Some ideas roll around in my head for a while before they hit text, and some just pop in my head and onto the keyboard with little effort.This is one of those things that has rolled for a while. I mentioned it in other posts, without going into detail or cramming something down the reader's throat. With things that I feel passionate about, I tend to drive it in the ground and break it off. (Or ad nauseum, my family would be sure to add.)
Loving to read is something I share with many people. But why read blogs? Funny, but yesterday I was reading a post about why people write blogs. But my thoughts have been on the other end of the blogophilia spectrum. Why read them? There are certainly more out there than can possibly be read by any one person, or even a small army of people. So why do I read them?
Simple. I like people. I like everything about people, and what makes them the way they are. And many bloggers are very good at exposing their thoughts, feelings and beliefs online. When I read a blog, I feel I know more about that person. Some blogs are easy reads, making me laugh, and others make me cringe in horror or sadness at what the person is revealing. But I read.
The one thing I have known with unwavering belief since I was a child is that what I read changes me. Not just what I learned in school and college, but everything I read. It changes me. Sometimes in such a slight way that I barely notice, and sometimes my knowledge and beliefs make a major paradigm shift. But always I am changing.
So the simple truth is, there is a world in books. And there is also a world in blogs. It may be instant gratification for writers, but blogs that are well thought out and executed are something to sink your mind into. Something to make you grow and learn.
Something that can change you.
*Note: This is the blog I read yesterday that made me stop. And think. Have a look and make a comment if you will: Some Days or Now
Absolutely Cath.
ReplyDeleteWell into adulthood my basic view on reading was akin to that old saying: 'I don't want to read the classics, I just want to have read them' - as if being well-read was a matter of checking off items on a list.
I love reading blogs because when plying the blogosphere you never know what you're going to come across. There is some great stuff out there, and if and when I set aside the time I love to uncover something worthwhile. Something that, as you say, changes me.
Or something that makes me laugh of course.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers!
Kevin
Deanne's blog is wonderful isn't it. It's funny because I hadn't come here from Some Days or Now and then to see her link, I just smiled. The blogosphere maybe seem huge but actually it's quite a small place.
ReplyDeleteYou are like me, you like to read - I can thoroughly relate to your post and it was a pleasure to read.
I completely agree with both of you! I now read blogs more than any other type of publication because I love hearing what people have to say. It must be the sociologist in me. :)
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have three comments that validate my thoughts...thank you all for the feedback.
ReplyDeleteDeanne is one of the blogs that has had a major impact on my online reading. It takes courage to share a journey such as hers, and I admire her honesty and openness.
And lastly, I am not of the belief that I should hide what I read. When this year started and I found myself getting more earnest with my blogging, I decided to share links to blogs that have impacted me in some way, or just gave me a plain old good laugh. So I share, and hope others will too. By reading, by commenting, or whatever moves them.
Hi Cath, why read blogs… good question. Your thoughts resonate with mine. I like the interaction with other writers here in the blogosphere, particularly with those who have something to say, and who offer material worth reading.
ReplyDelete“The one thing I have known with unwavering belief since I was a child is that what I read changes me. Not just what I learned in school and college, but everything I read. It changes me. Sometimes in such a slight way that I barely notice, and sometimes my knowledge and beliefs make a major paradigm shift. But always I am changing.” Well said Cath.
Yes, this is why I read some blogs too.
Thank you for the comment Debra. And you touch on the other thing that is important to reading blogs. Comments. I enjoy reading the comments on the blogs I follow, because it gives me the chance to view how that blog post was interpreted by other readers. And that also impacts my thinking. I don't believe we should read or write inside a box, but always step outside that box to gain a new vantage point.
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