In defense of blogs (and 'poor writing')
I received something of a jolt the other day, or rather, two. They came when I was checking up on the local news at the T-S website, which since leaving the paper four years ago, I've continued to do on a daily basis. The first jolt came when I noticed that one of the postings on my blog Via Prague had made 'Best of the Blogs,' and was featured on the editorial page. The second came when I read reader comments. 'I guess calling it a blog is an excuse for poor writing,' one (anonymous) reader observed. 'Worst thing I've read in this paper a long time. Painful actually.' Another reader, Jeff, concurred, noting it was 'surprisingly poorly written,' and noted I was a former T-S reporter.
I hate writing as a defensive exercise, especially in defense of 'poor writing,' of which there is no defense. And in defense of the blogosphere, trading barbs with people you're never likely to meet in person. Rather, I much prefer the Hemingway approach. Upon completion of his novel 'The Sun Also Rises,' in which several people recognized themselves in the characters and who subsequently threatened to kill the author, Hemingway announced that at such-and-such-a-time he would be hanging out having a drink at such-and-such-a-bar, and whoever wished to kill him were free to try to do so. No one showed, at least according to Hemingway. But -- not all of us are Hemingway.
Having said that, I'll admit I agree, at least this time, with my critics. That's why I was surprised the posting - 'Bombing is not the (only) solution' - made 'Best of the Blogs.' To be honest, I wasn't that hot on the piece either -- but wait. I've always regarded 'Via Prague' as merely a joural, a way to record passing thoughts, observations, mine as well as others. Here in Prague you can encounter fascinating people, fantastic liars and veteran bores from every corner of the globe. Most of the confidences you meet are unsought -- often you've already had a few pints of frothy Bohemian brew. Now and again you meet a certain remark, even made in passing, and for the hell of it throw it up into our new ether-eralized posterity.
The result -- viewed later -- can sometimes be profound, other times facile or cliche, and sometimes just nothing. Or it can be all of these things together, or you might later on find it useful in some other project. But that's the beauty of it. Since just what exactly a blog is, or is supposed to be, is still in its infancy, it continues to evolve. It's not hard-bound, like a daily newspaper, by certain obligations. Readers? Hell, what readers? Most of the hits I get are spam ads offering to enlarge my penis and sell me a college degree ('No Study Required!') So it's still hit and miss, but remember it's not as if anybody were paying us anything. The balance is, we're free to do what we want, with admittedly mixed results. I've already posted this damn piece three times, then thought about it, came back and added a new thought. But then, in my case, that's the advantage of being 9 time zones away from my base readership (not including the folks at Viagra, of course, another faithful 'reader').
I remember on the eve of leaving America for Europe, a lot of people patted me on the back reassuringly, sometimes enviously, and told me to make sure to 'interview' people 'over there' and 'get some new perspective on America,' some such truck. Naturally, or vainly, I agreed it was a good idea.
Mostly I've tried to include those I've talked to 'over here' in my efforts. Islam, my Bangladesh friend who was quoted at length in the unfortunate last posting, was actually cooking and leaning over my shoulder while I wrote his comments. Understand, his English isn't perfect, and I'll admit I quoted him literally, with all the mangled verb conjugations and prepositions, etc left intact. This was not to disparage him, but to try to capture the unique rhythm of his speech, which I think adds impact to his points. Think of Jim in 'Huckleberry Finn.' Imagine if Twain had corrected Jim's speech to sound like the Queen's English. The sense would have been the same literally, but the music of it would have been lost. I was trying to capture some of that same spirit in Islam. If I failed, I failed and take the blame.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say -- for those who speak only English -- is I didn't think much of the posting either. But think of Via Prague as an ongoing, extended dialogue, a story. And let's hope the next part will be better. If not, dear readers, I can be found hanging out a certain pub in Prague called Pilotu (or just ask for Pavel's bar in Vrsovice) and you are more than welcome to drop by (armed or unarmed, well, unarmed is best) and we'll settle our differences in person. The first pint's on me. And you can even try Islam's cooking. I recommend the curry beef and rice. If you're really nice, he might even let you use his computer.
In my defense, Islam read the reader responses and smiled. 'So --' he said. 'They think we are wrong.'
'Let's write another one,' I said, sitting down with a determined air at the computer in the kitchen at Pavels' where he works.
'No, no,' he said. 'Today we have not anything to say. We must wait.'
Grudgingly I realized, after a few vacant stabs at the keyboard, he was right. The critics had had their day. It's certainly not the first time. While working at the T-S, I recall a certain inmate (who insisted he was innocent) at the Humboldt County Jail used to leave messages on my phone telling me how bad my reporting of his case was.
'I wonder,' the inmate ruminated ominously. 'I wonder, Mr. Tressler, how you sleep at night.'
Not very well, but that could be for any number of reasons -- even poor writing -- but certainly not for any inmates parked in the Pokey, innocent or otherwise, and certainly not for critics. This is not just a turn of phrase: We're all innocent of at least one crime. I may be a 'former reporter,' but being a good writer is one crime of which I've sometimes been accused, but never convicted.
Comments
OMG, the response was somehow (I didn't think it possible) worse by leaps and bounds than the original post.
James, I did know you when you were here and while the newspaper staff thought you were just so great the reality is that this community is quite glad you have left the country and would like you to stay gone. Sorry to break the news so harshly but I don't believe in euphemism. You deserve the truth so there it is.
Posted by: anon | October 5, 2008 06:51 AM
Thanks for this post!
Posted by: Kostenlos Filme Downloaden | July 18, 2009 07:54 PM
Great idea, thanks for this tip!
Posted by: Trial | July 29, 2009 02:00 PM
I am a father of a highschool girl. She is very interested in electrical engineering. I am considering sending her to get a college-degree in engineering but I am aftraid it does not suit a girl.
Posted by: college degrees | January 18, 2010 01:05 PM
Thanks for the great writing. I will be returning.
Posted by: Mike Osiecki | June 4, 2010 05:14 AM
Who in God's name thought constructing a mosque at ground zero is recommended? I'm not much of a great fan of both Glen Beck or Sarah Palin yet when held up against Obama and his supremely idiotic government, both of these are geniuses, come on The states, there's a bit of unusual stuff happening. Clare.
Posted by: Yolonda Slocombe | August 31, 2010 02:30 AM
It's topics like this one that make me sit and think - makes me ponder, "did I really think I knew what I was talking about?
Posted by: jordans | September 18, 2010 12:26 PM
Come on, who are the people who are looking at this **** and keeps making it popular? Show after show, magazine after magazine! I don't care about Britney, Britney shaving her head and "Paul Funky Fresh 50 g's Jackson Diddy" I hope your "crib" burns in hell!!!!
Posted by: Reda Jupiter | September 22, 2010 06:02 PM
Come on, who will be the people who will be focusing on this shit and continue so that it is well-known? Show after show, magazine after paper!
Posted by: Carli Hush | September 23, 2010 11:14 AM
I am choosing to publish this, while i read a 16-year-old lass accessorizing with high-heeled sandals had gone down between carriages in the train in West Sussex The uk, This girl was killed, clearly. It was snowing that afternoon, but this young sweetheart, with a lifetime of fashion alternatives before her, moved around along that platform and is now expired. I could hardly help suspecting that had the young woman been using a shoe suitable for movement, and not to push her bosoms out together with her pelvis forward, she'd be full of life.
Posted by: Jules Brulatour | September 23, 2010 06:20 PM
"Sometimes i would prefer to think that individuals would just get a lifestyle and recognize how stupid they seem. I mean, why have you been spamming, is it a means of hacking or something. Just cease, please, i like to learn others opinions too ya know. anyhow, beneficial submit. just get rid with the spam please. thanks."
Posted by: Kids Karaoke Machines | October 10, 2010 08:22 AM
I believe one of your adverts triggered my internet browser to resize, you might want to put that on your blacklist.
Posted by: Zooey And Emily Deschanel | October 20, 2010 02:07 PM
The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it'll do even better in those areas, but for now it's a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod's strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.
Posted by: Luigi Fulk | November 3, 2010 07:44 PM
I am trying to add your rss feed to my reader, but it doesnt' work :(
Posted by: buy generic viagra | November 3, 2010 11:30 PM
High quality info here! Keep up the great work. I love the feelings being expressed.
Posted by: Seo Services | November 6, 2010 06:59 AM
Well, I don’t know if that’s going to work for me, but definitely worked for you! :) Lovely post!
Posted by: cheap conveyancing | November 9, 2010 12:11 AM
High quality info here! Keep up the great work. I love the feelings being expressed.
Posted by: Buy Backlinks | November 9, 2010 09:41 PM
Hello there! I really enjoy reading your blog! If you keep making amazing posts like this I will come back every day to keep reading.
Posted by: How to Make Money | November 11, 2010 07:40 PM
Dreamin. I love blogging. You all express your feelings the right way, because they are your feeling, focus on your blog it is great.
Posted by: Free Porn | November 15, 2010 01:58 PM
You make blogging look like a walk in the park! I've been trying to blog daily but I just cant find writing material.. you're an inspiration to me and i'm sure many others!
Posted by: Motorcycle Jacket | November 16, 2010 01:04 PM
Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.
Posted by: Link Building | November 30, 2010 02:01 AM
Nice piece of facts that you've got in this website submit. Hope I can get some a lot more of this stuff on your web site. I'll appear back.
Posted by: Abram Kanelos | December 2, 2010 10:01 AM
This is the best blog I've ever seen in my life! I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day to share your this with everyone.
Posted by: Backlinks | December 2, 2010 12:58 PM
Maintain up the great function mate. This weblog publish exhibits how properly you realize and know this subject.
Posted by: Money Extractor Review | December 3, 2010 06:07 AM
I'll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)
Posted by: Pencil Drawings | December 7, 2010 10:27 AM
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it's rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.. :)
Posted by: Link Building | December 8, 2010 11:01 AM
Great blog!! You should start many more. I love all the info provided. I will stay tuned :)
Posted by: Buy Backlinks | December 12, 2010 02:36 PM
I would like to start my own blog one day. This was a really nice blog that you made here. Keep up the success :P
Posted by: Link Building | December 15, 2010 01:28 AM
Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.
Posted by: Buy Backlinks | December 15, 2010 02:59 AM
Awesome publish which has obtained me considering in regards to the prospective of the idea. Actually actually wonderful.
Posted by: Auto Traffic Hijack Bonus | December 15, 2010 10:52 AM
I certainly admire your design. Would it be possible that you could contact me with your graphic?
Posted by: ke$ha tickets | December 16, 2010 09:48 AM
Keep focusing on your blog. I love how we can all express our feelings. This is an extremely nice blog here :)
Posted by: Phoenix Web Design | December 16, 2010 06:33 PM
Nice!! Great Ifo. Great People. Great Blog. Thank you for all the great sharing that is being done here.
Posted by: Phoenix Web Design | December 17, 2010 12:38 AM
I love the expression. Everyone needs to express there own opinion and feel free to hear others. Keep it up :)
Posted by: Link Building | December 17, 2010 05:08 PM
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy.
Posted by: Buy Links | December 18, 2010 01:14 AM
hello, I haven't so much spoke to you on the chat in a while, but I guessed I should message you from my latest Netbook!! No fun, I work for a cool company today in the fraud dep. Do not tell any one but we located this site that is totally glitching and sending out no cost Netbook!! to everybody that signs up. I assume you may well have to confirm your e mail, Best wishes livecam xxx
Posted by: livecam xxx | December 18, 2010 06:09 PM
I love the way you write and also the theme on your blog. Did you code this yourself or was it done by a professional? I'm very very impressed.
Posted by: Seo Services | December 18, 2010 06:28 PM
kesgardner so Jennifer Gray lamenting her victory" ovr Bristol is equivalent 2 a prof. team bragging bout beating an mydirtyhobby team. sad"
Posted by: mydirtyhobby Videos | December 19, 2010 06:18 AM
amtehtjtejshnoitthsakeksmjfhvfneplo
Posted by: lenen zonder bkr toetsing | December 20, 2010 05:44 PM
Hello, nice article and wonderful and structured blog.
Posted by: free credit report | December 20, 2010 06:14 PM
Very efficiently written post. It will be helpful to anybody who usess it, including me. Keep up the good work - i will definitely read more posts.
Posted by: Russell Nickolas | December 20, 2010 09:29 PM