What’s the Point?

I rather like it when my blog hits a nerve.

I don’t want to open any wounds, or anything, but what’s the point of writing a blog if it doesn’t garner a response?

I don’t consider myself to be a particularly aggressive or negative person, but, like most, I do have opinions on lots of things, and, like most, I do get exercised about one or two issues in particular.

When asked, you lot seem to like it when I have a good snark about something. When I check the statistics for my blog, the most popular posts are generally the ones in which I have a good old moan, and I guess that’s the nature of the beast. It rather makes me smile.

I don’t promise to be consistent, and I don’t promise that I’ll always be fair. I’m human, after all, probably about as human as you are. Some of you write blogs, too, and those of you that do also voice your opinions. That’s what a blog is for.

So, I’m always a little surprised when I’m told that I’m being unfair or unjust, or when I’m told that I’m wrong, especially when I’m told those things somewhere other than on the comments of this blog.

I keep an open comments page. You can say what you like here, and I’d be happy if you did so. I think a dialogue is a wonderful, healthy approach to almost everything. I’m more than happy for you to persuade me out of my opinions, especially if they are ill-judged or just plain snarky, but they are only opinions, and, as such, they can hardly be characterised as simply ‘wrong’.

You and I will not always like the same things or people, but neither one of us is wrong, although... you know... your taste is questionable.

There are, of course, views that I do consider to be beyond the pale; they include tendencies to sexism, racism, persecution on religious grounds and homophobia, so I’d prefer you keep those nasties to yourself, but I’m not going to ban anything, and I do want you all to join the debate.

Don’t tell me that a blog... MY BLOG is no place for my opinions, especially not when the reason I’m writing a blog in the first place is to air my thoughts and even, sometimes, my feelings about stuff.

Don’t tell me I’m wrong, because it’s only the same as saying that you’re right, and you’re in my house, and you’re welcome, and I’m content for us to agree to differ and so should you be.

If you’re a fan of the abomination that is self-publishing, weigh in with your opinion. If, heaven help you, you enjoyed 50 bloody Shades, have the courage of your convictions. I’m happy to respect you, just so long as you do no less for me.