Being a blogger
I never really intended to be a blogger per se, just to use ot for research. But blogging got me, I enjoy it. The only real problem is how often writers groups come up with really personal comments about other bloggers I know. I know some bloggers make free with curses, insults, generalisations and sometime straight out wrong facts. But blogging is often a speculative kind of news gathering and besides, telling a blogger to behave is like trying to train a cat. Being outrageous is often part pf their 'job' as a commentator. I guess I do expect more of writers because ultimately we are representing our brand/pen name and our publisher. And being outrageous, angry or insulting is very rarely a good part of *that* effort. Double standard? Probably, but not without reason.

I got into blogging just to have a presence on the 'net. I've since created a couple more. One is a collection of photos and articles related to the area where I grew up, the other a password protected blog with my second novel. To me, we writer-types often get into trouble when we fail to use, smilies. "Hell bells, we're supposed to be writers, not a bunch of sign painters. I can tell how I feel in words. Right?" Well, IMHO, no, not always; especially when the person is tired, drunk, mad, etc. and trying to compose a quick reply. I've always liked the way AW (and some other sites) set up a forum for folks to bullshit and flirt, and another for eyebrow scorching flame wars. And speaking of rude, crude remarks, I did a quick down & dirth crit on that piece you posted, VG. Bayou Bill 8)