· 2 min read

To Post or Not to Post

Reflections on why I started blogging — the unique quality of written expression and the freedom it offers over face-to-face communication.

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Since the inception of this website, I’ve toyed with the idea of writing my own column. However, uncertainty always gnawed at me, questioning whether I had enough meaningful thoughts to share on any topic. Engaging in online discussions sometimes led to passionate debates, but when it came to “blogging,” my motivation fizzled.

Writing for a specific person versus writing for a potential group of readers are entirely different challenges. I’ve been accustomed to the former, but I’m willing to embrace change, even if it means stepping outside my comfort zone. So why now? The answer eludes me, but I’ll try to pinpoint a reason.

In the realm of blogging, the absence of physical contact offers a unique quality to express opinions and emotions. It’s not about narcissism or introversion; rather, it allows readers to navigate what interests them. If someone finds my ideas, opinions, or words unworthy, they can dismiss the post with a single click. In contrast, face-to-face communication can lead to discussions on topics that may not resonate with the listener, leading to awkwardness, especially when speaking with disagreeable individuals.

Perhaps, the immediacy of responses in real-world conversations is another factor influencing my desire to blog. In daily life, one doesn’t always have the luxury of time to carefully ponder before speaking. Social autopilot kicks in, and we tend to memorize appropriate responses. However, my lack of an autopilot feature sometimes results in awkward silences instead of the expected replies. This can be perceived as rudeness, making me yearn for a platform where I can meticulously choose every spoken word.

In an effort to keep my first post concise, I’ll leave it at two reasons for now. Nonetheless, there are many other justifications that I may explore in the future.