The Reading Experience has an interesting entry on the focus of literary weblogs, and the emerging patterns of logical critique, insight on newly published works, the linking of literary-minded bloggers to create a constantly upgraded level of information, etc. to rival other forms of media.
Today when I went to check the stats for the below post regarding Spinning’s six-month development, I went a few days back and noticed something that at first bothered me, then gave me a little satisfaction. The amount of Googlers is still there, and for some reason I still feel a little twinge of embarrassment at their imagined disgust at landing amid Spinning archives. These people are doing research work; they are seeking credible sources and ideas that can help them better understand their own interpretation of their readings. But I noticed that a few of them have dug deeper into my files, several even checking out the entire Literature archives. While this pleases me, it also adds to my humiliation.
It was foolish to think that I could add anything of importance to what has been written either in the form of critique or essay upon published and well-read writers and their works. I feel I have attempted to reach a higher level of understanding, which is fine, but to publish it and have others read it as logical or authoritative is doing dishonor to the art of the essay.
It gives one pause to realize the power of the written word, and the responsibility that goes along with it. I do hope that the higher forms of literary review and critique develop among weblogs and other sites that can truly serve the public hunger for informative and knowledgeable insight. It is something I look forward to reading, and humbles me to a point of silence on my own meager and unprofessional opinions.
False hope and unwarranted confidence led me into areas where I am hopelessly in over my head. I will read the writings of those more educated and mull over their ideas and learn much, much more before I can honestly overcome my lack of education and understanding. Until I can play big league ball, I must learn to keep my comments to myself.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
I enjoy your web page. Never mind comparing your writing to that of others. It’s yours, and yours alone can it be! We will always suffer by comparison to other writers, don’t you think? There will always be writing we admire but cannot emulate, because we cannot have the voice of someone else.
Don’t be embarrassed. I know the feeling — “what I write isn’t unique or important enough to be public” — ah, to heck with that!
Only YOU can offer your unique world view. Please have the courage and faith to continue to do so.
Best,
Suzanne
I seem to have gotten someone else’s url mixed in with my own … sorry!
S.