Learning Valuable Lessons
Posted on Nov 9, 2009 03:40:00 PM
I recently had a friend ask me about starting a blog. She asked me … "What should I know?" Well … long, long time, so I made a list of what you should do when blogging … but that was before Lady Gaga. And what does Lady GaGa has to do with blogs? Well … if anything, it showed me that you have to be very insensitive.
On March 27, 2009, I read an article in the now defunct "Blender" magazine has an interview with pop singer Lady GaGa. In the article she was quoted as saying several things that I find a little uncomfortable for an artist just getting out the door. I called her on it in my "What The Heck …" series (one of my favorite series’ of posts, I might add).
Since not only I got a shitload of hits (I went to an average of 450 visits per day over 1500) with people "Googling" the image I posted with the article, but I I also got a boatload of comments from people who agree with me or think I am a whole woman who hates Schmuck. I reread the post and I still do not disagree with what I said, but it is interesting to other interpretation on it and that’s where I want to tell my friend to be careful when blogging.
Initially I was surprised by what some have thought my comments. Then, when all the shots started, I thought I did not. Then I took it personally. Then I thought about it and decided it was good for me. It keeps me in the mindset that everyone has a different opinion on things and as he went away, I even learned a few things about myself through this blog. So … somehow, Lady GaGa has taught me things about myself. And I learned a valuable lesson about blogging … You need to have thick skin or you get eaten alive.
There are people who have strong opinions, if you feel they are right or wrong, and they will comment and they will say rude things and they would rain on your parade. It’s in our nature to want to be heard and some will say anything to get on your nerves. It is also in our nature to want to be able to say anything just because we can. I admit, sometimes when I write a blog, I write without thinking. Sometimes I simply leave without much thought to who care about what I say. But then you discover that sometimes it is better to save your message, then come back and read it later to see if what you wrote really expresses what you are trying to say. I have been guilty of publishing something too quickly and then wishing I had not. Although I confess … Lady GaGa item is NOT one of them. However, to enjoy the process of blogging and being creative, I suppose the most important rule is to understand that everybody will agree and argue and call you names and they will leave rude comments and everything is up to you to decide how to resolve this kind of criticism.
I am a blogger. I write down my thoughts and my ideas and I post pictures because I like it. If some people find that what I write to be offensive or derogatory they did not return. They can continue their merry way and I do not care one way or another. But sometimes there is an interesting debate that arises and I find it fascinating. And that is why I blog … to establish a connection. Not to be argumentative or being bitchy. I do it because I can connect with my family, my friends and the occasional stranger who passes and who actually reads what my thoughts. Maybe agree, they may disagree, but either way … They are reading and hopefully enjoy what I put there. But really … it’s all about me and my thoughts and ideas. And it does not really matter what they think of me … because it is MY blog and I do what I want.
So here’s my advice … Do what you want and say what you want. But be aware that not everyone will agree with you and if you can accept that … you’ll be fine.