tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-269648634709183279.post1571178325022332786..comments2023-10-21T06:41:09.118-07:00Comments on Random Enlightenment: The Medium and the Message (and Blogging)Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15292824227963056711noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-269648634709183279.post-65523969487511629752008-06-10T15:22:00.000-07:002008-06-10T15:22:00.000-07:00I'd expand this post to "communicating via the int...I'd expand this post to "communicating via the internet medium" in general. Message boards and e-mails have the same problem. I quite often don't want to use emoticons but I do because I'm trying not to offend people.<BR/><BR/>JayJay Boazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14499002361030996927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-269648634709183279.post-55957857910900100052008-06-10T09:48:00.000-07:002008-06-10T09:48:00.000-07:00*long post warning*Great post Mark. I think this h...*long post warning*<BR/><BR/>Great post Mark. I think this has crossed nearly everyone's mind who blogs. If you've ever written an email where you attempted to converse on a deeper level with someone you may have had the same experience. It's one of the weaknesses in today's society where there is less face to face, less phonecalls, and more "written words" as a form of communication. There are benefits too. I would not have as much interaction with many, especially living far away, as I do because of the Internet, and for that reason I am greatful for it. <BR/><BR/>As someone who considers herself a 'writer in training' and have been a part of many writer's groups and written a few pieces, some published--I have had the painful and arduous task of learning to communicate my message clearly. But to some extent you have to relent to the fact that not everyone will agree with you. Not everyone will automatically 'get' what you are trying to convey. Have you ever read a book or an article only to later hear an author describe it and be totally taken aback? This has happened to me on numorous occassions as well. As you say, with written words there is so much left to misinterpretation.<BR/><BR/>In fact I have a short story that I have been told is ready to publish. It's fiction. And I write what I know... some of it is based on experiences of living in a small town. Some of it is exaggerated... it is fiction afterall. But after seeing what happened to a local make it big (from my hometown) and how other's reacted to the depiction of this 'small town'... I doubt I will ever attempt to publish it, call me chicken.<BR/><BR/>As far as blogging, I guess it depends what you are using the blog medium for and who your audience is. (As far as emoticons, while cheezy, this is why they were developed, to convey emotion - a little smiley face never hurt anyone... I think us Internet users are all used to it by now :) see?)<BR/><BR/>If you're reading someone's blog that you know, I think we all need to cut each other a little slack. As the blogger we need to be mindful of others sure, and to be respectful, the same respect we'd give in a face to face setting. And to be congizant of how your words may effect your audience. <BR/><BR/>Having said that, even though my personal blog is hardly controversy (at least I don't think so), I wouldn't enjoy writing if I wouldn't be able to state my point of view, my personal beliefs or experiences. But I welcome comments and I'm open to discussion. I suppose if you're going to blog and have your comment area open to all you should expect it. <BR/><BR/>I don't know if this helps or makes sense... but just my two cents. Interested to see what others will have to say.Staceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09792988908227647278noreply@blogger.com