You know... when I started this blog, I thought it was pretty much just like a journal. I wrote down the thoughts that were runnin' through my mind, and never really thought that anyone would read them. I knew it was dangerous, but... it happens. I still write from very much the same angle.
A problem with that is... on the one hand, there are some people that I just don't think should read blogs like mine. These people tend to take things at face value, they take things very literally, they don't understand that just because someone thinks something, and may even blog about it, doesn't mean it is real or will ever be a reality (like me playing bass in a punk rock band. I would never REALLY do that).
On the other hand though... I can be a reckless blogger too. I try to not be offensive, but... sometimes I am. Oh, there are times when I've been a bit harsh with people, and I meant it. But there have probably been way too many times when I inadvertently offended someone, and I feel terrible about those times. To you, I apologize for not being mindful of you; for thinking too much of myself and not enough of others.
I could be wrong, but I am wondering if I recently offended someone. If it's who I'm thinking... believe me, I had no intention to do so. However, I can still remember when the hippie teacher of my Senior Lit. class assigned me to read "Don Quixote." It wasn't her fault, and even if it's not mine, it is my responsibility (if you know the formula, you can do the math).
I just feel really bad for a lot of people and I don't really know what to do or say.
4 comments:
It was ME you offended and only a 12 pack of beer will set things right!
(yeah, I don't know what he's talking about either, but it's worth a try.)
Nice try, but if you're only asking for a 12-pack then I don't think you were really offended. :)
Sorry for the coyness. There are a few people that may know what I'm talking about - hopefully. And I would say I could be completely wrong, but... I KNOW I have offended SOMEBODY. And even if I'm wrong in this case, I am still sorry.
Hey pd - it seems to me that a blog is by its nature subjective (and, quite likely, speculative). Op-ed, in fact.
I can relate to the risks of unintentional offence - it's not nice when it happens, sure... but the bottom line is that those who read a blog (or other online journal) should expect and respect that subjectivity.
Looked at another way: can the author of a blog - an explicitly subjective and personal document - be expected to anticipate all possible reactions by all possible readers? SHOULD he/she be expected to self-censor (or take refuge in omission) on that account?
I know - every situation is different, and I don't know the details of this one. But my brain itches when I see people being made to feel bad about using their own defined personal op-ed space in the way it's explicitly intended to be used. It's kinda like coming into someone's home and saying "how dare you have that picture on the wall", you know?
In any case, cheers & hope the awkwardness passes
kel in oz
Kel,
Hey... nice to hear from you again. Very good points. I like the "picture on the wall" analogy. I agree that respect is an essential - whether in the blogging world, or just the world in general. And, yes, it does need to go both ways, but I can only be responsible for my side of it. That's what I felt bad about.
Thanks for chiming in.
peace & blessings!
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