August 01, 2009
Rebuttal
Concerning the recent spate of comments on the "Lack of Grace" blog that ran previously, it's not that I haven't tried to respond to your comments, gripes and concerns, but for some reason the system is not allowing me to enter and post my thoughts.
All of which is ironic indeed since the smart mouths have had a field day getting their postings in print.
The idea of a blog is for the writer to create his or her own forum - basically to say whatever he damn pleases. Should readers not like what they're reading, they can go elsewhere.
What is fairly disturbing is the hostility and meanness that comes through on these posts - contributors who hide behind their anonymous ISP identities. The Internet is a great forum for cowards, quacks and malcontents.
Comments on typing errors or sloppy editing on my part - truth be known I did this in a hurry and rushed it through; I generally take a long time on these pieces to make sure they're correct and decently written- were just plain ludicrous. There are far more important events in the world to get excited about than mislaid beets, prepared mustard or sloppy syntax.
I write about restaurants and food related topics because I like the subject matter enormously and it's something that I used to do professionally years ago in New York when I worked on magazines, newspapers and books. My actual profession is far different, far more profitable, which I might add allows me to spend freely on the topic at hand.
I generally don't hold back on my opinions when I write about these restaurants, nor do I enter into the "fluff" zone of commentary so everyone stays happy and cheerful. Reaching below the surface is apparently dangerous territory for some segments of the readership who live on the surface.
I realize that Portland is a small place, and not always a proper city in which to hoist worldly or dissenting views upon the general population.
But if you don't like what I write, then move on.
Most of the time the comments here are thoughtful, intelligent and meaningful. But somehow this review brought out some of the nastiest individuals I've encountered in this space. Perhaps it's because times have been tough and people need to vent. But that's no excuse for bad manners and atrocious behavior.
PS: If there are any spelling errors here, call the Dictionary Police, not me. Thank you.
Comments
Please read about Web 2.0. When you write a blog, expect to have two-way communication. It's the evolution of the Internet. It's the price you pay for having a public forum in which to publish your work.
And surely when you criticize the dress, mannerisms, and culture of a group of people, you don't expect kind words in return.
Posted byAugust 7, 2009 04:21 PM
Well John, though I don't always agree with you and have also found your writing style to be disconcerting at times, I have always appreciated you writing what you feel. I think you did a great job with this post.
Posted by AaronAugust 9, 2009 08:15 AM
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Please read about Web 2.0. If you have a blog, expect it to be two-way communication. If you post your writings for anyone to read, you should be prepared for what anyone has to say about it. It's part of the evolution of the Internet. It's the price you pay for having a place to publish your thoughts and ideas.
And surely when you criticize the dress, mannerisms, and culture of a given group of people, you shouldn't expect nice words from them in return. You opened yourself up for it.
Posted byAugust 7, 2009 04:18 PM