My target audience? Strangers . . . for the most part. People who don’t know me yet have paused here for a moment or two to see what I’ve got to say about life—specifically, my life. I’m writing for folks that are here by choice, not for those—because they know me personally—who are here out of obligation or apprehension. My target audience is the curious stranger who may appreciate—and hopefully be willing to comment on—my version of the human condition.
In time, family and friends will likely make their way here. If and when they do, they’ll be welcomed and encouraged to comment. But they should be aware right from the onset that I’m not doing all this just for their benefit. This is about me; my posts are about my life.
Hi stranger!
All blogs are narcissistic. That’s why we write them. To expose our inner selves, share our thoughts, humor, insights and whatever comes to mind and lash out on our keyboards!
A stranger following. Yay for WordPress for giving me the tip.
Thank you for the gift of sharing so much with so many people. I know I am glad to be a stranger out here reaping the benefits of your writing. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your life. It is always a great joy to stop and read your posts!
Thank you! That’s very sweet! But honesty, I stand in your shadow!
So well said about strangers. For whatever reason it feels a bit weird to me when people who I know in person, comment on my posts. I appreciate their comments very much, but it still feels odd. Besides, online we are exposed to so many ideas and opinions, and it’s easier to find like-minded people. I read your page about your religious views, and was surprised at how they mirror my own experience. That kind of conversation is not likely to happen in real life, because I prefer to keep my views to myself, especially on the subject of religion.
Thank you for reading both my “Target Audience” and “Religion” pages! I am very proud of how of I worded both of these: I was a sincere as I possibly could be on both.
I’m glad you understand that conversations, sometimes in general, and especially so regarding religion/religious views, are often easier to have—and perhaps more honest—with they take place between “strangers” (virtual friends) as opposed to family or friends.
I’ve mentioned “God” more often in the blog in the course of a few months than I’ve mentioned Him in “in-person” conversations over the course of a few years. I’m not preachy, nor am I phony. If I mention God it’s because I’m sincere, not just trying to rack up “public mention points” on the “cosmic piety scoreboard.”
Because I don’t “warm a pew” in some church every Sunday, most of the religious wing of my family believes that I’m an atheist (I’m being serious). This couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead, what I am is not phony.
As of this moment only a couple of family members know I write this blog. Would I write any differently if I knew they were reading, I don’t know . . . but I hope not. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Thanks again for reading and commenting!
I don’t know if you have this experience, but I find that I connect better with my readers whom I’ve never met as opposed to a reader whom I’ve met in person (even if only casually). I think it’s because the people I know (or at least a fair portion of them) already know what they have in common with me, so while their encouragement is wonderful and keeps me motivated, a family member is very unlikely to be the source of discovery of new common ground. The real push to keep writing comes from the feeling of finding an unexpected kindred soul. I like the randomness of finding those souls — the way that happening upon someone’s blog and discovering shared interests or issues is as electric as a chance meeting of a new person in a cafe or train or grocery store. What I love about blogging is that the meeting is one of minds and the chemistry is one of intellect as opposed to an initially physical response.
WOW, you are good! Well said—right on target! As of this moment, no one who knows me (except for my wife) is aware that I write. That’s fine with me. One day when family and friends run across this blog, there will hopefully be enough content posted to blow their minds for days! (That’ll keep them out of trouble for a while!) Strangers are often more fun—and honest! So glad you’re on board for the ride!
George, thanks for “liking” my most recent post……which in turn led me to your wonderful blog.
I’ve just read a handful of your incredible posts and look forward to reading more ….but I will need to refill my coffee mug first.
A curious stranger who is now an interested follower,
Lee (CDNSTORMLOVER)