Beginning blog-ology

steve smyth — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:19:03 GMT

Hi Al,
Good timing. I'm starting my first boat job of the spring ASAP...weather.
Went to look the situation over this AM...my first time away from this gadget for most of a day in months.
By the time I returned, clicked the screen, and sat down to see if I'd missed anything at CosmicLog, I was fumbling for a smoke, and sweating...no kiddin'!!!
I'll be a guinea pig for this phenomenon over the next 6-8 weeks...YIPES!!!
I'm wicked jonesin' already...

Beginning blog-ology

Delmar Fairchild, Barron, WI — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:25:15 GMT

If they do make any changes to these blogs, it should be that people must put in their full names and home town. - and have a way of confirming them. Without that, you get the pseudonyms and just plain trash talking people that are only out to make someone else's life miserable, or to really hurt someone's feelings and are not there to give some type of positive input. The world's blog can be the best teacher there is if there were ways to have discussions in a group setting. By the time you get done reading all the trash talk, you forget what the article was really about.
Thank you.
Signed,
Delmar Fairchild, Barron, WI - a real name and a real person from a real town, who may not have all the correct answers or ideas, on all the subjects, but will give an honest opinion and his own thoughts, without hiding behind an initial or a "handle".

Beginning blog-ology

Rita J. Hopkins,Fort White,Fl. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:44:44 GMT

Just happened onto this blog...love it and bookmarked it. Lots of my favorite stuff.
Thank you,
Joy Hopkins, also a real person, in Fort White,Fl.

Beginning blog-ology

Mike Koss, Seattle, WA — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:15:26 GMT

This is a topic I'm really interested in. I use Faves.com to bring the posts I'm reading directly into my own social sphere [disclosure: I'm an investor in Faves.com]. When I read an article, I can comment on it "just to my friends" - I think that lowers the bar for the level of insight that might be expected for a post directly on the blog.

On Faves.com, by saving my thoughts about something I read, my friends that are following me will see them as well, and this often leads to conversations about the website, and a great way to get relevant recommendations.

Beginning blog-ology

Bonnie — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:32:07 GMT

I got hooked on blogging this past long, dreary, nothing to do, winter. I run in to check the latest many times a day. I'm retired and my house isn't as clean as before. But, I've learned a lot and been able to put in my two cents worth without answering to friends and neighbors who would probably disagree. It's wonderful...but it is addictive.

Beginning blog-ology

Jerry, Rural South Mississippi — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:28:00 GMT

I too, was hooked on blogging not long ago. I check it most every day, and have become friends with others on the site. Most times our comments are about the picture (MSNBC Photo Blog), but we get silly and invent stuff to talk about while waiting for new pictures. Lots of fun, really. Most are very nice, yet we have a few who "start trouble". And yes, Bonnie, it is wonderful but addictive.

Beginning blog-ology

Tim Rommes, Washington, UT — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:50:50 GMT

I agree with Delmar. Anonymity gives people the feeling they can say anything. Apparently they're right. I think posting should require membership, then it's always under the same handle at least, and trackable by the moderator. A point/time system could determine your ability to post. Comments could be reported by other registered posters,evaluated and points given via the email used to sign up. 10 points in six months and you're suspended for some amount of time. More points for worse behavior. I don't see such bad stuff here, but on other blog sites there's a lot off subject and a lot off color. I mostly read technical blogs, I don't want your political campaigning or to know how tight your girlfriend is. It's not perfect, I can have five more email addresses in a few minutes, get signed in and verified and post 1000 crap messages before I'm reported, evaluated, notified and build up enough points to be suspended. But I think the more inconvenient that process is the fewer people will do it. It would cut down on a lot of rudeness and make this a more hospitable place. I'm not always nice with what I say, but the only time I would ever really go off on someone is when their attitude merits it. I often disagree with people on here but have a degree of respect for those that always express their real thoughts, using the same handle, and a greater degree for those who use their identifying information. Sam, even if it's a real name is still anonymous. First Last, City, State is pretty identifiable. People in your life can google your name and find your posts. You become accountable. For my part, I will own everything I post. My friends and co-workers can find it at will. They can come to me and demand to know why I called someone an idiotic freak who doesn't deserve to continue living and I wish they'd get shot in front of their children. That kind of accountability will probably keep me from making that kind of post. The registration will also keep me from posting something like that under anybody else's handle. I at least hope that part of your approval process checks name against email for previous posts, but logging in with a password would be better.