Deja Vu'

For the first time, I have discovered the written enigma that is. . . . Andrew Sullivan! Before this class, I had never heard of the man. . . . had never examined his ideas, nor had any interest in doing so. (I guess that could be a life lesson. . . . there is no action without knowledge.)After reading his article, I have definitely decided that his voice is one worth listening to, especially in the realm of current events. While he might not be a legitimate authority on all matters, his thoughts appear to be sound and well-thought out.

It appears that Sullivan blogs for many of the same reasons I do. He greatly enjoys the thrill, the connectivity, the ability to be "real". He notes in his post, "Why I Blog" that, "Blogging is therefore to writing what extreme sports are to athletics: more free-form, more accident-prone, less formal, more alive." He also noted that blogging provided him with an "exhilarating literary liberation." I blog for much the same reason. I greatly enjoy the ability to share my thoughts and feelings moment by moment, and to receive feedback on the same. The fact of the matter is. . . . blogging is minute by minute, hour by hour, and day be day. People are not stagnant, nor is life. He greatly appreciates the ability of his blog to allow him to review and revisit a particular time or moment in his life. Perhaps he values his ability to review and adjust his view on his life even more.

He seems to find an almost perverse pleasure in the brutal feedback that readers provide, and in the cut-throat competition to find, and keep, readers. He was amazed, that "feedback was instant, personal, and brutal." One plays a careful line in keeping one's readers happy, but also maintaining one's personality. Controversy is often a key method of maintaining interest. Not trolling, mind you. . . . . but honest controversy. A provision for in-depth conversation and open discussion will attract more readers than anything else.

The amazingness of "real life" is another aspect that appeals to many bloggers, and especially Mr. Sullivan. I greatly enjoy re-reading my blogs and watching the progress I have made, or how a particular event effected me at any given time. Watching the patterns change is incredibly mesmerizing. He notes his direct involvement with his readers during 9/11. . . . and I can only imagine the emotional rush he gets every time he revisits that section of his life. Having the ability to track emotion, feelings, and development makes blogging one of the better venues for connecting not only with one's self, but also with others. The friendships formed via the give and take of ideas are very real. The blogger forms an easy-going comradeship with his/her readers. The exchange, sometimes heated, sometimes not, allows for one to truly express ideas, and expect REAL feedback. . . . . . which isn't always possible real-life. With the written word, it makes it easier to "hide" behind a screen. . . . to allow others to constructively (or not-so-constructively) criticize without hard feelings.

*simply* Blogging provides a quick insight into the writers mind, and gives an ability to track the changes in that insight. Those who track have the unique opportunity to shape and mold the blogger's perception of the world. Few other venues allow the instant, substantial thrill and feedback that blogging does.