Saturday, November 25, 2006

Keep on Blogging

OK. I feel I have to rant about this. I have been blogging for about 2 months now and have seen at least 3 blogs that either feel they have to quit blogging or change their names because of what other people have said about their blogs. I know all about the "keeping others feelings in mind" thing. But to me these other people putting their feet where it don't belong is total bullshit. Blogging is a way for people to put their feelings or whatever else out there. How else would we get to know each other.

Certainly, I wouldn't have gotten to know ANY of these people in my real life situation. This to me is like censorship at it's worst. I don't agree with everything that is posted by everyone, but I do agree with the idea that everyone who blogs has the right to their opinion. If we don't allow others to express their opinions and thoughts, what kind of society will we have? One of only rosy pictures? One of only happy thoughts? The fact is simple, life isn't always rosy and it isn't always happy. For those who don't have a continually happy life they ought to be able to express it in a free manor.

Usually, it's only one or two instances of something that isn't what someone else thinks someone should have put into their blog that creates this mess. I feel deeply for those who feel they have had to change the way they blog or even go so far as changing their name just to avoid being singled out.

I just want to say that I wish all that blogs would have a free say in how they want to do their posts. Also, I wish other people would quit sticking their noses into where they don't belong. This isn't to say that it's wrong to have an opposing view, but to have such an impact on ones blog to the affect of making one change their blogs name or even making them think about quitting is altogether different.

I've had my say. I just wanted to post this as it has pissed me off pretty well. I do hope those that have had this happen to them keep blogging. Till next time BYE!!

16 comments:

Barb said...

Very well put! It was something that needed saying.

Shelby said...

don't worry about my blog - - I don't wear my feelngs on my sleeve.. it's all fun . . if I see something I don't like I just ignore it and move on.. You and Skittles are delightful.. keep it up :)

Mo and The Purries said...

Mike,
Very well said.
I've been blogging less than a year, and I've been saddened by the loss of several of my regular reads -- they just up & disappeared. Occasionally, I've heard that one or the other "had to quit" because of family or work not liking the blog.
Hell-O, is this not the freedom of speeck in the internet???
Like you said, I don't agree with what everyone says on their sites, but I sure as heck am gonna defend their right to say it. I just don't hafta read it if it pisses me off, that's all!
Anyway, thanks for the recent comment at It’s A Blog Eat Blog World
Hope it's ok -- I've added you to my Hot Blogs linkies in my sidebar!
Hope you & the loverly Skittles enjoy the remainder of your weekend!
~Mo

Crunchy Carpets said...

I had a huge Barney a while back with my dh over something he read on my blog.

I offered to quit right there and then.

But he calmed down and said no....and I made him read the rest of my blog and now he is pretty cool with the whole thing.

So yes, people can take things the wrong way, or people can have different views on (insert hot topic here) but is ok..that is fine!

I am amazed I haven't pissed anyone off yet.

John Holland said...

I read some blogs where some of what the bloggers believe are completely opposite of my own. Do I want them to change? No, I like the fact I can talk to others about such things and hopefully we can all come out better for it. If you (and I don't mean you Mike, but the all general you) don't agree with what I say than great, tell me and we can have a discussion about it and maybe the both of us can learn something. I've lost a few blogger friends since I started, they just stopped and it's sucks. I've enjoyed the friends I've made on here.

Dr. A said...

Good post. Well put. Sometimes you have to say what you have to say. I hate this politically correct world that we live in where people are offended by anything that is said or done.

Anonymous said...

Ditto..If people don't like what they read then I say don't go back to that blog. It's like changing the channel on the TV--or--shutting the TV off if you don't like what's on. On the other hand I don't like the thought of people using their blogs as a place to hurt others..but I dislike wars and bad smells too and that doesn't stop them from coming about.

Like the saying goes..opinions are like assholes and everyone has one..it doesn't mean we agree.

I basically started my blog as a way to share my life and thoughts with my Mother who doesn't live near me. It became a bonus for me to have other visitors stop by and be willing to share their lives and stories with me.

Still, if everyone stopped reading tomorrow I'd continue my blog for me and mom. People mustn't stop writing because of what others might think or say. We all need a place and a way to express our heart.

Thanks Mike for sharing your thoughts.

XXX Jolie

Kiyotoe said...

Amen brotha.

jeweledrabbit said...

I can see internet drama is as alive and kicking in the blogging world as it is in the message boards world. LOL

Couldn't agree with you more Mike.

Smalltown RN said...

Mike....Very well put. I couldn't nave said it better myself. I think was partially what I was trying to say on my blog. Thanks for your words of encouragement as well.

Cheers!

Erika Jean said...

right on!

DesLily said...

I don't always have a comment on the blogs I read.. but if I don't like what someone writes I simple read the next blog. I do go back other days and sometimes what someone writes interests me and sometimes not.. and sometimes people write things in order to get others riled up for a give and take discussion.. it's all relative.
Read what you want and pass on the others.. the bottom line is: It's the Individuals Blog!

Jeni said...

Excellent Post, Mike!

I have, at times, worried about what interpretation some might have over things I have said in my blogs. More often than not, the person I was concerned about reading my thoughts and not understanding or accepting those is my older daughter. She does have a tendency at times to not always "listen" fully to what is being said especially if I am the speaker.(But when the shoe is on the other foot, I am also to take whatever she dishes out, like it or not too.)

I just recently sent her something via e-mail and in it, I happened to include the url for my blog. I have no idea if she has read through my blog and in doing so, seen some of the posts I made that might not make her think all "rosy" thoughts but you know, I am not changing my posts to suit her either as I am entitled to my words, my medium for delivery and access to a way to bring a bit of catharsis to my life where she and I cross paths at times too.

Doesn't mean I don't still love her because I do, maybe even more fiercely than before too.

Crazy Working Mom said...

You took the words right outta my mouth! I think that my blog is more or less a journal that I hope some day my kids will enjoy reading. Also something that I can go back to from time to time and read. I get a good lauch when I read something silly I posted. It's also a place for me to post things for my family to see such as pictures, updates on kids, etc. Not always things complete strangers want to read, but not necessarily something that you can't skip over either!

Michelle said...

Very nice post - I only wish I would have gotten here sooner. I don't usually have time over the weekend - I think I'll start MAKING time!

Anonymous said...

I am shocked and appalled by this post, and insist that you remove it immediately, and change the name of your blog to "mike's place" because I don't like your use of capital letters. ;)

Having said that, knowing that "real people" read your blog changes things. When my friend Richard learned about my blog, I could no longer say if I thought he'd done something stupid as easily or as impulsively.

That's why I don't tell people I know about my blog, and that's why I don't tell people who read my blog who I am.

Owl.