Blogged

I've been rather hesistant towards the blogging trend. Actually to be honest, I've had no interest in it at all. To me blogs seem like a place where angry teenagers rant about how unfair their parents/school/work/whatever are/is, or a place full of other useless information. But then, when you move away from those you know, suddenly it seems to be a good way to keep people in the loop; to let people know what is going on in your life. But is it??

There are 2 reasons I remain unconvinced:

1. You pour your heart out into a blog that a few people read (but You have no idea who of your friends or anyone in this strange blogging world is actually reading it), and even though people may be interested, you have no knowledge of that. You don't know if people are actually keeping up with what's going on in your life. When you catch up with people, you don't know whether to tell them what you've written in your blog, because you don't know if they've read it. And then, if someone actually does read your blog, it is very unlikely they'll comment. So you don't know if they care, or have advice, or want to share a laugh about something that happened. There is no communication between friends. Just a few words in a one-sided conversation.

2. I read your blog. You read mine. That's great... except I still don't feel like we've gotten any closer, and I presume you feel the same about me. So why do we blog? What is the point? Why don't we just email, phone, or (gasp) even write a letter?! And then get one back in return. One that responds to what you've written as well as passing on new information. The problem with blogs, is that everyone writes about how they are going without responding to any one else. How is this caring for others? Is blogging just a waste of time; could that time be better spent in another pursuit - perhaps even that phone call?

I need convincing. Is there purpose in a blog? Is it actually communicating with those you miss? Do you feel any closer to me from reading my blog? And should I feel any closer to you for the fact that you've read it and made no comment? (That's assuming I somehow know you've read it.) The jury is still out on this one. But maybe not for long...

K