Blogspot - swimming back toward paradise

Yesterday I published a dialogue between the B&B Boys and myself that rambled on about honesty, criticism, and unconditional love and how nice we all are to each other on Blogspot. 

I have to say that the comments were more interesting than the dialogue.  Rebecca and others liked it the way it is, enjoy the criticism-free, warm fuzziness of Blogspot and others, like Nan and Bonnie seemed kind of excited about the prospect of barehanded debate. 

I was more confused than ever.  But that is the nice thing about Blogging -- and living -- there are seldom any right ways to do things. Ginger suggested a code word for more honest opinion giving on some blogs.  Ginger did say that when she says she loves my blog she really means it...which made me feel all warm and fuzzy. 

I admit that, although I brought up the topic, I kind of lean toward Rebecca and Rachel -- that the world is full enough of criticism and, as Kerry said, sometimes the nice comments are the best part of my day. 

I also go in waves, as J9 said.   Sometimes I just like hugs and sometimes I crave criticism.   But, thinking about it more last night, I think that the format of Blogspot makes debate more difficult and other formats, like email groups, make debate easier. 

The way Blogspot is set up, the person who does the post is more of a performer, sets the stage and performs.  Then people comment.  But it is hard to go into the next round because I don't think many people go back again to read yesterdays comments in order to check out the comments that came after commenting on the original comments.  And after 24-48 hours there is a new blog posting anyway.   Blogs become history very very fast.  The format is blog, comment, and on to the next blog.

Several years ago I was part of a very active poetry email group.  There were between five to seven members.  We blurted out poems and loved each other to death but we also had a code phrase -- "Real criticism wanted" -- which would instantly change the response of all members to well-meant but picky and sometimes difficult feedback.  We developed huge trust with each other over time and were able to dance through the alternating waves of "love me" and "criticise me" with grace.  Since all emails were sent to the entire group, the format was more circular than linear. 

I know I'm babbling.  I do enjoy taking off the gloves and getting into it over various things but my impression of Blogspot is that it is more of an engine for performance/applause/love/support.   An email group -- or maybe a group blog -- are better for the debate/feedback loop kind of stuff. 

I'm glad I got people (and myself) thinking about that.  An email group could work -- although, having said that, I'm not sure I have time for anything else on my plate right now. 

So I think I'll just slip back into Tom Sawyer's river and drift along with loving and being loved.  It does feel nice in the morning to settle in with friends, pull up the comforter, and turn up the electric blanket.  

I love you guys! 

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?"