In the name of fearless publishing

...fearfulness of critique is perhaps the greatest roadblock of writing; both of excellence and dismal failure.

'Could a blog replace dreaming?'

Blog surfing is interesting... sometimes you find posts that are so convoluted you wonder if those with a tendency to dither around on the computer all night have been taken over by the mind's natural need to reorganize itself, so they type posts they ordinarily would have dreamed instead. Like this one. I've been contemplating the meaning of blogs, and why someone would feel compelled to write in one, for the last hour and a half. For many people, in many different blogs, I've come across numerous instances of blogmasters asking the same question.

'Why do I blog?'

It's something of an ironic question.... though, more of an afterthought for those asking and blogging at the same time. And yet, this question of blogs is a thought provoking one. Many of my posts are started by simple ponderings on a variety of subjects, and others are inspired by a need to express emotions or circumstances. Either way, why do I write them down here in my blog, presumptuously publishing each heartfelt word for the intensely fascinated world to view? The problem comes when one starts to ponder the question of readership.

( Headline: 'Accidental studies indicate rapidly increased percentages of cyberworld depression and denial, due largely to inflated proportions of blog publishing, coupled with a severe lack of perceived audience.' )

If I knew beyond a doubt that not a single person would browse through the various thoughts, ideas, and sentiments expressed here -during at least sometime this year- I seriously doubt I'd post anything. It seems simple to boldly proclaim that the reason bloggers blog is to share with their readers whatever is on their minds. But is it that simple? People who know most of their readers in face to face situations, generally seem much more intent upon relaying general information with their readers. Things like what was consumed for meals, newly acquired belongings, and what was done in a day’s fun. Whereas those who seemingly write to the general cybermasses, seem to prefer talking abstractly about emotions they're feeling, or generally commenting on the virtues and sufferings of life. You'd probably find many more descriptions of face to face relationships in the experience of these people, then you would from those writing to a more focused audience.

The thing with either group though is... the people one would write about, are usually people they know well... people who play a part in their lives. And to follow that to its logical conclusion... these would be the same people they encourage to read their blogs. That could put bloggers in a difficult position... think about it. It would be like someone writing an autobiography, and then letting all their friends, who are still alive, read it. If they knew they were all gonna read it, I'll wager that they would consider very carefully what they would and would not say about each of those people. So then they'd be faced with the trick of writing fearlessly, honestly, and interestingly, about their life and the involvement of each of these people in it.... While still withholding all the thoughts and impressions that they would never want to share with any of them. That could become quite a problem. They'd be left with a somewhat limited pool of experiences with which to write about. They're also left with the nagging question: "Am I honestly, and fearlessly, and interestingly sharing with these people, or am I merely catering to what I think they'd like to hear?" ...a good question, non? But what of the answer? If people are indeed just writing what they think should be heard... why are they writing it? What's the point of writing to people, just for the sake of writing to them? I suppose it could be fun... but really, if they created a blog out of a need or desire to unload once in a while, then putting forth false information is ridiculous!

'I know! I'll pretend to write about someone none of them know and really I'll be writing about myself but all of what I write will be from so deep down that they will have never glimpsed it before so they'll never guess I'm really writing about myself!'
...That's a great idea! That way you'll get to share all about yourself!

But hey! Blogging can't be all confusing and public can it? Why not put subliminal messaging in one's posts? What about posts with all kinds of double meanings and inside jokes that outsiders think are funny? That'd be cool... Think of the secrecy one could employ! Perhaps one day we'll learn that the government has automated 'blog scanners' intent upon uncovering the latest blogspiracy.

Alright, alright! Sorry, I'm getting carried away. I shall suffice further only to make my closing remarks...

Blogs seem to be the newest coolness these days... but what if they continue into the years to come as an ever growing method of expression? What would happen if eventually, blogging became as ramped as emailing? Cyberworld would contain the largest library of individual authors ever collected. It would all be out there... for anyone to see. Billions of blogs... telling billions of stories. 'They' would undoubtedly be forced to institute a worldwide holiday spanning a millennium, to give people a chance to read all those blogs.

Blogging is special. No doubt about it.