - I know about lack of time and pressure of commitments, so, unless you really forsake me, drop me, leave me out of your blog list etc. (you won't dare to do any of that now, will you?) I shall await your appearance patiently.

    Frances - always a welcome visitor, leaving beautiful, well-crafted comments. Ramble on, dear friend, ramble on, I love a good ramble.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Blogging is hardly the ultimate in self-indulgence, nor need one apologize for doing it. On its most basic level, I think we do it out of the fundamental desire to connect with others. To sit around the fire and swap stories or to muse on the events of the day - people have been doing it for generations. I don't want to connect with boring people, and how do I know someone is interesting unless they tell me something about themselves and tend to their blog the way one would a beautiful garden? I sure don't want to bore someone whom I find interesting.

    It's a bummer that you and I will probably never meet in person, but you have a formidable internet presence. Whenever I see that Friko has left a comment I sit up and pay attention. I'm glad you plan to stick around.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Friko I could hardly believe your post when I read it today. Go to my blog and see what I just posted. A book I just read and think you would like. Your posts are always fodder for the mind, funny or serious I just love your style. Your start up story sounds like mine too. Blessings
    QMM

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Friko. What a lovely blog. I often drop in to read your blog so please keep up the good work. And just maybe one day soon you will pop down and meet the Scissor sisters. You would be made very welcome.
    A x

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a well-written and witty post. It echoes my own feelings about blogging. And thanks for your nice comment about my blog, too.

    I did German as a minor halfway through my degree in English (equivalent to A level here in the UK). Then I took up French. You could say I have a natural knack for languages. Your mother tongue is one of the most beautiful languages in the world. I wish I could still be as fluent as I was when I still lived in Havana. I had regular contact with German-speaking people from Switzerland, Austria and Germany and I miss those days.

    Never you mind about staying with you. I'm always here. The tone of your columns, the humour, the wit, they are all ever so welcomed. Many thanks. Happy (almost) anniversary.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Friko, whenever I read you I feel like I have travelled, in a very genuine sense. There is something unique about your blog which conveys a sense of place beautifully.
    I'm so glad you didn't give up blogging as you seemed to be contemplating a month or so ago - we would be poorer without you. I am in admiration of your writing style, and doubly so because it is not your native tongue.
    Please stay with us for a long time - and I will continue to enjoy visiting, being carried away, provoked to think and made to laugh. And thanks for your encouragement of my friend Maggie, who was excited by your comment and may yet give us more of herself.
    You are a delight.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh, and what's more, I found your comment about not really wanting to let on that you blog rather curious. It is the opposite of my reaction to finally being 'published'! Now I can keep a straight face when I say I'm a writer. (Although I'm quick to add that I don't blog about the minutae of my morning!)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Happy anniversaire, Friko, and thank goodness you kept going. It seems to be the time of year for musing on why we blog and what it means to us and of coure we all have different needs. Eternal Pollyanna that I am I search for friendship, humour, talents that amuse or amaze [yes, rather like having many pen pals]and have my favourites, who are not restricted to my great age or life style. We pick and choose, rather like life really...there are those we instantly like and those we don't, and like life we can accept the one and ignore the other.

    Don't stop Friko.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Amen, amen. And I agree with some of the other comments here - your blog is always something of substance.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Mark Kerstetter - thank you, Mark. I certainly feel the same way about any comments of yours. But....... you have mentioned something that the critics often use against us, 'we DON'T actually sit round the fire and tell stories, we sit at our computers, all by ourselves, sending stories to complete strangers. If I had the chance of a story-telling group round a fireside, would I prefer that to blogging or would I prefer the 'company of strangers' at one remove?

    QMM - I shall go over for a visit the minute I've finished answering these comments. I'm sure what I'm going to read will be interesting.

    Wipso - Hi Scissor Sister, please don't cut me. I am looking forward to meeting the two of you; still can't get out of the house except on foot. We're running out of provisions.

    A Cuban in London - Thank you for your kind sweet words. I am always gratified when somebody in the UK admits to a liking for German, that probably means German writing, music and philosophy. Not that many people who do, here.
    Isn't it an absolute commonplace that when you learn one or two foreign languages well, the others just seem to follow. I used to be a translator/interpreter early on in my career, and met many linguists for whom 'picking up' another language was as easy as falling off a log.

    Deborah - glad you are back from your travels, I hope you had fun.

    I can say the same about your blog, I love what you write and would prefer not to miss any of it. I also meet you in the commentary boxes and I always read your comments - not something I do for everybody.
    Tell Maggie to read this post, it really wasn't easy to get started but I just kept at it; I did it for myself for the first few months, said a lot of nonsensical nothings and thought nobody would ever be interested.

    I'd love to pretend that I'm a writer, perhaps one day I'll become one, just like I became a blogger in spite of myself. Tell me how you're getting on and might take you for a role model.

    I've met another one of your friends, I think; I've left a rather confused comment (s) to a very amusing post.

    Moannie - Glad you're back in harness. (Or just on crutches?) You are right about picking and choosing, at this distance it would be hard to hurt anyone's feelings seriously. It is just vanity that gets pricked and that soon heals, one hopes. I like blogging, i like the people I visit (even if not constantly) and for me there is sufficient stimulation in it not to want to give it up. I have made some very pleasant connections, and getting an idea about a life very different from my own is interesting, no doubt about it.

    Fran Hill - thanks Fran, as is yours, otherwise I wouldn't visit as often as I do. I'm far too selfish to inflict boredom on myself.

    ReplyDelete
  25. It is a fascinating occupation, blogging. I am sure it can be self indulgent but I don't believe yours is and I hope mine isn't either. I think for me it is a way of regarding myself as a writer, like a child riding a bike with stabilisers. I find the comments and responses addictive and the feedback and interest validate my writing and make me dare to take myself more seriously. I am very comfortable with confessing that I blog and always blog with a strong sense of being in public. I would never say anything that I or my family would be embarrassed by which prevents me from adopting a confessional style but then, I am not a confessional sort of person in the flesh either! I can't imagine stopping blogging now. It would feel as though the world had shrunk. Don't you stop either!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Good piece, Friko! Being housebound, the blog world open everything up to me! So cold, and so much snow.
    Happy blogoversary! It is healthy to blog, too. Autobiography is an important mental health tool! I am beginning a Creative Writing club in the local penitentiary next week, and one in a long-term care residence, where my friend resides. The more one writes, the better one becomes.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Friko:
    I am adding your worthy blog to my blogroll.
    You said it very well. I'm happy & proud to be your fellow blogger.
    Aloha, Friend!


    Comfort Spiral

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you dear Friko for this entry of yours.
    It was indeed last year that I heard that writing a blog is just another 'form of narcissism'. However did reply that it is the opposite for me.
    Placing me constantly in question.
    Forcing me to think in the hours of writing and silence around, just not in me head, provides a much needed oasis.
    It is also a possibility that I found to bring together people and ideas as well from all over the world, something 'real life' isn't able to - yet it would be a great thought if one would try.
    Excuse these splinter of thoughts, close to five over here, but where else could I go to receive a peaceful silence, words worth to read, getting an impression of the otherones life, than by a blog.
    Being a much needed 'outlet' to play with words, thoughts and ideas, many times a Drahtseilakt, to be honest, I would indeed try very much to keep it alive as long as possible.
    Somehow it has become also a question of being true or not. Demanding each day anew the respect I owe towards those reading.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I've just discovered your blog (through Pondside's own lovely writings) and like what I've seen.
    I wonder, from time to time, how long I will continue to blog. It's been a couple of years now, and I enjoy the freedom to just walk away for a few weeks or a few days and come back. I know that I value the connections I've made through this medium.
    I've not hidden the fact that I blog, and I recently discovered that my mother and my mother-in-law read my posts, along with my two adult daughters. My life is pretty much an open book, so I don't think I mind, but it did take awhile to get over the thought that someone I knew well was reading my words.
    I've become a follower and look forward to reading more of your posts.

    Lorrie

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oo Friko what a great blog and look how it has prompted such interesting comments! When this snow goes - and its even worse down here today - we must meet up and visit the wonderful Wipso!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I very much enjoy your blog! Great post, BTW. It is always interesting to read why one began a blog, why one writes, and why one continues to write. I hope that you continue to write for a long time to come. :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. As always, Friko, you have made me think. I started to blog because my very bossy daughter told me to, and then set up the blog. It seems to have taken on a life of its own. I can't stop. Sometimes I bore myself, but still I can't stop. I was indiscreet, offended a friend, got into trouble, and still I can't stop. And I don't know why. But you have made me wonder. Perhaps sometime I'll figure it out.

    ReplyDelete
  33. elizabethm - yes, to all of your comments, definitely, except that I also want to give an opinion (a rant really) occasionally which may not be to everyone's liking and might best be kept anonymously. I do not wish to give offence or hurt anybody's feelings. The good thing about a blog is that it is difficult to take anything personally, after all, few of us know each other face to face. Fascinating, sometimes anodyne, sometimes boring, sometimes self-indulgent, sometimes heart-breaking, blogging is definitely here to stay for a few year or two yet.

    Jenn Jilks - I had a quick look at your Post on Autobiography; it is too long to and important to skim; I shall come back with a comment in due course. I am glad to see that you think writing can be practised, I certainly hope to do lots more of it; one of these days I might even trust myself enough to offer a piece for publication elsewhere.

    Cloudia - thank you, Cloudia, you are very kind. I am always happy to read your 'sunny' and joyous posts. Aloha

    robert - your blog is pure philosophy; although I don't always understand everything you say, I am always encouraged to think when I visit you. I am glad you visit me and I hope for a fruitful and interesting relationship.

    Lorrie - Hm, I don't think I would be happy if my family read my posts as a matter of course; in fact I know I would not like it. They are welcome to read articles with my permission, but otherwise my blog is private, like a diary. What happens if you were to say something they don't agree with? Would they argue with you over your subject or opinions?

    I would love to have you as a follower. Would you click on Google Friends Connect please, which means that you appear in my followers column on my blog.

    Twiglet - We've been saying this for quite a while now, let's make a date for after the snow. We can always meet in T's shop?

    Shattered - As you know, what you write is of endless fascination for me. Thank you for finding my tame stuff of interest.

    20th Century Woman - You're back, good. Yes, Blogs do take on a life of their own but they also make us live our lives more consciously. The list of your transgressions doesn't seem too bad, I hope your friend has forgiven you.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Few people do 'sit around the fire' anymore - everyone knows that. Should we? Of course. The popularity of blogging proves we crave it. Is blogging as good? No, but it offers other things: the opportunity to craft the written word, share pictures and the pleasures of scrap-booking or journal-making.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Friko
    Maggie here. Was @ fallingintomyself
    It felt like this post was written for me because it was just what I needed to hear. Thankyou. Love, Love, Love your photographs. You have inspired me to carry a camera more often as well as blogging.
    I am now @ steppingoutwithredshoeson.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Mark Kerstetter - dear Mark, you don't have to convince me, I am already hooked. Actually, 'the opportunity to craft the written word' is of huge importance to me. I am still only 'practicing' something which I have wanted to do (and have done, in a very small way) for most of my adult life and blogging is a wonderful way in for so many reasons, not least, that there is nobody sitting in visible or audible judgement. I can play with words, play with ideas and stories to my heart's content, without laying myself open to ridicule. As you can tell from this, my opinion of my own abilities is rather low.

    maggie - I have already found you, thanks to Deborah's shove in the right direction. Do come out into this wonderful world. The previous comment and my reply might also be of use to you.

    I look forward to reading your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I am always interested in what you are saying and in which way you are saying it as your English is so good. You are witty and I enjoy that. Blogging has changed my life too – taken a lot of my time and made me look and think about subjects in a different way. My daughter started me in the blogworld and I am pleased she did. The reason, which I may have told you before, was to write about my experiences and travels. But now I tend to write more about my travels and shy away from my experiences – for many reasons. You were the first blog I followed – actually when you said we could “follow” each other’s blog I did not even know what that was – but I am pleased that I followed you, and I’ll keep following you.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Vagabonde - thank you and I shall carry on following you. You were one of the first bloggers with whom I became friendly, thank you for that too.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are good, I like to know what you think of my posts. I know you'll keep it civil.