First Post Jitters

SimbaW — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 21:47:00 GMT

I have a confession to make.

I don't like web-logs. Yes, I said web-logs, not blogs. Y'see, I've been on the net for long enough to remember the novelty of having a personal homepage. I remember when frames became "all the rage", and blinking text betrayed a sense of sophistication and style. Those days are long gone now (and good riddance!), but I'm already getting off the topic.

Back in the day, before "blogging" became popular, Groups, YouTube, and MySpace people had other means of communicating with each other--through email. And though astoundingly email seems antiquated and slow to some people today, it was quite viable back before the first bubble. To be on the web required a certain level of intellect and interesting people of purportedly high IQ were not difficult to find from all over the world. In this intellectually stimulating environment, people formed email listings and mailing lists. It was through my first mailing list that I discovered the power of "audience".

Through that early experiment I learned how to make friends without ever being seen. And in that anonymous, color-blind society, was able to extend an honest personality and receive honest feedback for it. And I enjoyed those interactions and that magical time in a manner shared by those who were there to remember it.

But something happened...and a grave error was made that nearly cost me everything. It taught me the power that the web possessed was not merely virtual, but could reach out and strike you in real life as well. Suddenly, that sense of openness slammed shut with the realization that anything and everything could be learned about a person on the web...and that was almost 7 years ago!

I closed up shop and became somewhat of a web recluse, eschewing virtual satisfaction for more real-life reality. The truth of the matter is that nothing was ever solved by angstful typing on the internet. Action is the only real measure of change, and I chose to become a man of action. My actions have led me down many paths, and as way leads to way, I am learning that there is no going back for some things. But one thing that I have always held dear to my heart is the idea that life is a story we are all writing. Every adventure is a chapter, every experience a drama. I see myself from within and without much of the time, like an author in the mind of their main character. I do not mean to imply that the story is "all about me" as much as it is "all around me". And facing that story with eyes open and mind ready is yielding a magnificent picture of what it means to be alive right now.

History tells us that many a wonderful person lived and died...but it leaves out the many wonderful people who lived and died and were never known. I do not want to disappear into the annals of human history without having left some flag that I was there. And so I write...so I live...and thus, as times have changed, I must blog.

Welcome to The Inkspot.

The Inkspot

SimbaW — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 21:46:00 GMT