The Anchoress, who I consider a friend, albeit a virtual one I have never met in person, is feeling the negative effects of the never-ending spin cycle that is the world, the media and the blogosphere today. One of the commenters on her post says this:
My head has been spinning so much from all the pronouncements, the interpretations, the selective reporting and the outright nastiness for so long that I have wondered how you could stand being immersed in it for so long. (Comment 7 by Laurasplat)
And I think Laurasplat captured something there. Blogging is actually a lot harder than people think. Bloggers know what I am saying. Folks who comment or just read blogs may – probably do, in fact, think this is easy – I did before I started doing it myself. Maybe it is for some folks doing blogs about their family or hobbies or interests. But commenting on the news of the world today can be difficult. Especially if you are not following the (media) party line.
That isn't complaining, mind you. I chose to start doing this. But, Lord, it can be tough at times. Some days it feels like the movie Groundhog Day. You keep doing the same thing, over and over. Dealing with commenters who disagree with you and like to preen and think they are saying something new and different or special. A comment the blogger has dealt with a number of times in the past and is thoroughly sick of having to answer, over and over and over. Dealing with the "seagull" commenters who flock over because someone who disagrees with your post has linked you. Those folks swoop, squawk and deposit their comment without knowing a thing about the blog or what you stand for but go off on you based on a single post. And it really can be hard getting up and doing it again in the morning.
So I really sympathize with the feelings Anchoress has right now. I try to use a bit of humor around here to break it up, Anchoress goes more for opera to change the pace a little. Paraphrasing John Lennon, whatever gets you through the blog. But all I can say to my friend is hang on. Your voice is much needed and much appreciated. Hang on.
Heh… The McCoys..
One look at that video and it’s so hokey that all you can do is smile.
BTW–I definitely know where you’re coming from in your post.
But… sometimes ya just gotta say, “What the hell!”
Amen.
Sorry, hit submit too quick. The hardest is the disconnect between the emails I get from people I’ve known for over twenty years about the situation viz the RIFs and Iraq and what see in the media.
Honestly I admire you, The Anchoress, and other constantly tilting at windmills.
For the military who tilt at windmills while being shot at, blown up and alternately demonized and victimized, I have no words at all.