Blogging
Thursday, 20. March 2008, 21:53:58
Cajunlayde wrote a very thought provoking post (and a beautiful poem) regarding a message board that she once belonged to and that now has been shut down. I found some of her phrasing interesting and thought that the feelings she expressed deserved more attention to its details. So, this is somewhat of a continuation/addition to her post because it really says a lot. Anything that we like, that we enjoy and that we need and then is ripped from our tightly gripped emotions, does/can cause a sadness. But where is the sadness coming from?I'm new here but there are quite a few that have been blogging for quite some time and probably feel a connection to other bloggers here and may even have formed a relationship off of Opera, as in phone calls and even some may have met.
And although I'm not asking and I don't expect anyone to divulge any personal information regarding other bloggers, I am curious to know how everyone feels about the connections/closeness you have made/felt since starting to blog.
Do you blog for entertainment? To entertain others? For the interaction with others? Something to do?
Maybe writing this is futile and I won't receive any of the answers I may be expecting....but then, I may be surprised.
Like I said, I'm just curious!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I started blogging when I downloaded the Opera Browser. I didn't know if I was going to stay here because I really don't have the time for the research it takes to post some of the awesome posts that I read. So, I write about what I know. I share about my family, different siuations I've found myself in, and I've really enjoyed the feedback. I like it, so I'm still here.
More than anything, I've learned a few things about myself by just writing. Sometimes writing it down makes it real, for me it does, anyway.
I enjoy hearing about others life's experiences and some of their fascinating jobs. That's very cool, too.
Anyone care to add their insight into their definition of blogging, belonging to a group?
I'll check back in a few weeks...LOLL!!!!, to see if anyone responded!!!!!
Jill is climbing up the Bean Stalk!!!
WIDGETIZE
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Angeliki # 20. March 2008, 23:01
I did see the coexist logo in a tattoo place!
I thought it was a fantastic idea to have one,
I might get it when I reach 60!
**
I blog because I do not confess!! It is a way to express myself,and to connect with interesting people at the same time!
Other times to take out my frustration or share info with others and learn from other members too.
Regarding the group blogging, not a bad idea.
However,since I always have mood swings and I don;t stick in a specific topic it might be hard to agree on a group entry .
I might join a group and continue doing my own thing too!
Doing it yourself it has it's rewards!
Lois # 21. March 2008, 01:16
I have a lot of different interests and there are people who blog who are experts at each different thing. No matter where I look, I'm entertained, informed or shocked into some realization that I probably would have missed otherwise.
I have a few 'friends' whose brains I can pick when I don't know the name of a bird, need to know some camera settings for a particular type of photo, or need a recommendation for music for a video I'm doing.
Also, it's great to see what other people think and they seem to be a little more open on a blog than people are in person.
Jill # 21. March 2008, 14:32
"To connect with interesting people"
Thank you, Angeliki!!
Jill # 21. March 2008, 14:42
"Each person has a different tone to their blog, some write extremely well, some post amazing pictures, and others have some really innovative thoughts and ideas."
I agree that for some people they probably open up more than they would in person!
Thank you, Lois!!
Angeliki # 22. March 2008, 00:28
Jill # 23. March 2008, 01:45
Since I haven't been here on Opera very long, maybe 2 months, I don't know because there is (the) time I need to keep track of and (the) time that just goes by.
What I do in my line of work is empowering my team for them to, not only see, but to believe they are, and their dreams, far greater than has ever been imagined up to the point when we connect.
To realize their capabilities by believing in themselves and using a unique approach and one that works...(or I wouldn't have a job..LOLL)
I believe knowledge is gained around every corner, nook and cranny, so to speak and should never be overlooked, underestimated or denied.
I read a lot of blogs when my time permits and each is unique in its approach to daily living. That interests me.
The blogs I visit often and maybe that's what you're referring to when you asked about my favorite blogs, there I have come to like the person behind the screen, not that I know them, because I've found that most people only show you what they want you to see, so let's just say that what I see so far, I like!
On almost every blog I've visited I've shared about gaining knowledge and that the learning continues as long as we exist. There are no exceptions. And anyone that believes that they have nothing to learn, really has a great deal to learn and the first lesson is: get out of denial!
Good question, Angeliki and by now you probably figured out that I'm not a 'one-liner' answer, gal, blogger!!
Did I answer your question or should I elaborate?
Hey, you're beautiful...don't ever change!!!
Big Hugs...Ms. Jill
Angeliki # 23. March 2008, 03:10
and I will never change!
kisses from NYC!
Cajunlayde # 26. March 2008, 06:54
You asked "But where is the sadness coming from?"
I can only answer from my experience with boards since I am newer to blogging than you are.
For the better part of six years Noah Counte and I have been following each other from board to board, all over the net. In that time we have found and become part of several online *communities*. When you exchange ideas, joys, trials and tribulations and everyday experiences with the same group of people day after day, you become connected to them very quickly and those relationships are every bit as real as the ones you build with people you see in real life. In some cases you meet these people and at the very least, you exchange phone calls.
Most boards have *sex forums* and we did have one but those are for boards where people are most comfortable with anonymous communication. Ours was never very successful because we know each other so well that it would be like discussing your sex life at the family dinner table. Bleah!
We have always had a forum(s) that were/is private for members only. At our other location this was made easier because we were allowed to have *member lists* that made it impossible to even see the forum if your name was not on the list. Opera does not offer that option. This was not because we wanted to exclude people. It was to insure that people could freely share their deepest thoughts without public judgement.
And they did/do. They share their family/personal problems such as drug/alcoholism/addiction. They share their problems and the fight to overcome them, their children's problems, their tragedys and triumphs and their innermost thoughts and feelings. If that is not a family, I don't know what is. We have seen divorces, marriages, children born and people lost forever to destructive behaviors. And none of us has ever passed so much as a single judgement but plenty of support for those going through hard times. Again...family behavior.
So when circumstances cause a board to close it is painful to lose those connections. As painful as knowing you will not see your friends or relatives again. I had a tendency to *drag* people around with me so that when I finally decided to open my own board almost 5 years ago, I had almost 100 people log in on the opening day. All people I had met at other places...including Noah, of course. We both had been on other boards before we met so that made for even more people.
We were at a service called ezboard and over the years it had it's share of *glitches*, some small and some huge, like being hacked into, with no back-up on their part. Mind you, we paid for this service plus a website, to host our extensive graphics.
At the end of 2007 they announced that all of their boards would be migrated over to a *beta* service called Yuku, with or without our consent. Noah and I decided we had tried out enough of their services and that we would either shut down or move. Our members asked that we find a way to keep the board open. So, Noah found Opera and we built here and although I am still listed as the owner...it is finally the joint venture we had planned for years.
I mentioned extensive graphics. My one major objection was not being able to *decorate* each and every aspect of the board, from navigation buttons to backgrounds and banners, to gifs. Every part of ezboard was completely *manipulation friendly*. I am aware that we can change a few things here and we do but it is far from what we were used to. As our members say, "We still have the family". In truth, I am the only one it really bothers because I was the one who did all of the *decorating*.
Sorry to be so long-winded. In short, losing a board community is as painful as attending a funeral for several friends. As for blogs...I have yet to find that out. Noah has blogged far longer than I, although this is the first time he has allowed comments.
This evening he and I discussed the differences between blogging and posting on a board and we both agreed that knowing for certain that people will comment on the posted subject on a board (a little latitude is always given)lends great incentive to the task, as opposed to taking the chance that a well researched and written blog may turn into a *flirt fest*, which can be disheartening.
That's not to imply that levity isn't always welcome.We have often veered from the original subject matter but never to the point that it was overlooked, entirely. In fact, the only rule that I ever enforced wholeheartedly was that you may not attack another poster. You may disagree, agree to disagree or even attack (with respect) another poster's views but you may not attack that poster directly or personally.
Again...I am sorry to be so long winded Jillee, but I do thank you for the opprotunity to explore these differences in online communication. I hope that many others will contribute their feelings on the subject of blogging. I have so much to learn!
John # 26. March 2008, 23:12
I had been following political blogs and occasionally commenting ; but didn't really feel much of a commitment or fellowship from doing that. After a year or so, I decided I needed my own address so as to 'join in'. After a few posts of anecdotes, I realized posting personal experiences - something I enjoy in others - was going to cause me to run short of material quickly. Besides, I always felt my opinions weren't much different from the crowd.
Play to my strengths seemed a better idea. I was frustrated by living away from others and not having feedback learning to find my way around online. Thinking there would be lots of others in that boat who might benefit from my floundering around led me to the idea of just cataloguing what I found online : which eventually grew to quite a collection.
So, blogging was a solitary activity that became social as people discovered what I had to offer. Comments were rare : as I wasn't really sharing 'myself'.
I have been encouraged to do more writing on my own thoughts : but don't seem to have an andless stream of inspiration. Still, after two plus years I seem to have quite a collection of contacts outside Opera. And I am not always socially inept : a fellow who has worked as a route salesman isn't the best candidate for that.
Angeliki # 26. March 2008, 23:38
In the first two cases, personal feelings and emotions can get on the way.
In the third case it is that "attachment" with a person you talk for years.
It can make you become as I said before "attached".
So much at times, it feels like an Internet marriage.
When this happens it can bring out emotions of possession out of the involved parties and it can lead to bitter comments or nasty private messages that can spoil all the fun for the rest of us.
Blogging it is great,only if you keep it as a tool to have fun and nothing else.
I did a blog on "free blogging in America"today. We have such a privilege to live in country that we can express our selves in a free way.It's only up to us to keep it civilized and neutral.
AngelikiVisitsJillOnly4Fun!
Jill # 27. March 2008, 01:09
Also, you can block anyone on your main blog, like I have this one and it's open to everyone, but if there's a particular subject that only a few want to participate in and it is private, there are settings to allow this, also! So, Opera does allow this. If I'm wrong in any area here, please let me know!
I do belong to a message board, I shared this with you on your blog, and I/we have become close over the years, talk on the phone and meet whenever someone travels to anothers area. But, for me and my situation, and it's a big 'but', I can come and go to the board, even staying away for weeks at a time as I'm pretty busy and life here is hectic, and it doesn't bother me. We've all come to know eachother so well and our schedules and if someone wants to talk off the board, they just call...no biggie!
Like I said before, I just started on Opera and I find myself coming here when I should be doing other things..hehehe...so I'm going to set aside 3 days a week and some time at night, when the guys have been taken care of, and come on.
It's hard for me to come here and start visiting blogs and talking with everyone because then I don't want to move my butt off this computer chair..LOLL!!!
There are a few people on here that I've come to like a lot and really enjoy the contact. Their warmth, their sense of humor...so many traits I admire...keep me coming back!
Blogging is a form of communication that has exploded just since I've been online, which has been from the beginning. It's becomming more popular all the time and it's hard to even find a person who doesn't blog.....but please let it be for the right reasons. Love interacting with people, learning, fun....but some take it to the extremes and do not have social contact off of the computer and I don't think this is healthy. That's my humble opinion!
Here on Opera, I've found everyone to be very mature, interesting, warm, funny and I have not encountered any negativity at all. This is the reason I keep coming back.
So, in conclusion here (thank God, she's almost done...OK, wake up everyone!!!) I see no big difference in blogging, which is sharing in every form, and in a mesage board. I truly don't. But, that's me, and you're you and you are entitled to feel differently, and I respect that.
Thanks so much for explaining in detail and sharing your feelings so eloquently, your thoughts on the differences.
Give it a chance, this blogging thing...I think you may be surprised!!!
jilleeisyourbloggingbuddy:heart:
Jill # 27. March 2008, 01:32
And it's OK to have different opinions, in fact, it's real. Don't want to follow too close behind someone, you can lose yourself.
I'm not into 'shallow' and you're far from shallow!!! I really appreciate your opinions, ideas, all of your input, when you come over here.
I really appreciate your joining in this conversation and your input. Another interesting way of looking at blogging!
Thanks John!!
jillthinksyouarecool:cool:
Jill # 27. March 2008, 01:44
You are P R I C E L E S S !
I'll have to check out your post.."Free blogging in America." Very Cool!
I agree that for most, sex, politics and religion usually cause sore spots and there is ONE reason why this is true:
People will not agree to disagree and with respect!!! Because if they did, there would be a nice discussion. I talk politics with folks here in town all the time, some agree, some don't. But, we LISTEN to one another, because we like eachother. We'll probably always disagree and that's OK, but that won't stop me from discussing it with others.
I saw what (almost) happened on Naomi's blog when things got a little heated, and there were just opinions being shared. I don't understand the need to get hostile with anyone...over anything.
But, people will be people. I have my sore spots and I know what they are, so I stay away from the topic if I see it. Very Simple!!!
Regardless of what you, Naomi, Scott and quite a few others say...I don't know how anyone could get angry or even a little upset with the "cream of the crop", so to speak!!!LOLL You guys are awesome and all #1 in my book of fabulous people and I'm so glad we met!!!
OK, that's all folks!!!
jillhasrambledenough:p
Angeliki # 27. March 2008, 01:53
I am also happy to know that I can always enjoy any conversation with you without being afraid that I will be judged. Yes, things did get out of hand at Naomi's the other day.
I feel that respect to each other and to the host it is always in order.
yes, you are only fun! I just get the fibers btwn the lines and it is very refreshing!
I guess having fun and humor takes you one step further!
I can handle fun, I can never handle bore!
AngelikiLovesJill:heart:
Jill # 27. March 2008, 02:03
I'm alot of things (shhhhhhhh) but never boring!!!
I love that you can keep a secret!!!
Jill # 27. March 2008, 02:06
Angeliki's emoticons...
Angeliki # 27. March 2008, 02:09
Jill # 27. March 2008, 02:09
You've got to see that little dog holding and carrying a weight in its mouth...his little back feet are air-borne!!!! It's too funny!!!
Angeliki # 27. March 2008, 02:10
Jill # 27. March 2008, 02:11
Angeliki # 27. March 2008, 02:13
John # 27. March 2008, 02:52
Jill # 27. March 2008, 03:14
I agree, Weird Al is a riot!! Hey, pick out a good YouTube on him and post it on your blog...YES!!!
I just LOST IT when I saw that little dog. I just can't stop talking about her/him. I have a little (9lb) Jack Russell Terrier that is 26 years old...yes, 26, and one day he had one of my Labs bones in his mouth and was 'trying' to jump up from the living room steps to get into the kitchen...OMG, he kept falling and kept picking up that bone...we were just roaring!!! He finally (they are so smart) dropped the bone above him on one step, jumped up, then did the same on the second step...and he made it!!!
I have 5 dogs and they make my day....everyday!
Cajunlayde # 27. March 2008, 08:59
Also, you can block anyone on your main blog, like I have this one and it's open to everyone, but if there's a particular subject that only a few want to participate in and it is private, there are settings to allow this, also! So, Opera does allow this."
Yes and thanks, Jillee, I do know that. But the same options do not apply to boards...or *forums* as they are called at Opera. I personally have no need to make any blog post private, as I have never needed to make any board post private. That is a concession to my members for their own sense of well-being and security.
I have never, and will never, make any post that cannot be read by the public at large. That is just my personal set of rules for myself, alone. I don't put any information into a computer that cannot be read by anyone at all. To do otherwise is not...wise. JMHO
Jill # 27. March 2008, 17:30
Whatever you lika is good! My Grandmother used to always say that, and just like that, she was so sweet!
I have a blog just for my poetry and it's set on Private, well, it's not completed. But, that will stay set on Private!
Well, I'm off to pick up my Granddaughter and run some errands. I hope you're having a great day! It's a beautiful day here, today, finally, and I do believe that winter is now officially...over!!!
Summer Fun...YES!!!
Hugs...Jillee:D
Cajunlayde # 28. March 2008, 00:28
scott cumming # 28. March 2008, 04:35
it's a new world. i am relating to people all over the world. how strange is that, to feel the excitement of expressing ideas and sharing out lives somewhat anonymously. although i have never hidden my identity online, and as cajunlayde says, i would never say anything that everyone including posterity would disapprove of.
i avoid contentious situations. that's not why i'm here. i'm here because i've always been interested in others. i also get a kick out of feedback from readers comments. but i enjoy just as much commenting on the spur of the moment. and finally, it's just so damned entertaining sometimes.
Jill # 29. March 2008, 14:36
..."it's just so damned entertaining sometimes."
Thank You, Scott!
scott cumming # 29. March 2008, 17:48
Jill # 30. March 2008, 02:58
unconstrained behavior: behavior that is natural and unconstrained and is the result of impulse, not planning
(Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.)
I agree, Scott and I enjoy being spontaneous...even when...
I can't edit out all of my Freudian slips...
That's the fun part!!!
scott cumming # 30. March 2008, 03:12
i sometimes wish i had said more. i click on edit and boom add another sentence or link.
it times out though... not sure how long the function lasts.
Cajunlayde # 30. March 2008, 03:39
Happy weekend, Folks!
Jill # 30. March 2008, 03:53
I don't think I'll worry about it though, it happens once in awhile!
"ahhh you put your finger on it." And that's what I like about the South!!!
The reason I enjoy being spontaneous!! Yes!! Thank You fine sir, always, for your wisdom!
Big Hugs for My Buddy!!! (now, before I changed the B, I had an N there)...Glad I didn't click submit!!
I like this spontaneity thing!!!!
Jill # 30. March 2008, 03:55
Good to see ya!!
Yes, it wouldn't hurt to cross fingers!!!
Cajunlayde # 30. March 2008, 04:02
Jill # 30. March 2008, 04:07
Sunday is "Old Movie Day" and it's all mine. I don't even answer the phone. Sunday is officially...Jill Day!
8 days a week down here most of the time, and I pamper myself BIG TIME on Sunday!
You have any plans for tomorrow???
Cajunlayde # 30. March 2008, 04:54
Oh yes...I'll be the one with the paint brush in my hand! I'm going to help my son finish painting the trim in the house. Big Doin's!
Enjoy your *Jill-Day*!
Angeliki # 30. March 2008, 10:19
hi Jill!
tell me this 8 needed editing!
my 7 days week is heavy enough!"
If I ever had an "8 day week" , I hope it was a "3day weekend "
Have a great Jill day!
John # 30. March 2008, 13:32
Jill # 30. March 2008, 23:04
And, once in awhile, Angeliki, I 'do' take a '3' and even a '4' day weekend. I can pretty much choose when I want to work. I'm fortunate!
Today was a very relaxing day, and I needed it! Now, I'm going to go make myself a cup of espresso and let the dogs out to run for awhile. Be back in a little bit!
And how was your day today? Looking forward to hearing all about it when I return!!
Hugs:happy:
Jill # 30. March 2008, 23:10
Yes John! In fact, I'm listening to them now. Goin' down memory lane. Or Penny Lane! Or maybe over to Strawberry Fields!
(but I never go alone)
How's John today? What did 'you' do today? Anything special?
Angeliki # 30. March 2008, 23:40
I was asking about your day in my "hope" poem that I wrote about a friend.He still didn't notice but it is OK since I wrote it to support him and not to be thanked.
I just finished with my visitors from Boston.They were so very nice to come over last night and spend the day with us on my daughters Bday.
She turned 15 today! I myself I can not believe it.
She was only 8 month old when she lost her dad and I make sure she celebrates her Bday in style. I am blessed!
I had a caterer prepare the food since our friends are carnivores and we are almost vegetarian,this way I had less to do and more time to enjoy.
The kids are doing their homework now and I am enjoying my Opera friends.
I am glad you had a great weekend
I am fortunate to choose how much I work ,when I work and how little I sleep!
When the question comes"who let the dogs out"? I will know the answer!
Enjoy your walk!
I envy you, if I have caffeine after 3pm I will write poetry all night!
Jill # 31. March 2008, 00:18
And yes, you are blessed1 We are blessed!
And you know how much she means to me. Love...we couldn't, wouldn't want to, live without it!!!
Caffeine has never affected me, and yes I'm fortunate, because I can enjoy it anytime.
Back to school tomorrow for the kids and it sounds like you had a really nice weekend! I'm glad!!!
After my second cup, me and Socks, my Sheep dog, are going down to the pool. He likes walking down there at night. The other four were in and out in a flash. They have their night caps on already..LOL!!!
I'll be back!!!
Big Hug:yes:
Angeliki # 31. March 2008, 00:27
yes, I know how much you baby means to you!
Is she a July or August baby??
I have a friend (the one that I wrote "hope" for, his kid will be 9 in August too!
my son was born on the 26 of June!
when is your Bday lady Jill??
have a great walk!
and if I don't talk to you later,
Have a Good Night!
John # 31. March 2008, 00:29
Jill # 31. March 2008, 00:35
Surfing? Anything Interesting? I don't know who MsBHaven is! Caught your eye, hugh???
Be back in a little bit!
John # 31. March 2008, 00:38
Jill # 31. March 2008, 02:54
Have a wonderful Monday!!!
Hugs...Jillee:happy:
Jill # 31. March 2008, 03:00
I did enjoy my walk with Socks but he wouldn't let me take his picture! And..he almost fell in the pool again. He is sooo clumsy!!!
You have a great night, too, dear friend!
Talk to you real soon!!
Big Hug:happy:
Jill # 31. March 2008, 03:36
No pic of socks, well, he turned and I got his Butt!!! So, I deleted Sock's Butt!!