Last weekend my husband and I went to see the move “Contagion.” The movie was passable, as disaster movies go but there was one thing that got me thinking and it really had nothing to do with the main plot. It was about blogging.
In addition to the flu-like pandemic story there are several subplots woven within this movie. One of these subplots deals with a blogger who whips up the panic by dwelling on conspiracies within the medical and political arena. The blogger, played by Jude Law tries to defend his writing as journalism and is told, “Blogging isn’t journalism... it is graffiti with punctuation.”
“Graffiti with Punctuation!” I was shocked. No, I don’t have a million hits a day on my blog like Jude’s character, I’m lucky if I have a 100, but I work hard on my blog.
I spend many hours each month thinking and writing up short, amusing pieces of life in order to entertain. I am not controversial. I do not (usually) rant. I don’t gossip and spread rumors. I don’t accuse anyone of anything and I don’t curse.
That night when I came home I almost closed my blog then and there. If no one respects blogging and it is something to laugh at, then count me out, I thought.
And then I realized…I am an artist and a writer and just like an athlete, blogging is my exercise and release. Even If no one reads my blog, I know I have done my best. So I will continue as long as I am able to fling my pearls of wisdom on that giant ocean we call Earth.
I hope, though, that someone does read it…. Can you hear me? Are you out there?
P.S. After I wrote this post almost as if by magic I received my first hate comment, the first I’ve ever received in more than a year of blogging. To the person who anonymously does such a thing…be assured that blogger delegates your venom to the spam folder, but may I offer a simple suggestion, if you don't like what is written here, then why not just stay away? A refresher course on grammar wouldn't hurt either.
17 comments:
ok - where to start...
1. you can't leave blogging! You bring so much laughter and happiness to my blog list...and did i mention AMAZING art?
2. why are people so mean? I mean, who has time to write nasty notes...
3. I love JUDE law!
- I am so happy to have you as a blog friend! keep up the good work!
xoxo
I've often wondered why when a person has nothing nice to say or write they feel the need to be hateful? Haven't they been told that if they have nothing nice to say it's better to say nothing at all? I can't even imagine anyone leaving a hateful or hurtful remark on your blog. Please keep on blogging as your site is one of my favorites. Hugs
I for one think the blogging world would be less without your beautiful art & entertaining posts!
I (so far) have not received any hate comments--I know my time will come--but I won't spend much time feeling bad especially if they don't leave a name.
oh my gosh,, I got my first hate comment to,, called me nasty stuff, liar, fraud, said I couldn't paint my way out of a cardboard box,, was anything like that? Maybe it was the same person,, please don't stop blogging, I enjoy reading your writing and your paintings help me learn,, I was hurt and upset and i wanted to quit but I didn't and i'm glad,, one comment made choose to not stop, she said don't let them win,, don't let them have the power,, take care,,(everyone knows I can't spell to save my life,, but it wasn't me,, honest!! ) lol
I just can't imagine what sort of low life would leave hate mail on your beautiful blog. I don't have a lot of visitors to my blog, well, visitors who leave comments. Compared to your 100, my 25 or 30 a day seem very pitiful. However, I think I'd still post my art even if no one looked but me. I think I'll avoid that movie, too. Keep up the wonderful art work!
Oh I can't imagine you ever wanting to leave us....as an artist and fellow blogger I am always thrilled to pop by and see what you are up to....we are out here to share what we do creatively....and to get inspired .....I know that I love to blog and I love to share my work and I love to hear from people...even if it is one person...it has served its purpose....
I think the lesson is to follow your heart and do what makes you happy.....and if that is blogging we will come and visit.....
You are doing amazing work and your posts are always a pleasure...so don't listen to anyone....
Remain strong and just delete the spam!!!
Hugs
Oh it would be a huge loss if you every decided to leave blogland.
I know from your posts and articles you really put time and thought into each one. I love your sense of humor, and I love your artwork.
I really don't understand why someone has to be so mean!!!! I agree, if you don't like what I blog...stay away!!!!
I am glad you continue to blog. I enjoy your writing.
I can't believe someone would send you hate mail/comment. And they are a coward if they do not want to stand behind their word.
I am glad you are a blogger, and love reading your articles and seeing your art work. There are so many wonderful bloggers, who connect with us, encourage us and inspire us.They are the ones that count. I have had 3 nasty comments and a couple of stupid mails in 2 years, nothing in comparison to all the love that has been shared. And the bad things land where you said, and where they belong - in the garbage! Hugs, Valerie
Don't gooooooooooooooo...I love reading your posts. I many not always comment, but I always, always read and smile at what you have created.
Very thought provoking post. As an artist I struggle with putting 'myself' out there. I think many of us do. Sometimes the silence is as hurtful as the visceral commenter. At least with the 'hater' I know what they think. I am so sorry to hear that you got one of those nasty comments, but glad you decided to stay the course regardless. I like knowing you are out there creating.
I LOVE your graffiti piece btw. :)
I love your post.
Blog because you like it! I enjoy your blog.
Dee
Hateful comments? Anonymous to boot?
Good Grief! I don't like that Graffiti line from the movie - I'm sure someone thought it was clever.
I enjoy your blog - the lovely things to look at and fun stuff to read - it's why I keep coming back ;^)
Mom always said - "you can't please everybody" so please yourself.
Blogging is my interactive magazine. I get to pick and choose what I read and view as well as interact with the authors. I think blogging is fantastic and a world I would be sad to be without. I disagree with "Graffiti with punctuation". That's written by someone who doesn't know the beauty of this blogging world. And I'm glad you're a part of it. :D
Hate mail?? You??? I don't understand people! I have never got one yet, but I am sure, one day I will! And, you know what, I was just hit delete and keep on smiling ;o) I love your blog Crystal, don't stop!
Crystal - keep blogging! Movies are a distorted view of life. Probably whoever wrote that script doesn't "get" it.
You got hate mail? WTF? Unbelievable. Did it go directly to spam? Probably some malicious troll who doesn't even know who you are but knows how to hack.
Love having you here in the blogosphere!
There are so many wonderful and positive blogs...it's a great way to share your story with the world and i for one and it looks like one of many will continue to blog, blog, blog! And I hope and know you will do the same! Great post and yes, we're out here and listening! (Spam to the haters! LOL..sorry couldn't resist!)
Rock ON!!!!!
Of course you should let one ugly disconnected person ruin your day and make you quit. Don't let them. They are just jealous because they aren't as good as you are. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my Sunflowers, Happy PPf!
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