I Write, You Read…Maybe

I write as a way of working out what my opinions are and why they are

I’ve written this blog for well over a decade — publishing it on Tumblr and Medium, but have no idea how many individuals have read some or many of the several hundred posts to be found. What I do know is that some posts are read far more than others, and some have never been read at all. More to the point, I never know which ones will be popular and which ignored.

I write these blog postings for myself as a way of working out what my opinions are and why they are. There are a multitude of topics. As a pragmatist, I want to maintain a rational, reasonable perspective to the greatest degree I can, a task that is not always easily accomplished. The process — as writing typically is — results in changing, removing, rearranging and fine tuning. When all seems coherent, I post the effort.

My goal isn’t to convince readers. This might seem counter-intuitive, but attempting to change minds directly can easily become confrontation rather than simply presenting a viewpoint and the basis for it. Pragmatism is about offering information, context and thoughtful insight. Aggressive attacks shift attention from facts, data and information to belligerent arguments that undermine discourse.

It is interesting to discover what pieces are attractive to readers and what generate little to virtually no interest. Is it the topics, the presentations or, perhaps, the titles? As a magazine editor — among a variety of positions in publishing, titles of articles are critical in drawing attention and perhaps even interest. Given the many efforts of many magazines to lure consumers of information and entertainment, one’s expectations should be realistic and not taken too personally as either success or failure.

I don’t concern myself with how much or little my blog is appreciated by others. If I motivate some to think about their own perspectives and values, regardless of how little or much I helped this to happen, I will have done something more than nothing. It’s the process more than the details that actually matters. A lack of critical thinking is the single most negative aspect of human society. If I move that even an infinitesimal amount, it is still process and progress.

Most of us have a limited ability to actually effect meaningful (long-term) change, and this change may or may not have a significant impact on the future of others — be it here and now or eventually. We know our lifespans are minuscule relative to time, but we also know that within a society/culture we can set an example for others here and now. The more of us who do, the greater the impact and potential legacy.

I will likely never know who reads my blog posts — in the same way that those who write for newspapers/magazines or author books are unlikely to know. We do it because we can, because we believe it matters, because it’s a connection with others. But writing and being read are ephemeral. They can exist separately and yet sometimes create an unseen relationship.

My wife rarely reads my blog posts or even asks about them. And, yes, we are very happily married. So my feelings are not bothered by how many of you read, or don’t, my sort-of-monthly posts. I write anyway, and you can choose to peruse the results…or not.