I think now is a good time to take stock.
I began this blog in January 2008. In the past 15 months, I've written 366 blog posts of varying lengths and on a wide range of topics. I've done some work I'm proud of, and I've done some work I'm not so proud of. But, I've definitely done quite a bit of work.
A few months ago, I talked to y'all about changes at the blog. I'd received a directive from my employer that meant I needed to move away from discussions of politics and political tactics, and I wanted to alert y'all. Since that time, I haven't written much about politics, unless it crosses over into the racial arena. After all, if I can't write about race, well might as well shut down the blog.
Anyway, since I've given up on politics this blogging thing has gotten a little more difficult. Without the daily political grind to depend on, I've had to work a little harder to discover something interesting to say most days, and honestly, I feel like I haven't done my best work.
So, even though I have some impending life changes that may make dedicating more time to the blog difficult, I pledge to improve. I pledge to challenge myself more in the topics I choose, and I pledge to shed some of the fear I've developed of offending my loyal readers.
I think the people who read this blog regularly do so because I have something to say. I appreciate the interest and I see it as a trust that I will continue to be honest, thoughtful and provocative in my writing. I am rededicating myself to this charge, and I hope that all of you will hold me accountable if I fail to live up those standards.
Thanks again for reading.
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9 comments:
It can be hard to step outside of the niche, but it can be done. Just don't start posting recipes or anything like that.
LOL
Well even without the political postings. I still enjoy your posts. Just write what strikes your fancy, the readers will come.
Is this like your first annual State of the Blog Address? cuase you're sure making a lot of promises. To work harder, accept challenges, overcome fears, and willing to be held accountable. I was kinda expecting a "yes we can" at the end of all that.
You have mentioned a couple times about your employer not wanting you to write about politics, are you at liberty to expand on your employer’s rational?
Big Man, I'm glad someone is writing about race, if we left it up to white folks to write about race, nothing would get written. Like this Moats situation, most white folks are not even asking about the racial component.
Anyway, write whatever you're moved to write.
I think you know by now that I'm with you for the long run, Big Man, even if you start writing about your granny's old recipes.
Re: directive from your employer to move away from discussions of politics and political tactics?
Is this not your blog? What is stopping you from starting your own so that you can speak about what you want?
Is this blog owned by someone else for whom you work? What is the point?
I don't want to read about rap stars (term loosely used) or movie stars or who bashed who in the head or any of what is just noise.
So if this is what your employer wants, well then I'll move on.
Sammy, as is the case with certain types of employers, they can fire you if you address certain topics in a personal blog because it can be seen as a conflict with the job and a potential liability/threat to the employer. It's not pretty, but it's all too common. One of my other favorite bloggers got fired from CNN for having a blog that talked about media issues, among other things.
I don't think you'll have a problem keeping it interesting, even without the political feel to it. You'll keep at least one reader in me.
Big,
Just take your time, and be concise. You know the deal as does every other journalist.
Your rants are almost always on point. So I think you'll be alright. Best wishes, and we're behind you.
Dame
Almost always?
Damn, I'm slipping...
Lol. Anyway, thanks for the comments all. Life is intruding on blogging right now, but I think my first two posts for this week should be up to par.
I'm talking about relationships and race, so you don't have to worry too much Smokey.
Thanks for the input guys.
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