As I mentioned last month, I'm taking a prolonged break from blogging. I figure an explanation of some sort is due, so here it goes.
I started this on a whim almost three years ago. It's been a very instructive experience. I've learned a lot, had some great discussions, and met some interesting people.
Over the course of those three years, the time I've had available to blog has steadily decreased. I find myself with lots of ideas but often lacking either the time or motivation to turn them into entries. Though perhaps nobody cares but me, this makes me feel as though this blog is not achieving its full potential. My opinion is that if it's not going to be excellent, then I shouldn't waste my time or the reader's time. I'd prefer to have no blog than a mediocre one - and for the foreseeable future, all this blog is capable of being is mediocre at best.
That's my main reason for stopping. Another is that I would like to produce writing that is less frequent, more in-depth and thoughtful, and published in more widely-read sources. Though I try to discuss myself as little as possible here, the notion of having a blog has felt increasingly noxious to me. I loathe the idea of projecting an inflated image of self-import or of a tantrum-esque narcissism. Far too often, I feel blogs have an unnecessarily deleterious and antagonistic effect on social and political discourse. Which is a major reason as to why I rarely read blogs. Certainly blogs are not without their positive aspects, but overall I feel generally pessimistic about them.
For me, I also feel that I've allowed blogging to take the place of more legitimate and effective organizing and relationship-building. I need to be spending less time on the internet and more time working face to face with the people in the communities I find myself in. Online activism has the benefits of being quick, easy, and often anonymous, but it can never replace (though it can complement) non-virtual, "traditional" organizing.
Finally, I have several tasks and obstacles in my personal life which I need to engage with. I'm not going to go into detail, but needless to say they require a lot of time and are physically and emotionally draining.
So that's that for the time being. I don't imagine that I'm gone forever, but likely for at least the next year. I am interested in having some sort of online presence, I'm just not sure what that should look like at the moment. I plan to keep this blog up. Much appreciation to those that have read, commented, and emailed. I am humbled by your consideration.
Until next time...
Scott:
I haven't commented in ages, sorry, and I just saw this - its unfortunate you are shutting down, but it sounds like you have good reasons. And your analysis of blogs is accurate - I know I have cut way back on checking them out, they can be negative, narcissistic, and combative. Anyway, stay in touch and hope your organizing work is rewarding and effective.
Posted by: adwred | July 26, 2007 at 09:35 AM
Understanding your motives entirely, AWK.
Some reading material that you might enjoy during your sojourn is downloadable in pdf form from the upcoming conference
Civil Rights, Liberties and Disobedience: Alternatives to Governance in the 21st Century organised by the CSIG; the PSA Anarchist Studies Network; Campaign Against Criminalising Communities (CAMPACC); Trident Ploughshares/Faslane 365; NASPIR; the Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers
Review to follow, post conference.
Posted by: Luther Blissett | July 26, 2007 at 10:55 AM
From your friend the Iggy Pop fanatic.... Sorry to see you are taking a break, dude. Your reasons are very legitimate. But just for the record, I have never found your blog to be combative, negative or narcissistic, friend. You have some serious journalistic talent and I hope you go a long, long way in your "life's journey." (God help me, I sound like a hippie!). Anyway, I am still going to check out "Angry White Kid" periodically. I suspect you still have a bunch of rant left in you yet! Congratulations on some very fine work that you can be proud of!
Your friend,
Stephen
Windsor ON Canada
Posted by: Stephen Deneau | July 30, 2007 at 10:27 PM
adwred, luther, stephen - thanks for your comments and your support! i'm sure i'll see you around. take care.
Posted by: scott | July 30, 2007 at 11:24 PM
Yo dude,
you should be proud of your accomplishment with this blog. I deffinitely enjoyed reading it and learned a lot from it. Thanks for all the work you put in. Hasta la revolucion amigo.
Josh
Posted by: josh | August 23, 2007 at 04:40 AM
Hey - sad to see you'll be gone, but I completely understand. I'm starting to feel the same way.
Personally though I'm going to experiment with continuing to blog, but posting only about about "real stuff" I'm doing in the "real world" or stuff I've written and gotten published in more widely-read venues. I feel like this way you get the benefits of online communication without as many of the negatives you highlight.
Peace,
Zach / blogger formerly known as "green anarchist Quaker"
Posted by: Zach Alexander | August 23, 2007 at 06:45 PM
Thanks so much, josh and Zach - much appreciated!!!!! Keep up the fight - I'll be there with you.
Posted by: scott | August 23, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Wow... you were one of the first bloggers I discovered when I started it myself. I can understand some of your criticisms, but then again, less and less people seem to be blogging "in the first person", and I do find many things I wouldn't otherwise see. It is almost like having a lot of reading suggestions.
At any rate, I've enjoyed your blog whenever I've vistited it, and I know that you will be able to keep channelling your talent and commitment into your work. I wish you only the best!
your friend in Italy
mary
Posted by: thecutter | September 10, 2007 at 05:40 PM
Hey Scott, I really hear ya on this. I'm thinking I should've done the same with Lucky White Girl a long time ago for the same reasons. I just don't have the energy or motivation or time anymore and it is languishing. I haven't quite been able to actually pull the plug on it all yet but it's something that probably should happen. Anyway good luck to you in all your future endeavors.
Posted by: barb | September 27, 2007 at 01:12 PM
great blog you have, very interesting, I can see your reasons for taking a break. I hope aLL is well and I hope success in what ever way you proceed in life.
Posted by: Danny D | September 27, 2007 at 11:24 PM
In the meantime, your readers might like to check out this awesome video!
ISLAMOfashion -- a hilarious mock-umentary KABOBfest.com created about the kuffiyeh kraze. You've got to check it out!
Posted by: shfmrgrl | February 11, 2008 at 11:39 AM
I just found your blog and I love it. Hope you're not gone TOO long :).
- Julian
Posted by: Julian | July 30, 2008 at 10:54 AM