(No photo – none needed)
I guess I struck a nerve with my last post on the quality of blogging in general. It’s probably unnecessary, but I thought I’d clarify a few things.
First, I didn’t pay any particular attention to what I did when I killed off my Multiply site — but apparently more than a few folks thought it was uncalled-for to do so. A couple of folks sent me offlines about it; there’s evidently been some talk over on Multiply about my actions.
Really – I didn’t think it would be taken one way or another — and honestly, it didn’t appear as if anyone was reading, so I really didn’t think I’d be missed.
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, we all write for a reason — and not even Mother Theresa was completely altruistic (she got something out of what she did, even if she didn’t get paid). I’ve never believed in paid-blogging, even though several folks have suggested I do so.
In the end, killing my Multiply site was more an act of personal humility than petulance; more a “Well; no one’s reading — no point in going on”, rather than a “Gee, I’ll take my marbles and go home!”
Really. It wasn’t intended to hurt anyone – it was just apparent that no one was reading.
Second, I didn’t want anyone to think that (for one moment) I believed this forum was any more drivel-free than Multiply. What I meant was this — I miss the old days here. A piece on weightier topics would not only get fifteen or more comments — but the commenters would write one of their own, and the process continued — there was a critical mass of thought here which has all but disappeared, and I miss it.
That critical mass never seemed to happen over on Multiply, and it’s fast fading from any social networking site – I suppose I’m saying that it was of and for a time – and that time is done.
That’s why I killed my blog.
Never meant to upset anyone over it. Or make anyone wonder – or anything else.
______________________
In the end, I don’t expect (and never have) anyone to ‘kiss my ass’, or anything else — and I’m sorry some folks interpreted my actions in that manner.
(The future? I don’t know. Looks like we won’t get anything workable here until late this year — and truth to tell, it just may not be worth the wait. We’ll see….)
Astra's 360 Posts 
I completely understand and share some of your feelings. I have seen a big drop off in both places of both commentary (well thought out and otherwise) and spin off blogging. It’s disappointing really. What I have also noticed is that when I write complete crap that I don’t believe….let’s call it creative writing, I get more hits and comments than when I write something serious. My thoughts are these little pieces of ourselves are like bugs in Amber, they are snapshots of a moment why apologise? Not everyone is going to agree with you or me or Mother Theresa. I didn’t agree with your post on Childbearing (ok 18 is going too far, but…..) However I’m not mad at your opinion. Personally I like it when I tick people off, at least it gets them thinking about something…My two cents, which with inflation the way it is, probably isn’t worth anything.
As a writer, you write because you have to write. It’s a bit like breathing, stop doing it and something inside you dies. Nobody likes death a heck of a lot.
Now, you could just write for yourself and a select group of intimate friends, but for most true writers, that’s not enough. Writers, like all other artists, need a wider audience. Blogging offers that — here, there, wherever.
I left Multiply in a huff, but no one can possibly understand the agony I went through over there. It turned out to be a giant waste of time, and the truth is that if “There ain’t no audience, there just ain’t no show.” Back at yahoo, I rediscovered an audience that got most of the jokes, and appreciated my efforts. So here I’ll stay until the bitter end.
You should stay too. You have a large audience of like-minded people here. And you write about things more important than some imaginary uncle who supposedly just passed away … again. So stay the course. Write when the spirit moves you, and know that what you write is being read, even if you don’t rack up double digit comments.
It was your blogspace on Multiply, so it was your right to kill it off – what’s the problem with that?
Blogging is meant to be fun, and should never be treated as an occupaion that has to be fulfilled.
Personally, my own blogging tends to come in bursts – some weeks I hardly ever visit the sites. I don’t care who reads them either – they are done for my own enjoyment. It’s always nice, and so often flattering, to read comments of course, but that’s not the reason I do it – and I suspect the same applies to you too.
**WARNING! IMMINENT ASS_KISSING**
Your blogs are always worth reading (even though I don’t always get round to it), so keep on blogging YOUR way.
Lighten up Will! You are a great writer. And there are so many wonderful writers here on 360, you should check them out. They all have something to wonderful to offer, just like you do. It’s all in how you look at things, and remember, you cant always judge a book by it’s cover.
(my mother’s wisdom there) *smiles*
Awwwwwwww I just found out I am a “nobody” because I read your blog all the time over there. Sometimes more than once. I was starting to feel like a stalker to be honest hahaha!! Having said that , I do regret not commenting more, but I am not a good writer, I am however a good “reader” which means I comprehend what I read. I loved your blogs and hope no matter where you end up, that you do keep on writing. So for now, I am glad you are here and still posting, and at least I can come here 20 times and you don’t see my face lurking at the bottom of the page. *smiles* Just keep on writing Will, you are wonderful.
I suppose this doesn’t need to be repeated, but for those of who read your blogs–it’s hard to hear that “nobody” read them. Having made the same complaint myself and been told off roundly be a friend who did read and comment, I know you didn’t mean it that way, and I’m not taking it that way–but know that it sounded that way when I said it, to a lot of people, and it sounds that way when you say it, too, to a lot of people.
My honest response is that you’re a bit spoiled. If I get ten comments from other people on a blog entry, I’m happy, especially if it’s a thought-provoking entry. 15 and I’m ecstatic. You were a featured blogger here, and when “here” worked, that meant you got a lot of free publicity. Your site was already popular, or you wouldn’t have been featured. But when you went to Multiply, you only got to take a part of your fame and popularity with you. To some extent, you had to start over. And, no offense, but I think you have forgotten what it’s like really to be starting out, with just the people who know you personally knowing about your site, having to meet others through them, finding that a lot of the people who seem like a good fit at first aren’t, posting entries and hoping for six comments. I wrote about the situation in Burma yesterday, and two people have commented, and one comment was a sentence and a clause. I know that you intended your gesture to be humble–but would it be out of line for me to suggest that the truly humble thing to do would be start over and work your way back up to your old level of popularity, knowing that there will be pifalls along the way and that things will never be the same again–but that different can mean better if you give it a chance?
I freely admit that I have an ulterior motive to saying all of that–I miss you on Multiply, where the pages load with ease and comments go through on the first try. But I still think it’s true.
It’s true for others, as well, of course–yu’re not the only one to have gotten to Multiply and found that it wasn’t the same, written it off, and left, as evidenced by some of the comments here. I do think that there are a lot of intelligent people out there, capable of critical thought and interested in substantive discussion, and that many of them can be found on any network that allows real content, but they need to find each other and be patient–because they are few and far between, here or anywhere.
At the same time, you don’t owe it to me or anyone else. If you want to be there, there are probably more people who want you there (or anywhere) than will ever want the rest of us to be. But taht doesn’t mean you’re obligated to be there. Just don’t ever think that you can go away unnoticed. You are just too noticeable for that.
Sorry if I sound all preachy…
I was asked once, how would I feel if 360 closed it’s doors and I lost all of my blogs. I replied that 360 was a journey, my blogs only reflect who I am, they are not a sum total of me…so I would simply walk away.
Well, welcome back, even though you never totally left 360. I’m with you. Hopefully Yahoo will come through with something halfway decent and won’t be too late in doing so. I did read your Multiply posts, btw. And I never thought you were a girl.
I still like it here, but only for the people. 360 is a pain in the A$$ now.
I post on 360, multiply, and Blogspot all the same not because I am looking for attention but to inform anyone who will listen to wake the F#@K up and start a populist revolution and take back this country.
I think that I can relate to your frustration. Whenever I blog, I post on both Yahoo and Multiply, since it is easy to do so. Some of my recent posts have gotten a lot more comments on Yahoo than on Multiply, but that is due to the nature of my social network. I didn’t have everyone follow me there. One of my contacts that pretty much left Yahoo altogether has a large network on Multiply in which I interact. I suppose that it depends on the person.
I think the unfortunate conclusion at least for me is a splitting of my Yahoo network. Some went mostly or entirely over to Multiply, some stayed on Yahoo, some went to MySpace, some tried Multiply but later left it, and some just left altogether. That might partially explain your experience as well. I know that for a while being in-between both sites left me exhausted and stressed to where I rarely checked either. I suspect that others in your network probably had a similar experience.
Anyway, you do what is right for you, regardless of what it leads to (keeping the big picture in mind, of course). As the Bard stated, “To thine own self be true.”
P.S. Maybe the final A in Astra is why some people think you’re a girl? I know of at least one person who asked me if it shouldn’t be Astro Navigo if you’re a guy. Naturally, I didn’t know, but I was clear that you’re not a girl.
That sounds dim, like maybe there are people who asked me of whom I don’t know–but I realized too late to change it. Sorry.
“I suppose this doesn’t need to be repeated, but for those of who read your blogs–it’s hard to hear that “nobody” read them.” I feel like Karen … as I always did read your blogs (and even tried to comment on them in a somewhat intelligent way too).
Never mind … I still try to read all your blogs. And I still enjoy them (most of the time anyway …)
Just keep going like you always do … stay true to yourself … that’s the most important thing in the world!
I lurves ya no matter where you are.
Riete; others — I suppose what I should have said was “there was a core of readers who read and commented, but they were and are far fewer than the same experience during the heyday of Y/360”.
Karen — I’ve answered this one, actually, a couple of different times: Latin is not Spanish. Can’t help that the difference isn’t obvious. (No, you didn’t sound preachy. I don’t think I’m spoiled — the core group left; I get that – but I miss those that went, and I grate at the fact that those who remain can’t post their own blogs or comment on those of other people…..
Semi — you’re right, I think — the dissolution of Y/360 meant the dissolution of a very special group of people — and I miss all of those who left.
I’m glad you’re all still around!
Richard, I’m never going to forget that you gave me “After Bathing at Baxters”, pal!!! Thanks for being you.
Now, let’s hope Yahoo comes through….
Kennedy — you came closest (no surprise to me) to expressing what I’m feeling here. I’d sooner write for a few who comment on a regular basis – kicking that can around — than for a multitude over on Multiply who never said a damn word.
Blogging is interactive. We write for an audience; and no, nobody likes death a heck of a lot…..
All of you — thanks for being who you are!
I think that you have to do what is best for you and suits what you need to do to satisfy the outlet that blogging presents. I don’t really use my Multiply page, by the time I figured out 360 it was closing down. As far as closing down your Multiply page, I can understand why you did. There’s so many sites with pages its hard to keep up with all of them. I struggle to make it to all the sites and visit everyone’s page. I know some get upset when I don’t comment, well they can get over it. There are some I’ll read their page and chat with on messenger and they seem to be ok with that, the others if they feel the need to delete me because I don’t comment enough or in the manner they want to hear…oh well, I’m not here to do emotional handholding or to feed an ego. I’m here to encounter others that stimulate thoughtful arguments, discussions, laughter and gain new frienships that will enrich my life. I just hope that you have gained many things from those you’ve met on here and continue to do so.
I insist that it is clear that yours are NOT girl hands even if the finger nails are clean.
Ohhhh GEEEEEEZ, I read all three blogs and NO surprise, I keep thinking about you. I find myself annoyed, peeved, sad, defensive, pensive, and a whole host of other emotions. (No one is reading this right? HA!) I’m also dang tired, so I hope this makes sense. Let me be very clear on this, I MISS you when you left Multiply or where-e-v-e-r. (Personally, I don’t like Blogspot, I think I still have a page there…..sigh). I haven’t been around much and when I have written it was about my relationship. Were you MOCKING me in your last post? I think you are having a pissy fit quite frankly. I don’t like every blog that you write and I’m sure not everyone likes every blog that I write. I couldn’t stand simpering, pandering comments just to comment, nor do I like nonsensical, meanless comments just to say something. I comment when I feel something, when the writing moves me or stimulates me, simply really. I don’t write for comment nor do I write for the approval or permission of others. That being said, of course I like to strike a cord, move someone or have an intelligent discussion a lot of the time. Isn’t that what blogging is? I do not agree with your assessment of Multiply, that no one is reading etc.
Act of humility, my A-S-S…….You were pouty! It’s OK, do as you wish, you don’t need permission but I do believe in calling a spade a spade and frankly I was mad at you for doing it. Especially when I send you a message about it and you ignored me. Hurt my feelings dang it! As you can see, I’m not kissing your ass, maybe spanking it a bit! ^ ^ ^ I see Mystie kissing BUTT but that’s because she has a t-shirt from that long ago contest. BTW – Ohhh man I miss the old times too. HA! Being attacked by a couple of your crazy friends etc….LMAO! (I do, I really do!)
If I chose to write drivel, I’m gonna’ write drivel, just ignore me. LOL. My blogging, agenda and writing is different then yours. Let’s agree to respect each other differences. Personally, you know I like you and if ever I was in Oregon, you would be the person that I would want to have a ‘real life’ visit with (NO, I’m not hitting on ya’ – YAWN!)
Do I make any sense? (blows a raspberry and stomps O-F-F!) Blows a kiss before the door slams!
There isn’t any other blogging site that feels like 360. Most of my 360 friends have been here for a long time, and there’s a certain comraderie here that I don’t feel at other blogging sites.. It’s sad to see most of my friends leaving 360, but whatever…
I agree with what laurielulu said about leaving comments. Sometimes I just come here to read blogs, only commenting on some of them. I don’t always have a response, but I always read what my friends post. There are also times when I try repeatedly to post a comment but give up after several attempts because 360 isn’t cooperating with me.
Wherever you post your blogs, I will be reading them – comments or not.
I was wondering what happened. I’m glad I came over to see – I thought at first it might have been something I said and I got ditched, which is understandable, I can be irritating. So, I guess I’ll just have to come back here to 360 to read your fine blogs.
I think people are sensing a half-heartedness on the part of Yahoo! in the matter of the creation (or not) of some “universal profile” and the very apparent fact that Y! is way over-extended and entertaining selling out. My feeling at Multiply was always that it was a mere temporary abode for many disappointed with Y!’s treatment of the 360 transformation (which became more an abandonment). I think we are all feeling skeptical toward the permanence of any blogging site, and moreover a malaise that permeates all aspects of society today, a hopelessness that it is all just about the money.
I miss 360…I miss the ol’ days. I miss you Will. You are the only reason I make it back here to 360.
I dust the cobwebs at my page, post copies of my blogs from elsewhere for backup and then come read you. Granted it’s been awhile.
I finally gave in and shared my current life situation. We have, after all, developed friendships with our fellow bloggers. It seems wrong to not share the visceral stuff sometimes…ya know?
Anyhow, I relate. I miss that way it was….but I also enjoy the Multiply platform. Do I participate with the fevered rush I used to have about it? NO. Does that have anything to do with the content and the contacts. Not really, if I’m honest. It’s where I’m at.
We all have our reasoning process. I can understand yours. I truly hope Yahoo! comes through with something grand. In the meantime, I’ll wander in to read my favorite featured blogger on the ocassions I come up for air.
*hugs*
Well now that you opened the page up finally, I can comment. I agree with laurielulu. And I was upset with you for leaving. I wrote a blog about it. But more than that Will, honestly I thought I was getting to know you better over in Multiply than here. Maybe thats the issue. In here most of your blogs were impersonal…….stories or political things. Over in Multiply you started to put a mix out and I liked it. I love your serious stuff, I dont always get your serious stuff. So I wont always be commenting. But what I liked over there was Will, you became human. Maybe thats what YOU didnt like about it. You started to put the real you out there and it felt uncomfy. Im sorry if thats what happened.
You can be a crusty old fart at times but I saw you as a friend. When I came here to read and you shut your page down….I was insulted and I had no way to reach you to tell you that I missed your blogs. But the fact is wherever else you go, it will not be like here. It took time to build an audience here and it will anywhere else too. I have a blogger blog and its taken me a yr just to get some notice and comments. Now that Im networking and putting my blogs out there more, its happening. This place is dead and I honestly dont see it ever changing. Yahoo has burned too many folks. At least in Multiply many of the people we knew wandered over there. At least over there we didnt have to start from scratch. I think you threw a hissy fit and just left. You sure your not a woman? lol So get over it and get yer butt back there. Lots of us miss you and your blogs even if you are a grumpy old man (remember I can say that, Im older, giggle)