I am departing for a week to visit my family for Thanksgiving, in environs familiar, but not really my own.
They’ll be a computer at the house where Wife and I will be staying, though I doubt I will be able to use it to write of the Bookfraud Dysfunctional Family Holiday. This post will have to do for a week or so.
Over the past month or so—a period coinciding with my birthday—I have neglected the blog, but also others’ blogs that I regularly visit and comment upon. (The mere thought of it actually made me wince.) The combination of depression and insane busyness at work and home has not made a happy camper out of yours truly.
A couple of days ago, this blog was reviewed by a blog that reviews blogs. The site rates “humor blogs,” and though I don’t think of this blog as “ha ha ha, I’m gonna wet my pants!” funny, it was gratifying to be considered. Two areas stood out for reviewers, which I readily admit are shortcomings: design and frequency.
This got the gears working. Shouldn’t I redesign this tired old Blogger template? Maybe I should add really cool features and links, and even get my own domain name. Add podcasts! Video! Free beer! If need be, I could write more entries. Everybody would then flock to Bookfraud.
But what purpose would that serve? Just why the hell am I doing this?
I started blogging because I fancied myself a columnist, thought I might have something interesting to say, and didn’t have any other forum in which to do it. The fiction thing was grounded indefinitely, and I wasn’t really making concerted stabs at writing non-fiction.
I promised myself that the blog would be about “the writing life,” and I have tried to tie even the most arcane pieces of trivia to writing. Though my personal life often spills over into my entries, I try to make it relevant to spinning tales of fiction or fact.
I wasn’t going to blog about how the waiter at the restaurant treated me like a dog, politics, or pop culture, a rule I broke in about, I’d say, 5 minutes. And I starting writing “concept” blogs (for want of a better description).
“I don’t care how many people visit and comment,” I proclaimed to Wife, but of course I do.
I had an extremely unpleasant experience with an agent recently, and while many writers would have blogged about it as soon as they turned their computers on, it didn’t appeal to me, as would read like a six-year-old in an extended time-out.
The fact is yes, this is a “community,” and writers over the age of 17 know that the practice of writing is difficult and solitary. Blogging can connect us for support and advice. While I didn’t set out for this, it’s become perhaps the most rewarding part of blogging.
I received a simple comment on one of my entries lately: “Hi, Bookfraud,” from someone whose own blog I had not visited in some time. It made me a little queasy. Am I just going through the motions? Don’t I owe it to others to visit?
Which begs the question: why do we blog? Why do we choose what we blog about? And what do we expect to get out of the whole thing?
Have a happy Thanksgiving, y’all.
And R.I.P., Bo. M Go Blue.
Just stretching my voice over here. It’s not for anyone’s edification but my own that I blog, but having a community and a “support” network of word lovers feels pretty good.
And I like the cheerleading. That “go Voix” stuff is awesome.
Go Bookfraud!
Just stretching my voice over here. It’s not for anyone’s edification but my own that I blog, but having a community and a “support” network of word lovers feels pretty good.
And I like the cheerleading. That “go Voix” stuff is awesome.
Go Bookfraud!
Just stretching my voice over here. It’s not for anyone’s edification but my own that I blog, but having a community and a “support” network of word lovers feels pretty good.
And I like the cheerleading. That “go Voix” stuff is awesome.
Go Bookfraud!
I find blogging is a vent for all the crap that goes wrong. Mostly at home and work.
I find blogging is a vent for all the crap that goes wrong. Mostly at home and work.
I find blogging is a vent for all the crap that goes wrong. Mostly at home and work.
Values are complex. One benefit is learning.
A generous thanksgiving to you.
Values are complex. One benefit is learning.
A generous thanksgiving to you.
Values are complex. One benefit is learning.
A generous thanksgiving to you.
*shrug* beats me. i guess i’m just nosy about how other people live.
happy thanksgiving, y’all!
I blog and read blogs to fill my daily Acknowledge Other People Smile And Wave quotient.
And because, typically, the people I meet online are more funny than the people I deal with day-to-day.
*shrug* beats me. i guess i’m just nosy about how other people live.
happy thanksgiving, y’all!
*shrug* beats me. i guess i’m just nosy about how other people live.
happy thanksgiving, y’all!
I blog and read blogs to fill my daily Acknowledge Other People Smile And Wave quotient.
And because, typically, the people I meet online are more funny than the people I deal with day-to-day.
I blog and read blogs to fill my daily Acknowledge Other People Smile And Wave quotient.
And because, typically, the people I meet online are more funny than the people I deal with day-to-day.
If you’re serious about offering free beer, then yes. Re-design away.
Otherwise, I’ve been visiting (off and on-ish) for awhile and I don’t come for the design, I come for the words. Which is what blogging was about, I thought.
But then, I have a really hard time knowing when to shut up myself (the reality of this statement will truly hit in about 10 more paragraphs). And I’m not sure how I feel about blogs that review other blogs. I mean, who reviews the review blogs? And then who reviews the review blogs that review the review blogs?
The blogosphere gives me a headache sometimes. But it always seems to suck me right back in…probably because I’m a voyeur who’s also looking to be voyeured upon.
There’s a great deal of money to be made on therapy-for-blogger books, I bet.
You don’t owe it to me to visit. I just enjoy reading your good writing and knowing I’m not the only writer out there trying to get published and it’s like beating my head against a wall. Thank you for this blog–it’s one of my favorites.
(Do you feel guilty now? Because I said all that to guilt you into visiting my blog. Because, duh Bookfraud! Of COURSE you have to visit other people’s blogs! It’s the ‘net’s version of the classic reach around. Helloooo!)
Amy
If you’re serious about offering free beer, then yes. Re-design away.
Otherwise, I’ve been visiting (off and on-ish) for awhile and I don’t come for the design, I come for the words. Which is what blogging was about, I thought.
But then, I have a really hard time knowing when to shut up myself (the reality of this statement will truly hit in about 10 more paragraphs). And I’m not sure how I feel about blogs that review other blogs. I mean, who reviews the review blogs? And then who reviews the review blogs that review the review blogs?
The blogosphere gives me a headache sometimes. But it always seems to suck me right back in…probably because I’m a voyeur who’s also looking to be voyeured upon.
There’s a great deal of money to be made on therapy-for-blogger books, I bet.
You don’t owe it to me to visit. I just enjoy reading your good writing and knowing I’m not the only writer out there trying to get published and it’s like beating my head against a wall. Thank you for this blog–it’s one of my favorites.
(Do you feel guilty now? Because I said all that to guilt you into visiting my blog. Because, duh Bookfraud! Of COURSE you have to visit other people’s blogs! It’s the ‘net’s version of the classic reach around. Helloooo!)
Amy
If you’re serious about offering free beer, then yes. Re-design away.
Otherwise, I’ve been visiting (off and on-ish) for awhile and I don’t come for the design, I come for the words. Which is what blogging was about, I thought.
But then, I have a really hard time knowing when to shut up myself (the reality of this statement will truly hit in about 10 more paragraphs). And I’m not sure how I feel about blogs that review other blogs. I mean, who reviews the review blogs? And then who reviews the review blogs that review the review blogs?
The blogosphere gives me a headache sometimes. But it always seems to suck me right back in…probably because I’m a voyeur who’s also looking to be voyeured upon.
There’s a great deal of money to be made on therapy-for-blogger books, I bet.
You don’t owe it to me to visit. I just enjoy reading your good writing and knowing I’m not the only writer out there trying to get published and it’s like beating my head against a wall. Thank you for this blog–it’s one of my favorites.
(Do you feel guilty now? Because I said all that to guilt you into visiting my blog. Because, duh Bookfraud! Of COURSE you have to visit other people’s blogs! It’s the ‘net’s version of the classic reach around. Helloooo!)
Amy
Happy Birthday.
I gave you a notice on my last post. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!!
happy thanksgiving.
Happy Birthday.
I gave you a notice on my last post. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!!
Happy Birthday.
I gave you a notice on my last post. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!!
My blog began as a way to promote my work, but it quickly became my online journal. I think you’re getting in that mindset that your blog has to be about “something”. It’s whatever you want it to be. I don’t even worry about it anymore. Sometimes I get 20 plus comments on a post, sometimes none. Who has time to worry about that? Your blog is entertaining and often informative. Keep blogging.
happy thanksgiving.
happy thanksgiving.
My blog began as a way to promote my work, but it quickly became my online journal. I think you’re getting in that mindset that your blog has to be about “something”. It’s whatever you want it to be. I don’t even worry about it anymore. Sometimes I get 20 plus comments on a post, sometimes none. Who has time to worry about that? Your blog is entertaining and often informative. Keep blogging.
My blog began as a way to promote my work, but it quickly became my online journal. I think you’re getting in that mindset that your blog has to be about “something”. It’s whatever you want it to be. I don’t even worry about it anymore. Sometimes I get 20 plus comments on a post, sometimes none. Who has time to worry about that? Your blog is entertaining and often informative. Keep blogging.
I think it is my fault they reviewed you because I said that you were funnier than Dooce.
Why blog? Who knows…
I think it is my fault they reviewed you because I said that you were funnier than Dooce.
Why blog? Who knows…
I think it is my fault they reviewed you because I said that you were funnier than Dooce.
Why blog? Who knows…
BF:
The design of your blog is clean and easy to read. It’s funny as all get out. Therefore, it is a huge success.
BF:
The design of your blog is clean and easy to read. It’s funny as all get out. Therefore, it is a huge success.
BF:
The design of your blog is clean and easy to read. It’s funny as all get out. Therefore, it is a huge success.
Why blog?
Why breathe?
Because as a writer, it is a necessity. That’s why. And, nothing is more gratifying than seeing your words in immediate print and getting back feedback for them in an almost instaneous fashion.
I am very bad at getting to others blogs. Very bad at it. But, I continue mine because at the time I started mine, it was for me…not others. The fact that I HAVE others makes me grateful.
And, when I do have time to visit others? I make it quality time. I read pages of their posts at one time, and then, drop off a little “hey there!” on one of their stories, to let them know that they are being appreciated, thought of and read.
Everything at its own pace, love.
I think the world is better for having you in it.
CP.
Why blog?
Why breathe?
Because as a writer, it is a necessity. That’s why. And, nothing is more gratifying than seeing your words in immediate print and getting back feedback for them in an almost instaneous fashion.
I am very bad at getting to others blogs. Very bad at it. But, I continue mine because at the time I started mine, it was for me…not others. The fact that I HAVE others makes me grateful.
And, when I do have time to visit others? I make it quality time. I read pages of their posts at one time, and then, drop off a little “hey there!” on one of their stories, to let them know that they are being appreciated, thought of and read.
Everything at its own pace, love.
I think the world is better for having you in it.
CP.
Why blog?
Why breathe?
Because as a writer, it is a necessity. That’s why. And, nothing is more gratifying than seeing your words in immediate print and getting back feedback for them in an almost instaneous fashion.
I am very bad at getting to others blogs. Very bad at it. But, I continue mine because at the time I started mine, it was for me…not others. The fact that I HAVE others makes me grateful.
And, when I do have time to visit others? I make it quality time. I read pages of their posts at one time, and then, drop off a little “hey there!” on one of their stories, to let them know that they are being appreciated, thought of and read.
Everything at its own pace, love.
I think the world is better for having you in it.
CP.
michele: if i weren?t married, i would take you home to mother. go voix all the way!
doubleb: i hear your pain. i hadn’t thought about it, but blogging is a great way to vent. beats going postal.
bernita: well said.
le: the universe is filled with mistery, eh? hope you had a nice bird-day, y’all.
benny: you are a good egg. and i am with you — people online are more interesting than those i meet in real life. or is it people are simply more interesting online than they are in real life?
amy: though you have made me feel guilty beyond repair, you also made me smile. which, as wife will tell you, is a once-a-year event.
phoenix: ditto, my man. thanks for the hb greetings.
michelle: ditto ditto.
collin: your blog trajectory is strikingly similar to mine. thanks for the props. but i am too neurotic not to notice comments, etc.
neil: i didn’t know you said that. coming from you, it’s a great compliment. and the world’s mysteries are endless.
butter rock: you rock. i could take you to the opera sometime.
cp: thank you for the undeniably kind words. you have a second career as a therapist, if it isn’t your primary one.
michele: if i weren?t married, i would take you home to mother. go voix all the way!
doubleb: i hear your pain. i hadn’t thought about it, but blogging is a great way to vent. beats going postal.
bernita: well said.
le: the universe is filled with mistery, eh? hope you had a nice bird-day, y’all.
michele: if i weren?t married, i would take you home to mother. go voix all the way!
doubleb: i hear your pain. i hadn’t thought about it, but blogging is a great way to vent. beats going postal.
bernita: well said.
le: the universe is filled with mistery, eh? hope you had a nice bird-day, y’all.
benny: you are a good egg. and i am with you — people online are more interesting than those i meet in real life. or is it people are simply more interesting online than they are in real life?
amy: though you have made me feel guilty beyond repair, you also made me smile. which, as wife will tell you, is a once-a-year event.
phoenix: ditto, my man. thanks for the hb greetings.
michelle: ditto ditto.
collin: your blog trajectory is strikingly similar to mine. thanks for the props. but i am too neurotic not to notice comments, etc.
benny: you are a good egg. and i am with you — people online are more interesting than those i meet in real life. or is it people are simply more interesting online than they are in real life?
amy: though you have made me feel guilty beyond repair, you also made me smile. which, as wife will tell you, is a once-a-year event.
phoenix: ditto, my man. thanks for the hb greetings.
michelle: ditto ditto.
collin: your blog trajectory is strikingly similar to mine. thanks for the props. but i am too neurotic not to notice comments, etc.
neil: i didn’t know you said that. coming from you, it’s a great compliment. and the world’s mysteries are endless.
butter rock: you rock. i could take you to the opera sometime.
cp: thank you for the undeniably kind words. you have a second career as a therapist, if it isn’t your primary one.
neil: i didn’t know you said that. coming from you, it’s a great compliment. and the world’s mysteries are endless.
butter rock: you rock. i could take you to the opera sometime.
cp: thank you for the undeniably kind words. you have a second career as a therapist, if it isn’t your primary one.
I think ultimately we blog because we want an audience for our words. It’s not just about having to write, because that can be done in a private journal. Some spew out poorly-written, insipid stuff daily (I’m thinking teenagers, but sadly they are not the only culprits) as a way to mislead themselves into thinking their lives are interesting and important. Some blog only on a specific topic in hopes of finding others who share their interests. Some blog because they know they’ll put more effort into writing, and thus improve said writing, if it is to be read by others. But I firmly believe it’s about the audience.
I think ultimately we blog because we want an audience for our words. It’s not just about having to write, because that can be done in a private journal. Some spew out poorly-written, insipid stuff daily (I’m thinking teenagers, but sadly they are not the only culprits) as a way to mislead themselves into thinking their lives are interesting and important. Some blog only on a specific topic in hopes of finding others who share their interests. Some blog because they know they’ll put more effort into writing, and thus improve said writing, if it is to be read by others. But I firmly believe it’s about the audience.
I think ultimately we blog because we want an audience for our words. It’s not just about having to write, because that can be done in a private journal. Some spew out poorly-written, insipid stuff daily (I’m thinking teenagers, but sadly they are not the only culprits) as a way to mislead themselves into thinking their lives are interesting and important. Some blog only on a specific topic in hopes of finding others who share their interests. Some blog because they know they’ll put more effort into writing, and thus improve said writing, if it is to be read by others. But I firmly believe it’s about the audience.
Oh, easy–I visit blogs to keep from working on my diss. Which I’m supposed to be doing right now. Because I’ve already missed the 5:00 p.m. deadline for diss group draft review. Damn. Better go.
Oh, easy–I visit blogs to keep from working on my diss. Which I’m supposed to be doing right now. Because I’ve already missed the 5:00 p.m. deadline for diss group draft review. Damn. Better go.