I started this blog just two and a half months ago. I was am a complete neophyte in the blogosphere. Truth be told, I didn’t even read blogs before I started my own. I had never heard of Twitter. HTML was just one more acronym for something I didn’t understand. The internet intimidated me. In many ways, it still does. Once I entered this world, however, I quickly immediately fell in love with it. I entered it because I am a writer.
By Guy Ottewell
Yep. I am a writer. I even claim it on my tax forms. But I don’t always claim it in my real life. Why, you ask? Because. Because I’m not on the best-sellers list. Because no one optioned that feature that circulated last year. Because I haven’t been in a writers’ room since before the writers’ strike. Because I currently pay my bills with a “day job.” Because, right now, all I do is blog.
Each one of these arguments is a ridiculous reason to denigrate what I do, but it’s the last one that truly gives me pause. All I do is blog. Now, that’s a doozy.
By Ando Tokutaro
You see, if I devalue my role as a blogger, I am devaluing the role of every other blogger out there. That’s wrong. There are some great ones. While the level of integrity, and quality, of mainstream media seems to be in free fall, the trajectory of bloggers appears to be in the opposite direction. Change is uncomfortable, however, and many people outside the blogosphere would disagree with me. They don’t understand, value, or respect bloggers. I know. I was one of those people. Yet, I have seen the proverbial light.
Don’t worry. I’m not deluding myself into thinking that this blog will change the entire world. But it has changed mine. I rediscovered the pleasure of writing. Out in the “real world,” I spent so much time trying to play the game please my agent catch the latest trend sell my shit, I lost my voice. I forgot that I write… because. Because I love it. Because it keeps me sane. Because I have something to say.
By Johannes Vermeer
Every other blogger has something to say as well. You or I may not like all the voices we stumble across, but the blogosphere deserves as much respect and protection as any other written word arena. Two witty bloggers writers, califmom and Mr. Lady, present this case very well. They were inspired to do so by Don Mills Diva. So was I. She is actually doing something to ensure that bloggers have a seat at the grownups’ table.
Wanna join the crusade?
egan
/ February 7, 2009Yeah, good for you for owning up. I usually tell people I blog and they wonder why. “why would anyone want to share stories in such a public forum?”
Truth be told, I love it. I’m not a writer by any means, but I love reading what others have to say, such as yourself. It’s a fun way to connect with many people around the world. I’ve made some wonderful friends, yes I’m calling them friends. Heck, they even threw a virtual baby shower for me in 2007. They are solid peeps.
We’re a misunderstood bunch, but we won’t go away silently. Thanks for joining the ranks. Have a nice weekend.
verybadcat
/ February 7, 2009Growing up, I wrote all the time. Stories, essays, journals, tortured teenage poetry.
When I started out in the world, earning a living, building a life, it slipped away from me. It didn’t serve a purpose, I guess? Lack of angst, maybe? Creativity dried up when the teenage hormonal surges did?
Blogging has given writing back to me, and now it serves so many purposes- self expression, contemplation, chronicling the great and horrible things about my existence, friends, interaction, limited notoriety, and a satisfying hobby, to name a few.
Going to check out this Respect deal. I like the sound of it.
verybadcat’s last blog post..What To Do With A Saturday Night
emmajames
/ February 7, 2009Egan: I love that you had a virtual baby shower thrown for you – how cool is that! And thanks for letting me in the ranks. It feels good to be here.
VBCat: I’m soooo glad that blogging has given your writing back to you. It is a horrible thing to lose. I hope you do indeed check out the Respect deal. I think you’ll like it. And welcome to Pleasure Notes!
LiLu
/ February 8, 2009I agree with verybadcat- I used to LOVE writing, wrote all the time, took Creative Writing in high school…
Then I got to college, and between working full time and being forced to read and write so much that I wasn’t interested in, writing became taxing… it had a negative association for me. A couple years later, out of college, blogging has given that joy back to me, and I’m so glad. Seeing as it’s about the only productive thing I ever do…
Respect the Blog!
LiLu’s last blog post..Where Do You Get These Things Called "Savings"?? Crazy Talk!
Don Mills Diva
/ February 9, 2009It took me a while before I could identify myself as a blogger without wincing but now I am proud to stand up and say it!
Thanks for your support – linking you up now!
Don Mills Diva’s last blog post..The picture of innocence
justjp
/ February 9, 2009I feel the same about writing. It frees my brain and keeps me from going crazy!
justjp’s last blog post..Music+hunger=Creativity
lacochran
/ February 10, 2009Well said!
lacochran’s last blog post.."(Turn and face the strain) Ch-ch-changes" * –David Bowie
emmajames
/ February 13, 2009LiLu: I’m guessing, having read your blog, that it is not at all the only productive thing you do. And I am so glad to hear that you, too, have rediscovered the joys of writing. Keep on it!
Don Mills Diva: Thanks to you too. And stand proud, lady!
JP: Exactly. I don’t know about you, but for me, it is one of the few things that stills my crazy brain, and is so much healthier and cheaper than drugs!
Lacochran: Thank you!
Headless Mom
/ February 17, 2009Write on! Found you from twitter #AI tonight!
emmajames
/ February 18, 2009Headless Mom: Yeah! Welcome to Pleasure Notes! I have yet to post regarding American Idol, but it doesn’t meant I won’t.
Jamie
/ February 21, 2009You are a writer! I am constantly in awe of your posts. You have such a unique point of view and it is clear in everything thing you do. I can see why it’s your career, and I really look forward to seeing your script from last year get optioned and hearing all about the next writer’s room you participate in.
In contrast, I have verbal diarrhea. I’m not a writer, I like to write, but I’m beyond amateur. But I do think blogging is a natural thing. Who doesn’t like to write about themselves and the things they’re passionate about?
Jamie’s last blog post..Give You All My Lovin’
emmajames
/ February 27, 2009Jamie: I must take issue with your claim that you are not a writer. I love your style. What makes a writer “a writer” anyway? Income? Please. Plenty of amazing writers see barely a dime for their words. Many aren’t even published until they’re dead. Dedication? No one who has ever tried to maintain a blog can question any other blogger’s dedication. So, there.
I call you… A Writer!