Meta-Post

I think this semester, and the fourth quarter especially, I have written more about things that are of personal interest to me. Blogs in general are written by people who are trying to release their thoughts, and really show how they feel about a topic. This quarter, I tried to do just that. I found ways of writing about sports, and writing about movies, but at the same time trying to focus on topics with more significance, like gay slurs. Blogs can be used for pleasure, such as ranting about a favorite basketball team after they lose a game, or they can be used to express thoughts on political issues, or to make comments about issues that can influence others' opinions. News shows and other media outlets will often mock blogs, but blogs are, after all, an outlet for free speech. Although not always factual, and sometimes ridiculous, blogs allow people to openly express their beliefs which is an important American right.

When I write a blog now, I look at what I write as something that is open for debate to whomever is willing to listen. Writing about topics that I am more comfortable writing about, like the NBA, allows me to feel that I am really putting something out there that is valuable. At times while blogging I found myself getting carried away straining to write something that had real meaning, but was frustrated because I did not know enough about the topic. It became clear to me that to have real meaning, the blog topic needed to be about something I felt some passion for. When writing about  enjoyable topics, and integrating things that hold political or social value, the end result is something that actual holds value and in my personal opinion could help sway a reader's opinion on the topic. 

If I am writing about shows I like, the NBA, or corn, I find that my knowledge gives me confidence in what I am saying. Writing without confidence is completely useless in swaying another's opinion, or sparking a discussion, because if the writing does not have confidence and a point of view, then it seems half-assed and nobody will be influenced by what I write, or feel the need to write a comment. I feel that by the end of the year I finally became attuned with intent of blogs, and felt more comfortable with the writing. Writing blogs is unique to other types of writing I have done in the past because the audience is much larger than just a teacher, or even a class - it is ultimately the entire world, as I have experienced first hand. Writing in a more casual way, while still trying to create an argument that is serious, can be challenging, but when writing about things that truly interest you, it can become effortless.

Note: Please Read-Pardon the Interruption, but what CAN be Done?