It occurs to me that many more people read this blog than comment on it. In fact, most of the people who read it don’t comment.
This is completely fine. Some of you don’t wish to comment and I don’t want you to feel pressured to do so. But, some of you may be hesitating for other reasons that I’d like to put to rest, such as:
1) You don’t feel you have anything earth-shattering or new to offer. I disagree. I think you do. It may be small, it may seem insignificant, but it’s not, not to me. A simple “yes, right on!” or “no way, lady,” will do.
2) We’ve never met. You think commenting is only for people acquainted with me. Nope, this is a public blog and I hope for people that I’ve never met to comment. It energizes and encourages me. If it helps, think of yourself as a guest here. You already know something about me. I’d enjoy knowing something about you.
3) We are loosely affiliated or you know of me or this blog through someone else and think it would be weird to comment. Nope, you can just tell me our connection. I’m happy to hear from you.
4) You disagree with what I’m saying and everyone else who’s commenting seems to agree. Don’t worry, I am excited to hear differing view-points to sharpen me and make me think. I only ask that we refrain from name-calling and respect the Bible as the final authority. I think vigorous debate can be highly beneficial.
5) You’re worried that someone will recognize your name or are uncertain about the safety of cyberspace. Um, I don’t have an answer for that one… it seems fine to me? Sorry, that’s probably not very reassuring.
If you’re here, you probably enjoy the blogosphere. So do I. It’s OK to join in the conversation (or not). It takes courage to write a comment. I don’t take commenters for granted. It means a lot that someone would take the time to respond to something I’ve written. Often enough, the comments are more insightful than the original post!
So, dear courageous reader, known and unknown, come on out and say hi! You are certainly a guest and maybe a stranger, but you can put an end to the stranger thing now.
Men, women, moms, singles, marrieds, and crazies (you know who you are) all welcome.
11 Comments
January 26, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I enjoy your blog. It always makes for good discussion for Amanda and me. Keep on writing.
January 26, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I recently found your bog through facebook – but I’ve known you for years! Lots of them! :o) It’s been fun for me to learn about your thoughts, your wishes, your goals, and maybe even your gripes now and then! The writing in itself is just the beginning of things I’ve been learning about the adult “Ab”! Keep writing – I love it!
January 26, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I am Andy Gammons sister and occasionally check your blog. I enjoy reading it and even referenced your recent post on depression in a conversation this week. Thanks for putting yourself out there for us to reflect on and learn from.
January 27, 2009 at 10:50 am
Thanks for opening up a space that allows room for thought and respectful conversation.
January 27, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Well, thanks for those of you who spoke up!
I suppose my hope for getting 10 people to comment (aside from myself, of course) will have to be a hope deferred.
Regardless, I am so thankful that anyone would spend their valuable time here, whether they comment or not!! Thanks again everyone!
January 28, 2009 at 1:35 pm
maybe more people would post if we could name call?!?! just putting that out there,ahahahahah
January 28, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Good point… I’ll consider modifying that rule. :)
January 28, 2009 at 4:38 pm
well considering it is the fair thing to do!
February 1, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Just out of curiosity, why do you ask that comment leavers view the Bible as the final authority?
February 1, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Well, I guess my main reason to put that in there was more to say that I respect the Bible as the final authority. I probably should have thought that wording through a little more.
I wouldn’t expect a non-christian to do that, but at least they know where I’m at.. and if commenters are Christians, then it’s helpful to have a constant or final source to point to, otherwise our arguments can get pretty convoluted. Does that make sense?
February 25, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Enjoying your blog. You seem like a lovely person.