When I find one with sincere and clear writing I feel as though I have found a jewel in the barnyard. These people call out into the unknown trying to communicate, to tell a story of a life.
Sometimes the blog just started. Sometimes they've been blogging for years. When I look at the comments, often there are not any or if any very few.
What motivates someone to write a blog on which no one comments?
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The great consuming drama of the mid-term U.S. elections will end tomorrow when the polls close in Hawaii. I'm ready for this to end.I watched the rally on the Mall in Washington DC on C-Span Saturday. It was put on by a couple of comedians and called "The Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear". I'm sure some of you attended. Some friends of mine did and they had pictures. It seemed to be an almost perfect day; no rain, wind or snow and bright sunshine. One person described it as a typical toss the Frisbee to the dog family day outside in the fall.
Boy those signs were great too. There was a slideshow on a website of over 300 pictures of signs from the Rally. The signs were not angry or putting down anyone. The words were spelled right. Someone professed to being a person who sends grammatically correct text messages. The faces were not all white. There were a lot of brown people. The crowd looked like the America I see every day near my home.
A musician sang "Peace Train" and I almost cried. Tony Bennett sang "America the Beautiful" and I did cry. I am a Liberal and a Democrat. I am a patriot. If you cannot get your mind around that concept then you need to reconsider. Maybe we need to have a reasonable conversation where we both listen.
My favorite sign was the one that said: Civil is Sexy!
This past week it was reported that the University of Louisville had offered two season tickets for home basketball games to each of our state House and Senate members. This has been done for many years and they are offered at the usual price. A lot of the elected legislators appreciate the opportunity and buy tickets every year.
This year all people purchasing season tickets at the new YUM Arena are required to pay an additional "premium" of $1000 per ticket to underwrite the wonderful, fabulous, and modern luxury arena. This year the legislators were surprised at this additional cost. To help the President of the University, Dr. James R. Ramsey offered to pay this premium from funds in the U of L Foundation.
All this was reported in the local paper.
The Letters to the Editors were so hot I had to handle the folded paper that morning with padded gloves.
The next day it was announced that every single legislator had turned done the courtesy of Dr. Ramsey's offer. Although the legislators had not been able to get a budget passed this past session and had to do so in a sixty day special session, their good sense was demonstrated by turning down the offer!
One of the Letters to the Editor suggested they pay the premium with the extra pay they got for the special session!
A couple of great signs I saw...
ReplyDelete"Moderate Women are Hot."
"I Disagree With You, But I'm Pretty Sure You're Not Hitler."
For years here the big perk our state legislators got was free passes to the horse races. When it was finally stopped many congressmen and senators were furious and acted as it it was their God-given right to get those free passes.
ReplyDeleteIt was a little weird to see a big political gathering where people weren't all angry about everything. And kinda cool.
i saw a bunch of them and posted them..they were terrific..
ReplyDeleteAnnoyingJoe: I saw those too. There was one that said, "We disagree but I won't stand on your head".
ReplyDeleteJay: I know there are lots of under the table deals for tickets with the Legislature which puts plans in force to pay for sports venues.
I know. It felt like a "love in" kind of.
YELLOWDOG GRANNY: I know, I saw them on your Monday post!!
I own such a blog where not many people comment. I do not write for an audience as such - I write for myself. It is my 'place', my sanctuary if you like. I can put down on that blog what happened, and how I felt. I can also talk about the industry I am involved in, and not look at it through rose coloured specs. I am not here to sell myself, nor am I here to justify what I do. I like my blog, I like to visit, and if it were not for this blog, I would not have found you, and other people I enjoy reading.
ReplyDeleteI think your blog is fab btw..
I do not know much or anything about American politics
ReplyDelete*hangs head in shame*
We have more than enough to contend with over here:)
I hope I am reading you right with this post!
In the Uk, we had something similar happen where the MPs were claiming for all sorts of domestic luxuries, and sending the bills in for HM treasury to pay. This has been going on for years. One guy even sent a bill in for a floating island for his bloody ducks! Others were claiming for the mortgage on their second house, and for salaries for their relations.
They all denied culpability, and some were taken to court. It amazes me how people with a supposed ethic get elected to high stauts and then think they are above the law.
Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to myself on my blog. I have a total of 3 followers, LOL! For me writing clears my head and helps me get my ideas straight. Somehow seeing things in writing helps me challenge my own positions.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was wonderful to see civility! And sometimes even the quiet people need to speak up.
Nice article!
now how do we get this message to those who yell at us, who are barkers in the circus?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100% as always
I wish I could have attended with a sign reading "I made this sign all by myself" in purple crayon.
ReplyDeleteWow and he had the guts to offer paying them with University's funds? He should probably be hanged for such idiocy.
ReplyDeleteDid i understand it correctly? I would totally be one of those who send those hot letters myself.
I've been blogging for about 7 years now and for the first 5 I was lucky if I received more than 2 comments. I write for me, whether people read it or not.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to finally read about people getting together civilly to protest. I am so sick of the bickering and mudslinging, especially now during the elections.
Sarah: I don’t work for numbers either; probably because I don't have time to do that. I've no problem with those who do however; live and let live.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment.
I heard about that ruckus in the UK when all those government officials were charging the government for their personal expenses and luxuries. In all cases where the citizens' money is being paid out there needs to be good business practice and controls.
Gbaum52: Being mysterious are you?! Thanks for the compliment.
Margaret (Peggy or Peg too): I think we get the message out by being civil, being direct, inserting humor and not backing down.
Grant: It sure was a fun event!
PorkStar: He sure did. UofL has had a history of using the "Foundation" to spend on things a University should not be spending money on. My opinion is if the money is donated to a university it should be for education only; scholarships, improvement of what is taught, etc.
You understand it correctly!
Senorita: I've been blogging for several years and for a while I had the blog restricted to about 10 very good friends.
Deep sigh. Could those visionary but unrewarded bloggers you so graphically describe possibly be Democrats?
ReplyDeleteOh Kentucky, what have you done?
I join with Sarah, gbaum52 and Senorita in that I do not write my blog to get comments. Comments are always nice especially if the person actually says something of substance.
ReplyDeleteBut I put a post every so often because I enjoy doing so and have a message I want to share.
I missed the rally on the Mall this past weekend. Sounds like it was fun.
And, yes, I have heard about that beautiful new arena in Louisville. Sounds really, really nice.
Still .... I have always wanted to watch a game in Allen Fieldhouse at the University of Kansas. I have no connection with Kansas but that is one of those venues that is timeless.
Take care.
I agree with you in that it is special to find a blog that really touches you and that you enjoy.
Christopher: I think bloggers who write for their own sanity are not one political party or another. I think they are not lovers of drama. It's not important to be lauded with prizes nor do they feel validated by large numbers. When you are quietly content in who you are, you just tell the story of a life. I like profound and small stories that tell me about an extraordinary life. And Christopher, every one has a story worth telling.
ReplyDeleteRussell: Thank you for your kind words.
Why have you not gone to Allen Fieldhouse at the University of Kansas and watched a game!?!?! Tell all your friends and family that is the one gift you would love for Christmas or your Birthday. This can be accomplished.
sugar, when i your first comment i was elated that you read my blog1 i still feel that way when i see your name. it surprises me and i have to admit, delights me when people come back. for me, blogging has become a way of keeping in touch with people around the world i never would have met! you keep writing, i'll keep reading! xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI started my blog because I live in chaos with four kids. It's so loud and crazy up in here that I tend to lose who I am. My blog is my way. I talk about what I want and have found great friends doing so. I do Loooove getting comments, but I would probably write in some form or fashion either way. It's how I stay sane.
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed when people comment on my blog. I liked this blog post.
ReplyDeleteFor a good long while I had virtually no readers or commenters - I was mostly writing for myself and I didn't even know about going to blogs of strangers! But I'm hooked. I don't need a million followers or comments, but I sure do love the interaction.
ReplyDeleteCharlene, one thing I noticed about blogs with lots of followers is the writing can suffer because they devolve into a kind of shorthand speech, assuming the reader has read all the background and lead-in to any specific story. A blog with few readers can't assume anything of those readers, and hence has to be specific, discursive, and clear. I have only 2 followers, few readers, and I write for the love of the activity. It helps me clarify my own thoughts. In fact, I like writing so much I have 4 or 5 blogs on different topics, most of them inaccessible to others, just for the purpose of writing. When someone comments, it's a bonus.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to say, I like your blog very much, and the comfortable and natural tone of your writing. It's plain and persuasive at the same time.
I enjoyed the Rally, but my sign probably had a better time than I did. It sorta took on a life of its own and we tagged along. Now, it sits in the garage pouting, won't eat, doesn't sleep, and looks wan. Anybody else's sign got problems? Maybe all the attention was just too much for it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to find you...followed the bunny trail over from Sheria's place and ain't she just the best?! I'll be back.
Just a thought..... the blog captures moments in time - your time, when you can go back and remember what you were doing on that day, what else was happening and how you felt. It's so much more than a diary because it is emotive, and although I hate to use the word - organic :)
ReplyDeleteWait I am totally all about you...even stalked you by looking at all your pictures,,,soi I am totally in love with you...did I say that out loud sorry
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the civility of our political process... I can be gulity of not being civil too. I have to admit Sharron Angle, Rand Paul, and Hermoine O'Donnell make me want to yell and throw things.
ReplyDeleteThe loveIn rally was exciting wasn't it? I didn't go but my boyfriend took the bus down for the day with a couple thousand others from Manhattan. I loved seeing the rainbow of civil people getting along and keeping hope alive. There's a chance for us to get it together yet!
ReplyDeleteHey you... I think the musician that sang "Peace Train" was Cat Stevens... Yusuf Islam. His voice is STILL great... I always loved that song, as well as others he recorded.
ReplyDeleteDid we decide it Civility was "sexy" or "sexual?" I recall reading something once about when to use "sensuous" and when to use "sensual"... but I forgot...
I hope all is great up in Louisville!! :o)
~shoes~
I like the Civil is Sexy concept!
ReplyDeleteSavannah: The ability to talk to people online that you would otherwise just never know is the magic of the Internet. Thank you for your comments. I love reading you too!
ReplyDeleteFrouFrouBritches: I think writing a blog is its own reward. That's why I don't do ads. That could always change, but not yet.
Kwizgiver: Thank you. I appreciate the comment.
Secret agent woman: I love it too. I keep a private journal for all my inside the head stuff. I write an entry when there's stuff in my head I can't get out by journaling.
A Guy: I've noticed that too. That's why I will NEVER say I'm going to blog on a regular schedule. I have another blog that I've published weekly as a newsletter for over 13 years. It's not got much original content as it's just a joke and picture thing.
Nance: I am so sad to hear your sign is depressed. Maybe there will be other chances to bring it out of the garage. Yes, I agree I love Sheria's blogs.
Sarah: It's a place holder.
Just telling it like it is: You said that out loud. Now I'm blushing and just a little bit scared. SMILE
Doc: I have to write steaming comments 3 or 4 times until I reach civil sometimes, but I try for it. A friend who knows my feelings about RP said, just buy a lot of popcorn and relax and watch. SMILE
Knight: It made me nostalgic for something I never experienced.
Red Shoes: That is right. I knew he used to be Cat Stevens, but didn't catch the right new name. I have decided it's sexy.
All is ok in Louisville. We in the city did not vote for Rand Paul. It was all the others outside the city.
Missy: It is a nice one, isn't it?
What motivates someone to write a blog on which no one comments?
ReplyDeleteI am very fortunate to have a number of people who comment at my site, even though I question their sanity for reading my strange ramblings. But I went about two years on my first blog without anyone commenting and what kept me going was just the idea that I was in someway declaring my existence to a wider world.
Went to the satellite Rally for Sanity a few people organized on the statehouse grounds in Columbia. It was pretty sad, I was one of five people.
Thanks for visiting my little blog. I blog because it's a way to vent. I get so frustrated by the politics I see around me sometimes. Blogging has introduced me to so many amazing people and my life would be the poorer for it if I had never started blogging.
ReplyDeleteI agree that politicians should pay for their tickets just as everyone else does. They don't deserve special favors just because they have a little power.
Some of the best blogs have few comments - Dennis Perrin doesn't allow them - couldn't be bothered. Pauly McGuire has hundreds of readers, but very few comment.
ReplyDeleteNot every blog is designed as a forum.
Hated the Jon Stewart rally - yes, stay calm while you lose your job, house and pension. Easy for him to say - he has a cushy job.
Beach Bum: Regarding only five people at your sanity and fear satellite rally, you need to use a phone tree. You call a friend and she calls a friend and he calls a friend and so forth.
ReplyDeleteLiberality: I like your blog. The thing with politicians and power is, think about this. They serve at the pleasure of the citizen and any power they think they have is what is given to them by the voter. You can bet they think their power is bestowed by those contributing to their campaign. We need to disabuse them of this idea.
Wolynski: I don't know Dennis and Pauly. That's ok. I can't now all the popular kids!
So since you hated the Sanity Rally is this an indication you're on the side of fear?
Regarding the RP election. Kentucky is an island. And Louisville is an island within an island. I find myself suprisingly not all that concerned. He is more likely to be a problem to Republicans than to Democrats. He has only the same (1) vote that Bunning had, so not much for the worse there. And the Republicans are not likely to put him on any really important Senate commitees. In fact, it may ultimately work to liberal's advantage in that the media will have him under the microscope.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, Charlene. I've enjoyed your visits to mine. I guess most bloggers blog for themselves; but if someone comes by to agree or add to the discussion, I think we find that a bonus.
ReplyDeleteBTW, so happy to meet another Kentuckian. I've spent many a wonderful time there--especially in Looovull! Cherokee Triangle Park!
Hi Charlene,
ReplyDeleteIn response to your comment on my blog...the drinking chocolate is that powder you use to make chocolate milk. eg. milo, nesquick
Thanks for stopping by! And please let me know if you make the cake, however, there are better chocolate cake recipes on my blog as I explained in the post :)
Lonnie: I hope you are right.
ReplyDeleteShaw Kenawe: Thanks for your comments!
Les rêves d'une boulangère (Brittany): Thanks. I thought that was it! SMILE
I am amazed at some of the great writers on blogs that have such small folowings.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I feel guilty. I write sloppy trash and get more comments than well thought out atual pieces. Go figure?
I agree that some of the best blogs are ones that get hardly any comments. And some of the worst, most boring ones get up to 100 comments -- or more. *Y-A-W-N* I mean, really, how many pictures of the family dog can we see?
ReplyDeleteYou have a great blog. But that's because you are intelligent, and you write about intelligent things. The name of your blog says it all "writing . mine . join me". :-)
I don't know why people blog without followers? I have to say that I am hardly clear when I write with terrible spelling and grammar...but i have an excuse I hope you can for give me...I have dyslexia...hugs
ReplyDeleteGreat post and I enjoyed reading everyone's comments afterwards :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder about a blog I love to read that actually turned off the comments for a while even though she really didn't get very many.
ReplyDeleteThe whole idea of blogging is to connect and she seems fine just writing to thin air. It seems a terrible lose.