My Anniversary Issue!

Today is an anniversary, of sorts.  Around this time last year, I began this exercise in idiocy that has become known the world over (ok-maybe just in my small corner of it!) as Dawn Ponders. On November 5th 2007, I decided to write a short Facebook note describing the impending chaos of our kitchen renovation.  (If anyone is interested in those early posts, they can be found in the archives on this site and the pictures are in the file Kitchen Renovation 2007.) The initial impetus in starting the Kitchen Reno blog was to keep my parents, who had already made their snowbird flight to Florida, up to date on the progress.  Facebook was an easy way of posting the pictures and writing a quick blurb.  Never in my wildest dreams did I suspect that others were lurking and reading the posts and keeping abreast on my kitchen progress.  I was stunned to receive comments from friends and their friends asking me for more.  As the project wound down to its natural conclusion, I figured that my scribbling days had come to an end. But, something strange happened on my way to writing retirement.  I found that I missed it.  And so, I started up again and have kept it going ever since.  I don't expect anyone to read it (although I am truly gratified that you do!) and I certainly don't expect everyone to agree with my ranting. (I love that we all have differing opinions, and I love the debate and dissent.) This is my space and these are my thoughts alone, but the feedback has been eye-opening and gratifying.  So, on this my anniversary, I thought that I might share with you my random thoughts on blogging and my tentative sticking of the toe into the water of the blogosphere. 

• My sister-in-law, the political science professor, has described blogging as a giant sociology experiment, sort of like a giant virtual time capsule.  On any given day and at any given time on that specific day, millions of people around the world are expressing their views, thoughts, dreams and disdain on a whole host of issues.  We can read about parenting problems, political and social issues, humour and maybe a kitchen renovation or two. It is a slice of life that cuts across oceans, socio-economic and racial lines, sex and age. It has been truly fascinating to venture into this world and peek into people's living rooms, kitchens, backyards and read what is on their minds.  There are some very talented people out there and some very scary ones as well.
• Unless I personally know the blogger, I never post a comment.  This is an extension of my own shyness, and I cannot understand speaking, even virtually, to a total stranger.  I admire those who can, but it is not me.  On the other hand, I have become a rabid lurker, a sort of legalized peeping tom.  I am fascinated by what is out there.  
• There are some very famous bloggers out there who make very substantial livings through their blogs.  Some have book deals, some have become attractive for advertisers, some have set up virtual stores on their sites and some have made their way to the mainstream media. This is most definitely not me, but I am so in awe of these people. They have found a new medium to build careers upon.
• If there was any doubt left in my mind that this is the new wave of communication, it has been put to rest.  I absolutely believe that we are witnessing the final days of the printed media.  In the next 10-20 years, (and that is generous!!) it is my belief that all of our written media- newspapers and magazines- will be online exclusively. The print guys simply cannot keep up with the instantaneous nature of the internet and they are putting more and more of their resources into their online sites.  Most newspapers have blog sites of their own!  Save a tree, read online.
• You have no idea how techno-savvy I have become.  I can now upload, download and create slideshows, movies and add music.  I understand more about my computer than I ever have before.  I think that this new side of my personality is a serious turn-on for The Husband.

There are some rules that I have learned to follow while blogging. (These are the rules according to Dawn and should not be misinterpreted as blogging-gospel!)

1. Use a pseudonym whenever possible.  While many of you personally know The Husband and the Progeny, I would never think of putting their actual names out there for the world to see.  I think that some semblance of privacy needs respecting and frankly, I am not certain that they would speak to me again.  Many many bloggers would disagree with me and state that the intimacy of putting themselves and their loved ones out in the forefront is what makes their blogs work.  I need the veil of anonymity and it works for me.
2. Always be careful to credit other people's work.  The internet is easy to steal from, but it is still stealing.  If I use another site, music or words, at the very least it should be credited and linked.  I personally know the pain of being ripped off.  Years ago, I attended a kiddie Channukah party with a young teacher who was passing off one of my songs as her own.  While somewhat flattered, I felt a flash of hostility that I was being usurped. Intellectual property is still property.
3. Too personal is uncomfortable.  Nobody really wants to read about certain things and I am certain that you all can figure out what they are without me labeling them.  
4. Trust is important.  My friends and family need to know that they can talk to me without fear of it ending up on the blog. With one notable exception, (which was quickly rectified!) I think that I have managed to walk that line. The stories that you all get here are the PG versions and they are usually about me and my ineptitude, with a bit of The Husband thrown in for good measure. (He loves me, so he is somewhat tolerant of this nonsense!)
   

I want to thank all of you who have visited, read, commented, lurked, dissented or merely just tolerated me while I have experimented with this new side of my personality.  I have found that since I don't drink or do the wacky weed, (believe me both have been suggested on numerous occasions!) this blog has become my outlet.  It is definitely cheaper than therapy. And now--onto year 2!!