Written by Karen D. Swim
I don’t know what it is but there is someting in the air. This week many of the issues which I have privately grappled with have found voice in the words of others. I am not sure if is the election season, the world economy or simply the cycle of human nature but many seem to be examining this online world where we spend so much time – our place in it, our relationships with others and our duties at citizens of the net world.
The discussions have been thoughtful and eye-opening. Some have answered questions, others have given rise to additional ones. All, I believe are worthy of sharing with all of you.
Amy Derby wrote a post about online friendships that clearly struck a chord. In her usual forthright, no holds barred style. In her Netiquette Rant she examines the question of online “friendship.” The post and the comments made me understand why I adore Amy and many of the “posse” that offered their thoughts.
I am not a regular reader of Dooce but read two of her posts this week. She wrote a post addressing politics which drew more than 700 responses and a follow-up where comments were understandably closed. The posts and comments remind me of not only our influence on the internet but the ability to be misinterpreted and misunderstood. It is very easy to incite “a mob mentality” whether you are the author or a commenter. Now more than ever, we must be certain that we are willing to stand by what we write even in the face of tremendous pressure.
A post on Daily Writing Tips honestly discussed the dangers of slacking on your writing standards in order to make money. It was a post that challenges us to be responsible with what we write, to adhere to our own standard of quality.
On the internet, everyone talks about numbers – subscriber counts, number of comments, number of followers or friends, number of awards, your rankings, etc. Seth Godin challenges the notion of this hype in his post.
When I first started blogging, I had zero comments. I thought it meant no one was reading. I treated my blog like a fun little experiment. I then started blogging “seriously”and began reading how to do it the right way. Every piece of advice I read emphasized comments. I love comments. I love getting to know readers and hearing their perspectives. Yet, I am also aware that everyone does not have time to read and comment everyday. I have personally felt the guilt when I cannot read and comment as though I’m letting my friends down. I know how it feels to have no one talk to you and I don’t want that for any of the blogs I support. Yet, I am learning to let go of that guilt for myself and for my own readers. Because of my own angst, Vered’s wonderful post about Blog Comments really rang my buzzer.
I had planned this post for the morning and got delayed with last minute client requests. I am very glad that I did because Joanna Young wrote one of her finest pieces that sums up this issue of influence and responsbility quite nicely. Save it for last, it is truly worthy of printing and reading again.
My own conclusion is that we have a responsibility on the web. Whether we are posting a status update or writing for the New York Times. Our influence and responsibility are not determined by the numbers but by that one person who may read our words. To focus on anything else, to chase after a false celebrity is the height of irresponsibility.
What are your thoughts? You can share them here if you like or mull it over on your own. If you want to talk, I’m listening. If you’re reading and don’t have time or a desire to comment, I don’t appreciate you any less.
Melissa Donovan says
There is something in the air. I do think it has a lot to do with the election. Even people who aren’t following it seem to be affected by it in some way or another. It’s a pretty crazy season and with the economy tanking and other things going on in the world, well, people are just wound up. I know I have been throughout all of it. We do have a responsibility to each other though, and right now I think it’s extremely important that we remain calm, tolerant, and open-minded. Those people who attacked Dooce for her views are expressing their frustration but there are healthier, more beneficial ways to channel that energy. Hopefully some of them will come here and read your calming words 🙂
ThomasW says
The areas of concern are the same ones that have been around mass media since its inception. The internet is interative media.
The difference now is that anyone with an internet connection and desire to influence others has a digital platform that reaches millions of possible viewers. Joe the Blogger and Jane the Internet Marketer have the opportunity to reach as large an audience as any celebrity, or major corporation.
How simple it has become to release ones beleifs and values, or lack of, out into the worldwide web. Like attracts like and the next thing you know there are groups, and forums formed – groups of like minded individuals feeling empowered by their numbers.
Movements begin, agendas are created, strategies and tactics refined – all to better convince the non-beleivers how wrong they are and how right “we”are.
All that ethical, open minded, good hearted people can do that doesn’t add to themoise is to take responsibility for what they are sending out across the network of minds.
Don’t be adding to the rage and the fear, the manipulation, or the confusion. Stay in touch with your self and how you feel and how you beleive and how you want this eality to be and do your part by contributing the energy of hope, happiness, compassion, inspiration, courage, and love – no matter what!
Blog Your Light
Jamie Grove - How Not To Write says
@Karen Yes, now that I’ve emerged I can fall back on my rugged good looks. It makes things soo much easier. 🙂
Karen Swim says
Ulla,oh I understand. I am learning though to simply trust my own heart. You are so genuine and caring Ulla, and it shows in all of your interactions. I am sure that many will agree because of who you are it is a pleasure to have you read and contribute whenever you can. I think that is truly what this is all about. 🙂
Karen Swim says
Jamie, I applaud you for allowing your old posts to stand. It is a sign of growth and honesty when we can stand by our old selves. What a treat for readers to see where you were and how far you’ve come. I can remember when we called you HNTW and had no face to go with the name. It has been a joy to watch you emerge from the shadow and to open up in so many ways. Your journey has inspired me and given me even more reasons to like you. 🙂
Karen Swim says
Evelyn, as a reader of your blog, I can attest that you are definitely responsible and you really are making a difference. You teach and inspire with compassion, humor and always an upbeat tone.
Ulla Hennig says
Karen,
“I have personally felt the guilt when I cannot read and comment as though I’m letting my friends down. ” I fully understand you – it’s a feeling I have myself. And it’s the same with not posting as regularly as I would like to do. Getting comments from the same crowd of people almost regulary (which I am really proud of and thoroughly enjoy) gives me the feeling, that i have the responsibilty to deliver – to give something to them which they can enjoy.
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..The last Flowers of the Year
Jamie Grove - How Not To Write says
Just today someone linked to an older post on my blog. It’s an angry rant I wrote back in January, just 9 months ago. Seeing that “old” post and what I had to say made me so sad for who I was. I was a writer afraid of what I really wanted to be writing and making up excuses for chasing other dreams. I was a writer who hadn’t accepted that I was a writer.
Somewhere along the line, I stopped writing posts like that. I pulled out of the darkness and found that I was happy with writing when I wrote what I wanted.
Several times, I’ve been tempted to rework the site and take down some of those old posts, but I know I never will. That’s my personal responsibility. To acknowledge that this is who I was and now I am someone else. I’ve learned and changed and hopefully the work I do on my site is a testament that anyone can find themselves if they try looking.
Great post, Karen! (you’re on a roll)
Evelyn Lim says
I’m a reader of Vered’s blog too and enjoyed her post which shared honestly how she felt about blog commenting. I do feel exhausted for commenting on several blogs; but if it is one thing I’ve noticed of myself. If the content is good on someone else’s blog, I will comment even if the blogger does not come over to my site.
Thanks for bringing up the topic on responsibility on the web. Most certainly, I agree it is important not to mislead others in our writings. If we have had personal breakthroughs, it is well worth to share them. As I am In the area of personal development, I’d like to think that even if I can save or help impact one reader’s life, I’d have make a difference to the world.
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Be Careful What You Wish For
Karen Swim says
Joanna, we truly do seem to riding in tandem! I like those two aims to blogging and I do think it very much mirrors where I have evolved. When I first started blogging I was not sure what I was doing. You and Amy helped begin that process of getting clear on my purpose. Like you, I love the comments. I don’t get hundreds but if I did I would still jump in and contribute. I might not be able to answer each one personally but I would still want each and every person to know they were valued. I really do enjoy the conversations here and in other places (like at your place). I love those shared connections and would not trade them for anything.
I am so glad you like the final invitation, it truly mirrors what I feel these days. I think I may keep it in some form. Thanks Joanna!
You are always such a great inspiration and a good friend! xo
Karen Swim says
Vered, your article was so well done. I shared it on Google and FriendFeed last night. You handled a tough topic with great sensitivity and wisdom. Thank you for writing it.
Joanna Young says
Karen, what a powerful piece, pulling together so many strands and links. Thank you.
It seems we were very much on the same wavelength today! I agree with your perspective, captured perfectly here
“Whether we are posting a status update or writing for the New York Times. Our influence and responsibility are not determined by the numbers but by that one person who may read our words.”
The whole issue of comment guilt is fascinating and slightly disturbing. Thanks for pointing me to the post and conversation on Vered’s post. I think I’d be burning out with that many comments too…
It’s hard. I love commenting and I’d stop blogging without them. My motivation would very quickly dry up. But I don’t want everyone to have to feel they have to comment (nor do I want to feel obliged to).
I’ve realised recently that there are two broad aims in my blogging. One is to build a community of people that I can work with, learn with, share and create with. (That includes you!)
The other, underlying purpose is to coach people to write with confidence. I hope they’ll get some of that just by reading my work (as they would if reading a book). The community bit helps me to do the other bit better – but it’s not an end in itself, it’s still a means to the bigger end of reaching and hopefully inspiring as many people I can that their words count.
Reading Seth’s recent posts has helped me to understand this. I can’t wait to read his new book. I think he’s hitting on just that mood that you mention in your opening paragraph.
By the way, I like your final invitation to chip in if you want. I never said so before but did find the ref to grabbing the mic and taking the floor a bit scary – as someone who never would!
Thanks for sharing so many big ideas with me Karen
Yours aye
Joanna
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Thinking About Working With Me?
Vered - MomGrind says
I read dooce’s post too. I agree about misinterpreting and mob mentality. The internet can be a scary place.
Thank you so much for including my article here.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..Is There Such A Thing As Commenter’s Burnout? Or: Why I Sometimes Close Comments