I had a different post lined up for today but decided to write this one instead.
Last night - between thunderstorms - I was preparing a new post for my other blog Cabinet of Curious Treasures After I finished, my initial thought was Some people are going to be offended by this. I was right on target. Two "followers" dropped me immediately.
There was a time when I used to get extremely upset if I offended my readers. Lately, however, "offended" readers tend to annoy the hell out of me. Is it really possible that some people are so super-sensitive and notoriously huffy that they can't tolerate anything that conflicts with their narrow-minded point of view?
I'm definitely the most sensitive person I know. My acute sensitivity borders on being psychotic. But I never get offended by what other people put in their blogs. It's their opinion and their privilege. We're all different and if everyone agreed on everything it would be one boring world.
A few weeks ago I got a sweet message from a new reader who just discovered my blog. She said that she loved it and couldn't wait to read more.
She read more and dropped me like a hot cake.
The main problem with my blog (as I see it) is that I send mixed messages. There's no consistency in what I write. Sometimes I'm coy and saccharine, other times I'm raunchy and crude. I think it generates interest - but I'm sure it also serves to confuse. I'm unable to attract a solidly specific readership.
When I write about "gay stuff" and my sordid Hollywood past, I lose my Baptist church lady readers. And I shock my relatives. When I omit the sex and smut, I lose my gay readers.
If I give my opinions on politics, I lose everybody. If I write about classical music I'll bore some readers. If I write about the weather I'll bore everyone. If I write about myself and my colorful past, I'll be viewed as arrogant, conceited, and self-absorbed.
In short, I can't win.
Am I complaining? Not really. I'm just trying to analyze the situation. Blogging ain't as easy as it looks. Either is keeping readers satisfied.
I purposefully started my other blog as a way of more fully expressing my raunchy side and exploring the realms of those forbidden Cities on the Plains (read between the lines). Instead, I found myself severely editing what I posted and presenting sanitized renditions.
Last night I strayed from the Disney version and lost two readers.
Well, tough crap.
In essence, I think just being myself is the most rational option. Trying to please the masses (like a politician) would be forfeiting who I really am and tainting my integrity (you didn't think I had integrity, did you?).
Actually, I've never been an In-Your-Face type person.
I don't fly rainbow flags
or post I Loathe Obama banners.
I don't want to save rain forests or spotted owls.
I don't proclaim that Jesus Loves You.
Let him decide for himself.
I don't have the urge to bomb abortion clinics.
I'll never tell you not to eat meat.....
or not to vote for that Witch Hillary
(I knew that would get you)
Actually, I'm often so nice and congenial that I sometimes like myself.
My beer rants are always popular. Perhaps I should drink more.
I'm sure glad you didn't tell me not to eat meat, I'd have to leave you cold after all these years.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have a sense of humor. This world needs all the positive vibes it can get.
DeleteWell dear, I love you and your blog, so I say keep doing whatever your doing! As Mae West said, " Those you are easily shocked should be shocked more offen."
ReplyDeleteI never heard that quote from West, but I love it!
DeleteJust don't tell me Jesus had blue eyes and auburn hair.
ReplyDeleteI think Jesus was actually an African American.
DeleteMethinks the general populace doesn't know what they're missing!
ReplyDeleteFew people have good taste.
Deletepearl-clutchers are most annoying. I LOVED the latest "cabinet" post! fuck da h8ers!
ReplyDeleteThey should be strangled with their own pearls.....
DeleteYour bark is way worse than your bite. It is written all over your posts, and visible from California, so I just chuckle.
ReplyDeleteI don't keep track of my followers, I just write when I feel like writing. My responsibility as a writer is to those who have the patience and willingness to go where I go when I want to go there.
You have a great attitude, Tony.
DeleteAnd my bark is definitely worse than my bite. Most of the time.....
I don't talk about sex, my love life, past relationships and don't care about yours. If that makes me a "hater" then so be it. You seem to be quite "hung up" about your past and any suggestion to move on meets with rebuttal. I am 65 years old and don't have time for all the psycho-drama. I wish you well but I am trying to stay positive and not sink into despair like it's something romantic. I don't want to write poetry and anguish over my regrets.I wish to avoid all that "dark night of the soul" crap. best wishes.......
ReplyDeleteI'll bet you read my recent post entitled "Past Tense".
DeleteI applaud your quest to stay positive. You sound like a very positive person.
Jon,
Delete"Is it really possible that some people are so super-sensitive and notoriously huffy that they can't tolerate anything that conflicts with their narrow-minded point of view?" Yes, unfortunately I think that is exactly what people have come to. You can't have discussions anymore. As soon as you say something the other party disagrees with you have a war on your hands, and you get called nasty names. I advised Ronald a while back, you can either be a writer or you can have a thin skin, you can't have both. That's why I decided to write what I do and who cares who de-friends me over what I see as truth. I think I'm one of the most unoffensive fellows on the planet, too, but if I worried over what might offend someone I might as well go live in a cave...with a big rock over the entrance. Write on, Jon, write on!
Lar
Lar, unfortunately, we live in a SUPER SENSITIVE society. Everybody is offended by everything. And if we dare to put our opinions in writing our words become a lightning rod.
DeleteQ: Are you drinking any more?
ReplyDeleteA: No, but I'm not drinking any less, either!
:-)
-Andy
The world looks better when I'm drunk
DeleteJon,
ReplyDeleteI am not offended by any of your views, comments, or blog posts. All friends have differences of opinions. To me real friends don't let those differences affect their friendship. I too am often surprised at how sensitive some people are to my opinions I write in my blog. But I decided a long time ago that my blog is who I am. You either like me or you don't. At this time in my life I don't want to nor have the energy to expend on worrying about what other people think of me. If they want to leave my blog because they are offended, fine. I wish them a happy life. We have some differences, Hillary for one (who I don't hate like some people do) but those differences to me are small potatoes unless that difference comes from someone like Ted Nugent who thinks it is funny to shoot Hillary. Now that is one person I wouldn't be friends with. Just keep on being yourself Jon, that's why I find your blog posts so interesting and you so likable.
Ron
Ron, I think that somewhere in the past we were related. Your support is always appreciated.
DeleteTo the earlier poster who doesn't want to examine his (her?) past, that's fine, but I don't see how Jon doing so makes any difference to your life whatsoever. You're not being positive, you're wearing blinders. P.S. Your age has nothing to do with it.
ReplyDeleteOkay then. Guess that struck my mama bear chord. Don't mess with "my" cub. (Oh God, I've been living in Alaska too long when I'm making bear references)
I too miss the art of discussing different views. Too many TV shows turn into shouting matches and I think it has bled over into the general populace. At least with your blog you can't be interrupted in the middle of a sentence. Don't let the haters get you down.
Sometimes I think the wilderness of Alaska would be the best place to be. Of course, I might offend the bears.
DeleteMediocrity is boring. Be yourself, that's why I read. Variety is the spice of life.
ReplyDeleteI try to incorporate my many aspects - - but I possibly have TOO many aspects.....
DeleteJon, both your blogs are terrific and so are you.
ReplyDeleteI occasionally annoy myself, but I'd never stop "following" me.
DeleteTwo things. First, the wide variety of your posts is part of your blog's charm. You aren't a one-dimensional person, so why should your blog be? If what you writes bothers anyone, oh well. C'est la vie.
ReplyDeleteAnd second, don't assume that someone actively and purposely stopped following you. I've lost a lot of followers in the past few months, too, and so have a lot of other people. Google's doing. They've been cleaning out some inactive stuff, which includes followers who are no longer around. (At least, that's what I'm telling myself...)
I have so many dimensions that I should be in the Twilight Zone. Some people just don't understand them.
DeleteI know the exact reason these latest people stopped following me.....but I can't imagine why anyone would ever want to abandon your blog.
I've been back-reading and loving the photos on your other blog! I establish a family type of connection with each of my readers, and my blog has lived over 16 years. If I don't "feel it" for someone, I don't mind losing them. One follower left yesterday. I think he also left your blog. It was a vast relief, as I don't need the drama. To me, being easily offended is a luxurious necessity of the narcissist.
ReplyDeleteI left a response to this comment on your blog. Thanks for visiting.
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