Why I Blog

(With apologies to Andrew Sullivan)

My post about Packer Update yesterday certianly got the blood flowing, didn't it? I understand why some might take exception to my tone and I am not completely unaware of how small and petty that post must have appeared. Not that it's needed, but I wanted to offer up something that gave our readers a better understanding of why I do this and why posts like the one in question will inevitably pop up. 

The attraction of blogging for me is its occurrence in real time. Whatever I feel, I can write about it right then and there. I may not feel that way months from now, but at the moment, it's an instant expression of my hopes, frustrations, qualms etc. about any given topic. It's not a dissertation or a thesis. It's an expression of a singular (if I'm lucky) thought or feeling - both of which are pretty fluid things.

Thoughts and feelings. That's what blogs express, the good ones anyway, among other things. These are never static and that's what's so exciting, at least for me. That's why I read what I do online - I love to see the back and forth and I love to see how my favorite bloggers evolve in their thinking over time, weather that's over the long haul or over the course of the day. I'm no different in this regard. I remember once, very early on, wanting to change something I had written on CHTV. I asked Corey about it and he was very pointed in saying that it should be left alone - it was an honest expression of what I was feeling at the time. I like that. 

A perfect example of what I'm talking about when it comes to evolving thoughts and changing your mind in real time can be found in this post from the past season when the story broke that Ted Thompson had tried to acquire Tony Gonzalez from the Chiefs. I had had an absolute terrible morning which was compounded by horrible things happening at work along with a classic makes-you-rethink-why-you-live-in-New-York commute. When I fired up my computer and saw that Thompson refused to increase his offer to the Chiefs at the last minute, I was pissed. I shot off a quick post about how he had 'blown it'. The responses from readers brought me back down to earth and by the time I had calmed down and reread the article and other reactions around the blogosphere, I realized I had overreacted. 

Yesterday, while not strictly the same, was of a type. I had recently had a long conversation with a friend about the blogosphere in general and about the Long Tail specifically. In truth, it was a conversation filled with more hot air than actual quality critical thinking. But it had me feeling good about the future. And when I saw the (what I still consider ludicrous) statement over at Packer Update, I let rip. Was it uncalled for? Sure. Was it over the top? I don't think so. Obviously, some of you disagree. And that's great.

I'll always give you my honest opinion on anything and everything Green Bay Packer related. And I'll continue to change my mind, have bad days, go over the top, etc. That's why I blog. And I'm glad I've got a regular readership that feels compelled to join in the conversation. I'm honored and humbled, actually. 

Go Pack Go.

 

 

 

 

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Comments (10)

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Alex Tallitsch's picture

February 17, 2009 at 12:34 pm

Great post.

Many just don't understand what the day in the life of a blogger can entail.

That makes it even more important to spread to work of others around. It lends some emotional payoff to the efforts.

I personally, have always been honored to be recognized at all by who I consider the cream of the Packer literary crop.

I just said something nice. Huh.

P.S. What's up with all the life of the blogger posts in Packer land lately. The off-season is deadly I guess.

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Andrew in Atlanta's picture

February 17, 2009 at 01:06 pm

Right on P1. I don't know how you guys maintain school/work, research your topics and post regularly. Here's something else that I'm sure you guys know that others might not - several news feeds/blogs have taken the place of newspapers and starbucks conversations in my life (and probably the lives of others). We're all busy so we link up with web-based friends like you two. Not a day goes by that I don't check my online news/blog sites several times (unless I'm traveling). This is the main reason I suggested a bloggers week-end next season. I wouldn't keep coming back if I didn't get the content and intellectual stimulation I'm looking for and it sure would be great to meet some of the people that provide that content & stimulation. I guess what I'm saying is most people that visit your sites actually give a damn about what you write and say. That's pretty flattering if you think about it. Hell, my kids don't even care what I say!

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PackerBacker4Life's picture

February 17, 2009 at 01:32 pm

hey Aaron this is my new name since I am no longer allowed to use IndypackerBacker for petty reasons I think IPBPrez will or has discussed this with you. Just wanted to inform you and to get your input....on the lighter side blogging is a way to let go and vent...Im totally with you

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PackSmack's picture

February 17, 2009 at 01:33 pm

Cool. Nice post.

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2009 at 01:40 pm

Thanks PackSmack.

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2009 at 01:42 pm

PB4L: You're welcome here no matter the handle you give yourself. Thanks for reading.

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PackerBacker4Life's picture

February 17, 2009 at 02:41 pm

thanks and your welcome aaron. in my own opinion I think packer fans should just come together and be the biggest an baddest fan base out of any pro sports team an dont get me wrong I know we are but there are still some seperations between some of us (the favre drama didnt help)and unfortunatley there always will be until we all come to our senses and like I said thats just my opinion

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Ron La Canne's picture

February 17, 2009 at 04:02 pm

My shrink told me it was either comment on the Packer Blogs or basket weaving. I decided that commenting was cheaper than buying all that straw.

Seriously, thanks Aaron and all the others for a place I can go to see how much football sense I have. I would think the more someone uses your site as a resource the more popular your site becomes. Just thinking our loud here.

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packsmack's picture

February 17, 2009 at 09:48 pm

I think that this site, CHTV, is the key, central site in the Packer blogosphere. I think Packer Geeks is similarly smart, but does not have the bells and whistles that this does. The efforts that the CHTV guys have gone through to consolidate the greater Packer Realm has produced a place where all Packer fans can come and find whatever they might be looking for. It is an admirable work, and one that I really do appreciate.

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Cuphound's picture

February 20, 2009 at 02:09 am

Aaron, I really appreciate your writing. In my experience, most football analysts are too scared of being caught out to ever take a clear analytical position on just about anything. You <i>always</i> take a clear position. You write your opinion and are committed to it. I respect that.

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