The other night, I came across a graphic on a journal's sidebar that made me laugh. The one right here about keeping my page public. Isn't that hilarious?! I think most of us have experienced our share of hostile lurkers, and that makes it extra funny to me. My feeling has always been, by all means, read all you want. No one is stopping you. But if you dislike what I write--or me--so much, why on earth would you keep reading? I've always felt that way about censorship. While I don't think there's anything wrong with "parental guidance" stickers or movie ratings, my overriding sentiment has always been that if you don't like reading it, just stop reading, whether it's a book, magazine, newspaper, or journal. If you don't like hearing it, turn off the radio. If you don't like watching it, change the channel. It makes me crazy when others try to dictate what I am able to read, see, or hear, and no one is holding you at gunpoint forcing you to experience anything you find objectionable. If you feel that threatened by the Big Bad World, perhaps you might be a candidate for the compound in El Dorado or other such insular environs.
Ken thought that graphic was pretty funny, too, but we agreed that neither of us would put it up on our journals, because it kind of sends the wrong message to those who read either or both of us. (I won't be adding it to my sidebar, just thought I'd share it with you because I found it funny.) The overwhelming majority of those who read this (and Ken's journal) are exceptionally nice and interesting people, and I salute you all. SaaaaaLUTE!
Sometimes things will just strike me and fill me with joy and gratitude. I know that sounds corny, but I don't care. As I read some of my comments today, it made me think about how much fun it is to get readers from all over the country and an occasional international visitor, and a few regular readers who comment often. Your comments often make me think or reconsider my position on a topic; I find your occasional compliments extremely flattering and uplifting; and sometimes you just make me laugh out loud!
I love getting your thoughts and viewpoints, and I enjoy exchanging emails about my entries or your comments. Call me SpongeBeth, because I love absorbing all of your ideas and tips and recommendations! A lot of us participated recently in a Magic Smoke request to write about how the Web has changed our lives. One of the best things in the past couple of years has been finding so many fascinating people, and people with common interests, in our little online community of J-Land, as well as the blogtropolis at large. It's great to hear about your little corner of the world, and about life in your hometown or your travels to places local or exotic.
I enjoy sharing my pictures with you as well as seeing yours. I think you've all noticed that I'm pretty crazy about our place here--it really is the place of my dreams--and I hope I can give you an idea of what it's like here at Nutwood, whether through my writing or through pictures and video. I'm very blessed to be surrounded by the beauty of nature every single day, and it's something I don't take lightly. We don't really own this place, we are its caretakers. I appreciate all of your comments about our adventures here at Nutwood, and I'll continue to do my best to describe things and give you an idea of what it's like in OUR little corner of the world.
So to all my J-Land pals, and to my family and friends who read this, thanks for reading and/or commenting. It's a lot of fun to read all your comments. If it sounds like I'm going away or dying, I'm not! I'm fine and dandy, but I guess I just got hit by the gratitude stick, and wanted to try to express how much I enjoy you all.
YOU GUYS ROCK!
6 comments:
You have put what I feel about our community into the right words, isn't it great just to get a glimpse into other people's lives and that they let us share their high's and lows.
Well said Beth
Yasmin
xx
Right back at you hon! I know it allows me to interact with so many more people than I otherwise would have the privilege of knowing. This area I live in has a secular mindset on people like me, too bad they didn't get to know me first; It's their loss. I rather know people who garner my respect and friendship, people like you and Ken. (Hugs) Indigo
Woo Hoo and your prize is knowing your smarter then the average bear (yogi bear gets all the credit). I did read your jounal tonight and glasses are not cheap any longer. As well as Gas, food, whatever. Congratulations.
Chili Sauce
Appreciation is a two way street.
Ditto from me to all of our new J-Land friends :o)
well the online stalking and harassing thing is very serious. I have been singled out and had things said about my underage children and my defenseless husband that are almost criminal. I have had my whole online life ruined and have never felt as i once did about AOL/Jland due to terrible harassment. This is an ongoing thing that has lasted more than a year. NO ONE deserves this.
you are a very "real" and kind and humorous person and i love how you express yourself in your journal. I love to read about your job and i am a nosy Gemini and find great interest in many things and you have that about you too. Not the nosy part, the interest in many things. LOL
HUGS!
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