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Tread Water

by Articleman 6/16/2011 - 11:56 pm   |

Hi daggers.  I just wanted to stop by to give an accounting of my absence.  I have been far, far under water at work, further than usual.  As a result, I am not only not blogging, I am doing little else but working on one very large professional project that shall go undescribed.  I have not been able to call into KRXA, nor do much anything else.  Running a bit, but otherwise working like a slavedog.  Feeling like I'm just treading water...

On the writing front, I did write most of a piece two months ago, as I related here, about Glenn Greenwald.  I didn't publish it because I got a bit tired of the Solaris effect of Internet anger; the piece came from a negative place in me and would have unleashed a lot more negative in a thread in the other way, and I'm frankly really bored with the gravitational pull of negativity.  Also, I think if you're going to take something on that some people like, you have a kind of duty of rigor, and I just haven't had time to do justice to a real Anakin-on-the-Sand People treatment of any of his work.  It's not something that should be written half-assed.

I also have a piece I am partway through about why to blog at all.  There are a lot of good answers to the question, though it's certainly an internal dialogue for me.  I like writing that piece, but have not had time to finish it either, though maybe this weekend I can, since I finally get to take a tiny breather from what's been bearing down on me in professional terms.

Anyway, I miss writing long set pieces, and also spending time going back and forth with many of you.  I hope the folks who bother to read my work are well.  Cheers.  a

See video

Thanks for the update A - it'll get better.  We miss you!

by KRXA Hal 6/17/2011 - 1:04 am
Thanks, Hal.
by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 11:02 am (re: KRXA Hal)

De la Heaven!

by Donal 6/17/2011 - 5:44 am
That's such a sweet album, no? Loved it then, love it now.
by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 11:01 am (re: Donal)

Be strong,

by Resistance 6/17/2011 - 7:52 am
Gracias.
by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 11:01 am (re: Resistance)

As Bill would say, I feel your pain. 

I look forward to your take on "why we blog."  I was thinking about that topic as I contemplate my next blog, an activity itself which can be its own form of diversion along with actually writing a blog.  Blogs are in essence a new form of creative writing.  Although similiar to other forms, from op-eds to zines, blogs are in the end uniquely their own form.  In part because of the unfolding threads that generally accompany them (the gravitational pull of negativity is itself a good topic for someone to blog about). 

One of the key facets I was thinking about this morning was along the lines of the limitations of the blog form.  From a creative writing perspective, a "limitation" is neither a bad nor a good thing.  It is merely the contours of the form in within which one must create. 

The novelist Don DeLillo was once asked during an interview if he had thought of writing short stories.  He responded that he has tried from time to time to write short stories, but they always turned into novels.  He wasn't saying that short stories were a lesser form than novels, merely that the way his mind worked, the way he was propelled to express himself, gravitated (to use your word) to longer more in-depth manifestations.

I find myself in the same boat with blogs.  Not that I am comparing my writing skills with those Don DeLillo (I am much better! :P) It is just that for the reasons that I blog, in order to say (bloviate?) what in me feels to need to be expressed, the blogs always tend to become some ten part series.  In the end, I either drop the whole project or in frustration try to pare it down and spit it out so that it won't be running through my mind all the time. 

Enough for now.  Good luck.

by Another Trope 6/17/2011 - 8:07 am
I don't think the format is limiting. I think there are a lot of implied constraints, but those are folkways, cultural, and voluntary. It's tabula rasa. But thanks for encouraging that, maybe I can get it done over the weekend out of town in the pines.
by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 11:04 am (re: Another Trope)

There are limits on poetry in the same way.  In the end, if someone wants to call something a poem, it is a poem.  And there are many of battles over the years and centuries about what is and isn't a poem.  Nothing like the conflict I once witnessed between those  who said a piece was an example of a narrative poem and those who wanted to say it was short short story (or sudden fiction).  People don't expect to open a blog here and see one that if printed out would be 25+ pages long.  If one of the aims is to actually have the readers read what one has written, then one has to accept the brevity format just as one has to accept that the readers can comment on the piece as they see fit (within reason, if one can say the administrators on this site are reasonable). 

"Implied constraits" is probably a better word for it, and like in poety or other art forms, an author can push past those implied constraits, sometimes for a powerful effect (and sometimes to just the annoyance of the readers).  Likewise there is implied constraits for those who make comments beyond those constraits set down by the administrator(s), and even those at times are open to interpretation.  And the commenters can be considered just as much creative individuals as the blog writers themselves. 

In fact commenters and bloggers alike should (IMO) assume the same responsibilities and duties that I believe fall on all artists.   But that is another story.

by Another Trope 6/17/2011 - 11:46 am (re: Articleman)

Well, again, one can blog politics (polemics or predictions), personal narrative, poems, stories, straight reporting (whatever that is), culture, etc. 

I do think for me the question of "Why comment?" is a different question.  The question of why to write is not necessarily similar to the question of why to knock it around in threads, or vice versa.

And it seems from your comment that "implied constraint" is right; you seem to have your own set of them that you allude to, calling them "responsibilities and duties."  People have senses of theirs, probably as many different ones as there are people, as a good deconstructionist like yourself would appreciate.  :)

by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 12:36 pm (re: Another Trope)

I suppose one could create a number of categories of implicit constraint: cultural/subcultural, site content driven, personal, and then personal but perceived by the individual as being cultural or site driven constraint.  A good deconstructionist like me would say whatever personal constraints we have, regardless of how unique they are, they emerge through and by the cultural matrix in which we engage. 

One of the interesting things reading the threads on sites over time is the "working out" out of the implied constraints.  It is why I can enjoy a good meta thread which focuses on what those constraints are (without it getting personal, of course).

by Another Trope 6/17/2011 - 12:57 pm (re: Articleman)

Ain't no good meta threads.

by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 1:27 pm (re: Another Trope)

Saw that one coming while I was reading AT's comment...("A-man hates meta--I bet he'll comment...")

by AmericanDreamer 6/17/2011 - 1:32 pm (re: Articleman)

I struggle sometimes--as you may have noticed--with whether to write a longish comment or do a blog post instead.  I tend to go with the former most of the time and sometimes go pretty long stretches, as now, without any blog posts.  Not really sure what guidelines site administrators would like us to follow on that, if there are any in particular.  If I've po'd anyone else with a too-long comment thought to interfere with their post's flow I apologize.

Based on my experiences at the other place and here, if I'm going to do a blog post I have to believe at the time I write it that I'm going to have some decent amount of time to respond to comments.  Sometimes stuff will come up and I'm not able to follow through in that way the way I wanted to.    

by AmericanDreamer 6/17/2011 - 12:54 pm (re: Another Trope)

Speaking of the implied constraints, nothing can get some (including me) irked than a blogger who posts and then doesn't respond to those who make comments.  Although there have been times when I posted a blog than "something suddenly came up" and I wasn't able to get back to it until the next day. 

Personally I think the long comment is perfectly ok.  That is as long as the person has actually something to say, such as yourself, as opposed to just making the same point over and over again.  On sites like this, we're all dealing with subjects that one could easily develop into a book or two (or should a kindle item or two?).  Something is wrong if blogs that address socio-economic and its corresponding political realities don't generate long responses in the comment section.

by Another Trope 6/17/2011 - 1:03 pm (re: AmericanDreamer)

The story of the girl who, on her college application essay, wrote about (something like this) how she is a follower, and that should be no mark against her because if there were no followers there would be no such thing as leaders, and, besides, everyone can't be a leader, comes to mind. (her application found its way into the round file in Guiness Record-book time--no, j/k)

If too many blog and not enough comment on other peoples' blogs, well now, that wouldn't be very social, would it?  It would also reduce the amount of interesting discussion.  

If I only wanted to hang out at online sites featuring little or no interaction with invited bloggers or fellow site denizens--basically just go there for the featured blogger content--there are other places I could go.  It often boosts my spirits to interact with others who share many of the concerns I have.  Several of the featured, as well as many denizen, bloggers here are wonderful when it comes to interacting with, being willing to mix it up with, regular denizens.  Reading or participating in those exchanges can help me challenge or sort out my own thoughts on the subject.

by AmericanDreamer 6/17/2011 - 1:21 pm (re: AmericanDreamer)

From a positive point of view, I find that many long-form commenters are great, but would enliven a forum, would improve it, by being the blogger.  They often have good reasons in the moment to comment and not blog.  But I like people who like to say things to sit at the top of the thread sometimes.  I think it's good all around.

by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 1:29 pm (re: AmericanDreamer)

One of the things I dislike about the new TPM (as opposed to the one where all of us smart people got to write our own stuff!) is that the comments are short, thoughtless, childish blurbs. I like to know what people are really thinking about a subject, not just a quick burst of supposed wit.

So keep the long (and thoughtful) comments coming!

by stillidealistic 6/19/2011 - 12:39 am (re: AmericanDreamer)

I love the complexity of AD's comments, and you're very right, if all people do is drive-by comments, a forum suffers.

by Articleman 6/19/2011 - 7:46 pm (re: stillidealistic)

I just want you to know that I'm incredibly angry at you for this vicious attack on Glenn Greenwald, who has no flaws and is a deity.  You should put down whatever project you're doing and immediately write an apology for the piece that you didn't publish here.  Also, you're an Obama.  There, I said it. 

Hang in there, buddy.  See you around here soon, I hope!

by destor23 6/17/2011 - 12:09 pm

I look at my getting 200 hits and counting off saying I have nothing to say as kind of akin to The Beatles repacking a bunch of already released singles as the album Hey Jude.  Oh, wait, I don't really look at it that way.  :)

I was entertained that I was getting chided in comment threads I wasn't in about where was that Greenwald column I promised.  It was like I had threatened to post Serrano's Piss Christ in the Vatican.  Even recalling this made me laugh to the point of tears. 

So I appreciate your heartfelt personal attack, and I am, like, totally an Obama.  But Michelle, definitely, if I get to pick.  Have a great weekend, dude.

by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 12:46 pm (re: destor23)

Dude, I just figured you were delaying because you got your ass kicked so bad on that GG thread.

But hey, if the wait is because you're 7th-game-LeBron-level-choking... totally pants-peeing-full of fear... for artistic reasons, then hey, I can respect that.

Looking forward to it. No hurry. ;-) 

by quinn esq 6/17/2011 - 6:13 pm (re: Articleman)
LeBron does his choking earlier in series than a seventh game. It's good to work it out early...
by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 9:49 pm (re: quinn esq)

Kinda like Weiner thought too. But seems chicken's been choked one time too many.

by Desthurber(Shit) (not verified) 6/18/2011 - 5:31 pm (re: Articleman)
I didn't know Weiner thought. This will come as news to many.
by Articleman 6/18/2011 - 6:03 pm (re: Desthurber(Shit))

Maybe if you stopped sending me those 15k-word e-mails explaining why Lebron sucks, you'd have more time to write blog posts?

by William K. Wolfrum 6/17/2011 - 12:10 pm

I'm just trying to get your soul right for the Rapture, dude.

by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 12:47 pm (re: William K. Wolfrum)

The way I see it, you're the LeBron of blogging, A-man. 

Seriously.

Your teammates are letting you down.

by quinn esq 6/17/2011 - 1:07 pm

Instant follow-up: Dag readers are not to be compared to Cleveland fans. 

Thanking you in advance.

by quinn esq 6/17/2011 - 1:08 pm (re: quinn esq)

As long as you don't compare me to Luongo.  Then I'd know you were mad.  Heck, it might start a riot.

by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 1:31 pm (re: quinn esq)

 I am one of the commenters that alluded to that potential Greenwald piece so I am happy to hear that it gave you a laugh. I think a number of us have had a chuckle on one side or the other. As  a fan of the guy's writing and analysis I have been genuinely curious and looking forward to reading your critique of him. I  expect that anyone who writes as prolifically about as many controversial subjects as Greenwald does, and who takes such strong and often absolute positions, has said things that leave him open to criticism. Meanwhile I will be looking forward to whatever does come next. Hope things get a bit slower and more relaxing for you soon.

by A Guy Called LULU 6/17/2011 - 1:33 pm

Thanks, LULU, I was actually thinking of another commenter, a Civil War buff, but it is funny.  Your take is right, he takes a lot of very strong and sometimes absolute positions; it can be easy to assail a polemic.  Maybe after I step through why to write at all, which I need to do for my own peace of mind before getting out the ginsu for GG's work.

by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 1:40 pm (re: A Guy Called LULU)

Dude, you must be talking about me. Though not sure which comment threads those were - seems after 15,000 comments or so, me ol' braincells can't keep up.

Hack away with those Ginsu knives - I figure like U2 or Guns & Roses, you're still looking for your White Album. Maybe Glenzilla will be your muse, who knows - Elton John made his fame on dead blonds, as Keith Richards noted, so there is a budding niche for everyone.

Me, I'm busy with Lent in my navel, after which I'll move on to Mardi Gras. Enjoy the hard working Sabbatical - likely a better occupation than dissing it up in Cleveland Dagblog.

But if you do want to start a blog war, I know where I can dig up some nice blue-and-grey uniforms cheap.

by Desthurber(Shit) (not verified) 6/18/2011 - 5:40 pm (re: Articleman)
Hey Des. Yes, you were one of the folks asking where my GG blog was already. And like I said up top, I just wasn't sure if I was writing it in the right frame of mind, so I didn't. As far as musing about muses to be found in late-period Beatles, maybe All You Need Is Love is a better metaphorical ideal for blogging; I'll leave Helter Skelter to others. :). We all have different metiers, after all. I tried to explain to one of the regulars that I also can't read all the damn comments either. And thank God for that. But I will say, having not seen you in a while in these parts, I appreciate your perspectival distance from the comment-stream. Enjoy Mardi Gras, and stay away from the vampires. The only thing worse than being an unreformed blog commenter would be being one for eternity. Cheers.
by Articleman 6/18/2011 - 6:00 pm (re: Desthurber(Shit))

Funny you should mention vampires - doing blood shots with one right now as I blog, Once I get my teeth into an idea, hard to let go. Figure this is my way to rebuild the Tremé, singing The Night They Drove New Orleans Down a bite at a time. Such a Night. Helter Skelter, Mumbo Jumbo - it all comes from the same source, the same primordial swamp. All you need is.... Need.

by Desider 6/19/2011 - 4:19 am (re: Articleman)

Geez, I'm swimming my butt off, and you're getting all these hits just treading water.

by Donal 6/17/2011 - 1:36 pm

I bribe the spider.

by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 1:41 pm (re: Donal)

Should have had the title read 1500 Meter No Weiner Morning

by Another Trope 6/17/2011 - 1:44 pm (re: Donal)

How embarrassing it must be for you, A Weiner gets more attention

Well the press won’t have Weiner to  “kick around anymore”.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RMSb-tS_OM

Well if a Dick can make a comeback, who knows?

by Resistance 6/17/2011 - 2:06 pm (re: Donal)

No rush, but I'm looking forward to Why We Blog. For me, it's equal parts ego-stroking, ignoring my "to-do" list, thinking things through out loud, and deluding myself I can influence the course of world events by persuading a dozen or so fellow blog addicts that I'm right.

There. Now you can concentrate on skewering Greenwald.

by acanuck 6/17/2011 - 3:46 pm

For me, it's your 2nd, 3rd and 4th factors.  Maybe others also.  Don't know about equal parts of each.  Less so your first as my inner Calvinist is slightly concerned about pulling my punches (especially pertinent for factor #4, quite possibly my most cherished delusion, sustained in great part by not knowing who all of the people who took a peak are), should I ever get a bit of a following going.  So for me getting lots of hits and comments, relatively speaking, as I did with my last 3 blog posts, is not an unalloyed joy.  Although much preferred to the alternative.  So I guess #1 also applies to me when a blog post turns into an ego-stroke instead of a tree falling in the woods with no one there to hear or see it--in which case, was it a blog post?  AT?  

by AmericanDreamer 6/17/2011 - 4:19 pm (re: acanuck)

You're right

by Resistance 6/17/2011 - 4:22 pm (re: acanuck)

No he's not. ;-)

by quinn esq 6/17/2011 - 11:30 pm (re: Resistance)
Hey Ack. Am taking a weekend down from work and hope to punch that piece out. If I figure out why to write it in the first place, that is...
by Articleman 6/17/2011 - 9:47 pm (re: acanuck)

Posterity. Which is Washington-speak for "CYA".

by Desthurber(Shit) (not verified) 6/18/2011 - 5:41 pm (re: Articleman)

I come here to recharge my brain cells. I don't comment or blog much but I do read all of you.

I work at a nail solon and today is a good example of the topics I have to listen too. A couple of aging cugers were talking about how kissing men with false teeth makes them gag. Tonight I had to explain the my 4 year old grandson why you don't squeeze mustard into the tollet and watch it flush.

Please keep all the comments and blogs comming.

by trkingmomoe 6/19/2011 - 1:42 am

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