In Andrew Sullivan’s “Why I Blog”, the author explains all of the addictive features and what blogging has to offer.
The writer initially begins by stating how it allows for anyone to publish themselves on the largest stage possible, the Internet, and from there have the potential to write or blog something that no one has ever thought of before. The fact that blogging is instantaneous is something new for society; the idea that anyone can say anything and have it heard virtually around the world is remarkable in a time when the world is dominated by news reporters and newspapers. Blogs bring the power back to the people and keep a lot of it away from big business, which is why I find it extremely ironic when people have the job title “Professional Blogger”. In this sense blogging is a simple way for people to voice their unheard opinion, whether it be on a movie, political decision, or sporting event. This is the first thing blogs bring to the table; they give power to the little guy.
Later in the article Sullivan brings up another interesting thought, the idea that blogs have to be instant to survive. This is a very valid statement in the sense that if a blog is to slow to voice an opinion, the “professional” writers at newspapers and magazines can voice their opinions as well, many a time making blogs less and less interesting to read. Blogs live in the instant something happens, which is the beauty of a blog. It is now. If blogs had to be revised or published it would not be a blog, but rather an online article.
My personal favorite point that Sullivan brings up is the fact that blogging allows people to be themselves. If an individual has to write for say the New York Times or any other accredited form of news, they are writing to a specific audience, the reader, but as a blog author I am not bound by trying to please a reader. I can write a blog based off of my favorite cheese or a blog that comments on every painting made from 1300-1345 in Southern France. Blogs allow the author to say whatever they feel instantly, which are why they are so addicting. Authors of books are essentially writing to gain an audience, in turn to make money in order to pay for the paper and processing of the work, but the best part of a blog is that its free to make, free to read, and free to enjoy. In this modern day and age the only barriers from blogging are a steady internet connection, and a computer to type on, after that there are nothing. Blogs allow for anyone to be themselves.
My final criticism on Sullivan’s piece is when he states that “A Democratic blog will, for example, be forced to link to Republican ones, if only to attack and mock.” (Sullivan 10) I find this not entirely true due to the fact that anyone can make an argument based on facts and good sources, but there is no need to discredit an argument to your source. I find that very similar to 5 year olds fighting, when one child insults another they fight back by insulting some more. I don’t see any issues in taking the high road and ignoring to opposition and instead proving ones own point. This is my one issue with Sullivan’s logic.
Sullivan is a great blogger, and just like him and Tyler I’m addicted as well.
I enjoyed reading about your interpretation of how important it is to be yourself. The whole idea of being able to write about anything from cheese to famous paintings in France, is definitely a remarkable concept.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I agree with a majority of what you had to say, the last paragraph seemed to differentiate from my own opinion. I feel that if Sullivan only talked about his own point this would not be taking the high road. To me, taking the high road is revealing that there are other opinions out there and recognizing that there will be people who disagree with what you have to say. By mentioning opposing sources, Sullivan is able to cover all aspects of his opinion whether they compliment or counteract his belief. To me, this reveals the writers passion about the topic and it also shows that the writer has done a variety of research before taking a stand on a specific issue.
Your interpretation of Sullivan's article was very similar to mine. I too favored his comment about the fact that published authors write for an audience, while bloggers write to please mainly themselves and are not bound to pleasing readers.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do agree with most of your opinions, I do take issue with one. I disagree that ignoring opposition is taking the high road. I think people thrive on opposition and it makes blogs more interesting to read. When an argument or assertion is one-sided, most people wonder what the other side is and how it would be argued. The beauty of a blog is that its stage is the internet, and the opposing arguments can be easily accessible from one blog to another. I think this is argumentation is important not only for the intrigue of a blog, but also so the blog is capable of more interaction and views.
After reading your post about Sullivan’s article, I feel that I had a very similar interpretation of his ideas. I agree with your take on the “Professional Blogger.” These new media sources, including that of the blog, are intended to put the authors of the new medias on a leveled playing field. Yet, just like any other industry, a hierarchy has formed; separating the “professional” bloggers from the “amateur” and “recreational” bloggers.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you and Sullivan on the idea that blogging allows the blogger to express themselves in their own way. In a more formal setting, such as printed literature of any sort, the writer is not necessarily writing for pleasure. Although it may start as that, author’s of these forms need to first find an outlet, impress editors, suck up to proprietors and endure proofreading edits before their writing may be deemed ready and good enough for their target audience. All of these troubles disappear with the instantaneous manner of publishing a blog.
One of the points that I thought might be worth mentioning in your final criticism is the point that Sullivan brought up about the creditability that this instantaneous format allows the reader to receive. Blogs have the power of linking the reader to explanations about certain things mentioned in the blog, that the reader might not already be familiar with. Of course, with the traditional printed format, the reader has the ability to search other sources for information regarding these things, but it has never been as easy as it is right now.