Oct 06, 2010 11:35 AM
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Blogging is the ‘in’ thing these days. Like it or not, everyone seems to be making that annoying typing noise on their keyboards more than usual, as if the world really was going to end in 2012. Opinions have always had their fare share of limelight. Sachin probably has received a most thorough dissertation of how to play the square cut properlyfrom the average sofa audience. I don’t know whether or not he has picked up on the nuances – how to roll the wrists, put the weight on the back foot and get the body behind the shot, but he does appear to going just fine. However, every time he gets out playing that shot (most recently during the 2010 Border – Gavaskar trophy, 1st Test match), it is amusing to see the re-enactment of how the shot shouldhave been played, fans and critics alike – practicing the exact shot in front of the t.v. and providing running commentary along with it. That’s the thing about advice, it’s always been free. Blogging has taken the “listen to my advice” phenomenon to a whole new level. It is the brand ambassador for private advertising. Whether or not you are willing enough to share your life experiences, or are a patron of artistic expression, just want to give advice or think sensationalism can actually get you places, I decided to share some thoughts about blogging – for those who want to venture into this new world or have already done it…
Look, I can write: From celebrities to nobodys, everyone seems to have a blog these days. And when I say everyone, I mean literally, everyone.Blogging has become a one time pathway to become a somebody. So there is a Steve Jobs blog and then a ‘Fake Steve Jobs’ blog. Association is a marvelous thing. Barring the 15 seconds of fame that come with uncalled for attachment, blogging is a clear dictum about a startling truth – writing. Whoever said that writing was a scarce and ‘rare’ gift most certainly didn’t fathom the concept of blogging. All things aside, blogging is foremost, an overt presentation of the blogger’s writing prowess. In the pre-blogging era, writing was considered sacred, a ‘gift’ that was hard, if not impossible to emulate. But now, when everyone considers themselves Shakespeare, then the realShakespeares get lost in the crowd. I am not saying that I’m not appreciative of the free publicity that writing is getting through blogging, but it seems to have lost its aura. Blogging has made writing commercial, in a way that if you can put words together in the manner of ‘subject’ and ‘predicate’, you can write! I’m very happy that more and more people are exploring their ‘writer’ in them, but this trend has destroyed the sanctity and pleasure of written expression. Words have become just that – words… However, as a writer, I can account for the passion behind each word I write. That pleasure has most definitely, suffered. Write within your means. Write with a purpose. These are the two most important lines I’ll everwrite. This is because this sums up what writing is for me. Don’t be overreaching and write what you know best. You have the poetic license but do not write something for the sake of writing. It is a great disservice to the art (or at least for those who still consider it an art form). Have a clear purpose in mind before you begin. What do wish to achieve through that piece of writing? What sort of response do you want to draw from the audience? Consider these questions before you begin. Use personal experiences by all means, but don’t just narrate them because you feel they haven’t been narrated with feelingby destiny…
Look, I am unique: Always remember, you’re unique, just like everyone else. You see the number of “Followers” increasing day by day and that inflates the ego faster than hot air inflates balloons. This is the era of private advertisements where people go to any lengths to share their life. It’s amazing how much we want to share, or may be it’s just an indication of how lonely we feel. Blogging about personal day to day experiences has become a norm. Somehow, it consoles us that there is someone else out there who understands me, knows what I’m going through, or just simply, shares my whacky sense of humour. I think people have started taking the facebook “status” messages a bit too seriously – with their guideline “What are doing right now?” being taken literally by some people. This makes for some really interesting, but meaningless entertainment in the form of – “A walkthrough of my life, with minute to minute commentary”. And so you get a horde of “I just came back from work”, “Had a spat with my boss and then with my wife”. There are also some amusing ones – “Just had a bath… ooh! This shampoo smells really nice...”Futures are made or destroyed by a single update. Your relationship status dictates your social life. If your status is single, it means you’re available in the market and ‘in a relationship’ means hands off. However, I don’t think virtual statuses are indicative of real commitment. So whatever you do, please do not recount your life story or your day to day happenings in your blog. You might think for one moment that you’re different,but so is everyone else. However, if you want to comment on an issue through a personal anecdote, then that’s a different story.
Look, I can lie: Few women admit their age, few men act theirs. I’ve always found some instances in blogs too good to be true. A hyperbole for inducing humour is acceptable, but you should read some of the things people expect to be passed off as gospel. Sensationalism can be a good substitute for ‘popcorn entertainment’ but it shall always remain just that. You will get your 15 seconds of fame and then it will all be over. Don’t expect sensationalism to be a gateway into the writing world. This is because sensationalism has a habit of getting stereotyped. Once you get into that style of writing, people will expect only that from you, deeming you incapable of writing ‘serious’ stuff. Of course, that is a risk which might be successful, but I don’t personally approve of it. You are more than welcome to visit and read the numerous sensational blogs that keep circulating but I won’t recommend that anyone goes down that road. After all, a person needs a good memory after he has lied. It’s just a lot of hassle to keep track of all the lies you’ve made up!
Look, the conclusion: A conclusion is the place where one gets tired of thinking. And such is the case with me. If you can move beyond the farcical ‘I’m important’ phase and contribute regularly on a variety of subjects/issues of contemporary society, give advice on things you know, you will most certainly do well. Writing for artistic expression in the form of poetry, fiction etc is also a good option. Showoff all you want in styles where you’re good at, but attempt different styles.Don’t limit yourself. Watch your syntax and grammar. Grammar might not be everything, but it surely gives a good indication of sound, coherent expression, like it or not. For grammar Nazis like me, it is of utmost significance. It might not be everything, but grammar does add a touch of sophistication and blogging is all about presentation. The words you choose, the way you finish your sentences or if you’re going for sensationalism, how you keep your audience hungry for more… Blogging is a good way to get over writer’s block and achieve consistency in writing. However, it is no substitute to writing in its purest form.
