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Sounds like a healthy sense Azur
And yes blogging can do strange things to a person. ;) Wishes sent for a lovely day.
posted by
Katray2
on February 14, 2006 at 8:32 AM
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katray
in real life I think of myself as competitive in trying to do better for myself and yet I don't normally consciously ompete with individuals or colleagues. Strange things sometimes happen on the blog.
posted by
Azur
on February 13, 2006 at 5:16 PM
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Medusa, thanks for that. I tend to be very casual here
as most everything else I write is very stylized. Here I can have fun not worrying about structures or worrying about them only when I choose to
posted by
Azur
on February 13, 2006 at 5:14 PM
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Majroj definitions of healthy are relative
I feel my blogging is healthier than it was but I probably won't know until I withdraw
posted by
Azur
on February 13, 2006 at 5:12 PM
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Azur, I got the feeling he never will.
posted by
_dave_says_ack_
on February 13, 2006 at 2:04 PM
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Hello, Azur.....Very nicely put....
And I understand what you are trying to say. For me, I have taken this whole blog site very seriously and that is where it has come to bite me back in the ass. I have always written deeply and with passion and compassion. And then I see my ratings fall to someone who has writtten foolishly about a cat, for instance. But, I have come to put my fat ego behind me, and continue writing my serious stuff, and hopefully improving week by week, the structure, tone and meaning of my posts. But it doesn't have to be "real" writing. Many people here are happy to just blog and share their spirit, even if it's a pic of their cat. Because, that is also what blogging is about. So yeah, I've learned to roll with the punches here.
posted by
MedusaNextDoor
on February 13, 2006 at 11:41 AM
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TAPS-
It is and I don't know why it took so long
posted by
Azur
on February 13, 2006 at 11:32 AM
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Azur
This is a good freedom of which you speak.
posted by
TAPS.
on February 13, 2006 at 11:29 AM
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Dave Cryer
Fascinating tale. I wonder when the nephew will read the book.
posted by
Azur
on February 13, 2006 at 6:28 AM
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Good for you....I use to feel obligated to write here everyday (by self)
but now I don't really care if I am here or not....have a nice day take care
posted by
_Symphony_
on February 13, 2006 at 6:06 AM
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Azur,
Thank you so much for your visit and comment. I also find yor blog very interesting and inspiring . Take care...
posted by
mira1
on February 13, 2006 at 5:31 AM
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I don't think the 'one reader' theory is 'pretentious twaddle' at all. I think it's the absolute way to go. Once you've nailed that one reader, there will always be like-minded readers who will go for the same thing. Listening to Robert Muchamore talk about his Cherub series (for teenagers) recently, he said his first novel was written very specifically for his nephew who could not find a book to interest him. He even asked him the kind of things he'd want to read. With sales of the four published novels now past the 100,000 mark, the ploy has most definitely worked for his books. And the nephew? No, he's never read them yet - I asked.
As for you, 
* You're free as a bird now. Stretch those wings and conquer the world.
posted by
_dave_says_ack_
on February 13, 2006 at 12:34 AM
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There HAVE to be discrete Stages of Healthy Blogging
and acheiving the "Constant Reader" stage has to be one.
Unless you live for clicks.
posted by
majroj
on February 12, 2006 at 8:28 PM
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Good for you Azur
Being of an uncompetitive nature has caused me to not care (too much ;)) about ranking or clicks, but I have grown fond of having a readership; small and fleeting as it may be.
Glad things are working out well for you.
posted by
Katray2
on February 12, 2006 at 7:47 PM
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really good thoughts.
For me, it's been more about the social aspects and fun of blogging than the actual writing (but you already knew that). I can't deny though that it has helped my writing in ways that I didn't realize until recently. I had to write a cover letter and it flowed so easily that I surprised myself. I work with numbers all day, so this is a refreshing change which allows me to enjoy my creative side.... which I neglect and miss very much.
posted by
-blackcat
on February 12, 2006 at 11:08 AM
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Thanks Nanaroo
posted by
Azur
on February 12, 2006 at 11:03 AM
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Azur
a very interesting post. I'm looking forward to adding some more comprehensive writing time to my day very soon... in the meantime, my blogs are such good practice and so much fun. I totally understand where you are coming from here.
posted by
Nanaroo
on February 12, 2006 at 10:43 AM
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Littlemspickles,
I've never written entirely to suit others. It's my space. However, I did want attention
posted by
Azur
on February 12, 2006 at 10:36 AM
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Dr JPT
I used to hope I could help someone but now I am fully stretched in keeping myself afloat. Good luck with that
posted by
Azur
on February 12, 2006 at 10:34 AM
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JohnMcNab
Joining the freedom club has given me time but I have to say demands are such at the moment that my previous level of blogging was unsustainable
posted by
Azur
on February 12, 2006 at 10:33 AM
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blanchedubois
I used to write informal essays here too mainly because this was one place where I could use that form. I would not go so far to describe my recent blogs like that. I think that some who have read me for a long while would have noticed my waning interest in the cut and thrust here. Thanks for your kind remark
posted by
Azur
on February 12, 2006 at 10:31 AM
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food4thought
Yes interaction is a biggy although I don't discuss the fine details of my work here
posted by
Azur
on February 12, 2006 at 10:27 AM
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It varies...
With what I am trying to say. I don't write for the rankings, too frustrating. But feedback of what gets read does form what I am saying to an extend, and isn't that what they say a writer should do? If I were a writer, that's what I would do anyway.
posted by
food4thought
on February 11, 2006 at 6:54 PM
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Azur,
I like your analysis here in examining the evolution of your motives for blogging. I started out writing very intuitively, just to get the writing juices flowing, and realized that what I prefer to write are essays, not so much for an audience as to get some sort of clairty or insight.
I was browsing at Barnes and Noble today and read an introduction to an anthology of essays, which clarified for me the types of essays: formal and informal. I tend towards the latter, which the book said are judged for a kind of intimacy of tone, but also in how well the author strips away his or her own illusions and pretenses and gets at some truth of general human character. I'm still thinking about it.
Reading this post, I think you have achieved a kind of personal honesty.
posted by
Blanche.
on February 11, 2006 at 6:51 PM
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Azur
Congratulations on joining the freedom club. Everybody is welcome, Azur.
posted by
johnmacnab
on February 11, 2006 at 6:41 PM
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I Agree With You!
My purpose is to help at least one person develop conflict resolution strategies or skills that will enhance their lives. Congratulations on getting commissioned to write books. That is awesome! I have received information regarding syndication and it does not appear as lucrative as I thought. I will have to go back to a day job!! In fact, I am returning on Monday. I will post about it tomorrow more than likely!! Good post!
posted by
Dr_JPT
on February 11, 2006 at 4:15 PM
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No wonder I couldn't find you when I came back!!!! I missed the name change
Anyway, good to hear all is ok and that you have now worked out where blogging fits in the scheme of things!!! I had to stop and think about who I write for when I post here, and this sounds even worse - I write for me. I don't even stop to think how it will affect or be read by others, as long as I like what I have written! But then, I guess that is the beauty of blogging - if you're not in it for fame and fortune (LOL)
posted by
littlemspickles
on February 11, 2006 at 2:43 PM
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