I must have inherited my parents’ dislike of “so what”
purposeless or banal writing. A story, a blog post, heavens- even a comment on
another’s blog post from me- must have some point. That hard-to-define thing called value.
It was easier for King Edward the VII, who was reputed
to weigh his house guests after house parties at his Sandrigham estate. His
majesty wanted to make sure they had eaten well. It also helped that he was a royal highness, because none of my house-guests would be so obliging.
But how to evaluate value? How do you know if what you
put out there, whether a poem or a pie, has a point and a purpose? Is it
entirely subjective? Completely personal?
I don’t know how to answer this in a way that won’t embarrass
me tomorrow. I only know that I try to do it. And that value is, to me, some
gained wisdom.
Edward the VII had one answer that could be literally weighed
and measured. I’m always looking for mine.
10 comments:
I think of value when I post on my blog, even more when it's my website. But as for comments? I generally don't as much. And if someone comments on one of my posts I could care less about the value of it-- I'm just glad someone took the time to read and leave a response. Same with a Facebook post, which I do consider carefully before I post. I can't stand pointless blather on any social media site, even FB. And once I do post there, if someone just clicks the like button I'm grateful.
I'm the same way, Mirka. That's why I often don't post a comment on a blog post I've read. Not because I didn't enjoy it or find value in it, simply because I didn't have anything to add the to conversation. I struggle with this on social media, too. Sometimes I have nothing worth saying, so I keep quiet.
Value is such a tricky thing. I think you're right that it's about gaining wisdom. Sometimes people have more wisdom to share than they realize. And some may have less than they think. ;-)
This post explains why you always have such thoughtful comments. I agree with the three previous commenters, as well. Sometimes it's a matter of time. Do I comment quickly because I like the post or do I put it off and hope to have something more valuable to say next time...
*Good point*- I should have mentioned that while I apply this to my own posting, I love any and all "likes" and signs of life from readers. I'm as hungry for appreciation as anyone.
Value, it is subjective, isn't it? There are so many reasons I write -- for fun, to share, to pontificate, to reach out. The blog has been a great outlet ... and let's hope it adds value, some measure of beauty to the world.
First,thanks for your comments:) About value,me too I don't know how to answer but I try as you:)
I think the question "So what?" applies to so many things. What take away value do we offer as we write - such a great question to keep in mind. Thanks for sharing! :)
Oh, I totally identify with your first paragraph. Even in blog comments I try to actually "say something." Sometimes I say something and somebody says, "Oh, that's really deep." I don't know that it's that deep. But I like a point to things.
As usual, you've made me think Mirka! My goal is for each of my blog posts to have some sort of "take away," which is why I have not yet mastered shorter posts (and also why my blog is impinging upon my writing time a bit). Thanks for the great post! = )
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