Are All Blog's Created Equal??
November 27th 2006 23:31
Of late, there has been a lot of talk, conjecture and argument about what is being posted on the many different blogs on Orble, and while my chosen topic might be the weird and wonderful world of celebrities, I feel like I'd like to put my two cents in.
Lately I've noticed posts and comments that are a little aggressive - Why don't you comment on sites? Why do you put misleading titles on posts? Why put certain pictures on posts? Why aren't posts about 'serious' topics more popular? Don't swear! Don't voice that opinion! If I were someone new to Orble I'd be a little intimidated by some of these posts.
In my humble opinion, there is a place for every opinion and topic that any one of our thousand members have. No post has more value than any other post. There are a lot of serious writers on Orble, which is great. It means that the quality of the writing on the whole is exellent (one of my big pet peeves about online media has always been that the writing quality is usually substandard at best......but not on Orble!!). However, I'm hearing a lot of people complain that serious writers are being overrun by those of us who post on less weighty topics. Is that fair? Hardly! Just because I choose not to delve into the meaning of life or write about political or social issues facing our culture does not mean that what I have to say is any less worthwhile than anyone else. I like to be entertained. I love trash culture. If there's a bad movie out there, chances are I've seen it (one of my all time favourite movies is Cool as Ice.....all you really need to know about the movie is that Vanilla Ice plays the lead character......that tells you how bad the movie is. lol). And I'm not alone (well, I might be alone in loving that movie.....but not in loving trash in general).
Everyone has a point of view. You might not agree with it. You might not like it. But everyone is entitled to have an opinion, and write about topics of their choice. Everyone is even entitled to communicate their opinion in their chosen way. If that means shock-value titles or shocking pictures, then that's their choice. You can voice your opinion about the way in which that person chose to communicate, or about the topic itself. Because you're entitled to. You can even voice your opinion by not visiting that site. You do have a choice. I'm not saying we can't have informed debate. Hell, I'm all for that and I think it should be encouraged. But attacking one another? I don't think that's the key.
For my part, I love the diversity of the blogs and posts on Orble. I could spend days aimlessly surfing about and reading what everyone has to say (to the detriment of my paid job, I might add). I don't blog for profit or to be popular. I blog because I'm having a great time. Blogging on Orble has opened up other doors for me to fulfill my creative needs. I contribute music news/reviews and write articles for other online magazines now. I've been blogging on Orble since August and in that time I've gone from having one of the worst months of my life in August.....to having the time of my life now. Blogging isn't solely responsible for that, but it's played a part. It's not just writing my blog, but reading and participating in others peoples blogs. It's fun. We're not orchestrating world peace here, or saving lives. We're blogging, ranting, talking, laughing and arguing. And there's nothing wrong with that.
Whew, that's me all done with being deep and meaningful for the day. I'll see you all later in the day when I report back on what Britney, Lindsay, Paris and co have been up to. LOL.
Lately I've noticed posts and comments that are a little aggressive - Why don't you comment on sites? Why do you put misleading titles on posts? Why put certain pictures on posts? Why aren't posts about 'serious' topics more popular? Don't swear! Don't voice that opinion! If I were someone new to Orble I'd be a little intimidated by some of these posts.
In my humble opinion, there is a place for every opinion and topic that any one of our thousand members have. No post has more value than any other post. There are a lot of serious writers on Orble, which is great. It means that the quality of the writing on the whole is exellent (one of my big pet peeves about online media has always been that the writing quality is usually substandard at best......but not on Orble!!). However, I'm hearing a lot of people complain that serious writers are being overrun by those of us who post on less weighty topics. Is that fair? Hardly! Just because I choose not to delve into the meaning of life or write about political or social issues facing our culture does not mean that what I have to say is any less worthwhile than anyone else. I like to be entertained. I love trash culture. If there's a bad movie out there, chances are I've seen it (one of my all time favourite movies is Cool as Ice.....all you really need to know about the movie is that Vanilla Ice plays the lead character......that tells you how bad the movie is. lol). And I'm not alone (well, I might be alone in loving that movie.....but not in loving trash in general).
Everyone has a point of view. You might not agree with it. You might not like it. But everyone is entitled to have an opinion, and write about topics of their choice. Everyone is even entitled to communicate their opinion in their chosen way. If that means shock-value titles or shocking pictures, then that's their choice. You can voice your opinion about the way in which that person chose to communicate, or about the topic itself. Because you're entitled to. You can even voice your opinion by not visiting that site. You do have a choice. I'm not saying we can't have informed debate. Hell, I'm all for that and I think it should be encouraged. But attacking one another? I don't think that's the key.
For my part, I love the diversity of the blogs and posts on Orble. I could spend days aimlessly surfing about and reading what everyone has to say (to the detriment of my paid job, I might add). I don't blog for profit or to be popular. I blog because I'm having a great time. Blogging on Orble has opened up other doors for me to fulfill my creative needs. I contribute music news/reviews and write articles for other online magazines now. I've been blogging on Orble since August and in that time I've gone from having one of the worst months of my life in August.....to having the time of my life now. Blogging isn't solely responsible for that, but it's played a part. It's not just writing my blog, but reading and participating in others peoples blogs. It's fun. We're not orchestrating world peace here, or saving lives. We're blogging, ranting, talking, laughing and arguing. And there's nothing wrong with that.
Whew, that's me all done with being deep and meaningful for the day. I'll see you all later in the day when I report back on what Britney, Lindsay, Paris and co have been up to. LOL.
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Comment by Filmpeeker
Film Peek
Gizmo Peek
Film Peek Forum
But I totally agree! What would we be if everyone had the same stuff in their blogs? Nothing! Okay I'm overreacting, but it would be boring.
I need to get angry at posts, I need to laugh at some, and agree with some. That's the way it is.
Cya!
//filmpeeker
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Variety is the spice of life right?
Comment by Ahmed
techy.Bytes
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Qwerk
Cinema Three
Erm, nothing wrong with 'mis-leading' thread titles, heck, my most popular post is 'Googles SUicide', the first response was accusing me of being deceptive andmisleading. Well he can say whatever he wants, I'm laughing all the way to the bank to collect my 0.2cents...
Comment by TonyK
AFL Central
I only comment on blogs that I find interesting not for the sake of commenting.
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
One of the very first comments I made on an Orble post was "slammed" by someone also commenting on the post - not the author. It was a bit of a shock but luckily I'm thick skinned.
Orble is no different to print media in terms of content, shock value etc. How many celebrity mags use "misleading" headlines to get people to buy the magazine. At least on Orble it doesn't cost you $4.95.
Just write your blogs people - whatever the topic.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
By the way, loved your interesting facts. That space thing tripped me out (hmm....wonder why I'm talking like a stoner...oh well). I'm going to be slipping those facts into dinner parties and impressing everyone from here on in!
TonyK - Always lovely to see you. Funnily enough, I hadn't even really realised that there were all these tensions until I read a couple of posts and comments across the last week or so.
I always visit someone's site if they've been to mine....especially if it's a person I haven't seen before. It's a good way to see new sites. But sometimes I don't have anything interesting to say (a shock to everyone I'm sure...not).
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Hmm....I don't like people attacking others comments. Have your say, but there's no need to attack.
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
I think if I titled my latest entry "HERO" rather than "WOULD YOU BEAT A WOMAN?" I'd get a lot less hits.
I guess it's a reflection of how everything else works. Why do you reckon people buy WHO WEEKLY rather than go to a library and read a journal article? Trash sells.
But in a way, it makes those less visited, viewed, and listened to pieces of art a lot more special. Kind of reminds me of those people who, when talking about a musician who's gone mainstream, go "I used to like him before anyone else knew him!"
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
Comment by TonyK
AFL Central
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Thanks for the comment about the writing. I think you're right. Writing is very therapeutic.
TonyK- I've done a few music reviews at and am just putting together an article for a new online mens' mag.....maybe I need to pick your brain for ideas. I'll message you the link. Maybe you should think about writing for them.
Comment by TonyK
AFL Central
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
yeah, I'm with you on the "trash" front ... as you would've seen on my blog banner I indulge trash as much as art ....
The title of one's post is important, but it shouldn't be misleading, unless there is a specific context for that deception which is revealed in the post ...
My blog is quite specialised - more so than your celebrity obsession blog - so I have to keep in mind it will always be harder generating interest in horror movies (regardless of just how mainstream trendy they appear to be at the moment), and garnering traffic to my blog .... But I enjoy writing it because I have a wealth of knowledge about my chosen field, and I trust I have enough wit and command of the English language to make my posts entertaining and enlightening to those who walk where angels fear to tread ...
I'm a gossipmongerin'trashlovin'kindaguy, so I'll always be checkin' the pose and swagger of your posts Kylie!
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
gossipmongerin'trashlovin'kindaguy's are my favourite!
What I like about Orble is that I can expand my horizons. For instance, I realised this morning that I can't name who is the current the Deputy PM of Australia. But I know that Jordan's breast implants are a G cup. Why I've retained that piece of information and yet am completely oblivious to politics I have no idea. So I made a point of looking at some of the political posts this morning to increase my knowledge. And I now know a lot more about the horror movie genre thanks to you!
Everyone needs a little trash in their life. A friend of mine who has several PhD's (in science), works in academia and he is very open about his love of trash/pop culture. The other professors look down their nose at him in public....but then when they get him alone will talk to him about Big Brother or Australian Idol. Now he happily 'outs' them all to one another as they never realised that they all secretly watch trashy shows.
You can't always be highbrow! You get a headache.
KylieW
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Oh, by the way TonyK, just sent you a message with those links (don't know if you get an email notification if someone sends you a message).
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Good post!
There are four points on the compass and we need all directions... since when has debate become a dirty word... heated or otherwise? Isn't it how we all grow and learn...proof of the pudding I think KW... and I've learned that Britney is as dumb as I previously thought she was and why I don't like her music... and you've learned the name of the deputy PM... I rest my case...
However, I think you're all wrong about Paris... I think she is a really clever woman!
caio...
Lilla ...
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Is that what you call a smart ass?
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Well, I am sure glad you didn't take my post the wrong way! lol I hope you really do understand that my post was not in any way knocking other blogs...it was the sudden shift...never mind...this was well written..(wait, does that sound condescending?) OH god, I can't even leave a comment anymore without second guessing myself...dammit.
NIce post...(seriously)
Voices~
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Voices - haha, seriously I wasn't offended by what you had said about my post. Though thinking about those comments and others I've heard about the superficiality (is that a word?) of celebrities and trash culture was part of the inspiration. The number of times I've heard (or should that be seen) comments such as "well if you want to see what a real post is go over too..." or "well at least it's better than being obsessed with celebrities...." or words to that effect, and they weren't from you. lol.
Hey, your post had an effect on me and made me think about my writing and blogging in general. That can only be a good thing!
Comment by Nina
Comment by Benjamin
Benkaiser.NET Investment Portal
Comment by Jessicca
Health 2 Know
Learning Something Everyday
Daily History
Malaysia Found
Orble gives us the freedom to post what we feel. Whether it is anything good, fancy, politics and what so ever. I don't mind checking out some cranky posts that are funny. But it is always too to keep everyone informed. That's what "information" is all about.
^_^
Comment by Luke
Book Club
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Not everyone who reads a blog is going to comment on it. And not every comment is neccessarily indicative of someone reading a blog.
Shouldn't the content be the most important thing?
Comment by Jessicca
Health 2 Know
Learning Something Everyday
Daily History
Malaysia Found
Most of my post don't really get comments and well, commenting each others post were suppose to enhance friendship and community in orble. That's what the karma is about.
Jon, correct me if I am wrong (if you are reading)
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
I haven’t wanted to leave comments anywhere on Orble (except on Joe Blogg’s blog...he’s a breath of fresh insanity!) because I have been completely disillusioned by the disillusionment.
Why was everyone being put on pedestals from which they cannot step down?
I may play rugby and practice a martial art and hurl mountains out of my path when I find a pair of vintage seventies boots but my God...I did not understand the aggression that manifested itself here.
It’s gone now. But the effect lingers.
I have thought you fabulous from the start...from when I first joined...you are permanently on my Top 10 Orblers list and I have a post to prove it!
You are funny, entertaining, articulate and prolific. I don’t visit you to read the philosophy of life. I visit you to catch up on a facet of our life as we know it today.
Celebrities are celebrities because we have made them so. Be they actors, singers, the Britney’s, the poet Laureates, the Nobel prize winners, the politicians, the writers, etc.
I didn’t think you personally were being attacked, just the popularity of your post title...then too, it was human nature that was being attacked. The part of us that is drawn to sensationalism. We all are. No matter how highbrow and intellectual we proclaim ourselves to be.
We're supposed to be balanced right? Well rounded people?
It’s the same as being in school and giggling over all the sexual references in Shakespeare and Thomas Hardy in Advanced English or perking up when bizarre cases were discussed in Law (the only time I stayed awake) or ogling Stephen Larkham’s thighs whilst in awe of his considerable IQ (sorry...had to get that in...) or writing about rugby and fashion and astrology and astronomy and comic books and politics...why limit yourself?
I think people, myself included, take themselves a bit too seriously.
I mean, who cares?
Speaking of attacks...I was personally attacked quite maliciously on another blog. The blog owner deleted these comments (not made by blog owner) but not before I saw them.
I was really taken aback the at how just because I'm a jock (in a Leona Edmiston frock) I am not worthy of engaging in conversation and not capable of wit and repartee.
I mean, duh.
Still...water off a duck's back but I am bemused that the vitriol is still being spread under cover of hypocryptic benevolence.
As entertaining, eloquent and informative as your posts are, it is from your comments that I have formed the impression I have of you.
You’re everywhere KylieW (and you and I have met where a lot of people don’t go)...you comment with intelligence, humour, passion and compassion on everything...music, film, TV, books, fashion, politics, poetry, prose, dreams, religion, sci-fi (light saber, light saber...)solidarity, social issues, feminism, sport...and yes, rugby.
Most of all you comment with honesty. You don’t pretend to be anything you’re not. You are who you are and that's one hell of a woman.
Oh Lord...this has become an epic. Sorry Kylie. I need to learn The Art of Brevity.
DuskDevi
Comment by Justin
However, I'm all for public opinion but also choice on what you say or do not say, as most of us all are. I just hope we all get back to the roots of why we're writing - informing in an entertaining way. Otherwise, the chaos that will ensue over a us vs them, him/her vs me will take over a pursuit which was very different to the original reason we all started in the first place, e.g. opening up borders of communication not attacking and reinforcing them.
Goooooooooo Team Orble! =D
Comment by Eric
Mal Gadget
As far as competition goes... I don't really feel it that much. I'm a technology blogger and I feel like us tech bloggers here at Orble work to help each other out, not beat each other out.
Heck I even post weekly tech blogger digests. You can see them here and here. I don't recall seeing anyone else hand out this much link love here at Orble.
So while I might be "aggressive" with my blogging, I don't see it as a bad thing because the more I grow, the more my fellow tech bloggers will grow as well.
And yes, I want more readers and more traffic. If there is something wrong with that then diagnose me and let's move on. Some bloggers might be content with just writing, but I want to share, learn, communicate, and yes even the dirty word... EARN.
I think folks need to realize that Orble is a growing creature. You might have liked the cute quiet little infant that Orble once was, but the fact remains that it's growing and we need to figure that growth out, harness it, make adjustments and grow with it.
Otherwise you'll find yourself scratching your head wondering where everyone went.
My two cents...
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Kylie, you love Cool as Ice? Damn...
Also, write about what you like writing about - that's the point, anyway. I have my nose in a book and my pencil on the paper all day, when I write on Orble, it's to let go a little, be a little exuberant.
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
I'll keep this brief as many people have said everything for me. I agree totally with everything you say.
Blogging is about being yourself and writing about whatever you love. It's not about pleasing the masses or not having an opinion.
It's all about sharing and communicating.
Oh, and by the way, I'm with you 100% on the trash thing ... I'm a big Home and Away fan for a start...
A.H.
Comment by Jessicca
Health 2 Know
Learning Something Everyday
Daily History
Malaysia Found
But like Justin says, I too feels "the shift". There are quite a fair bit of sensitive titles posted as I realised this morning but it is all depends on what everyone think of.
Unfortunately, this isn't truly a free world as it is the freedom of speech. Many tend to speak of the majority to either maintain popularity or maintain peaceful interactions.
In the end, I still support all the writers to remember what we came here for at the first place. Being informative.
Comment by Hope
Gifted Parenting
Freelance For Life
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Team Orble!!!!!!!
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
LMFAO.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I've seen you put LMFAO before on comments and I've been meaning to ask....what does it mean??? I'm sure I'm just being a bimbo, but I can't work it out.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
You've heard, and no doubt used, the net abbreviation LOL (laugh out loud) ... right?
Well, take it one step further on the humour scale and you have LMFAO (laughing my fucking ass off).
Ahem. There you go. (Don't tell kaytzz I said that, she told me if I use expletives in my posts she won't read 'em ..... )
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I'm going to be using it all over the place. I had to explain to a friend what LOL was yesterday.....she'll think I'm sooooo cool when I tell her that one.
I love it when I learn new stuff.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Patrick
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
Let me remind you of your full comment on my blog, 28th November at 5:00:
bleaugh! Your paint skills are atrocious!
I'm not sure how to construe those comments other than as an attack....but later the same day.... on this very blog at 21:39, you commented:
I didn't even realize there was aggression going on?
If I construed your comments incorrectly, please correct me, but if not which is worse: that you chose to be so petty on my blog, or that you choose to actively ignore your own pettiness on this one?
Patrick.
Comment by Trina
Hiphop
Confessions of a Serial Dancer
Competitions
Clubbing
Um wow. Interesting long read and I'm at a loss for words... not much more to add since it's all pretty much been said and the talk of tension and such is new to me.
Back to your post tho Kylie, great rant.
Comment by My Lady Me
Do exactly as you do...and please, continue to be an angel treading lightly in other heavens, as well. There is nothing at all wrong with your blog. I love everything celebrity...and you are sweet enough to contain all the news in one central locale for me. *smile*
My Lady Me
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
you know your blog rocks, rolls, wriggles and tumbles ....
you go grrl!