Reading some of the latest – actually, most – posts on da po’ blog, I don’t see a lot of constructive criticism. I *do* see a lot of negative vibes being sent. I don’t want that to be the contribution of this blog.
Having said that, sending negative vibes seems to be where I am right now. But I’m working on it.
When I get lost on my mission, I like to read over Edward R. Murrow’s address to the 1958 RTNDA Convention. Particularly this comment:
This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful.For the NOLA blogging community and its friends, our instrument is the internet.
Let us inspire.
10 comments:
Introspection is usually a good thing but I think you're being too hard on yourself. This site is home to some of the most consistently thoughtful analysis in the local blogosphere.
Besides.. worrying too much about "vibes" is for pussies.
Besides.. worrying too much about "vibes" is for pussies.
True, though I would express it differently. The term “pussy” for me is a very positive word. “Pussy” gives out positive vibes, I might say.
But, Edward R. Murrow could criticize and inspire at the same time:
The oldest excuse of the networks for their timidity is their youth. Their spokesmen say, "We are young; we have not developed the traditions nor acquired the experience of the older media." If they but knew it, they are building those traditions, creating those precedents everyday. Each time they yield to a voice from Washington or any political pressure, each time they eliminate something that might offend some section of the community, they are creating their own body of precedent and tradition. They are, in fact, not content to be "half safe."
While he is taking the network execs down, he is building the television industry up, showing the industry how high it can go.
I am no ERM. I am barely DPB. But I want to be as high… um, go as high as Edward R. Murrow believed we as a group of information disseminators can. He was addressing the nascent industry of TV news. But, what he was saying is transferable to what we are trying to do in our nascent blogging community.
I feel you. It's hard to avoid negativity here, now. But... The only thing worse than destructive negativity is fake positivity. We've got to stay honest, and work through our anger to something constructive. I hope we can get there.
I value your insights.
I've been light on the blogging lately because I'm trying to avoid negativity.
It's hard.
But Ashley, we don't expect you to be as positive as Bart or DPB. You and Suspect Device have your own space and fill it well. Not to make you into the entire city's Judas Goat, but reading your anger sometimes allows me to put a cap on mine.
DPB, you're "criticism" is generally so thoughtful and well-researched that I agree you are being too hard on yourself. We can't fix what's broken behind the wall without tearing a hole in it.
Heh. I actually agonized over word "pussies" just there... but then I figured I was worrying too much about the vibe myself.
Po boy....for what it's worth, I read you religiously. If you were too negative, I wouldn't because I don't read the crazy rant negatives even if what they say is valid. I don't need to be dragged in the mud to get my info. But that's just me. As for fake positivity....your perception of fakeness (?) (faketry?) is anothers authenticity.
Oh and for me, you went up a coupla notches with your pussy defintion. So refreshing.... :)
I feel your pain.
Funny. I didn't expect any comments on this post.
Thank you.
Don't sweat it po' boy, you're doing just fine!
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