Saturday, February 9, 2008

Now what?

If you have had the habit of dropping in every so often to see what I've written, you've probably noticed that this is my first post in quite a while.
The reason is pretty simple: I have discovered that I don't have anything to say.
Now, for those of you who know me a bit, the idea of me not having anything to say is comparable to Britney Spears not feeling the urge to go for a car ride.
Truth is, I do have some things to say, provided you have any interest in reading about it.
When I first created this blog, my intention was to resurrect my column from the Tribune and proceed as though nothing had changed (aside from the paycheck I used to get every couple of weeks).
But I have discovered that I may have underestimated the difficulty associated with this. Truth is, I live in a small world, confined to a few miles and a few people with whom I have regular contact. Some of these people have marginally interesting stories, but exposing their lives in a public forum such as this seems inappropriate. For example, every single manager where I work is a woman and I have some interesting observations about this dynamic, observations that I had probably best keep to myself, however. (I need the work.)
Much of the basis of my Tribune column came from being in the newsroom environment, hearing reporters talking about their beats and engaging with readers as a natural part of my affiliation with the newspaper.
I have none of that now.
So what, then, do I have to say?
Well, I could write about my experiences in jail/prison, but I don't know if there is any real interest in that and, if there is, how quickly the average reader will tire of the subject.
I do not want to become one of those "personalities'' who seem to think that anything that happens to him or her is interesting to the public simply because it happened to him or her. You see this all the time, especially on TV. A local TV news personality will experience something that happens to lots of ordinary people every single day and suddenly it's a four-part series.
Beverly Kidd was the best example I can think of on the spur of the moment. When she had a baby a few years back it was as if she had become the first woman to give birth. Her TV co-horts oohed and awed over it. It seemed to wonderful to comprehend. Before you know it, Beverly Kidd was being promoted as some sort of expert on parenting, all by virtue of having a child. I think she's sort of calmed down now and is content to simply have great hair and makeup and not be known so much as the world's leading authority on motherhood.
Poor Beverly. The bad part of being self-absorbed is that you often want everybody else to be as fascinated with you as you are. This is rarely the case.
So, really, it's up to you.
Because, given the present circumstances, about the only thing I know to write about is what's happened to me over the past couple of years. Of course, going to prison is a little more unusual than having a baby, but I do not want to be the Beverly Kidd of Ex-Cons, as it were. (Unless, I can get my own TV show, that is.)
So if you want me to continue writing, with the understanding that about the only thing I have to share is what has happened/is happening to me, then please post a comment at the end of this post.
And if you would prefer me to simply shut up, you can leave that comment, too.
I promise to be a good sport. Honestly, I don't know whether I should keep writing or not. Ultimately, it is for you readers to decide.
I'll abide by your verdict.
This seems entirely fair, don't you think?

4 comments:

xfevv said...

Hey brotha,

I just found out about your site from Jen. Loving it man. I just want to encourage you to keep writing, even if it is just about what has gone on in the last few years. That is really the point of having a blog, not that you are/will be a super interesting celebrity type, but rather to share who you are with the rest of us. As someone who blogged for nearly 4 years I guarantee people will be interested and will read. The audience may remain small but they will be loyal. I look forward to it.

I am blessed to call you a friend (or at the very least an acquaintance). God bless you man, I'll see you at Tully's or at Church on Sunday

Anonymous said...

I look forward to more posts. Whatever you write about I am confidant it will have your twist of humour and talent in it. Keep it coming!

Punchy said...

Shee-it... I'm reading. Keep it coming!

Keith said...

Hey Slim,

It's me Keith from the Vineyard...then Amadeo...now back at Vineyard again. I asked about you when I came back and Obie was kind enough to give me the link to your blog.

Brother, you can't quit blogging man. I started from the beginning of your blog and am working my way to the most current post. But I had to comment in this section because I wanted to encourage you to use your gift of writing and keep going.

Now that I know where you are, expect a visit from me. Peace and blessings on you my friend. I'm glad you're back on track!

Peace!
Keith