All my best ideas were stolen by the ancients. (Mark Twain)A principle I learned in graduate school - if you can't have an original thought, then steal shamelessly from smart people, and then footnote heavily.
It's not important who said it first, but who said it last, and who said it best. (my friend Ted Korn, quoting someone else that he can't remember, either.)
With that, I shamelessly admit I stole this idea from Adam Cleaveland.
Back when my blogging life was new, and posting to my blog was all about "Are people reading my stuff?", I was foolish enough to install a SiteMeter on my page. I hadn't really looked at it for a long time...so I was astonished to see what it read recently. (Of course, I know that most of those hits are web-bots, and don't actually mean anything. And I also know that Adam gets more hits in a week than I've gotten in my entire blogdom!). Still, it made me curious... who is it that comes here (other than automated blog-scanners) - and (more importantly)why?
Hence the idea from Adam. I'd love to know who's out there checking this stuff out, and I'd love to get to "meet" people who are readers, and hear what you find attactive (or revolting) about this madness.
I'm going to be away for the weekend - meetings Thursday and Friday night, a weekend workshop, HIV/AIDS Workshop for Medical and Religious Professionals hosted at LSTC by the Zygon Center for Relgion and Science, and then a dinner party Saturday. I'll be back around Sunday after worship. So this will give folks an extended chance to respond!
So please: everyone who comes and sees this post, please comment! The long-winded-one is away - let the visitors (and the lurkers) play! Copy these questions, click on "comment," and then paste in and fill in your answers!
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Location:
How'd you find this blog? (Link from another blog, one of Steve's incessant emails?):
Why in the world do you even read this blog?:
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change? (design, content, etc.):
What topic (or topics!) would you like to see Steve write about in the future?:
I'm curious to hear what you have to say...
13 comments:
Me, you know already, but there's such a thing as priming the pump, i suppose.
Since you asked further, I was turned on to your blog by our minister, Susan (who doesn't have a blog, now i think of it) and who lurks creatively in many places. She had seen your blog mentionned, i think, on IANUA--the Red Pill.
I like your honesty and forthrightness, and your "confessional" style--you not only don't sound as if you have all the answers, but your questionning is itself invigourating. It helps that i am married to one who went thru the seminary process, and that i am a ministry drop-out, like yourself--put another way, i've found myself at a crossroads, too.
I'm creatively unemployed as a freelance (read "underpaid") writer and occasional substitute teacher of adult education.
What would I change? Nothing. What should you change? Only that which makes sense to you to change.
And thanks for your comments on my blog--I, too, have gone through "who in hell is reading this stuff?" times.
Name: Steve Bogner
Age: 38
Profession: consultant
Location: Cincinnati
How'd you find this blog? (Link from another blog, one of Steve's incessant emails?): I forgot, but probably via Karen @ Raw Faith
Why in the world do you even read this blog?: Well, because it's interesting, of course.
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change? (design, content, etc.): Nothing comes to mind.
What topic (or topics!) would you like to see Steve write about in the future?: Just keep writing about whatever comes up! Real life is interesting enough, just as it is.
Name:
Age: 26
Profession: Full time youth minister
Location: Somewhere down south
How'd you find this blog? (Link from another blog, one of Steve's incessant emails?): www.ravishedbyhim.blogspot.com Drew's blog
Why in the world do you even read this blog?: I feel a certain kindred spirit in the wanderings of a fellow pilgrim.
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change? (design, content, etc.):
Write more. Yeah, right, like I write more on my blog!
Name: Nathan
Age:39
Profession:Finance
Location:Iowa
How'd you find this blog? (Link from another blog, one of Steve's incessant emails?):You sent me the link!
Why in the world do you even read this blog?:To keep up with the life, activities and thoughts of a good friend.
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change? (design, content, etc.):To place any restrictions on a free-form forum would be criminal.
What topic (or topics!) would you like to see Steve write about in the future?:Anything he wants!
Name: CAROLVS
Age: 25
Profession: I write for a living
Location: Los Angeles
How'd you find this blog?: I just clicked on people's linked blogs. You're 5 degrees of blogging separated from me.
Why in the world do you even read this blog?: Something new, I guess.
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change?: I like it the way it is.
What topic (or topics!) would you like to see Steve write about in the future?: Anecdotes get me hooked.
I'm curious to hear what you have to say...
I liked the Mark Twain quote. Got me to read more. Also liked the Dubya piece. Cheers!
Name: Nick Hernandez
Age: 28
Profession: Economist
Location: Lincoln, NE
How'd you find this blog?: In a state of dsiarray
Why in the world do you even read this blog?: For otherwordly inspiration
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change? A $10 for a roll of quarters
What topic would you like to see Steve write about in the future?: The most shocking aesthetic experience you have ever had.
Name: Maggi http://maggidawn.typepad.com/maggidawn
Profession: Priest and writer
Location: UK
How'd you find this blog? Link from another blog
Why in the world do you even read this blog?: read blogs in my tea break to see what peole are thinking about
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change? (design, content, etc.): nothing. I like it
What topic (or topics!) would you like to see Steve write about in the future?: whatever you feel interested in
Name: Ed
Age: 29
Profession: IT Professional and former meteorologist
Location: Overland Park, KS
How'd you find this blog? (Link from another blog, one of Steve's incessant emails?): I wouldn't necessarily call it an incessant email... more of a Flower among the email thorns (pun intended).
Why in the world do you even read this blog?: I never get tired of hearing how God is moving you, Steve. Your brutally honest view of your life and faith are rare to find, and its what makes your ministry. Plus, I have to admit, I haven't gotten off my lazy butt to actually give you a phone call to talk for a LONG time. Nice to get updates on how life is a-goin' in Chicago throgh the blogosphere, though.
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change? (design, content, etc.): I could do this blog justice and take it over for a day. Change... don't know... I'm not real keen on the political stuff, but I'm not geared in that direction anyway.
Name:Rick
Age: 41
Profession: advertising/studying to be a priest
Location: SF Bay Area
How'd you find this blog? This summer through rambling around blogworld.
Why in the world do you even read this blog?: You are my friend and I can relate.
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change?: Nothing. You are fine just like you are. :)
What topic (or topics!) would you like to see Steve write about in the future?: Recovery, steps etc.
Name:Jimmy
Age:29
Profession:Musician
Location:Santa Rosa, CA
How'd you find this blog? (Link from another blog, one of Steve's incessant emails?):Link from Rick's site: a new life emerging.
Why in the world do you even read this blog?:Good to read that I'm not the only one discontent with the church.
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change? (design, content, etc.):i dunno.
What topic (or topics!) would you like to see Steve write about in the future?:Do your thing Steve, it just needs to be you.
Name: Wes
Age: 52
Profession: Addiction Counselor
Location: Kansas City,KS
How'd you find this blog? (Link from another blog, one of Steve's incessant emails?): the latter
Why in the world do you even read this blog?: I've been assigned to keep an eye on you. We're still hoping that if you crack, that means you haven't been cracked all along.
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change? (design, content, etc.): You are the number one hit on Google for the search phrase "Ragamuffin Ramblings". I wouldn't mess with success.
What topic (or topics!) would you like to see Steve write about in the future?: Just keep the liberal drivel to a minimum. I've been living around conservatives for so long that I can't stand liberals anymore. Unfortunately, I still can't stand conservatives.
Name: Chris
Age: 33
Profession:Worship Pastor
Location:Glendale, AZ
How'd you find this blog? (Link from another blog, one of Steve's incessant emails?):Probably Raw faith
Why in the world do you even read this blog?: Cause you rock...and the kindredness just welcomes me back.
If you could take over Ragamuffin Ramblings for a day, what would you change? (design, content, etc.):Don't change on my account.
What topic (or topics!) would you like to see Steve write about in the future?:an interview with me, of course...or something relevant.
radio reb
Dear Brother,
I believe you can answer all of these questions for me, save one. What would I like to see, well, I would like to see you not change anything. I come here because of the way it is now. If you change, I may not find the need to keep showing up. (Just kidding)
Actually, you can change whatever you want and I will still link over here. It is far easier than trying to catch each other via cell phones.
-T aka The Incurable Savant
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