I can always count on Pithless Thoughts to post a drawing that either makes me think or keeps me on an even keel. The cartoon above is one of those “on an even keel” type. When I started this blog, I had no pretensions of vast influence. Rather, I thought of the blog as something like an online journal, in which I would express my thoughts and opinions and maybe get some helpful feedback. The blog ended up developing in unexpected directions, but it has remained mainly that, a place for me to reflect and maybe get some helpful feedback.
I know that this blog has helped my teaching and my preaching skills immensely. I usually need to keep anything I write to five or six paragraphs at most, because most people really do not go to an online blog to read a very long posting. But, despite that, there is always the hydra of pride and arrogance waiting to rear up its many heads to make me think that somehow my thoughts are so important that other people must read them. Besides pride, what feeds those thoughts are the graphs that WordPress so helpfully provides that tell you (in your dashboard) how many hits you have received in a day, and even shows you a historical graphs of “how you are doing.” For those of you old enough to remember Flip Wilson, I will just say that those graphs are the temptation of the devil in graphic form.
And so, one is tempted no longer to write to express opinions and receive feedback but to see how far up that graph will go. It is the same temptation that the news media face. What will bring in the numbers? What will make those peaks stay up? In fact, if one is not careful, one can become the blogging version of Geraldo Rivera or Jerry Springer. And thus, temptation raises its many heads and looks for whom to devour. At its lowest point, temptation can make one into a Nancy Grace, pursuing every lead in the worst possible way with headlines that become more impossible and more ridiculous.
But then, along comes Pithless Thoughts and punctures the balloon. The truth of the matter is that most people tend to read blogs with which they agree. If they do not agree, they stop reading the blog. Thus, one is really preaching to the choir and not bringing about any change. Pithless reminds bloggers to go back to their roots. In my case, I simply wanted an online journal, a place to express myself, to have to think about my opinions on certain matters, and to receive feedback from others on my ideas. Thanks again, Pithless.
Actually, I read what you write in entirety only because you’re my brother. (((snicker))) Love you big brother.
As it applies to any pursuit, my (often unsolicited) encouragement/advice to friends is that if they are getting joy out of it, they are already successful at it. As a reader, I get the sense that you enjoy writing, but that you are also getting something more out of it. If that is true, then you are indeed blessed.
The age of social networking I think has afforded a lot of people the opportunity to share with the world and wonder whether anyone is listening. True, some of it is not worth listening to, but many people have very interesting things to share and often I find myself learning something new, completely by accident. Plus, I always enjoy being an audience for people that enjoy a thing they do and are good at that thing. Those things are true for me reading your blog, so I hope that is helpful feedback.
It is very helpful feedback. I do enjoy the writing and I have learned much doing this blog.
Try this one on for humility:
http://pithlessthoughts.blogspot.com/2010/08/at-zoo.html
ROFL, even better!
LOL
Fr. Ernesto,
If you look closely enough, there actually is a tiny space between the three circles. 🙂 I’m not sure in reality how many people’s minds are ever changed from or through blogging, but mine certainly has been, and a number of those on my regulars list have experienced the same thing.
Yes, I watch my site hits, too. But I like being challenged and receiving feedback, and I do the same for others. As for ego? I’m not sure where that level is at for me. I’ve had a little more than 15 minutes of fame in my past, and there is the temptation to try to achieve that through blogging. I’m not sure I want it in a full dose.
You are welcome, Father. 🙂
Of course the “Orthographs” are all about ME, but I’m glad my humanity is so common to everyone else, otherwise I’d feel pretty stupid all alone out here… So I guess it is a lesson, do what you love to do, write what is on your heart and try not to get yourself canonized with a “hit counter” … and I do enjoy your blog even when its not about me. 🙂
Honest feedback, and if it violates the maxim, never compliment a monk (or a priest), well, too bad.
I am pleased as punch that you, unlike so many other converts to Orthodoxy from Western Christianity, at least among the clergy, know that being Orthodox does not also mean being neo-conservative.
Axios!