Blogspot - drifting in paradise

I was lounging in the Bagman and Butler office this morning, catching up on all my bloggy friends when Bagman came shuffling in.  Shirtless.

I'm accustomed to seeing him in various stages of undress since that is his habit.  He would be a nudist if Butler wasn't around.  But something about his appearance seemed odd at first.  Then I identified it. 

"Baggie!  You're getting paunchy!"

Bagman looked down at where he was clearly developing flab.  "I'm not as bad as Butler," he said defensively.  "And neither of us are as bad as you!  What are you these days, anyway?  275?  300?"

"240.6," I snapped.  But who's counting?

Then I came upon a post by Sixtyfivewhatnow in which she was talking about how nice it was to have the friends and support of her fellow bloggers.  Her blog was followed by lots and lots of positive comments by her followers.  And, of course, I added mine. 

Blogspot is such a wonderful alternative to real life!  Sometimes I think I would spend all my time here if I could.  Just basking in praise. 

Then I remembered a conversation I had at work the other day when I was trying to get some feedback on a piece of writing I was doing at work.  (I know I usually refrain from talking about work...but this is general enough not to get me in trouble). 

I had emailed something out, seeking feedback.  Everyone emailed back with variations of -- "Great job!"  "Nice work!"  "Very good!"   My ego loved it.  But I learned nothing. 

Don't get me wrong.  I wouldn't change Blogspot for the world!  We love each other unconditionally here and that is rare in a world overpopulated by the judgemental human race.  (If I remember correctly, it original sin wasn't just an apple but the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.  The ability to judge was our exit from Eden. 

But there is a difference between mean-spirited insults and constructive criticism.  Good teachers a wonderful at providing correction without tearing someone down.  

Bagman looked up from his belly and said, "Is there a point to this blog? Or are you just babbling?"

"I'm not sure," I mused.  "I just feel sometimes that I'm growing lazy.  I'm spending more time seeking affirmation and avoiding places where I get challenged."

Bagman shrugged.  "You could always run for public office."

"Nah,"  I replied thoughtfully.  "I think I'll just sit here and look at a few more blogs.  Pass a doughnut, would you?"