Some bloggers are restrained, self-deprecating, modest, understated; others write posts that are daring, obstreperous and filthily funny. I admire and enjoy both registers, and the gradations between.
It’s hard to find my own voice, though, one that feels authentic. I’m Dr. Passive and Mr. Aggressive in one monster. I recently drew an acid retort for a cheekily expressed comment of mine about a contentious issue. Ouch. Memo to self: Tread mindfully.
Bloggers are legion — fewer than the number of atoms in the universe, but still… the statistics can be paralyzing. To keep pushing the “Publish” button, I find it useful to remind myself of the following:
(a) The “half-full-half-empty trope”: My audience glass will not be laughably empty, but infinitesimally full, if I garner persisting attention from even a handful of persons.
(b) Strictly speaking, a “log” is a record not immediately public-facing of a journey, endeavor, experiment, and the like. It serves the logger first, and is valid for itself. If renown follows, it’s icing on the fish.
Rifle Hoister, JMN, 2017. Oil on canvas. 18 x 24 in., Copyright 2018 James Mansfield Nichols. All rights reserved.
(Copyright 2018 James Mansfield Nichols. All rights reserved.)
About JMN
I live in Texas and devote much of my time to easel painting on an amateur basis. I stream a lot of music, mostly jazz, throughout the day. I like to read and memorize poetry.
EthicalDative 
Jekyll-and-Hydish
Some bloggers are restrained, self-deprecating, modest, understated; others write posts that are daring, obstreperous and filthily funny. I admire and enjoy both registers, and the gradations between.
It’s hard to find my own voice, though, one that feels authentic. I’m Dr. Passive and Mr. Aggressive in one monster. I recently drew an acid retort for a cheekily expressed comment of mine about a contentious issue. Ouch. Memo to self: Tread mindfully.
Bloggers are legion — fewer than the number of atoms in the universe, but still… the statistics can be paralyzing. To keep pushing the “Publish” button, I find it useful to remind myself of the following:
(a) The “half-full-half-empty trope”: My audience glass will not be laughably empty, but infinitesimally full, if I garner persisting attention from even a handful of persons.
(b) Strictly speaking, a “log” is a record not immediately public-facing of a journey, endeavor, experiment, and the like. It serves the logger first, and is valid for itself. If renown follows, it’s icing on the fish.
Rifle Hoister, JMN, 2017. Oil on canvas. 18 x 24 in., Copyright 2018 James Mansfield Nichols. All rights reserved.
(Copyright 2018 James Mansfield Nichols. All rights reserved.)
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About JMN
I live in Texas and devote much of my time to easel painting on an amateur basis. I stream a lot of music, mostly jazz, throughout the day. I like to read and memorize poetry.