Virtuality
When one browses thru other blogs, one can't help noticing the number of comments a particular blogger receives. The comments sometimes are as interesting, or sometimes, even more interesting than the blog itself!
What interests me is that the virtual personality a blogger exhibits seems to be a fairly close reflection of their real personality. The few bloggers I have met briefly are perhaps too small a sample to base my conclusion on, but when I read blogs, I get this feeling of how a person would be when I meet him/her.
The similarities to a crowded party room are too many. You see the sparkling wit, engaging everyone effortlessly. You see the happy-go-lucky sort hanging out with birds of the same feather. You see the self-absorbed types, always worrying about themselves, their relationships, and their appearances. You see the shy and retiring sorts, who are content to remain on the sidelines.
And yet, a blog is, to a large extent, not just writing for its own sake, but of being heard, of being appreciated, of being applauded, of being empathized with. The few who know how to "get up there" do it. Their blogs are hits, the traffic healthy, and the comments come pouring in. As in real life. The other wannabes keep trying, but are never heard, or should I say, read. Just like in real life. The Pareto Principle works here too!
What's my point here? Nothing spectacular - just the thought that virtuality is perhaps much closer to reality than we think it is. I know in my case it's true - I'm the one you see standing at the corner, quite happy to be invited to the party, speaking to the few people I know well, and admiring the scene from afar!! :))
What really gives me a kick is to discover a blogger in the early stages, and watch him/her grow in popularity. I like that satisfying feeling it tends to give me - don't ask me why!
What interests me is that the virtual personality a blogger exhibits seems to be a fairly close reflection of their real personality. The few bloggers I have met briefly are perhaps too small a sample to base my conclusion on, but when I read blogs, I get this feeling of how a person would be when I meet him/her.
The similarities to a crowded party room are too many. You see the sparkling wit, engaging everyone effortlessly. You see the happy-go-lucky sort hanging out with birds of the same feather. You see the self-absorbed types, always worrying about themselves, their relationships, and their appearances. You see the shy and retiring sorts, who are content to remain on the sidelines.
And yet, a blog is, to a large extent, not just writing for its own sake, but of being heard, of being appreciated, of being applauded, of being empathized with. The few who know how to "get up there" do it. Their blogs are hits, the traffic healthy, and the comments come pouring in. As in real life. The other wannabes keep trying, but are never heard, or should I say, read. Just like in real life. The Pareto Principle works here too!
What's my point here? Nothing spectacular - just the thought that virtuality is perhaps much closer to reality than we think it is. I know in my case it's true - I'm the one you see standing at the corner, quite happy to be invited to the party, speaking to the few people I know well, and admiring the scene from afar!! :))
What really gives me a kick is to discover a blogger in the early stages, and watch him/her grow in popularity. I like that satisfying feeling it tends to give me - don't ask me why!
posted by thoughtraker at 11:06 AM
3 Comments:
Most of what you say is true. But, as with any theory, there are exceptions. For example, I personally know of a guy of an introvert nature, with great online presence. I haven't observed the reverse though - most outgoing persons also have pretty expressive blogs.
-TII
i agree with TII,i mean i hardly talk to ppl in the real world,i am zero in social cirlces and hardly say hello to anyone i dont know properly but then this blog gives me a life,i mean it helps me to talk what i want to,helps me to feel myself,and i started with zero comments myself and dint know anyone here.i write for myself,and it helped me alot:)
agree TII - exceptions do exist.
good for u Neels! i too write mostly for myself, but sometimes, when i see the interactions on other blogs, i kinda get startled, and it's like a whole new world out there... :)))
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