LJWorld.com / "Is "blogging" a waste of time?" by Liberals Can All Go To France

Blogs home Liberals Can All Go To France

Is “blogging” a waste of time?

This is my second week in the blog-o-sphere, and I gotta tell ya, I'm pretty Depressed. Drained. Disenfranchised. Disappointed. Dismayed. Daunted. Dejected. Dispirited. Downcast. Downhearted. Dejected. Alarmed. Appalled. Horrified. Morbid. Saddened. Shaken Shocked.

Sorry.

I couldn't find a word that describes how I am feeling right now. After my first real look into the blog-o-sphere, I realized that I didn't want to have anything to do with it. In our class we are studying the potential effects and benefits of "citizen journalism" and the internet. My teacher loves this idea. I fear that we should be spending more time studying the consequences.

You know the saying, "I am now dumber for having listened to you."? It applies here.

What is going on here isn't furthering political discourse, it is dividing America. I have read people saying things to one another that you'd never hear anyone say. People instigating each other, belittling one another. Personal attacks. Numerous occasions of intentional untruth.

In our class we have learned that people tend to gravitate to blogs and websites that are more in line with their own belief system and that they are more likely to discount sources that are in conflict with their own belief system. We have learned that there is even a push to afford bloggers the same rights as "traditional journalists."

It became apparent to me right away that no problems are ever going to be solved here. Just problems started. (Or at least perpetuated.) Sure, individual problems and ideas might come to light and be solved, but society as a whole will not benefit from this type of communication.

Maybe is it's my Machiavellian side, but I can see the abstract, perfect way that blogging should work out, and the way it actually does work out. Two totally different worlds. Machiavelli would instruct us not to dwell on the fanciful lofty benefits that may come from blogging, but to instead focus on how it really works and work within that framework. This is why I am so bummed out. I am an idealist. Theoretically we should be able to take back our government and fix all of our nation's problems with the freedoms inherent in the internet. Whereas politicians are supposed to be our voice, the internet gives our voice back and provides a channel to let our voices be heard.

More disturbing than all of this is the fact that I am participating in it. I am actually wasting my time reading what you think and sharing what I think. Now, maybe that sounds harsh, but seriously, at times it feels like I'm on the online chat-room equivalent to the Jerry Springer Show.

I looked at my chosen blog name, All Liberals Can Go to France. What is that supposed to mean? I became the same biased blogger that I now realize I detest. And I did it just to get someone to read my opinion.

Talk about vanity. But isn't that what you all are doing too? Think about it. Are you actually trying to change one another's minds, or are you just trying to impress the rest of us? Are you just logging on to take out your aggression on the rest of us anonymously? Are you willing to let your mind be changed, and be impressed by someone else's opinion? Or are you trying to fool and manipulate those less educated or less motivated to find the truth? I, for one, am not impressed. And while I may, in many cases, be less educated. But I will no longer be less motivated.

Remember this one? "If you are not part of the solution, than you are part of the problem."

I don't want to be part of the problem, so now I have to be part of the solution.

My prediction:..

No one will read this. No one will post a comment. My future blogs will be too boring to even bother.

Why?

Because there will be nothing to argue about. Everything I write will be true. And un-biased.

Probably not your style.

By RJ

September 5, 2008

Liberals Can All Go To France

Discussion

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Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.

5 September 2008
at 4:24 p.m.

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Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…

RJ,
I did read your blog and it makes a lot of sense. I'm guilty of looking for blogs that reinforce my beliefs and discount any information that is contrary to it. So, given that the fact I'm a liberal, it may be surprising that I opened this blog, validated your assertions and responding in a civil matter.

I'm also guilty of responding to blogs or comments out of anger and writing at least one of them for that reason. After reading false emails, blogs and articles about my chosen presidential candidate for several years, I leapt at the chance to retaliate against the other party.

You're right, the blogosphere does seem to intensify the political divisions in our country. I'm going to try my best to engage in a civil discourse with folks I disagree with and not react or respond to the readers or bloggers who want to keep up the bantering and insults.
5 September 2008
at 5:05 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

Well, for starters, try using complete sentences or at least use the correct words within the context of their meaning!

;)

You wrote:

“People instigating each other…”

Marion writes:

People instigating each other to do what?

You wrote:

“What is going on here isn't furthering political discourse, it is dividing America.”

Marion writes:

Oh, my, my!

Oh, my, my!

Can you boogie?

Can you see things the way that they really are?

America *IS* divided between the Pseudo-liberal/Neo-socialists; the Sons and Daughters of Lenin and the Sons and Daughters of the founders of this great nation!

This nation is divided between those who accept personal responsiblity and those who choose to turn over their lives to government control.

This nation is divided between those who want an open-door immigration policy and those who wish to control the influx of illegal immigration.

RJ, this is an election year and few are going to play nice-nice; there is too much at stake!

And remember, RJ, “truth” without proof and citations is only an opinion!

Back up what you say!

Now, go out and have a cuppa or a cold one and re-think this whole thing, come back and show us what you can really do!
5 September 2008
at 9:38 p.m.

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RJ (Anonymous) says…

Thanks for your input and encouragement. Maybe we can all work together and reign in some of the outrageousness that is going on. Let's try to solve problems by talking instead of arguing.

BTW, Marion I am not sure what you meant about “at least use the correct words within the context of their meaning!” I know that I used incomplete sentences (spell check told me that, I chose to ignore it.) but where did I mis-speak?
5 September 2008
at 9:49 p.m.

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abcd (Raymond Munoz) says…

Yes, blogging is a waste of time. Now get off your behinds and start making a real difference in the world. You know, the IRL world.
5 September 2008
at 9:52 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

RJ, I thought this was an interesting read, but I enjoy writing and reading blogs because I am fascinated with human nature. I am not out to try to change anyone else's opinion, but I do learn a lot about people from the comments that are made on my blogs. To me it is all a good thing. I am always surprised at how many people take the time to express themselves in a civilized, articulate manner. Some people even care enough to share information or links with the rest of us - not to alter our opinion, but to add insight and knowledge.

Good luck with your blogs! If you continue writing your future ones as well as you did this one, well, then you are on the path of a long distance blogger. All the best!

Blogging is a sign of the times and a newly formed means of mass communication. It is what we put into it and what we take out of it.
5 September 2008
at 9:58 p.m.

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jafo (Anonymous) says…

I agree with RJ… people at my work will sit and laugh about what Marion and a few others write, its cheap entertainement at its worst. How can these bloggers sit and blog all day? Marion is it your jolly to pick everyone apart? get a life, why don't ya?
5 September 2008
at 10:11 p.m.

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RJ (Anonymous) says…

Jafo, Unfortunately I think you may have missed the point. In your comment were you part of the problem or the solution?
5 September 2008
at 10:25 p.m.

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jafo (Anonymous) says…

and your point is? i thought you were stating your opinion and i was just stating mine. thus the name jafo. look it up…
5 September 2008
at 10:28 p.m.

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UFC_FAN (Anonymous) says…

if you get paid to blog, blog. otherwise, i think it may be a waste of time to blog every day. i have been struck at the length of some of these blogs these past few weeks. i imagine alot of time goes into it, unless you just c/p. i would have to say that it just right wingers more so and likewise to the left side. just some random thoughts and hope it works out for you.
5 September 2008
at 10:29 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

It's human expression.
You can *waste* your time finding something wrong with it,
or you can *spend* your time finding something of value in it,
or you can *contribute* your time and… shape it.
5 September 2008
at 10:32 p.m.

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alm77 (Anonymous) says…

You blogged about blogging. It's redundant. It's also absolutely necessary.

The blog I do has specific readers who are my friends, so because they know me, it has much more impact than one that would be directed at strangers. It's not much different than talking to my friends on the phone, but in a blog, they can respond when they have time and so can I. Not only that, but when you write, you're generally more thoughtful and the communication doesn't lend itself to ineffective words.

Keep bloggin'.
5 September 2008
at 11 p.m.

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ReadingSports (Anonymous) says…

ArrJay,
I liked what you wrote, and I too have struggled with whether or not this is a waste of time. But I think that I have learned something. There are some interesting bloggers here.

At their best, many of the bloggers here can be interesting and challenging. For instance TRA, Ronda, and Marion have all made some interesting posts, here and elsewhere, and they have three radically different writting styles, but I often read, and sometimes respond to, what they write.
I can think of several others: Gnome, bondmen, Satrical, Jonas, Agnostick…

For my own part, I post because I think that I have a perspective and worldview that is often under or inaccurately represented in these pages, though my worldview isn't unique here.

One thing I also think about is what to post about… The political realm is one I hesitate about, even though I may not always relay my hesitation in my posts. :-)

So welcome RJ, and happy posting! (I hope you don't mind my phonic spelling of your nick.)

And I don't think we should move liberals to France, just send them on a three month vacation. Just kidding… Or am I?
5 September 2008
at 11:36 p.m.

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RJ (Anonymous) says…

good call jafo, my bad
5 September 2008
at 11:58 p.m.

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RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Anonymous) says…

I don't blog. I comment, sometimes socially.

I tried the blog thing once, maybe I will again.
So I can't tell you if blogging is a waste of time.

Is commenting a waste of time?
Usually, but it provides me a modicum of enjoyment.
But just as blogs do, comments often reflect the personality of the author.

I like the title of your blog.
It has an unbiased truth to it…
8 September 2008
at 8:46 a.m.

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verity (Anonymous) says…

I just now read your blog and it was very thoughtful and interesting and, I thought, right on point.

However, your chosen name was one of the reasons I didn't read it until now and it is exactly what you seem to be complaining about.

Did you use it to be offensive? Because it is.
8 September 2008
at 9:03 a.m.

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duplenty (Anonymous) says…

“And remember, RJ, “truth” without proof and citations is only an opinion!”

I'd laugh if that wasn't such a sickening quote coming from Marion.

“Liberals hate Sarah Palin because she didn't abort her baby”.

Um, proof? Citation?

Don't you have another business to run into the ground, Marion?
8 September 2008
at 11:21 a.m.

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tumbilweed (Anonymous) says…

There's a picture of Marion in his blog. You can see what he looks like and flip him the bird when you see him next. Maybe he'll get the message and shut the hell up, or run for office and do something with all that anger..
8 September 2008
at 12:02 p.m.

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snap_pop_no_crackle (Anonymous) says…

tumlilweed, is he wearing the Blu-blockers in that photo? I'd check it out myself, but I just ate lunch.
8 September 2008
at 12:04 p.m.

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RedwoodCoast (Anonymous) says…

This is for Marion: Why is it that Republicans/conservatives always profess to be within an ideological lineage beginning with the 'Founders of this Great Nation'? Are you the chosen and righteous people or something? To dissent is as American as apple pie. I, sir, believe it to be un-American to criticize dissenters as somehow 'unpatriotic.'
8 September 2008
at 1:02 p.m.

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invictus (Anonymous) says…

I feel it is my duty to pull others out the ignorant abyss in which the dwell. I often get resistance. However, I am altruistic and keep trying to enlighten smaller minds. I suffer their slings and arrows but I stick to the facts and avoid personal attacks.
8 September 2008
at 4:53 p.m.

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pdecell (Paul Decelles) says…

RJ,

This liberal is French and would love to go to France…on vacation that is. :-)

Aside from that, people blog for a number of reasons. I blog here because I wanted to share my love of science, especially biology with a local audience and I like getting the banter that I do even from people who disagree with me.

I have a more general poetry/photography blog which goes through spurts in terms of people commenting on it. Sometimes I think no one is reading then I will either meet someone or get an e-mail out of the blue about some post. Plus I belong to a poetry group and we comment on each other's poetry. That blog is where I flesh out ideas, make commentary about other things that are outside the scope of my LJworld blog though there is some overlap.

Sometimes a blog can be for documenting some sort of investigation or project and is not really meant for mass consumption. I am going on sabbatical in the Spring and have already set up a sabbatical blog to document what I do and the progress I make on my project.

So there is no one reason to blog and I wouldn't give up because people aren't commenting as long as you are getting something out of the experience. OK?

Keep your conversation civil, don't put down people. Disagreeing can be done in a non divisive way and don't let the trolls get you down.
8 September 2008
at 5:18 p.m.

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RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Anonymous) says…

Paul,
Do you like those really thin pancakes too?
8 September 2008
at 5:26 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Paul: “Keep your conversation civil, don't put down people. Disagreeing can be done in a non divisive way and don't let the trolls get you down.”

Clearly, Paul, you've missed the very essence of blogging.

[ sigh ]
8 September 2008
at 5:58 p.m.

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beatrice (Anonymous) says…

RJ: “I looked at my chosen blog name, All Liberals Can Go to France. What is that supposed to mean? I became the same biased blogger that I now realize I detest.”

Since that was your logon name, you actually started by being that person. It would appear that you only realized it once you started blogging.

People can try to have a “real” discussion around here, but it won't last long. After a while, after so many times of being called a “demorat,” a “demonrat,” a “dumbocrat,” a “feminazi,” a “libtard,” a “green-wheenie,” a “bed-wetting liberal idiot,” “biosolids,” …. etc., eventually, you just get sick of it and you tell people like Marion to shove it. And yes, he has called me variations of all of these things on these pages more often than not, as have many others.

Then, when you see that Marion now has his own blog attached to the LJWorld, you realize that it is over. Discussion is finished, the LJWorld is debased. Marion even had his own comments removed from his own blog stories! That is the apparent nature of blogging. Comments on news stories are one thing, but when you know the person writing the story is so remarkably biased and vile, it proves that discussions aren't even being offered. I might as well just come on here, practice writing insults and tell conservatives that they are all awful people who make the formation of the Nazi Party understandable, since they “all” think the same of me.

However, even if you complain, it doesn't really matter because the hateful comments just get piled one on top of the next and it encourages extra “hits” to the paper, which are then used to justify selling on-line advertisments.

As usual, the public just proves to be the pawns in a larger monetary game.

Good luck on making a change.
8 September 2008
at 6:08 p.m.

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Mr_Nancy_Boy_To_You (Tom Shewmon) says…

The best way to describe it is an endless string of insults. But hey, if people enjoy it and don't get too carried away, what's it hurting?
8 September 2008
at 6:13 p.m.

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RJ (Anonymous) says…

verity- I believe i addressed that in my blog. “I looked at my chosen blog name, All Liberals Can Go to France. What is that supposed to mean? I became the same biased blogger that I now realize I detest. And I did it just to get someone to read my opinion.”

Paul Decelles- my complaint isn't people reading what I write, it is what they write to each other, the childish arguing and hate speech/personal attacks,etc.
8 September 2008
at 6:16 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

In The Beginning
(Graeme Edge)

First Man: I think, I think I am, therefore I am, I think.

Establishment: Of course you are my bright little star,
I've miles
And miles
Of files
Pretty files of your forefather's fruit
and now to suit our
great computer,
You're magnetic ink.

First Man: I'm more than that, I know I am, at least, I think I must be.

Inner Man: There you go man, keep as cool as you can.
Face piles
And piles
Of trials
With smiles.
It riles them to believe
that you perceive
the web they weave
And keep on thinking free.
8 September 2008
at 6:30 p.m.

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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…

“Is “blogging” a waste of time?”

Nope. But blogging about blogging might be. ;)
8 September 2008
at 6:45 p.m.

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snap_pop_no_crackle (Anonymous) says…

Somebody's sensitive about the word getting out regarding their “friends”.

BTW,

still

having

a

wonderful

internet

life

.
8 September 2008
at 7:15 p.m.

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beatrice (Anonymous) says…

I wonder if spamming is a waste of time? We should ask Nick Danger.
8 September 2008
at 7:18 p.m.

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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…

“Marion even had his own comments removed from his own blog stories! “ Bea

Would you expect anything else?
8 September 2008
at 7:27 p.m.

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jimincountry (Anonymous) says…

The new is definitely off the blog……….as in bloom off the rose…….it has become a forum for meaningless banter.
8 September 2008
at 7:51 p.m.

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Godot (Anonymous) says…

Blogging has transformed the political process. Bloggers influence the reportage of the mainstream media. Blogging may be a waste of time for the blogger, but it gives those who choose to seek them out access to viewpoints and voices that, otherwise, they would never hear.

I am sure that editors, publishers and talent agents hate the blogosphere - they are becoming irrelevant, unneeded, in fact, a hindrance. They are denied their control and censorship over the written word. That is the beauty of the blogosphere. There is no gatekeeper. As long as blogging and the internet exist without censorship, the status quo is on notice that it is no longer in power.

Blogging is to the 21st century what the “neuveaux riche” were to American society at the beginning of the 20th century, and the establishment members hate it.

You ain't seen nothin' yet. Reader, beware. Set your BS filters to “high.”
9 September 2008
at 12:19 a.m.

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RJ (Anonymous) says…

Godot, blogging may have transformed where the mainstream media gets their stories, but I wouldn't go as far as to say “Blogging has transformed the political process.” I might say instead, “Blogging has tainted the political process” by fooling the unattentive public.
To your other point, “it gives those who choose to seek them out access to viewpoints and voices that, otherwise, they would never hear.” my point is that few choose to seek out viewpoints that they would never hear, and if they accidentally run across them, they call the sender a moron.
Lastly, “editors, publishers and talent agents hate the blogosphere - they are becoming irrelevant, unneeded, in fact, a hindrance”- I have yet to find any new ideas on these blogs/comments, just rehashed news stories or links to someone else's blog. They may be out there (I am new around here) but I haven't seen them.

P.S. I totally agree with you on this one- “As long as blogging and the internet exist without censorship, the status quo is on notice that it is no longer in power.”