One decision down, one to go

[johnpalmer]

So, I've decided that my one-time hope to use my website to effect change in this country is gone, done, kaput, meaningless, and ultimately an exercise in damnfoolishness. Having a big heart and big mind isn't enough to be an engaging writer.

The next question is what, if anything, I should do with the space and domain.

Comments

[gingicat]

I hope you're not planning to stop writing!

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

I can't stop writing. However, right now, I can't think of my writing as being likely to make a big change. I can't make it my duty to write, because I might help someone.

When I started writing, thinking I'd write a book, well, it was my duty to write, or the book would die. So, I forced myself to, whether I was in the mood or not.

Now, I realize that it doesn't really matter much what I do, writing wise. I mean, sure, I *might* write something important that a lot of people end up reading and doing something about. Or, if I go out for a walk, I might see someone hit by a car, and give first aid, or I might see someone about to commit suicide and help talk them down. Writing is not where I'll find my serendipitous chances to do good.

I don't have the writer's gift, the one that will find what people want to hear, and tell it to them in a way that I can affect a change.

[blackthornglade.livejournal.com]

Yes, you do. You *may* just have it on a smaller scale than "helping the world."

You help people every day...you just do it one person at a time. Trust me. I know. :)

[kightp.livejournal.com]

Some possibilities come to mind:

* Change the top-of-the-page message and use it to post essays on any subject you feel like writing about, world-changing or not. You *are* an engaging writer, and you have a perspective on things that people do want to read - witness the responses you get here. The whole political blogging scene is so crowded it's almost impossible not to get lost in the noise.

* Use it to house a collection of links to blogs and other resources that you feel further the purpose for which you originally established the domain.

* Let it sit until something comes to you. Add a link to your LJ and blog(s) and don't worry about it. There's no urgent need to do anything with it right this minute, is there?

[kyra-ojosverdes.livejournal.com]

I agree with Pat. I do read your political blogs and find a good deal of hope (among that the "whew, still not the only person who sees it this way" thing) in them. I rarely comment on political blogs because I rarely think I've got something worthwhile to add to the conversation.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

Nod. As I said in another comment here, I'm not planning on giving up writing. I'm changing my attitude about it. I won't give up my longhairedweirdo blog, and I won't send all my forthedream blog entries to that great bit-bucket in the sky, but I've realized that they're not going to ever be what I'd hoped (or thought) they might.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

It's the domain name I'm pondering. I mean, sure, I could put together a vanity website, but putting it on something pretentiously named like the site I have bugs me.

The words in the name don't have to change to make the site non-pretentious, but the entire idea has to.

[kightp.livejournal.com]

"For the Dream" doesn't seem pretentious to me; it seems hopeful. But then, I'm undoubtedly biased in a couple of directions (toward you, and toward optimism in general). It's a phrase that could apply to a lot of things, big or small.

The existing page content, OK, maybe a little overblown. If it bugs you, it's easy enough to wipe clean. Consider keeping the last paragraph, perhaps?

Looks like somebody already owns longhairedweirdo.com, dammit ..

[teddywolf.livejournal.com]

In my teens and 20s I wanted to have a major impact on the world that would change it for the better.
I'd still like to have that, but I realize that immediate, nearby good change is more practical. In time it might grow to bigger changes, but it's good for what it is. It might not be the grand changes you want, not yet. I say give it more time; and in the meantime, revel in the effect you already have.

Of course, that's me.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

Sometimes it's good to bear witness, if only for oneself.

Being an engaging writer

[wyang.livejournal.com]

John-

The political blogsphere is crowded; unfortunately, making the break into that sphere to get widespread awareness or readership isn't something you can make happen merely with quality writing and hard work. There's also marketing, networking, and luck involved. I know I've enjoyed reading your postings.

For as long as I've known you, part of who you are has been about expressing yourself in writing. You don't have to be a household name to make a difference... the thing most likely to stop you from making a difference is to stop trying.

-Bill