Right now, there are about three or four things, news items and such, that I’d like to write about. Some I’ve wanted to write about for more than week. In the meantime, I’ve actually had to read what everyone else has written about those topics — as I’ve been trying to find time to write about them — and realized it’s taken me so long find time to write about them that if I managed finally managed to do so now, I’d pretty much just be repeating what everyone else had time to write while I didn’t.
And, as I’m writing this, I’ve already thought of something I’d like to write about the Shirley Sherrod story that I probably won’t be able to find time to write about until sometime next week — when it’s not likely to be news anymore, and almost nobody will be talking about it. I’d probably be better off just linking to what everyone else has (and will) write about in a couple of digest posts.
And I find myself asking, what’s the point? Is there a point in me writing what most people can and probably have read somewhere else? Is there a point in just posting a link and a blockquote? (Again, something most people can and will read elsewhere before they find their way to this particular blog?) Is there a point to me writing an extra thousand words or so — as I have many times — in the course of even trying to find an angle or an insight that’s even just kinda sorta unique? When it comes to blogging, is there value to just being a voice in the choir? Does it help?
Lately, I’ve also experience deja vu upon reading about a story or topic that’s caught fire, that I wrote about weeks or even months earlier. (Sometimes I attempt to resurrect those posts from oblivion, by linking to them in a new post.) I’m reminded of the philosophical question, “If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”
Is there a point at which having something to say is really having nothing to say? Is it the point at which it’s already been said over and over again? Does only become something to say when a somebody says it? Or is it nothing to say when a nobody says it?
Is there anybody out there?
July 21, 2010 at 7:17 am
There are people reading – well, at least one I know of 😀 I come for your unique perspective on current events and life. Current doesn’t necessarily mean: Right Now. Next week hopefully Shirley will have her job back, and a blog entry of how you saw things would still be welcomed. The story may have been talked about by many other people, but not by you yet. So speak up! 😀
July 21, 2010 at 8:23 am
Yes.
Uh… why do you think it caught fire in the first place? 🙂
One long-time reader’s opinion: don’t overanalyze this. Your material is very good, and it’s a pleasure to read. I’d much rather read your take than any of the [gratuitous cursing omitted] paperback writers in the major print media. Here’s hoping you keep going!
July 21, 2010 at 1:26 pm
What Steve said.
You have made a difference.
It’s the harmonies (and sometimes the dissonances) that make the song.
July 21, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Let’s just say I found the time to write something about the Shirley Sherrod debacle.
July 22, 2010 at 12:30 pm
When you get burnt out, time to haul out the photos of animals and kids, or just post some old tunes. Really. A break is fine, just don’t quit!
Namaste and please keep on truckin, as we used to say. 🙂
July 22, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Sometimes I have to ask myself – am I writing for me or for the readers.Usually it’s just for me.
July 22, 2010 at 4:36 pm
I like yr blog, and I like the way you write… your voice is rather unique, and so yeah, it is worth writing about whatever it is you want to write about.
One reason I like your stuff, you have a kindness towards people/ human beings/ mankind…. I can feel it.
Plus, you actually get the issues you write about. You understand, often in a way that many people do not.
That’s my take!
July 22, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Saw it. Linked to it. Hadn’t realized you also write for Alternet. Go you!