Some Serious Thoughts on Blogging

It has come to my attention that I may have offended some of you out there in Blogland. I was involved in a rather intense discussion/exchange which took place in the comment section of another person blog. The discussion was political/philosophical in nature and apparently in the eyes of some degenerated into something of a spitting contest. I claim responsibility for my part in it. It was not my intent to offend or upset and if my words did that...then I sincerely apologize. I have also sent a personal apology to those who where actually involved.

I have noticed what would appear to be a major flaw in this medium. It lacks the nuances of personal conversation/discussion. It is sometimes hard to tell the authors intent. I believe that one can put something out there after thinking it through and with the best of intentions and still have it blow up in thier face. I suspect this was the case recently. People were upset by things that I wrote. I was upset by things that other people wrote...and I suspect that they believe that they wrote them sincerely and with the best of intentions. The problem is that if one is participating in an intense discussion in person normally we have the those non-verbal clues to help keep things sorted out. we can also take time to clarify statements that are made and make sure that everyone is on the same page. In writing we often miss the vocal inflections that can mean all the difference when something is said.

This has been something of painful lesson for me. I have apparently angered people that don't even know me....people I have never even met....and now if, and more probably..when....I do meet them they will probably already have a negative opinion of me. This is unfortunate because after reading many of these blogs I was looking forward to meeting many of you. Well I suppose it is my pennance to pay for these mistakes. I suspect that I will probably be participating in this blogging thing less and less now. I think from now on I will resolve my political disagreements the Irish way....over a pint...the way God intended

thank you for you attention,

God Bless