Sunday, December 20, 2009

Oh, Gosh...!

Here on my boring-little-blog I love controversy and debate. There are so many wonderful things to discuss and I have never wanted my blog to be about "whiskers on kittens" and "snowflakes on mittens". We have enough of those types of blogs already, in my opinion. Not that those aren't wonderful blogs, mind you, they're just not the style I prefer for my blog. Sooooo.... *deep sigh* .... having said that, I hope my recent post did not offend anyone. It was not meant to offend anyone -- it was simply my opinion of something I found yesterday that shocked me. Well, it certainly seemed to cause some controversy and debate, to be sure.

Someone very brilliant recently did a blog post saying that people who get a lot of followers sometimes end up pandering to those followers, rather than staying true to their own vision of what they want their blog to be. After reading that post, I was inspired to get my blog back on track. But maybe I have ventured into dangerous territory, for which I am not prepared. I have very strong ideas and opinions about things, and occasionally I like to post them here. I guess if I do, I should have my flak jacket ready, just in case...

Gosh, what an interesting group of people we have out there in the wide world. I love it when you all visit my blog and comment. You're all welcome anytime...! Just don't expect "snowflakes on kittens" and "whiskers on mittens". Or is it "whiskers on kittens" ... oh, you know what I mean...

16 comments:

Scoobyloves2004 said...

Gee Jo, I must have missed that one...better go back and check it out. People just need to relax!!!

Jo said...

Arley, oh, yes, I guess so. :-)

Land of shimp said...

Jo, I'd advise you not to sweat it, really.
One of things we have lost, or are beginning to lose in a world trying to learn to be accepting of one another, is the ability to discuss our opinions and differences.

To make progress as people we have to have a starting point, one where we begin to question our ideas and beliefs, and one of the ways that starts is with the bravery to have the discussion.

When we stop discussing things all we have achieved is a polite stagnation. To change ones mind, in any direction, we do have to air opinions. It's not always pretty, but it is our best hope.

Susan English Mason said...

At least you were not sarcastic like one commentator whose name I shall not mention.

Jo said...

Alane, "When we stop discussing things all we have achieved is a polite stagnation." Oh, goodness, yes! That's why I always love your comments. I go to some blogs, and they have upwards of 80 commenters, and all of they are so nice, and sweet and agreeable. Polite stagnation!

Pouty Lips, oh, gosh, I have run across a few of those too. It's so annoying, isn't it? And so unnecessary.

Alissa Grosso said...

I enjoy the controversy you stir up. Oh an my mittens may have some whiskers on them thanks to all my kitties!

Paula Slade said...

I love controversy too Jo! Fire away!!! (I didn't comment on Tiger Woods because I'm Tiger Woodsed out.) Unless you were referring to Ex Animo? I didn't see it - sorry. :(
I have taken flak (not on my personal blog but on my Examiner column) and I've learned to roll with it unless someone gets threatening to me personally or vitriolic against my other readers comments.

Anonymous said...

Just caught up on the controversay, I love reading your views. I would have been taken a back by a delicate pink swastika too. I enjoyed reading the debate in the comments, at least people are thinking about it, nice that you give us stuff to think about. Keep throwing cats among pigeons, keeps life interesting.

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Dear Jo,
As a peace-loving squirrel, you will note that I studiously avoided the controversial debate over the piece of pink jewelry mentioned in the last post.

However I cannot avoid being offended by "whiskers on kittens". The words of the song continue to proclaim that "these are a few of my favorite things". As you know kittens grow up to be cats and cats are squirrels' natural enemies. Every year thousands of squirrels fall foul to cats. It is therefore so insensitive to declare cats as one of someone's favorite things.

Please avoid sensitive topics like "whiskers on kittens" in the future.

Sincerely,
High strung Squirrel.

Jo said...

Alissa, *heh* And snowflakes on kittens? :-)

Paula, well, I guess I just want everyone to be happy. I always get confused when people aren't. I would love to read your Examiner articles. Where can I find them?

Book Pusher, oh, that me -- a cat among the pigeons. I think I do love to stir up controversy.

LGS, *LOL* I will refrain from referring to "whiskers on kittens" and from now on will refer only to "brown paper packages tied up with strings". ♫♪♪♫

heartinsanfrancisco said...

I have always believed that my blog was a forum on which to post my views and in fact, writing about something enables me to clarify them to myself. It is always interesting when people either agree or disagree with me. Sometimes their input causes me to modify my views, and even on occasion to back down from them. Please don't be afraid to share your thoughts, and if someone chooses to be offended, that is their issue, not yours. Again, I think that honest disagreement is great, but sarcasm never helps anyone, so while I'm sure you have some killer recipes, I would rather read your thoughts here any day.

Jo said...

Susan, thank you. Yes, I agree, exchanging ideas gives birth to new ideas, doesn't it? I would much rather exchange ideas than exchange recipes, any day of the week. :-)

Nancy said...

I need to catch up....

Marguerite said...

One of the many reasons that I love your blog is because you sometimes create controversy! It keeps things interesting! But, I do know what you mean about some people. Ignore them and keep up the great work, Jo! :)

heartinsanfrancisco said...

Dear Jo,

You know, I reread Mia's comments to the previous post and no longer think she was being sarcastic, but ironic since you evinced some concern that people might be upset with your views. I think she was actually encouraging you to write what you believe regardless of who agrees or disagrees. My apologies to her for referring to "sarcasm" in my subsequent comment.

The swastika is a highly emotionally charged symbol and I doubt that the Nazis' appropriation of it will disappear in our lifetimes so I won't be adorning myself or my loved ones with it ever.

Mia said...

Don't pander to followers. That's brilliant advice. Whoever told you that must be exceptionally intelligent and beautiful.

I'm almost never sarcastic. It has a place when you're being funny [or at least think you're being funny] but is usually just obnoxious in a discussion.

"I like cats"
"Well then why don't you marry one"
"Why don't you suck my "
This is why we're not smarter than dolphins.