December 4, 2010
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It feels strange to blog again. Not too many years ago it was a daily function, part of my lifestyle, a way to share with many different people and a way to address one of my favorite 12-step sayings which is “you’re only as sick as the secrets you keep”and I didn’t keep many secrets. The people who followed my blogs knew my personal feelings and not my public persona. I certainly think the change in Xanga when it allied with Facebook was not a positive change. With the exception of two beautiful and dear Xanga buddies and some friends and family not much meaningful happens for me on Facebook. I never cared much for pretend games and am not a competitive person. I know what it’s like to experience life on a real farm and I can guarantee you it’s nothing like Farmville. If my written interactions don’t elicit feelings and heart level contact I am not sure it is worth my while. That is probably why I find Facebook dull and uninteresting with the exception of the C and C duo. I do miss the love and support of Xanga but I don’t know if I can recapture the specialness of sharing. I looked at my subscriptions list and only six of the 50 or so names on it have blogged in the past six months. So I will let my feelings be my feelings, sit with them, and they will either translate to starting to blog again or go back into hibernation where I where I can revisit these ideas and six months or so. This really means that I don’t want to give up blogging and I really don’t know if the change is in Xanga or in me. I guess it really doesn’t make any difference.
Keep the faith
David
Comments (11)
Do not give up blogging! No! I read you loud and clear. I do not blog as often either. But I do and people meet up and we chat and comment and connect. You are correct about the facebook thing in that it is a shallow point and shoot kind of deal. I have family and far away friends that I enjoy “seeing” there and I do not always share my blog on facebook. Only when I am posting lots of fam pics. I posted a really ranty blog the other day and felt so good. I privatized it, but I also received some really great thoughts and advice. Love you David. When ever and how ever you meet up with your internet pals, count me in to visit. xxoo Much love to you and your family. Mush. xxoo
@queenie - You are special for sure. How do I read your private posts on fb. Want to get together early next lifetime.
I meant Much, not mush. How hilarious. That blog was so angry. It was a complete vent fest. Some poor person who has never ever read my blog linked over and got to see my much over use of the F word. But, it felt really really good to get that festering stuff off my chest.
I have not read your blog before…but I hope to visit every now and then and see what you are blogging about. I often wish I had time to visit all the people. At least I try to visit back those people who visit my blog and leave comment. I do not get too many comments and every person that does leave a comment is precious.
I sometimes wonder if being an early adopter of technology has me using it less because it’s no longer as thrilling as it once was. I’m far from a Luddite, but I have found myself blogging less than journaling more–in fact, I feel like I stopped blogging when it became popular. I don’t usually send ecards anymore, but I do send regular snail mail ones. I have yet to figure out my regression except that I’m tired of technology. The repetitious click of Farmville cannot compare to the excitement of seeing the first green tomato on your tomato plant in the garden.
I occasionally still log onto xanga but I feel like it has sold out. It’s so frilly, with credits and flash and now chat? I can barely find where the heck to post a blog. I feel facebook is the same way–back before games and chat, it was simple, purposeful, and fun. But now it’s so overwhelming that it’s just not fun. Remember a place called wbs? People were satisfied with the plain ol’ html chat. As technology moved forward, they tried to progress as well, and it backfired.
Since I’ve cutting down on my facebook (and internet) time, I have found that I am much more at peace with myself and do some wildly creative things, and to me, that is satisfying. Technology doesn’t always destroy relationships, but it definitely takes away from the human experience with interacting with others… But it’s surprising how much it can take away from our experiences with ourselves, too. The internet can be chock full of support, and I miss that aspect of it. I’m sure if I wanted to, I could find a good outlet, but everything online anymore is about instant gratification. But in general, I feel closer to myself each time I read a book, go outside, or just do anything that isn’t on a computer. I doubt that the change is as black or white as xanga or you, but know that you are not alone in your ambivalence–there are many people who feel this way, I think.
My glory days of blogging were from about 2002-2004, especially in the summer. It was a new medium for me at the time and I really enjoy thinking and writing in real time. I will always treasure meetings many wonderful folks and at least a few first rate minds. I include you in both.
I also do not know if I can ever return to blogging teh way I used to. It has lost a bit of its lust.
I am on FB, but do not have a high opinion of it…..it is so shallow, too many games,……..and not conducive to anything indepth. The teenagers can have it.
Be well my friend.
Semper Fidelis,
MB
Anh, AK
@mbiberg - I do plan to start blogging a bit, it is also always nice to touch base with you I have like you since you started blogging and I doubt if that will ever change, keep the peace brother.
@PhilliesGirl - it worked fine I’m looking forward to the e-mail.
@Zeal4living - thanks for the comment. I don’t blog very often but plans to check your blog when I’m on Xanga.
@queenie - am I on your private list.
@lotsayears -
I don’t have a private list. I blog for the world to see but on occasion delete or privatize a post. Rarely and usually for good reason. Those poor me blogs do not need to be kept for any revisits. The momentary temper tantrum does a human good, but only for that moment.
Welcome back. Blogging is certainly bizarre. I have busied myself with Facebook and have been neglectful of blogging… but then I try to come here. I find myself posting too often on facebook which reminds me to go back to Xanga…