Where to start?

My first post . . . it's not been easy. Despite the daily debate in my head over issues covering a multitude of topics, deciding what to base my first post on has been troubling. Launching into a tirade over any specific subject seems like the wrong way to start a blog. Having been an avid follower of a number of other blogs I know that readers develop a context for the writers posts, and although all blogs must start somewhere, and all readers join at some point, to just commence seems odd to me.

I wonder what context a reader might develop of this blog, at present almost nothing I'm sure! However virtually all of the writers of blogs that I follow have created defined personalities in my mind, this despite the posts being often short and very topic specific. In some ways however a blog is far more revealing about the writer than a fully published text. Not only is the content not subjected to a publishers polishing but the rate of posts and sequencing can give an insight into the writers own life and work.

My favorite blog posts are often punchy and to the point, which is not to say they are short or lack depth. However I find that authors of published texts often go to lengths to substantiate their claims or statements and deal with any possible criticism at the same time. Blog posts however are more conversational and often sound more natural and emotive. The great benefit a blog author cherishes is of course the ability to revisit a subject and deal with critique as and when it arises. This advantage makes a profound difference to the project because in many ways a blog, unlike a book, never ends.

Blogs therefore have many similarities with a diary, and whilst I consider my personal thoughts and daily habits far to mundane to warrant recording, blogs have shown me that recording your interests can be rewarding. As one wanders through life reoccurring themes and subjects are common . . . one could say reoccurring, and recording your opinions can allow you to make progress on these issues and enhance your understanding on each revisit of a subject. In addition a blog can be a public space and encourage discussion and feedback without which your thoughts and opinions lack the validity and cogency that outside scrutiny brings.

My objectives here then are straightforward. By committing my thoughts and opinions to record, I hope to 'off-load' the information, allowing me to develop further without the burden of a mental haze of previous information on any given subject. I also want to create a forum of sorts for my readers to critique and discuss my posts in the hope that everyone gains from the ensuing mutual exchange.