So lately I have been giving serious thought to quiting the blog scene. I was looking for my own "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow" only to realize, its just an illusion. I don't see a point in continuing. Frankly, the blogs have harmed my life much more than I thought. Everything from shalom bayit to my relationship with mere acquaintances has been affected by the blogs. I think the only logical thing to do is to stop.
I AM curious to know why do some of you blog. Are you looking for something, or just want to share some thoughts? Has it been a postive experience for the most part or not? Have you met new friends? New enemies? :)
I use it to figure out what I really think and to get things off my chest without pissing off my real-life Orthodox friends and family. Usually, I find it beneficial, although some of the arguments about politics can put me into a sour mood.
ReplyDeleteOh, NOW you think about listening to us... wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm with most of the reasons you gave: I like the discussion, I enjoy sharing my own thoughts and discussing them with others, I think some of what is out there is important for people to read/enjoyable for people to read; it has definitely been a positive experience for me (a few annoying moments notwithstanding), and I've met many new friends and/or solidified a few friendships that I otherwise may have not.
I've met some AMAZING folks in the blogosphere and some fellow fiction writers as well. I blog because I love the "conversation" with readers that I can't get anywhere else. I blog to articulate questions, explore ideas, and to get feedback for future writing projects.
ReplyDeleteI've "met" folks through their blogs that I'd honestly be distraught if they stopped blogging. So far I think I've only made one "enemy" and s/he was on an anti-Jewish/anti-Israel kick so I'm just as happy s/he didn't want to be my friend.
I agree the external politics (world events) and internal politics (intra-Jewish) aren't my favorite part. I have learned a lot by reading blogs that write about both types of politics respectfully.
And I've learned especially from bloggers whose observance is different from mine.
Thinking About Quiting (Don't worry, it's not Ezzie)
ReplyDeleteBy the way... DUH. I know how to spell quitting. ;)
My life was literally changed by blogging. In a good way. It helped become a much more confident, articulate, and open person than ever before. At the same time, I learned patience, and to temper my words before writing something. I have not made any enemies in the blogosphere, but I did make incredible friends, whom I never would have met if not for blogging.
ReplyDeleteBy the way... DUH. I know how to spell quitting. ;)
ReplyDeleteThats right, just keep pushing that button Ezzie.
is has its many advantages, meeting some very nice people, venting things, getting new ideas,
ReplyDeletebut it is soooo time consuming.... gevald!
I love blogging. I have 17 blogs. I wouldn't give it up, unless I had to live in cleveland.
ReplyDeleteI have written about this many times on my blog. Probably too many times.
Quitting? Then I won't be able to call you anymore...
ReplyDeleteHow sad.
I blog out of ideology, so even when things are tough, are still remember the big picture, and the good that has come from my blog (and all the more good I hope that will come from it)
I had wanted to comment two days ago, but haven't had time until now...
ReplyDelete"I AM curious to know why do some of you blog. Are you looking for something, or just want to share some thoughts? Has it been a postive experience for the most part or not? Have you met new friends? New enemies?"
YIKES! Lots of questions. OK..
Why I blog? Mostly because I need to get back in the habit of writing more regularly. In addition, I started my blog shortly after leaving a 14 year stint in klei kodesh and entering a desk job in the 'private sector'. I found that I needed an outlet.
I've found it to be mostly positive aside from some shalom bayis issues for a short time. I admit, it's nice to find people who share your views. I've had a chance to see/read thoughts on different hashkafos and more importantly reinforced my own sense of what achudus is all about.
New friends? A few who mostly exist on my monitor and inbox It is cool to connect with others who share your own background and ideas. There are one or two who I'd love to spend a meal with.
Enemies? Only a new yetzer hora to check email and comments on postings. Over the past month I've learned to exercise certain freedoms and control my bloggging and not the over way around. Thought provoking post, thanks!