Blogging Ideology
Stardate 5013.3
As the one year anniversary of my blog approaches, I find myself thinking about various aspects of blogging, at least in the sense I attempt to perform it. In the beginning, I wrote mainly about day to day things, jokes and news stories that were interesting. As my interest in politics, and especially US politics grew, I found that the Blog was actually a serious outlet for thoughts and ideas.
As I grew as a writer, I realized that sources can be key, and even though it may not be the responsibility of the writer to justify his thoughts (I think the reader must make a call in most cases) it sure adds a load of credibility to the postings. I tend to provide links to articles pertaining to what I say as often as I can but then it's not always possible...
I have also noted that almost as a general rule, we like to surround ourselves with peers, and like-minded people. However, could this be defeating the purpose of blogging somewhat? After all, when we write something down that is opinion, perhaps we are trying to provide insight to others, or even *gasp* change their point of view a little! However, whenever someone on the other side of the fence makes an appearance, we tend to recoil, react or run! As a writer, I must be willing to do the same as I would expect readers to do. In the recent handgun debates, I found that a definate lack of research on my part was evident, and after a mix of some cool and some heated debate, I actually turned my train of thoughts around somewhat.
Of course, we don't want to write and be inundated with opposition, but the idea I am presenting is that it should at least be welcome, and that the writer has many of the same responsibilities as the reader, as far as integrity goes, and as far as debate goes...
Speaking of debates... the Leadership debate will be tonight in Vancouver. I am hoping I can tune in a channel or find an on-line source. Check the CBC Panel later for some thoughts on this...
As the one year anniversary of my blog approaches, I find myself thinking about various aspects of blogging, at least in the sense I attempt to perform it. In the beginning, I wrote mainly about day to day things, jokes and news stories that were interesting. As my interest in politics, and especially US politics grew, I found that the Blog was actually a serious outlet for thoughts and ideas.
As I grew as a writer, I realized that sources can be key, and even though it may not be the responsibility of the writer to justify his thoughts (I think the reader must make a call in most cases) it sure adds a load of credibility to the postings. I tend to provide links to articles pertaining to what I say as often as I can but then it's not always possible...
I have also noted that almost as a general rule, we like to surround ourselves with peers, and like-minded people. However, could this be defeating the purpose of blogging somewhat? After all, when we write something down that is opinion, perhaps we are trying to provide insight to others, or even *gasp* change their point of view a little! However, whenever someone on the other side of the fence makes an appearance, we tend to recoil, react or run! As a writer, I must be willing to do the same as I would expect readers to do. In the recent handgun debates, I found that a definate lack of research on my part was evident, and after a mix of some cool and some heated debate, I actually turned my train of thoughts around somewhat.
Of course, we don't want to write and be inundated with opposition, but the idea I am presenting is that it should at least be welcome, and that the writer has many of the same responsibilities as the reader, as far as integrity goes, and as far as debate goes...
Speaking of debates... the Leadership debate will be tonight in Vancouver. I am hoping I can tune in a channel or find an on-line source. Check the CBC Panel later for some thoughts on this...
posted by Zaphod at 8:11 AM
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