Another blogger posted the question- is blogging essay writing?
She then quoted the incomparable
story teller and essayist E. B. white:
“The essayist is a self-liberated man,
sustained by the childish belief that everything he thinks about, everything
that happens to him, is of general interest.”
Does sound eerily like he’s
referring to something that didn't exist in his day- blogging.
A blog can be many things- a
running ad for a product or service punctuated by general interest funny
observations, a diary-journal that would normally be private but for some
reason the owner feels the need to put it out there, or a collection of
sayings/quotations meant to inspire.
Or, like my little corner here, a
blog can be the place I pretend I’m an essayist the world cares to hear from. A
mini Nora Ephron, or an E. B. White. Rather preposterous without their accomplishments
or renown, don’t you think?
I don’t think, not even for a
minute, that my opinion matters more than anyone else’s. I just enjoy voicing
it. My excuse? It’s genetic. Both my parents were opinionated and very
articulate people. I come from a cultural group of which it is said, “ you've got two Jews- you’ll get three opinions.”
Even a socially shy individual is
still brimming with a need to share how things look and seem to them. It’s
basic, like liking sweets. If you don’t like sweets, oh well, there’s always an
exception.
That I like to voice- doesn't mean anyone likes to hear. So know that I value and feel deep gratitude for those who
are reading this this very minute.
Hey, that’s *you.*
Wonderful post, Mirka. I personally love reading blogs by other writers and "thinkers," and enjoy sharing my own thoughts on my blog. For me, it is also about creating a community that bridges the solitary day-to-day writer's life. We listen to each other and learn from each other, and this helps us grow. Thank you for this! = )
ReplyDeleteI come from a cultural group of which it is said, “ you've got two Jews- you’ll get three opinions.”
ReplyDeleteLove this.
I think that quote sums up not only blogging but social media in general. So interesting!
ReplyDeleteBlogging definitely provides a vast opportunity to share one's thoughts and opinions, for better or worse! :D
ReplyDeleteI guess they are a lot alike. I view blogging as a way to meet others with similar interests. I love having conversations with people all over the word through my blog.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean but the counter-argument comes from Horton Hears a Who: "We've GOT to make noises in greater amounts! So, open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!"
ReplyDeleteYou just never know when some small thing you say will make a big difference. Keep on blogging!
You bet. I'll stop when I have nothing to say, not when I have no one listening.
DeleteYour blog, Kristen, is one of my favorites. Check her out, folks.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all be the next Nora Ephrons? And I think you hit the nail on the head - it really doesn't matter if people are reading widely, because probably SOMEBODY is reading.
ReplyDeleteI got a nice chuckle out of E.B. White's definition. And I have to say, I always enjoy hearing your voice. =)
ReplyDeleteI like the way blogging becomes a conversation that people can drop into or out of at their convenience. I'm not much of a conversationalist in person. I like that online I can gather my thoughts before I hit the post button.
ReplyDeleteI guess I like blogging because I feel like I have something to say and I can say it whenever I like. I love reading other people's blogs to see their perspective.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've thought about blog posts as having a lot in common with essays. Blogging is a form of self-publishing.
ReplyDeleteYay, that's me. :) I never thought I'd enjoy blogging on the books I read this much, coming from a reserved family and I often not voicing my thoughts to my friends. I'm like Ruth: not much of a chat in person but one who can contribute when given more time behind the screen. It's our thought process, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteBlogging has allowed me to talk about one of my deepest loves for two years now. And I've found new friends along the way, friends who would listen and even like what I have to say.
Love the title of this post! I think that phrase (in one form or another) goes through my mind often and yet I go back again and again to my blog, wondering sometimes why anyone else does. But it's those people who keep me going. Lately I've had much less time to visit other blogs, which then makes me feel guilty about my own. Geesh! What folly indeed.
ReplyDelete