Perhaps I should have used a smaller font, and possibly a light grey colour, to say that I am considering (note: considering) taking a break from this blogging thing. That this has not been a welcome announcement would be an understatement.
M at blog
After the outrage, threats on my person and pleas the most common question is why am I considering this and I’d not even a year old. This would be as good a time as any for a step into history.
Back Then
True, this blog was started precisely on January 1st 2005. I uploaded my 120th post last week.
The history has been chequered indeed. Right now am running on wordpress on my own domain.
Homo Sapiens
I used to be on blogger, and besides the annoying URL, flexibility was acutely wanting.
Homo Erectus
What you may or may not know is that Thinker’s Room did not come to life this year, nor was it a blog when it came into existence. It was a webzine of sorts that came to life in mid 2001. Yes, 2001. The first couple of issues are forever lost (didn’t occur to me to archive them) but the first archived issue is me “Venting on the rain and Kenyans, and a thoroughly unfair look at family ties” in Nov 16 2001. After a run of 4 years I decided to go the blog earlier this year way chiefly because:
- It was a considerable pain to do updates, because I quite literally had to do everything – layout, design, content, etc
- It was rather hard to get feedback
Homo Habilis
What still fewer of you know is that before Thinker’s Room I had something else online in 1999. And no I’m not giving you the URL for love or for money, but here is a doctored screenshot. If you remember it keep it to yourself! This is what actually got my feet wet with regards to this whole online business, in the good old days when there was no Google and the biggest online names were Yahoo and Excite
Australopithecus
What even fewer of you know is that my first online anything was way back in 1997 when I did some work for a company called Form-Net, that now I think is called KenyaWeb.
This means that I have been online in some way or the other for some 9 or so years.
Of Blogging
I’ve been asked repeatedly why I blog. I’ve thought about it myself on occasion, and explored the web a bit to see why people blog. Or rather what they say when asked why they blog.
Personally, I think “why do you blog” is a very vague question. In my view it is actually two questions:
- Why do you write?
- Why do you blog?
They are totally different things. There are many people who write very well and do not blog. And I am sorry to say there are are even more people who blog and cannot write. They are not the same thing.
Why do I write?
Because I like writing and have been doing it since I was in primary school. I have several dozen assorted essays and stories and novellas lying around in the crib.
Why do I blog?
I blog because I like telling stories. My kicks are from the knowledge that something I have said has been well received. It’s a lot like stand up comedy. Once you’ve dropped that joke and the audience is in stitches then that right there is the high you’ve been looking for. That drives you to up your game still more.
Seeing that this is an online medium, I can’t really tell your reactions to anything I’ve written so the only way I can know is if you let me know. Some of you know me in person and tell me in person. Some of you email me. And some of you leave comments. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what gives me the drive to
- Write
- Put it online
In summary – I will blog as long as I know I am striking a chord, and there is no way I can know that unless you pick your poison and let me know.
Pie A La Email
Pie A La Comment
And this is why I take issue with ‘the silent ones’ who ‘keep in the background’ and have never leave a comment or drop an email. I mean really, what does it cost you? It’s just one click, and I don’t have any rules or regulations – even LOL is perfectly acceptable. You have complete carte balance (unless of course you’re trying to sell me things to enlarge other things, or you have money that you’d like me to hold on behalf of your deceased dictator husband). Otherwise I welcome all feedback, including constructive critique!
For all those who keep a brother going — a thousand thank yous. In case you don’t know yourselves one forthcoming post will leave you in little doubt.
As long as I feel I’d still striking a chord I’ll keep blogging. When I feel I’m not — well … all good things must come to an end. Until I get round to evolving x-ray vision I’ll work with that is available to me.
But that’s just me – I’m quirky like that.
AOB
I’ve decided not to take that break quite yet after all :)
AOAOB
I enjoyed the eclipse by using very high tech, cutting edge technology – looking through the side of a coffee mug. It was an amazing sight indeed, and testament to the power of the sun too!
Shabba Ranks – Mr Loverman