Jan 18 2009
When Blogs Attack!
In my previous post, Does this blog make me look fat? We looked at some of the topics of advice people share on blogs. Topics that pique interest range from parenting tips and cooking techniques all the way into the deep and controversial world of theology and gender issues. Often advice turns into debate when commenters’ and hosts’ interactions become flammable. Even online identities, shielded by pseudonyms, can create a sense of unaccountability with written attacks. The nature of impersonal internet writing can often foster misunderstandings, or it can shield a writer from really understanding the “walk in another person’s moccasins” thing. In all of blogs’ difficulties, there are plenty of good reasons to like them. Blogs are great ways to communicate ideas with flair and creativity, and inspire readers and commenters to try new things, like a new craft, recipe, or even spark a new business idea. I’ve seen new businesses start up because of topics discussed on blogs. One family started a blog and turned it into a lucrative book and conference business that has garnered a fan following of thousands. My goals for blogging aren’t that high, but it’s nice to at least have positive feedback in the comment section.
In my next post I’ll share my observations on advice-giving bloggers.
Hi Lynn. I know what you mean. I actually have become very sensitive to internet disagreements, since they actually bring up pretty sensitive feelings in me. Now when I see a disagreement online between friends, I’m torn because I have grown and learned from different people, but the disagreements are valid. I just think they can be resolved by personal email or something, if the parties know each other and/or comfortable with that.
You know, I learned alot from the “logic” lessons I’ve read from you in the past (and others) and just from participating in the different discussions on theology and rhetoric and discerning through the written word. It’s helped me to really evaluate what I want to write in my blog and IRL responses and how to discern through what people have taught, especially through the Bible.
Thanks for coming to this blog, Lynn. As I told Richard in my other post, my name is different here because I wasn’t thinking it would be my permanent username to sign in.
As I read more of the comments on another favorite blog I go to, I’m grieved even more over the disagreement that seems to cause more hurt. I really, really have benefitted from all the parties involved and I want so much for them to come to an understanding. I actually can see both sides and am wondering why there is such a disagreement. I want to even link to one of them on my blogroll, but am concerned for the parties involved and don’t want to complicate things any more than they already might be.
I love these people! I feel like I’ve gone through a lot and grown through many of the things they’ve shared.
Another thing: I haven’t communicated with any of the parties involved privately, whether by email or otherwise on any of the matters they are discussing. I wanted to be clear if anyone from that blog comes here and wonders if I have been in contact with anyone. I’m praying for everyone involved.
I was just thinking that it’s gotten out of hand, and then something (maybe God?) reminded me that this hasn’t escaped His notice. He still has it all in His hands. I’m not sure what that means, but that people, who love God and are called according to His purpose, will learn and grow through this process. I’m stepping back and still praying for His glory and healing.