Today’s blog is not meant to be “critical,” but “reflective;” so please do not be offended. Back in my high school days, I wrote for the school newspaper. One year it was a gossip column called, “The Stranger.” In my senior year, my columns were titled, “So What?” It was one ofthose wise-acre columns that really didn’t serve a useful purpose. It was supposed to be humorous; but, I don’t recall too much laughter.
Yesterday, was my 114th blog, and guess what? I discovered that one person had made a comment. (That hasn’t happened for a while.) In fact, it was the first and only one for July, so far. Since I love statistics (even took a couple of courses, and the only thing I remember is the professor saying, “A difference to be a difference, must make a difference.”), I got to thinking and wondering just how many readers have taken the time to post a comment? Since March 13 (that’s over four months ago), only a dozen comments have been submitted (plus another seven “spam” messages, which have been blocked.) Hmmmm … what does that tell me?
One message might be, “Well, Bill, whatever you’ve been blogging about is of litte interest to the readers.” But, that isn’t completely true. A couple of comments did say that they wanted me to “keep it up,” and continue writing. On a couple of occasions, I did try and encourage viewers to join in and post their thoughts and reactions. A business consultant might tell me the “ROI” is lousy, try something else. (ROI = “return on investment.”)
As I’ve stated before, my purpose is not to post these blogs just to hear myself “talk.” They are intended to share one person’s thoughts and feelings; and hopefully, motivate others to chime in with their thoughts and reactions. Blogging is a form of e-journalism that can become a powerful communication tool in building a sense of community. I’ll agree that it may not be as stimulating as face-to-face conversation cafes; but the focus should be on the “message,” not the “messenger.”
IMHO, so many messages these days (print as well as digital) are H,P,F (translation- Huff, Puff, & Fluff.) Consequently, too many community needs and concerns are not met or resolved. Permit me to flip the coin over and ask you – the reader – to post a comment or two to the blog of your choice. Your thoughts and feelings are part of today’s blogosphere, too. In fact, someone just might make comment that will cause me to wake up early in the morning, get carried away with new thoughts, and end up blogging away. (Just like this morning, and it isn’t even light, yet.)
On Our Radar Screen
Although I don’t drive around town with my magnifying glass looking for graffiti, I’ve noticed an increase in the number of “tags” along the routes I take. There is one citizen who is so concerned about this issue, that he has created a web site that documents this form of “graphic art.” Check out Petaluma Involved Neighbors (PIN) at http://www.picturetrail.com/pins131