Blogging for FrUstratioN. That’s what I do. Mustering up the creative juices to find something to write about is a challenge.
You see, according to Jody at SWT, I’ve taken this website and made it my own. He says it has “personality”. Trying to live up to that is a lot of freakin’ pressure. It’s tough to perform when your fans tune in expecting “personality”, whatever the jeepers that is. I think it means I’m interesting but not attractive, like Joe Pesci. It might mean that I have content that relates to my life, not just stuff I’ve found on the internet that is unique or weird. I’ve put these types of posts up before, but I don’t find them very satisfying, creatively speaking. I mean, toilet bowl fishtanks and flashlight slippers are creative ideas, but blogging about them feels like buying a lasagna and passing it off as homemade.
Sometimes I think I can get a post springboarded from a clever phrase, a play on words, or interesting quote. Shoot low boys, they’re riding Shetland Ponies. The blond leading the blond. The price of freedom of speech is that we must put up with a good deal of rubbish. Any of these could kick off an interesting rant, but could also serve as proof that Robert Jackson was right about the freedom of speech rubbish thingy. I mean, how do you get your post to be as interesting as the clever tagline that inspired it?
I often find inspiration in desperation. Posts about negative events in my life wind up being my most popular ones. These posts seem to entertain the most, but require pre-payment of cash or gray hairs. My sanity and wallet can only afford so much of this type of inspiration.
Then there’s always writing about nothing, or writing about how hard it is to find something to write about. Such is the topic of this post. Good ol’ faithful complaints about writer’s block are always superb fillers for creative imagination. Thank GOD for the ability to bitch about not being able to find a topic to write about!
But, enough about me and my problems. Let’s talk about you. You guys out there reading this are not totally without responsibility in this little venture so aptly named “Oh Me Nerves!” You guys have a job to do too. You have the job of motivating the author. “How do I do that?”, you ask. Leave comments on my posts. Tell me what you think… leave a smartass remark… just say “hi”. Alternatively, cash is a suitable replacement for comments if you are too shy to type a couple of words.
So, here’s your homework, my faithful readers. If you have read this post, leave a comment. Consider it an Oh Me Nerves roll call. Include four things:
- Your name (first name is fine) and location.
- Roughly how often you check in to this blog (daily, weekly, every now and then, you just fluked upon this post today, etc)
- A complimentary comment regarding the content of this blog, its format, or the rugged good looks of its charming author (see pic included here for inspiration).
- (Optional) A topic for discussion on one of my future posts.
Nadine
August 12, 2007 at 7:02 pm
1) Nadine, Whitby Ontario, by way of GrandFalls, NL
2)You are on my blog roll, when you update I check!
3)The picture you included today reminds me of John Cleese and Monty Python
4) Write about a favourite place on the Rock
Jody
August 12, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Oh yeah, get your audience to do the work for you. I should try that.
> Your name (first name is fine) and location.
Jody in Riverview, NB
> Roughly how often you check in to this blog (daily, weekly, every now and then, you just fluked upon this post today, etc)
Never. I rely on Google Reader to let me know when you’ve posted something.
> A complimentary comment regarding the content of this blog, its format, or the rugged good looks of its charming author (see pic included here for inspiration).
I LOVE your web hosting!
> 4. (Optional) A topic for discussion on one of my future posts.
Write about a favorite place in this non-Rock, New Brunswick.
Steve
August 12, 2007 at 10:46 pm
1) Steve, in Moncton NB, by way of St. John’s NL
2) I check every 5 minutes in a narcissistic rage! (It’s my blog)
3) Ain’t the author handsome?
4) Ask your readers to fill out stupid questionnaires!
wayne osmond
August 13, 2007 at 8:11 am
wayne,cape ray,NL
I check every time i see it on the updated blog roll.
i think were related. we have the same flawless facial features that drive women crazy.
blog topic? blog about which NL blogger would make the best premier and which bloggers he should have in his cabinet.
gary
August 13, 2007 at 12:35 pm
gary montreal quebec
once a day on my break
it all in the genes
running out of sticky stuff
Donna
August 13, 2007 at 2:39 pm
1. Donna – the wife of the handsome??? blogger
2. I check your blog only when I have the time to get on the computer
3. Ya know, there are some nice pictures of you in our album
4. Topic to write about – ohhhhh let’s see…how about the chances of moving back to Newfoundland
Connie
August 14, 2007 at 8:42 am
1. Connie Greene – I’m not even closely related to the blogger.
2. I check your blog once a week (if I am lucky)…. – I have to say I love it – very entertaining.
3. I think Donna is taking pity on you – I have never ever seen a nice picture of you….
4. I dunno – how to take a better picture maybe…. or like Donna said – the chances of moving back to Newfoundland (that would be nice)….
Nadine
August 14, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Thanks for the link Steve; I have you on my friends list as well. Thanks too, for your support and encouragement…this whole blogging racket can be hard on the old ego!
Cindy
August 14, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Cindy ..Goulds..Newfoundland
I check your blog everyday.. some times two even three time Sad I know but hey I just love it………..
I think Connie is wrong I did see one very nice picture of you it was taken many many years ago
But I like what both Donna and Connie would like as a topic Moving home would be great
Jamie
August 14, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Jamie… St. John’s, NL
I check your blog whenever the kids are not on the computer
The Author…well I don’t know how you get all the time to do this.
Topic…Talk about your crazy photos
Shelly
August 15, 2007 at 8:54 am
1. Shelly aka Michelle – Mount Pearl, Newfoundland
2. Every other day.
3. I hear good looks run in the family… I also have it on good authority that the parents of the author stopped having offspring when they got it completely right!
4. Topic…. With duct tape and silicone you could rule the world! Or we could discuss the whole Newfoundland thing : )
rekounas
August 15, 2007 at 11:02 am
1. Greg Rekounas … Clifton Royal, NB (on the Kingston Peninsula)
2. Whenever you post something new via bloglines and now Google Reader.
3. White on Black is suppose to be bad for websites. You and Pender have been able to pull it off though.
4. Hmmm, let me think. You have covered the birthdays and celebrations. You have never posted about Billy Gosse looking for a job. That would be cool!
Steve
August 16, 2007 at 2:44 pm
I’d like to thank all of you folks who responded… but I KNOW there’s more of you out there! Keep the roll call coming!
Craig
August 17, 2007 at 1:13 pm
1. Craig – Mount Pearl NL
2. Every now and then
3. Your wife is a “Saint”!!!
4. How long should someone wait to have booze dropped off to them??
Donna
August 17, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Ohhh from what I hear you owe Craig a bottle of red wine…and I owe him some hugs and kisses. Thanks so much Craig…
Paul
August 20, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Hey Steve, your pool buddy from Moncton here……I used to read your blog every day but can only read it from home now….as you know, the federal government don’t like you much lol….yes folks, his blog has been banned by our IT department. It was pre “Lorn’s Arse”…..honestly
I’d like to see more billiard content. For those of you who don’t know, Steve is an accomplished cue sports artist…..top 10 in his league and most importantly, sportsman of the year! He’s got the hardware to prove it.
Steve
August 20, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Gee Paul… thanks. I’m blushing. :`