I am feeling a bit negative about blogging right now. Maybe it is the heat getting to me.
My posts would be so much more interesting (to some at any rate) if I could actually show you what I do for a living, but that cannot be without putting myself out of work. Some of your posts would be so much more interesting too if you stopped the childish and humourless, mentally disturbed people from taking over your comments section with absolute impunity.
It's like Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
ReplyDeleteApart from anything else, they are SO fucking boring.
DeleteI mean to say, I thought I had more opinions than I deserve, but some of these people somehow turn vegetables into contentious issues.
DeleteI find your posts very interesting Tom. I don't always comment because I am ignorant in many subjects and I dont know what to say but, I learn a lot here and, I read your blog every day.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
Thank you Maria. I often bore myself, so I don't know how you cope sometimes.
DeleteApologies if some of the inevitable rebuttals stay up for longer than I would like, but I have some work to do.
ReplyDeleteBlog for yourself Tom, if it gives you joy then do it. If not, then don’t. That is what I do, I am not in the least bothered I don’t get many comments or followers. You, I ought to say on your only comment on my blog gave me some advice about my computer and blogging. I forget what now but for that I was grateful. I’m happy! Oh and I do like the way you reply to your comments, not always politely, mind! Makes me laugh...
ReplyDeleteLX
I love checking in on TomStephensonWorld because I learn so much here, about Englishness, for one thing. I like hearing about the pub visits, the weather in the Winter of '63, old time British comedians, etc. You have a peculiar take on the world that entertains and educates me.
ReplyDeleteI started my blog because of contractual obligations, but I'm still at it more than 10 years later. I have the best commentors on the internet, and I love hearing from my regulars and the new readers. So, it's not all trolls and whiners: there are good people Out There and blogging is how we stay in touch.
I find your blog entries interesting, amusing, informative. Sometimes I don't comment because I don't feel like I should chime in on anything political, not being from your country. I think it makes it intriguing that we cannot see your work simply because of the nature of it. Carry on blogging in whatever way it suits you. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteWhat do I want from blogging Tom? Well first of all it has put some order and purpose in my life which changed so much with the death of the farmer. I have to think of something to say, actually make the physical effort to say it and - because I believe in such things - answer the comments I get. I like reading the blogs of folk I blog with. It all takes up a pleasant hour in my day.
ReplyDeleteIf somebody says something I disagree with I either answer it in a pleasant, straightforward way or I just ignore it. I don't believe in getting involved in any arguments about anythingFor purely selfish reasons blogging enhances my life no end - and you are no exception. Please do not stop blogging - I look forward to reading everything you write
I read your blog everyday and I enjoy it. I learned and laughed. I hope you continue.
ReplyDeleteYour post about pouring molten lead still makes me brake into a sweat. All the best.
'Break" oops sorry.
DeleteI looked at my reading list yesterday to unfollow someone who thinks Americans who don't like Trump should leave and are unAmerican and she loves Fox News. I just can't abide her. Anyway, I was shocked at how many on the list don't blog anymore. I think the reason I still blog (not very often) is, I love hearing first hand accounts of lives lived in different countries.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I love blogging too, Donna!
DeleteAgreed. I like to read about other places, other activities that may differ from my own.
DeleteLove to read your blog although I only comment occasionally !
ReplyDeleteWhat do I get out of blogging? It's an outlet to stimulate my creative instincts. Composing something with words is much the same as stitching bits of fabric together. Altering and making it all fit in the available space. It also makes me get on with my life, do something, and not lounge about the house with an empty head.
ReplyDeleteI do have to zap some of the comments. Why do people make a hullabaloo, questions questions, when I write a short filler about nothing very much because I haven't anything to say. Now I'm waffling so I'll go :o)
I love your blog Tom ..... you make me laugh and that is very important to me .... laughing !
ReplyDeleteI’ve been blogging for about ten years now ..... in the beginning I managed , somehow, to get loads of followers and up to a hundred comments on each post but, over the last few years, many bloggers have moved on to Instagram etc. so it’s changed a bit. What I love most about blogging is ‘ meeting ‘ people that I think I might get on with in the real world. It’s the modern form of having lots of pen friends. Keep blogging ..... our lives would be a little less jolly without you 😘 XXXX
As Jackie said, blogging is like having penpals...but I hate.... that people 'disappear' and stop blogging, and that I can never be truly honest, and that I want to but can't meet the people I like and that I learn so much, and that the bloggers I read all seem so kind (but have their normal human nasty side too)...and reading blogs each day (my ocd side makes me visit each site - in order - every day)is like opening letters or good books..or shit books .....and it is an escapism of sorts.
ReplyDeleteBlogging makes me smile mostly
ReplyDeleteI raise a gin to those that make me smile
Like you do x
Amen.
ReplyDeleteI think a general malaise is settled. Maybe the weather. Maybe the politics. Maybe the iron box you're working in. "We shall overcome...." But it's a long slog, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone finds a successful method of blocking these bloody trolls, I for one would love to know it.
ReplyDeleteI don't blog myself, as you can see, but I have enjoyed reading yours every day, and the rest of what I think of as "our gang" for several years now. As someone said, it is like having pen pals, and I would love to meet you all in person as I only continue to read people I feel a liking for. If we ever come to Bath I shall be in The Bell looking for you .... Beware!! (But I would buy you a drink )
ReplyDeleteI've mostly found your posts well written and entertaining. My only problem with blogs are those that sometimes write evocative and challenging, abusive even posts sometimes, and yet classify people who respond in the same manner as trolls. The Weaver has the right attitude, she will still reply to a person who has a different opinion or ignore them, she doesn't get involved in name calling.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what can happen when you put a question mark on the end of a title. Thanks for your comments. I think there has been a little misunderstanding about the motive for this post, but you are very kind to say what you did.
ReplyDelete