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I couldn't agree with you more, May.
This is the reason I have a tendency to stay away from the political blogs.
posted by
Joe_Love
on July 18, 2005 at 9:04 PM
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I agree
There is a reason for the writting industry to be so cut thorat, and even here. Everyone has a story to tell, but it's all about the presetation of it and how it will catch someone that might as well not read it. ~Silly
posted by
SillySoul88
on July 18, 2005 at 3:36 PM
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MayB, you expressed so well my reasons for not blogging under the catagory of News&Politics.
posted by
TAPS.
on July 18, 2005 at 9:59 AM
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Bravo!
Very well said. Someone posted a comment in my blog the other day that we all get too busy living life to actually think about how we feel about certain prevalent issues in our lives...this really confused me. I don't intend to ever get so busy that I can't take pause to really think about why I'm here and doing what I'm doing in the first place. Great post!
posted by
UsualSuspect
on July 18, 2005 at 8:06 AM
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MayB...A good and informative post!!!
Yup. You are right on the $ about the journalism field. I spent several years with newspaper writing. It is very different from blogging. I tend to be quite honest in my blogging but I also come from a newspaper background, so I was taught early on to be a good observer. I try in my blogs, to sit just outside the edge when I can, so I don't give up everything. Hope that makes sense. Nice job!
posted by
MedusaNextDoor
on July 18, 2005 at 7:25 AM
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There is still a place for the political blogger
The thing is that journalists seem often to serve their vested interests and, whilst those of us who aren't employed in that capacity don't have access to the political leaders (and significantly to their patronage), we do have access to a world filled with information. By reading around a subject as much as possible and not being tied to a deadline, the blogger has the ability to be more balanced and more complete in their take on a subject.
That said, of course, not everyone is good at it and this may be because they tend to be as knee-jerk as the jouirnalists can be. Personally, I'm not a passionate journalist, I'm a passionate fiction writer, but I'm also a highly politicized person and I like to know the truth about things - or at least as close as I can get to it. Somehow I don't get the impression that the regular press care as much.
posted by
amfish
on July 18, 2005 at 6:46 AM
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I agree. I rarely read any rehash of the news, but I enjoy reading the journals kept by bloggers.
posted by
Ca88andra
on July 18, 2005 at 3:54 AM
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mmm-w, thanks for that. It is a buzz and perhaps I finally realized too that it is their turn now ;-)
posted by
Azur
on July 17, 2005 at 11:31 PM
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QuirkyAlone, it is a job which requires a passion. Most people who are passionate can't see themselves doing anything else
posted by
Azur
on July 17, 2005 at 11:29 PM
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MerryAnne, maybe there is no point after all ;-)
posted by
Azur
on July 17, 2005 at 11:28 PM
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Terpgirl30, I think the magic is in the telling of stories no matter how everyday. Too many people place too high a value on their own opinions and not enough on listening to others to find out why things are so. Through reading these stories, noticing the small stuff, then they can really learn. If you want to share an opinion effectively tell a story. People remember that. Thank you
posted by
Azur
on July 17, 2005 at 11:28 PM
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Ginnieb hi, the trivial stuff has its place I think. In fact I learn more about politics and why people vote the way they do from reading about their lives
posted by
Azur
on July 17, 2005 at 11:25 PM
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Littlemspickles, the biggest value of blogging I think is in getting these small everyday stories that otherwise we wouldn't hear.
I am not sure why blogging started but I think that is one reason why
posted by
Azur
on July 17, 2005 at 11:23 PM
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Factorfiction, insignificant takes on new significance though I'd better watch how I phrase the compliments
posted by
Azur
on July 17, 2005 at 11:22 PM
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excellent points made here...
posted by
Original_Influence
on July 17, 2005 at 8:05 PM
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hehe true unfortunately
I had better start writing one of those insignificant stories tonight...I am overdue!
posted by
FactorFiction
on July 17, 2005 at 7:00 PM
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MayB - well said!
When we think about how blogging evolved and what people mainly use blogging for, your point about writing about yourself and your own perspective on life as it is really makes sense. Most do not search blogs for the truth behind a current event. Though there are journalists around, they would get better paid to sell their story to a newspaper.
We are here to read what others think and to get a sense of how others feel and act. Although I don;t tend to read the journals here, I do like to read opinions and stories about what's going on in different parts of the world from a personal perspective.
Most blogs are used for online journals and many bloggers would be kidding themselves to think that they will be discovered through blogging, especially if this is their only means of communication with the outside world.
Me, I like to write. I like the feedback and I like the thought that there are a few people who like to read what I have to say.
posted by
littlemspickles
on July 17, 2005 at 6:55 PM
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MayB, that's a reality check.
This post has opened my eyes and given me something to think about.
posted by
word.smith
on July 17, 2005 at 6:43 PM
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You are awesome MayB!
This puts the trivial stuff in a brighter light! We do all have a story to tell and it's fascinating to be able to peak into so many people's lives..it does help to understand what other's go through..either from the way gov't and policies affect them or from their own personal experiences living here together on this planet.
posted by
ginnieb
on July 17, 2005 at 6:00 PM
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Very well said, MayB
It's the "Write What You Know" thing. So many people think they need to notch up whatever it is they are writing about. I am told so often that I throw in so many goofy stories of my childhood, examples of people I know, that in some way relates to the big picture that I'm writing about, that people can relate to it. I have certain subjects I can write, taking no prisoners. I'll hang with the best of them. With other things, I'm an observer just like everyone else. But I have opinions, and educated ones sometimes, just like everyone else. And that's important, too.
One of the best things I get from Blogit is when I write on a subject, and I start getting feedback on people giving their perspective on it. You may not agree with something, but it gives you another dimension. Later, you may even change your mine if you hear enough alternative ideas. Writing from the heart is so very powerful.
It just pushed into my mind---I was re-reading The Great American Reader, with some of the best writing of all time. In particular, one of my favorites, the speech by Patrick Henry to the Second Virginia Congress. The Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death Speech. It's chilling. Yes, he was an expert, and had that inside track, but THAT particular speech was from a man who was just a citizen, tormented by what he was watching happen in his own town. Another one is John Kennedy speaking of the Berlin Wall. I wish he could have seen it come down. Again, he was a professional and had the info., but this was more from a man with an opinion.
So, everyone's opinions are powerful as long as the back up on them isn't "because I think so, that's why."
posted by
terpgirl30
on July 17, 2005 at 5:55 PM
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You know MayB
I'm not really sure what the point of blogging is. Except maybe to feed my ego... lol!
posted by
MerryAnne
on July 17, 2005 at 5:36 PM
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I have a journalism degree but could never really see myself being a journalist. I am sure I COULD do it, I'm just not passionate about it.
posted by
Julia.
on July 17, 2005 at 5:05 PM
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very well written....... i hadn't thought of that news perspective but it describes perfectly what i have seen! :) what a great experience it must be to work with your students. there is something so
electric about helping a young person find their path in life and persue it....
posted by
mmm-w
on July 17, 2005 at 5:03 PM
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