That’s right. I said it. It is a dirty word for all you “lurkers” out there, but I would like to talk about it. Billy’s comment followed by my own interaction sort of inspired me to write about the dreaded “C word” as it relates to the blogosphere. There is this sense (as Billy pointed out in a previous comment) that as I write something in this space and others join in to converse with me (aka: comment) and the others who read that connection is actually happening (for what is worse than a one sided conversation with the talking head Ryan Myers?).I see this as a valid point and a great argument for why participating in the conversation that takes place here is a good thing to do. BUT, I see others as well. Today as I was rifling through my blogroll, I came across Billy’s blog as I normally do and read his most recent post. After reading his post, I felt compelled to do more than I usually do and to actually contribute to the conversation. The topic made me think, and at first I didn’t have an opinion. I read it and thought: “huh, that’s interesting.” but my thoughts stopped there. Usually I do this, thinking that I don’t really have anything to add or that I don’t have an opinion and so I move on to the next blog. This time was different though. This time I re-read the post, thought about what I actually believed/thought/sensed, and after much wrestling within me, I posted a comment.After I posted my comment I realized, more than I ever had before why conversation is necessary. When we read thoughts on a blog and we use the “comment” button we are actively wrestling with what we believe. It was important for me to write what I thought on Billy’s blog today because it caused me to wrestle and think and challenge my thoughts. If I wouldn’t have commented, I wouldn’t have gone through the internal wrestling that I believe is so important for our growth into becoming thinkers. I believe that its important for us to have to wrestle with things, and to think about things rather than just sit back and agree with the talking heads.In no way do I mean to threaten those who enjoy reading and strolling through this place. Just for me, I realized today the importance of conversation and why it is so imperative that I engage in conversation and begin to share my thoughts. Thanks to everyone who reads, comments, gets angry at, and loves being in this space.
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9 Responses
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Ryno I am glad that you were able to wrestle (think) about PB’s Blog, though I have not read it I was just inspired by your comment to think. There are so many of us that live a life of “mutism” we just continue to denie dialogue and walk in silence. I am so guilty of silence but I can only hold on to Hope. It is the hope that you and PB are creating in your blogs that help me to participate in community and dialogue Right now I am thinking about this comment that I came across in a book I am reading right now.
” Tragically frightened, men fear authentic relationships and even doubt the possibility of their own existence. On the other hand, fearing solitude, they gather in groups lacking in any critical and loving ties which might transform them into a cooperating unit, into a true community”. “Gregariousness is always the refuge of mediocrities, it is also an imprisoning armor which prevents men from loving”. said Nikolaievich Vedeniapin
Posted by Mark
I totally agree. And just so I know–is a “luker” kind of like a lurker but just spelled differently? I just wanted to make sure–you know, in case I need to call out the lukers on my blog. =)
Posted by jared
btw Mark, great quote.
Posted by jared
Wow…yeah, great quote Mark.
Jared - I see how you want to start doing this…I have noticed many little spelling errors and such on your blog, and now (being that it is the season) I will have to go ahead and publicly humiliate you on your blog for making such retarted errors. :)
Posted by Ryan
“Retarted” errors? You mean, retarded errors? Or was that an inside joke that I missed? Had to give you crap for that one, Ryan!
Posted by Sarah
Nothing much to say today. Just here to luk.
(Great quote about men Mark. Worth a discussion in itself.)
Posted by billy
OK, thats it! I’m done! Quitting my job right now, and off to join a small commune in Canada where I am looked upon as innovator and leader because I refuse to let the constricts of modern language hold me down. Don’t be jellus because I am re-imagining language and spelling as we know it, blazing pathways for the future that would never be known unless SOMEONE took a risk. And yes, I know you think that I misspelled “jealous”…just give it a couple years, and then see what happens…
Oh, and by the way, I love how your criticisms of me are your primary goal in your comments, and your actual feedback from the post (or anything relevant to this conversation) are an afterthought at best. Just thought that I would point that out…Okay, off to Canada…
Posted by Ryan
Sorry Ry,
Can’t help perpetuating bad humor sometimes. At times, perhaps I am a little jellus. So anyway, about the post, I agree that writing develops and sharpens the formation of thinking and becoming. It is all to easy to read, evaluate and move on. It engages a different intellectual, spiritual and emotional process to truly share thoughts and ideas. Gotta love the blogspace for giving us this type of forum for both focused and unstructured interchange.
Posted by billy
Continuing the Discussion