I have no clue as to the art of blogging. It seems to run somewhere between reporting and the opinion page. Most people link to someone else’s reporting and then expound on the story in their own thoughtful, visceral, enraged or passive way. For a man in possession of as many opinions as I am, this cyber world of opinions should be one that I embraced years ago. Unfortunately, I hold the written word as slightly sacred. A person is taking time out of their lives to read the words that you have written down. You should take time to think about what you are writing. Casual conversations are fine for opinions. The written word is the place for thoughtful arguments, reasoned and fact-based. With the advent of the 24 hour news cycle, we have managed to get more opinions and less evidence.
At a cocktail party or brunch or over coffee I will let tear one unprocessed opinion after another, because I know my audience. Once your words are written done, you no longer have that control. You can no longer amend your statements through dialog or offer clarification if your audience lacks necessary information. The comment section of blogs demonstrates the need for continued discourse on most subjects. But like the proverbial drunken uncle at the wedding, we prefer to spout off and move on to the next thing.
I am done spouting. Time to find a good view and a good read.