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i’ve hidden a note; it’s pressed between pages
by snaggle at 03:29 AM on June 22, 2005
Anna seemed to touch off an interesting discussion about blogging and Bad Sam in specific in a recent post. Even MG commented that it might be reason to lay this site to rest. It led me to examine why I post.
For me, posting here serves a purpose: it allows me to let those I know and love dearly, such as MG and Leaffin and Mr. SC (though he hasn’t commented) about recent changes, thoughts, and trials in my life.
Yet...
There’s another reason.
Sometimes it’s easier to discuss your life with someone who doesn’t know you. I’ve had numerous intensely personal discussions with people whom I’ve barely known, especially regarding my emotional states and various coping methods I’ve exhibited over the years as a means of controlling and dealing with said states. One can obtain a removed, objective perspective on one’s life and yet know that there are real people behind the comments, behind the advice, behind the reciprocal stories. They may not align with what I’ve said, decided, done, and thought. But yet, it’s cathartic to share details of your life to a mixed audience, at once indiscriminate, judgmental, supportive.
Is that worth it? Isn’t that worth it?
comments (7)
In my case, it is essential. Some of the shit that's gone on is so unbelievable no "real" people i meet would ever believe it. Or else they were there, know it's for real, and no longer care. It's just all about soccer matches or interest rates or daycare now.
by anna at June 22, 2005 7:51 AM
You Americans... you talk funny sometimes, with your closure, and your dealing with things. Isn't this a place to talk poo poo? Poo poo that occasionally scrapes the realm of seriousness... but in fact is still just more poo poo?
Thought I'd wandered on to the Dr Phay-ul, or Oh-prah blog for a minute there. Oooh you tickled me. Heh heh heh. Gotta love the States...
by Ex Crimson Guard NCO at June 22, 2005 11:36 AM
WE NEED A BADSAM NYC GET TOGETHER....
MG GET ON IT...
GET ON IT NOW...
by LOCKHEED at June 22, 2005 2:00 PM
I do it for the money and the chicks.
by mg at June 22, 2005 6:21 PM
*ahem* Longtime lurker, first time poster.
I think it's cathartic for some of us to read the posts here at badsam. To know that there are other people who have the same needs and feelings that we do... to know that it's not unusual to get funny looks.
That connection is reason enough to merit keeping the site open.
by mr efficiency at June 23, 2005 3:27 AM
Mr. Efficiency speaks up for the first time and already knows how to use italics in comments. I don't even (italics) know how to do that.
by anna at June 23, 2005 7:44 AM
Why we post....I think badsam (and blogging in general) is the history of literature brought to your doorstep (or laptop). We all love to read and write. Badsam allows us to do it. Period.
I once asked an audience of writers how they manage to write about their lives, and not damage their personal relationships (because so much good writing is woven with unresolved pain and difficulty - while real world relationships need resolution). The answer was disturbing. They don't. The general consensus was, "Writers don'thave friends". I'm sure there was some tongue in cheek (obviously writers have some friends). Badsam (and blogging) is different. You get to write, anonymously if you want. So you can engage in the benefits of codifying human experience, without tearing your loved ones to shreds. We all read novels, and we learn from them, and enjoy them, because we don't know the authors. It's the same with Badsam.
by chris at June 24, 2005 3:11 AM