From Marcus at GoodWordEditing.com: "Isn't it amazing how much we want to have other people hear us and tell us that what we say is valuable?"
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Interesting. Wouldn't that be equivalent to the prime directive of the blogosphere? If I may be transparent, it’s definitely something I look for when comments come in. And why not. I edit ramblings that I consider to be meaningless drivel in order that they might somehow edify you, my dear reader! For example, I won’t talk about what I ate unless it has the potential for a decent comment thread, like Elvis sandwiches.
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Even if I talk about something that cannot be universally praised (esp. gospel truth), there will be an attempt to frame it in a friendly, or at least civil manner. I don’t want to stir up contention without the hope of some type of resolution.
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18 comments:
Craver
Thanks for picking up on Marcus' point. I think it's why much of the blogosphere functions like an echo-chamber and there's not enough learning and stretching that goes on.
Ironically, it's also why there's much unprofitable vitriol in some circles. There are blogs where mob mentality rules.
Good post.
I think that is what people need in this world-some encouragement. How many people in this world have I met or talked to that have been verbally abused by someone they love or care about? Way too many. So, I think that trying to be encouraging or at least civil in your posts, especially in commenting could make a dramatic difference in some people's lives even if your encouraging comment seems minute to you it may mean the whole world to someone else.
What you say is valuable. There, you heard it from the mouth of Socrates.
(So, you're not saying, are you, that posts about pine needle tea lack the potential for a decent comment thread ? ... nah, I didn't think so.)
Interesting post. We do look for validation, approval but do we give it back as well? We may give validation in the public eye (or on your blog) but do we do this behind closed doors?
So you have a certain amount of fear when it comes to conflict, strife and dissension, aren't we all? The next question should be, what about confrontation?
ESI, thanks for your comment. I love your writings, and would leave more comments if I had just a little bit more time.
Rachel, I’m delighted that you visited! Yes, it’s tricky to gauge our impact, especially when we can’t see peoples’ responses.
LL Socrates, You are such a magnificent teacher! I sure do appreciate you!!
MWE, confrontation? I’m glad you mentioned it, because when we care about truth and justice, confrontation is inevitable. But it does not always need to be abrasive, or excessively harsh. Oh, and yes; I still get a little nervous when it comes to giving or receiving confrontation, even though I don’t necessarily avoid it.
Craver -- I have some thoughts on this that I just am not able to express (I've started writing three times, and it's coming out awful). Here's what it boils down to: 1.) I also like kudos! 2.) Yes, confrontation is inevitable. 3.) The blogosphere doesn't provide an ideal environment for the type of confrontation that helps me most (very personal and loving). 4.) But I do LOVE comments that begin, "On the other hand . . ." I realize that I can be too narrow-minded and loved to have that pointed out in a kind way.
See, even numbering the points didn't make this succint, but I couldn't NOT comment.
I can't seem to get the knack of writing a decent post that attracts comments-I have to resort to posting crazy pictures of round houses (yes, it was the HOUSE) and of a crazy hubby. *grin*
"Even if I talk about something that cannot be universally praised (esp. gospel truth), there will be an attempt to frame it in a friendly, or at least civil manner."
I don't think this is a bad thing, or even necessarily "avoiding conflict" -- I think this is solid, respectful communication. Coming at people in an angry, defensive tone is rarely constructive.
We are supposed to be edifying one another and building one another up, but this also includes exhortation, rebuke, and all that...
Ephesians 4:29
1 Peter 4:10
Confrontation? Peace is not the lack of conflict it is in the face of conflict...
there's not enough learning and stretching that goes on.
Yeah, lot of the blogosphere is just like a lot of real life, it depends on where you visit...
Well, here's a kudo right back at you. Thanks for the link, Craver.
I'm still shocked that my little star comment was taken the way it was. Without meaning to, I think I alienated other people in the CSFF tour from commenting on my blog!
I love the reference to the Prime Directive. And I love being cautioned to make sure everything I write (and everything I do!) edifies the people around me.
No pressure or anything.
Also, I tried to email you and I got labeled a spammer! : (
Charity, you don’t have to be succinct. I enjoy it that you would even hang around here.
Eve, Doesn’t it seem like traffic in general has been slow lately? As for my own comments, sorry… I still visit, but haven’t written anything. It’s evil, I know. Okay, so now I’m like the guest who shows up to the potluck empty-handed.
Llama Momma, the angry, defensive tone is rarely constructive, but soooo easy. The backspace key gets worn out before all the others. Thank God for the way we can take words back on the internet before hitting send.
Even So…, yes, and where you visit can also depend on how much time you have to find places. Too bad I can’t get paid to search through and sort blogs. Your own writings are good for stretching because of the generous chunk of scripture. I’m there every day (except the weekend).
No Mark, thank YOU for the idea! Personally, I don’t think anyone seriously got offended, but making comments about it would certainly be a way to invite other people to take notice of them. That’s harmless enough. And how could you be labeled a spammer? Did you use the same email you used before? If that one blocks you out, I have no way to correct it. I created an email account just for the Craver identity, which is now part of my blogger profile. Maybe that one will work.
Oh, at last. I've been in suspense regarding what was in that picture box. It's the Master of the Trekkies!
EverySqIn-
once again i find myself totally agreeing with you. we make ourselves think we are engaging the issues but in reality, we surround ourselves with people who think like us and can give us a cyber pat on the back. the term "echo-chamber" really captures it well. i think we who blog have to be careful that we are not looking for approval from others that should only come from god and also not convince ourselves that we are truly engaging in a discussion when only like minded people are present. i'm beginning to learn this and your comment is a good reminder.
clc, Yes, you hit that right on the nail!
Echo is not always bad, though. It can serve as a confirmation of a good thing.
(I sometimes use silence, rather than engage in a confrontation if I don't think I will be able to change the other person. For example, when a Christian uses coarse language.)
Echo is not always bad, though. It can serve as a confirmation of a good thing.
(I sometimes use silence, rather than engage in a confrontation if I don't think I will be able to change the other person. For example, when a Christian uses coarse language.)
Whoa... deja vu!
Uh oh. You raised the issue of coarse language... twice. (Sort of.)
I try not to use coarse language publicly, but I'm far from perfect when I get angry and it's just me and God.
Does that mean I have no integrity? Help me find absolution, oh Brother Craver!
Mark, we can continue to talk about coarse language, but your final remarks came at just the right time, because that's an excellent segue into the very next post.
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