Saturday, September 8, 2007

Hello, world of the bloggers

I've been reluctant to write a blog before now. I tried it out on myspace, but I didn't really keep it up. So here goes attempt number two. I've been convinced by a few friends (namely Brookey and Christy) to try it out here. I think the biggest thing is that you have to update often. So here goes.

First, I wonder if reading blogs is a way to keep up with friends and family, or an outlet for stalkers. My conclusion is that, like most things, a blog can be used for good or evil, depending on the user. Here's a simple example--not as extreme as stalking, but you'll get the point. So, I'm sort of obsessed with reading people's blogs, and a few of them don't know I'm doing it. As I mentioned earlier, Christy has a blog, and from her blog, there is a link to the blog of a mutual friend of ours. Our mutual doesn't know that I've been reading her blog, and I feel a little stalker-ish. The same goes for one of Brookey's friends, who is also an acquaintance of mine, but I'm sure he doesn't know I'm reading his blog. Am I an internet stalker?? But maybe that is the point of blogs. While it is a kind of diary, it is also a semi-public outlet of expression. I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but I'm leaning more toward thinking it's less an outlet for stalkers and more a way to express yourself and keep up with those you know.

I'd like some input. I'm ok with people I don't know reading this, but it's mostly for those I know. Maybe I'm just paranoid. Maybe I'm just a little new at the blog scene to get it entirely, but now that I've got one, I'll try to figure it out.

6 comments:

Bonny said...

i've had that same wonder...is it bad if i read peoples blogs that are linked on other blogs? meaning...i read my friend's blog and she has a link to her friend's blog and i just end up on this huge chain of reading blogs of people i don't really know or some that i do know that probably don't know I'm reading their blog....
well whatever i like blogging so i'm glad you joined up.

Christy said...

I am not opposed at all to reading blogs of people i don't know. I quite enjoy it. And I don't care if people who don't know me read mine either. I'm addicted to blogging!

caron said...

Yes!! I've always wanted a stalker. Especially if they are as fabulous and non violent as you are. Really, I think it's okay to read other people's blogs. If you don't want it to be read then don't post it on the internet! I think that it is a fine past time. I enjoy it myself.
PS, welcome to the blogging world.

Unknown said...

I believe the term is lurker but now that you are posting, it's just being a regular blogger. Welcome to the world of blogging - it's a great one to be part of!

Anonymous said...

I was reluctant to blog at first because it seems to me to be a little presumptuous to think people want to hear, on a regular basis, what you have to say or what's going on in your life. Perhaps it's a little self-aggrandizing. But I enjoy reading about everyone. And hopefully people are enjoying mine. And, it's necessary practice for us writers. Love your face off.

Tina said...

Interesting that I happen to click on "Taylorsville" in my link and your name pops up, with your puzzle-picture reeling me in and I come to find you writing about ME! That is sweet of you, really. :")
Ok, so I'm kidding, not me specifically, but as I scrolled down to read more I found this entry... the whole thing made me smile. It reminded me of when I first started blogging and wondered the same things to myself.

I'm not a stalker (promise), and having been a blogger for years, I think most often people find it acceptable to read strangers' blogs. I do, and I try to comment when I find something I really enjoy, to show people that I'm 'listening' and I like what they have to say. There are privacy settings provided by most blog services (blogger included) to help the people who don't wish their expressions to be seen by just any random person on the web. There are also blogging services that allow you to have multiple blogs (again blogger being one of them) so you can have both private and public ones. Beauty of the net, I say. :) It's a fun and interesting way to meet new people... like you, for example.
Feel free to stop by my blog and get to know me, too, if you'd like. I hope you don't mind if I stop by again sometime.
Keep blogging...
-Tina