So that leads me to ask myself why I write these entries to begin with. My stated purpose is to construct a place for all of the jumbled ideas in my head that don't find exit in other ways. But when those ideas overlap with (for example) questions or problems with family or friends (my main audience), I find myself resorting to coded language. When you come across an entry that doesn't make much sense, it's probably evidence that I'm concealing something. I edit these entries (as much as it might seem otherwise), and sometimes I edit them out of comprehension.
That somewhat undercuts my purpose for doing this. Writing helps me work things out. But I need some kind of audience—implied or otherwise—to write to. So diary or journal writing isn't that appealing. Writing about some thought, idea, or situation using clear language helps me clarify my thoughts. Wanting to write about something but having to obfuscate the true subject may only muddle it more. I'm never really going to write something very raw on this blog, like a sonnet I'm working on, but I'd like to be more direct than I have been.
How?
4 comments:
There's actually a way to set up a blog so that it is open to invited readers only (I imagine it's in the settings somewhere, though I have never really looked for it). So, you could keep this blog for those thoughts that you don't mind publishing openly, and then you could start a restricted blog--open only to Sam and maybe a few close, trusted friends that you feel safe sharing your unedited self with--and use that as an outlet for the thoughts you feel like you would have to obfuscate if you blogged about them publicly.
Not sure if that really answers the question...it was just an idea I had...hope it helps!
no, that's actually really useful, tt. thanks!
more ideas?
I think there are only two options for unedited bliss: either true anonymity with a potentially global audience; or one-on-one intimacy with a best friend per email (or face-to-face). The sonnet you could submit to Poet's Corner (or whatever the site is called) and have it reviewed (anonymously)there!
K -- funny, just a few days ago i drafted a long, angsty post that ended up being about the anonymity issue. i also self-censor, but then again, i wonder whether i'm just deluding myself in thinking i would ever blog my innermost thoughts, even if i were anonymous.
Post a Comment