It's Just my Opinion

I enjoy blogging. It gives me the opportunity and platform to speak my mind, talk about pet peeves, vent about difficult situations in my life and postulate on subjects that folks just don't talk about casually. I like saying the hard things, even if only to myself. As a matter of fact, I started blogging for my own edification - I really didn't ever think anyone would be interested in what I had to say, much less check my blog daily to see if I had posted anything.

It has been a wonderful release of creative energy and thoughts that would have been stifled otherwise. And I spend time reading the blogs of friends and even those I don't know, learning and growing in the process. Yeah, I enjoy blogging; it's a wonderful outcome of the birth of the internet, in my view.

However, much like any other print media, I don't like everything I read. Sometimes, what is written is irritating, insulting or just plain wrong. And, y'know what? I'm OK with that. I don't have to read it. With just a click of the mouse, I can move on to something more appealing to me - I don't have to write a scalding comment or let it ruin my mood or day. Is that maturity? I suppose, or perhaps just good common sense.

Some people, often from older generations, just aren't into the blog-scene. Why, I'm not sure; perhaps they cannot figure out the computer enough to navigate the web or they are intimidated by ads (which really don't bother me, to be honest - I just ignore them on blogs that have them. Don't magazines and newspapers have ads, as well? I wonder if those are bothersome, too.) On occasion I encounter someone who thinks that blogs are just fluff; silly writings of the non-scholarly. Well, that may be true at times, but I try not to ascribe to gross generalizations as a rule. It's too bad for them, as they are the ones that are missing out on more and more people, hidden talent, that are using the blogosphere to exercise their writing skills, and sharing thoughts and ideas that were previously only kept to themselves.

And why would anyone think of blogs as so unlike magazines, editorials or scholarly articles? Why would an article type-written, or even published on a website, be any different than a post published on a blog? I'm shaking my head at these thoughts because they are just not true. Just as much time, effort and research goes into blogging at times as those other types of reading material. It just so happens that my teenager has more opportunity to publish an article on her blog than in the newspaper. I'm glad of that, actually.

I think blogs are a wonderful resource to better get to know people. I have learned so much about people I already knew by simply reading what they write online. Amazing, I know. It is my belief that pastors, teachers and leaders would benefit from reading the musings of those they labor beside. What valuable information they are leaving untapped and what skills unseen.

One last thing before I step down from my soapbox; I believe that blogging falls under the protection of our Right of Free Speech, wouldn't you agree? If what is being written isn't obscene, grossly offensive, slanderous or dangerous to the safety of others, it should be free game in my view. Critiques of movies, books or products are all valuable and acceptable. Stating opinions, solutions or simply posting funny photos should not be a problem. Sure, comments can be made, but the publishing of those comments is at the sole discretion of the blog-owner, wouldn't you agree?

So, I will continue to enjoy my blogging. It has added a richness to my life that only writing can, and of that, I am well pleased. And, if others want to come along, learn about my opinions, Star Wars, letterboxing or my thoughts on religiosity, I welcome them with open arms. But, beware...I am not a professional; what you read here is only my opinion, of which I have a right.