Reinventing the wheel is a bad option for anything, more so when it comes to civilization. One has to civilize to upgrade the base inherited from the ones who put efforts on giving a shape to the guidelines for a good society and a human being. Being literates, it is inexcusable to resort to an age of crude behavior. What beats me is the fact that being intelligent and having access to a society of intelligent folks, some people tend to evoke disrespect on all individuals. Mutual respect should not be done away if need is to create an elite club of intellectuals.
I am not sure if this is indignation or the wish to stop being the cause for littering others' blogs which otherwise are coming up so well to express their writing talent, I am bidding adieu to this blog of mine. I can sense a smile or two somewhere! When it comes to expecting comments on the pieces of writing, it definitely displays lack of desire to improve if I only want favourable comments. Anything pertinent to the content is always welcome, but using this space to depict sadistic behavior is condemnable. It has become so suffocating to restrict comments, more so for the reason that one should be given freedom of expression. It is also the responsiblity of folks not to misuse freedom, I suppose. Instead of some petty means, which I myself dislike, I thought I should sign off. My decision has not sprung up without being given a chance or two. I cannot sustain things that reflect badly on my belief in righteousness.
I appreciate all the pointers and incitement extended by fellow bloggers thus far. I do not say that the existence of my blog had a significant role to play, it is also not easy to part with MY blog, which had become a part of myself and my expression, but I am doing this because, I guess that’s far better than propagating manners away from decorum. My small voluntary act to maintain blog discipline, in whatever capacity. I would like to explicitly mention that my connection with others’ blogs would be limited to reading ( I don’t want to give up on this for I like to read creative writing and learn quite some things from others’ views too ) alone, and not commenting.
So, here’s Rashmi signing off on a note very close to her, “Don't do unto others as you would have Others not Do Unto you."
I am not sure if this is indignation or the wish to stop being the cause for littering others' blogs which otherwise are coming up so well to express their writing talent, I am bidding adieu to this blog of mine. I can sense a smile or two somewhere! When it comes to expecting comments on the pieces of writing, it definitely displays lack of desire to improve if I only want favourable comments. Anything pertinent to the content is always welcome, but using this space to depict sadistic behavior is condemnable. It has become so suffocating to restrict comments, more so for the reason that one should be given freedom of expression. It is also the responsiblity of folks not to misuse freedom, I suppose. Instead of some petty means, which I myself dislike, I thought I should sign off. My decision has not sprung up without being given a chance or two. I cannot sustain things that reflect badly on my belief in righteousness.
I appreciate all the pointers and incitement extended by fellow bloggers thus far. I do not say that the existence of my blog had a significant role to play, it is also not easy to part with MY blog, which had become a part of myself and my expression, but I am doing this because, I guess that’s far better than propagating manners away from decorum. My small voluntary act to maintain blog discipline, in whatever capacity. I would like to explicitly mention that my connection with others’ blogs would be limited to reading ( I don’t want to give up on this for I like to read creative writing and learn quite some things from others’ views too ) alone, and not commenting.
So, here’s Rashmi signing off on a note very close to her, “Don't do unto others as you would have Others not Do Unto you."
16 comments:
Even as I start writing it, I have no clue as to how this comment will turn out. But this haze is only concerning how to put my points in a coherent, and more importantly convincing manner, so you don't quit doing something you do well.
Face the facts, Rashmi.
1. You write really well, and giving up this blog would be a real shame. Your 'loquacity', as your profile puts it will perhaps not let you stay away for long and you'd perhaps start writing at another location; but these good pieces you've written would be lost, and I'd be deprived of stuff to read.
2. Your blog is your castle, to do with as you please. Brook no opposition. Don't you think stopping writing because somebody is out to play a prank a lousy solution? Those who really wish to comment on your writing can even do so by mail. Include a 'mail me' link to your posts and disable comments if you find them disturbing. If you'd rather have comments, promptly delete/moderate the ones you find distasteful. But do not stop writing. Closing your eyes/running away is a solution, but not a permanent one. Most of the good blogs I visit have the comments turned off/moderated. Besides, do you think this serves any purpose? Will people desist from cheap tricks if you stop?
3. I sense you have a wrong understanding of freedom of expression. I see posts on your blog where there have been a frank exchanges. I have also seen comment pages practically defaced with purposeless nonsensical arguments, which were not necessary in the first place. Freedom of expression does NOT mean that you have to tolerate nameless people who do not even display the courtesy of revealing their identity to you when they spew vitriol over the contents of your posts. The idea of unknown admirers does not extend this far. As for misusing your name on other blogs, identity theft is very common these days. Let the character of the comments identify the author.
There. That pretty much summarizes what I wanted to say. Quitting or not is your personal prerogative, but let it be for the right reasons. This is not one of them.
All said and done, it is finally left to your discretion, but I really do hope you snap out of it, delete this damn post and get back to writing. And as long as you do, I for one will be a regular reader.
Nero has put it right.
What you intend to do is wrong. The reasons are equally lame. Why the heck do you care for people who do not care for you? You have every right to feel disappointed with the comments that might have been posted. But Salman Rushdie did not stop writing after he enraged the Islamic hardliners.Neither did Sania stop playing after some sick remarks were made about her dressing sense. No, I am not trying to flatter you or anything. I agree that for the celebrities mentioned above, it was a matter of a career choice. But atleast they made a conscious decision to listen to the right people. And everyone of us should learn to make that vital judgment in life as to whom we listen to and base our decisions on. There are hundred different things said about each one of us everyday. Life is too short to live out other people's convictions and lose out on the joy of our lives. I do not want you to delete the last post either. Its a nice creative piece.
^Rashmi
Your post has disturbed me to a great extent. I have been watching the proceedings right from the day I first visited your blog and I completely understand how you feel about the whole episode. I am really sorry and I think it is my responsibility to set right this issue. I completely agree with all the points you have stated in your post. Standing between both of you, I have gone through a lot of turmoil myself. Though we guys get along well in some matters, I have no idea why he thinks certain things that he does are just for fun, with no serious intentions. But alas, I can only express my opinion on certain issues, nothing more than that.
Kindly drop the idea of quitting your blog. It is like the proverbial "Burning the castle, afraid of the bedbug"! Moderating comments is of course suffocating for the blogger. So, don't moderate comments. Praises or abuses, look at them the same way. Don't let the former get to your head and the latter to your heart. You always have the option of ignoring unwanted comments or simply deleting them. I patronize this viewpoint. Mind you, we not closing the door on constructive criticism. After all my bogs too get littered a lot, with Monicka Lewinsky, Bipasha basu ,Nana patekar and an "Unnecessary" idiot dropping by!!! "Identity theft is very common these days" isn't it Nero?!!! ;)
So, I yet again request you to get that idea off your mind and continue with your work as usual; cheerfully.
"Life is calling. Where are you?"
P.S: Your comments on our blogs are as valuable as your posts.One small suggestion, try to come up with some big posts. The recent ones are too small to leave a comment :)
@Nero, Sujeet and Enigma,
Whatever be the outcome of this move, I really wanted to acknowledge your effort to help me take a stance. Thanks a lot, friends.
Enigma, when you think it's your responsibility it becomes mine too. You no longer have to be disturbed or go through turmoils. I'm not visiting any blog any more.
@Anon and @Enigma,
Excuse me if this is creating a misunderstanding between you too. I sincerely say that I didn't aim to do that. There's no reason why Enigma should feel bad.
@Anon,
I honestly say that your visiting any blog, in particular my blog ( can't really opine for others) has not caused any resentment for me, I also am being frank in saying that what offended me the most was the fact that you offered comments on others' blogs in my name.
Who would want to own the comments that are not really his/her? It somewhere questions the integrity and crediblity of my opinion. I would not want that. I am not sure if I am being sensitive to own up only what I say and not what others do.
One small suggestion, Anon, instead of getting the commenting task outsourced , do comment as you grade any post under your signature, be it Anonymous also :) All the constructive criticism offered thus far was greatly appreciated .
I never felt that the intentions were bad, could be for fun, but to me , as I said, credibility is important. I felt the whole essence of exchanging views was going for a toss.
However, for some time at least I was made to feel I am a V.I.P, because , I thought only V.I.Ps get to face such things :P ( Changing perspectives when I can't change facts, you know! )
I am not sure if I am wrong, but here's the justification for my doing what I did.
Hey Rashmi,
i may not know as wellas the others do.. But quitting for something which can be coped up with doesnt sound prudent.
When things get overboard, what i ve done so far is to quit but start all over again..
coming to think of it, i have around 4 blogs under different pseudonyms.. But more often than not, the raison-d-etre` behind my blogs hav been a lack of audience for my previous ones, rather than their unwanted prescence..
if u can dispense with some of ur readers , even if they r "sadistic, and unruly" i wouldnt mind.. its the godforsaken number count that i m struggling to boost .. :-))
Dont disappoint ur readers just because one of them seemed cranky..
@ada_Acolyte,
You know, you have not been late into act. Of course, I won't stop you from visiting my blog. That was very kind of you.
@The solliloquist,
It's beyond doubt that your point was very convincing. I have given my decision a rethinking.
Thanks a lot everyone for considering it important to help me realise that I can opt for a better decision. It wasn't just a blog, it was a lesson for life.
ah.. I see you've met the specimen before. Don't worry, dear. I have no intention to flame your blog / disfigure it / whatever.
I just dropped by at random one day and your style of writing got me. So forthright and honest, sometimes dreamy, sometimes whimsical, most times descriptive and thought provoking, always witty and sparkling with an engaging charm... I fell in love with this blog hook line and sinker, and have been visiting almost every alternate day with fond hopes that you would have updated and given me something new to read.
Its a pity you don't blog frequently enough for me. You probably will never blog frequently enough for me because I'm never tired of reading these. I was going through the archives, and really loved your tales at work, they're so similar to what I see sometimes... You really make me see your world through your words.
Not many write like this. I hope you keep writing, and may your writings get better and better (if there can be improvements on perfection!)
You must be a beautiful person (not to be confused with pretty.. I couldn't say, because I've never seen you) to be able to write like this.
Do reply to this comment when you see it. I would like to know if you have seen and accepted my compliments...
@Anon,
:)
No, I didn’t, in the least, suspect that all anonymous folks flame the blogs. I respect your privacy as long as it does not disturb others’. Well, you have an inclination for writing, no doubt. That was so wonderfully written, not sure how many of those adjectives go with my blog, though. Thanks a lot, it did mean a lot to me. I have never taken the blogging act so seriously, and to get a comment that I have been doing it considerably well, enthused me, no doubt.
Keep visiting, hopefully my blog can make you do it :)
One must be really interested in reading others’ work and appreciating it too, even if it means digging into the archives, not all would do it. Thanks again!
You are way too above my standards to be enthused by my paltry comments... I wish I could only write like you, I've tried blogging a lot of times, only to fail miserably. Dearth of expressive words, lack of imagination... I'm not even remotely close to where you stand. Any tips?
@Anon,
Not sure what to say.I am not being modest here, I have been reading blogs so wonderfully written that I feel mine has simply no essence! So much of interest some blogs evoke,incredible it is!
From what I can see, everyone has a different taste,I simply hate my blog sometimes when I encounter some excellent blogs. To hear such good comments sometimes gives me the reassurance that I am not as bad as I think :)
Me, giving tips? Come on, you must be kidding! All I can say is just see every trivial thing happening in life with some observation and a sense of humour.This is not what I am following,but would like to, something I see in most of the good blogs.
@Anon,
By the way, if you have no problems,may I see your blog? Maybe you too will get the reassurance that you are doing a good job.. folks have different tastes,you know. No issues, if you want to maintain anonymity and not reveal your blog. After all, it's your discretion.
I only wish I had a blog to show you... i was once so frustrated i deleted it. Rash and impulsive, yes, but I still think it deserved the treatment.
Your writings of no essence? You grossly underestimate yourself. I was browsing through your blog and found a little women's day poem. Such depth and meaning, it actually made most of the women I know seem hollow. And these are not my words, they belong to one of my colleagues I showed the poem to. And yes, viewing trivial things with a keen eye is a talent in itself. You have that, and also a flair for putting words together and weaving a beautiful, irresistible paragraph around an event.
Anonymity is one of the greatest luxuries the internet affords us... the freedom to act without fear of observation or ridicule from those known to us. I would like to shed my anonymity only when I attain a certain level of accomplishment in the field.
I hope you do not take issue with it.
@Anon,
Rest assured, you can have no restraint on your enjoying your anonymity on this blog. Me not too interested in knowing from whom the comment comes from, what comes is all matters,more often than not.
Thanks a lot to have appreciated my blog. By the way,that women's day poem you pointed out came straight from the heart with the feelings very true to me.So,it's very close to me too.Thanks to your colleague too. :)
This is the first time I have come across such a degree of tolerance and broad mindedness. I seldom find people willing to discuss their writing with the dreaded 'anonymous'. This speaks volumes about you, my dear.
On the topic of the women's day poem, I would really love to hear your thoughts on ladies and broadmindedness.
My colleague says the honor was all hers :)
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