~ Keeping it real ~

I have to leave the house in 20 minutes to meet Meg in Starcrack as we are off to hear Sharon Olds read from her new book of poetry - this is the scintillating life i lead, folks, and i mention this because i have to address a comment i received on my last post. I can't let it slide.

"S" said: 'i dont know why but your blog is becoming really boring lately...it used to be amazing, and now the posts are just getting dull and boring! you need to bring back the appeal it once had!!!'

The thing about blogging is that, for the vast majority, it is unpaid and undertaken by regular people who want to share a few words and pictures on the internet. After a while some people find your blog, and if they can relate to you point of view, they might leave a comment. Connections are made.  I've been blogging for nearly four years now, and just as my life has changed over this time so has this space here.  I don't earn any money from this blog. I do earn my living via the internet in other ways, and i am so happy (and feel so privileged) to be doing that work, but the blog? It's just something i do. It's great to be able to connect with other people, and share the stuff that catches my eye. I do it because i really like it. I guess i'm a born communicator - which is why i was drawn to photography and journalism in the first place. I'm not, however, a) a performing monkey or b) the head of an editorial team with a big budget.

I got a lovely email from a blog-friend just now who made a very good point. She said: 'I would never come into someone's home and tell them that they were becoming boring - and commenting on a blog is the equivalent, it's someone's personal space.' My thoughts exactly. I mean, god, we've all read blogs that we've lost interest in, or didn't feel as connected to, but i would never dream of telling them to sort out the quality of their content! In all honesty that feels a bit rude to me.

Anyway, i just wanted to say thank you to "S" because it's always good to get a poke in the ribs once in a while, to help you keep an eye on what you're doing and make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. I'm happy in my little online space - if you like joining me here then that is brilliant and i'm thrilled to have you. But if i'm not to your taste then there are so many other wonderful blogs you could be reading - please go check them out.

Right.. off to go rock out to some poetry...

Comments

[Mari]

:)

Amen.

And xo.

[Clare Barboza]

Right on, blog-sister. That was said perfectly. :)

[silvana]

Only boring people find things boring.

[Lori Andrews]

um, you rock.

[Brigitte]

Wow. I think it's particularly telling that the commenter doesn't seem to have a blog. I just started out, and I have such respect for bloggers who regularly put out original content. It takes a lot of commitment, and it's only worth it if you, the blogger, truly enjoy it.

I hope S won't discourage you from sharing in this space. I very much enjoy your point of view.

[Alicia]

I can't believe the words that people leave behind. And just so you know, I haven't been feeling bored with your blog... Follow it in my reader and enjoy seeing your blog highlighted when you've posted something new!

[Mary-- The Yellow Door Paprie]

Totally agree-- blogs are like your livingroom that you are sharing with others and should be respected.

I love your content, and photography. Not bored.

[Jay (UK)]

I check in with your blog everyday to see what's new and I for one love your blog. Judging by the amount of people that comment on your blog many many people love your blog too. Why the hell someone would want to post such a fricking unconstructive comment is beyond me. I've got fed up with other blogs in the past when I no longer connect with what they have to say and so I stop reading them, I certainly don't tell them to sort out THEIR blogs to suit ME! Grrrrrr! And breathe!

[Roxanne]

Rock on, grrrrrl.

[jana]

You are so lovely and your personal space here, it's just so, so Susannah, so completely and utterly Susannah lovely. I love the email your friend sent---it's kind of like the feedback I get on our childrens' names---as if we named them for approval or as if the topic is up for grabs---makes me smile, really, but people know not what they do. Manners, ??

support to you lovely talented warmhearted soul :)

[Marisa]

"S" must have been listening in to our conversation yesterday :)
how uncanny ~ and of course, you can handle it ~ as you so graciously made clear in this post. As I also mentioned yesterday, your little online world really inspires me ~ even more now that I had a chance to "visit" with you xoxox

[Jo]

Oy. Rude commenters. Who do they think they are? And seriously, she couldn't be more wrong anyway. Perhaps she would prefer you to stay deep in the depths of mourning so that she can check in and suffer vicariously.

Love you. x

[Debi]

My comment disappeared as I was trying to type onehanded & check the weather on tv with the other. It is just wrong for someone to say such a thing to anyone. Thank you for actually making a point & responding in a separate post. Way to go. :)

[Stefanie]

Wow, that posting just pulled me out my lurkedom! That is shocking and I think a fair bit unacceptable. You and I are very different people ... but I love reading and seeing how your creativity unfolds. Granted, sometimes I don't get it ... but is ok ... but boring? The audacity!

Anyway, I have started a blog again aftere my extended holiday. Not as interesting as your (or I think), but I like it and that is what is important.

Hope all is well

(Stefanie - ex-Travels into the Unknown blogger)

[kelly]

YOUR blog boring?

HA! I think NOT.

I absolutely adore your blog and am always happy to see when you have posted.

Please keep up the wonderful work and shoo away any bad comments...

[Deb]

I'm so glad you posted separately about this, not sure why but it makes me glad.

I wanted to thank you for reminding people that a real person is behind this wonderful space.

It is *your* space and I'm grateful you share it.

PS. What a surprise, critics never sign their name or link to their blog.....

[Brigitte]

Jo - Your comment hit what I was thinking but a bit too nervous to say. If S has been reading this blog a while and doesn't like the current content, she may have been in it for a voyeuristic look into Susannah's mourning.

Susannah - That's not the case with the rest of us.

[Jenny]

The internet is a wonderful place and I too earn my living from it but sometimes it brings out the worst in people. It seems to make them write things that they would never dream of saying in 'real life'.

I always love reading your blog. It's not boring at all. The opposite in fact.

Enjoy the poetry.

[Amy]

I do enjoy coming here. Don't manage it as often as I'd like, but I am never disappointed. I'm so glad you haven't let that comment affect you.

[Cassie]

You handled that persons rudeness with class, tactfulness, & kindness. Maybe S will learn a thing or two about possessing those traits.

Your journey is a beauty to read about.
Blessings!

[modish]

Susannah, you're a wonderful voice and I'm so glad you chose to address that comment directly on here- just another reason why I love your blog so much- you're so honest and authentic and if some people don't relate to that, it's certainly not their place to give an unsolicited opinion on how your blog "should be." It is what it is and it's perfectly what it needs to be. Thank you for writing here.
-jena

and ps: I'm SOOOO jealous you get to go hear Sharon Olds read. She is incredible! My first female poet crush. ;)

[darlene]

oh my gosh, i am always surprised at what people will say to someone when they are hiding behind their computer screen. sigh.

i haven't been commenting much on blogs as life is so busy right now but i always read and am compelled to applaud your words here, our blogs are out personal spaces to do with as we want and when you blog for so many years (i think i'm on year 6), your blog changes and evolves because we change and evolve as do what interests us and what we want to talk about it.

you just keep on changing and evolving honey and i've been reading you for a good three years and have always enjoyed reading and seeing those changes as you heal and grow and spread your wings. much love beautiful.

and oh my gosh, enjoy sharon olds with meg ... sooo fun!! xo

[Clara]

Your blog-friend's comment was spot on. A blogger is much like an art curator. Those who have similar sensibilities appreciate the blogger/curator's "aesthetic"--the stories she tells (or doesn't), the feelings and thoughts she shares, the images she presents-- and come back again. Those with a different aesthetic or sensibility go elsewhere.

It's not a blogger's responsibility to provide entertainment nor to meet readers' needs (unless either of these is the blogger's intent), but rather to engage like-minded souls.

I enjoy your blog because of its "everydayness" -- and that's a large compliment. You go, girl!

[Marianne @ Zen Peacekeeping]

How odd, what an odd thing for anyone to say. And obviously unkind. Nicely handled, but I have to say I feel quite the opposite - as your life has opened and blossomed into this wonderful new season of abundance your blog has become interesting and inspiring to me in a whole new way. xx

[Ali]

Miaow!

You were far more restrained in your response than I would have been. What planet do some folks beam down from?

[jill]

Poo on rude people.

You gave a wonderful, gracious response.

I blog. My husband said to me awhile back, "Your posts have been a little weak lately." Grrrr! I took a good, longish break after that.

I am new here. I am enjoying the view. I arrived here recently because I accidentally-on-purpose deleted my Google reader and had to start from scratch. I forgot how I got here, but I'm glad I did.

[samantha]

I'm moved by your blog and the way you have let people into your life to share your healing, having read some of your earlier posts, Im amazed by the way you can wear your heart on your sleeve so to speak, and connect with others who may have to deal with similar stuff that life throws at you, having been through a fair bit in recent years I'm still picking up the pieces, and I'm a bit cross that 'S' could be reading your blog for mere entertainment sake, there is so much more to it! Moving on is not boring, just a new chapter, and I'm sure many of your readers wish you all the best as I do.

[Jennifer R]

as usual susannah, you inspire me! i think you're brilliant, but i don't expect you to be earth-shattering all the time. obviously, one needs a break from being superwoman once in awhile!

xo jenn r

(still unravelling)

[Pebbledash]

S was had no business being so rude - and hiding behind an anonymous comment. Susannah, you were extremely gracious in your response. I know I wouldn't have been!

[Rachel Cronin]

What a very strange thing for someone to say! I've only just started a blog and it's actually very difficult being honest and true, even though i've written diaries for years and years. I'm always on this blog and find your warmth, humour and taste so inspiring.

[melissa]

Um....no offense to S. (i wonder if she's find the comments boring, too?), but.....huh?! Poor form, S., really.

anyway, for whatever it's worth, i love this blog. a little breath of fresh air and a head-tilting smile every time i read it. you don't *owe* me that, but i'm so glad you give it.

have a great weekend.
you too, S. (i know you're reading!)

[Paris Parfait]

Boring is never a word I'd use about your blog, Susannah. And what a very rude thing for S to say! People can be really thoughtless and strange at times. Keep doing what you're doing, Sus! Your blog is unique and special, which is why you have such a wide range of friends and admirers!

Oh and Sharon Olds! Sigh. Brilliant. xoxox

[S]

Let me just clear things up...i am totally intitled to my opinion!!!!!
Dont have a comments box if you dont want comments!!!!!!!
I wasnt being rude i was just saying its not as good as it used to be...i did actually say it used to be "amazing"...i think its a shame because susannah has so much potential...

[Kelly Jeanette]

I just started reading your blog last month, but I have never found it boring. This blog is like your home.I would never go to someone's home and tell them to change it to suit me.

My grandma always told me that if I didn't have anything nice to say to keep my mouth shut.(I hope you are reading this, S).

[S]

...and please susannah dont make out your on a tight budget, as your career was in journalism and "you were sitting on the front rows of fashion shows"...hardly tight for cash eh!!!!!?

[Lu]

I find you fascinating and I also love your space here. I have been blogging for well over six years and I have completely given up very successful blogs because I did not feel they were authentically me. Now, I could care less what people think of my blogs, but I know there are people who come to it for inspiration or just a good word.

You do what you are doing and keep on doing it. You are not boring and you would be if you started faking it for a few of us. Keep it real, S. Just like you always have.

[S]

how do people like you get a job as a "fashion editor", when your not even sexy or pretty!?

[Susannah]

dear S, i don't really need any more comments - i get what you are saying.

also, for the record, i worked in journalism over 5 years ago, as a writer with a normal salary - going to a fashion show does not mean you earn a lot of money. when i suffered my bereavement i was unable to work and have had to build up my life since then.

i listened to your first comment, but with this last comment you have kind of blown it - nasty personal snipping is really immature and offensive.

[victoria]

i love susannah and her work. if you don't like it, go somewhere else. life is too short for petty, mean-spirited people.

[Lee]

There is some kind of theory that it takes over 20 positive comments to overcome and outweigh one negative comment. I think you have your 20 and then some. All deserved. Head up. Silvana is right: only boring people find things boring.

I really enjoy my little Bath holidays.

:)

[amy]

i hope you keep doing what you're doing - for as long as it makes you happy, of course. you've created a lovely space. your words and photos are always a treat. thank you.

[Slugs On The Refrigerator]

Just wanted to say that it seems that S is a Troll. Someone who probably circulates on a number if sites with the sole purpose of being hurtful and cruel. There is a whole culture of it in the www and something a few of us have had to deal with recently. My advice is to ignore it, easier said than done, obviously, but by responding we feed into their desire to control and destroy. Know that it probably has very little to to with you and everything to do with them. Oh and block S's IP address. Not worth the heartache, I assure you.

Kat (former Unraveller)

[charlane]

you know what I love, I love that you made a blog about it and acknowledging that everyone has an opinion. because in the long run, everyone has a bellybutton too but it doesn't mean that it's always polite to show it - and yes, I de-cruded that statement. it is like coming into someone's home and making rude remarks for sure. and because I wouldn't do that, I won't make rude remarks about "S". the thing is, it's easy to cast stones anonymously. it's easy to judge and be a judgy mcjudgerpants. that takes no wit whatsoever. what does take wit - kindness, cleverness, caring, and the what not. *shrugs* I was taught if you don't have nice things to say, then don't say anything.

[Mara]

Lately I have been noticing that there are a lot of people who blame their own unhappiness on someone else. They are convinced that it is someone else's responsibility to entertain them and make their life whole. It is sad that these people have yet to become enlightened like the rest of us. We are the source of our own inner joy.
I agree that only boring people find things boring. In fact...I think I used to be one! But now...thank goodness I am not.
Great response, Susannah. Thank you for challenging "S" and being your own advocate. This is your lovely lovely space and it, and you, are not even close to boring. Not even close.

[doorways traveler]

oh my. just caught myself up here.

you, dear susannah, are so above this. you are brave enough to show your heart, your face and your voice.

this infiltrator....nada.

sleep easy, knowing that you are authentically out there. there is nothing to improve when your work is honest and true.

much love, lisa

[Liz]

I just started reading your blog in the past few weeks and it quickly became my favorite. I love to see a new post listed in my Google Reader:) Thank you for letting me into your online home!

[stacy]

i've been very quiet lately, my lovely. but i just had to come out and say that your blog is one of my favorite places to land. i always feel like i just want to curl up here, your words and images are the furthest thing from boring. i learn much from you.

people may be entitled to your their opinions, yes. but that doesn't give anyone the right to invade someone's personal space with their hurtful thoughts.

the beauty of life is we have the power no to things we don't like. s, take it somewhere else.

love you, sus.
xo

[stacy]

oops, i meant we have the power to say no to things we don't like.

xo

[Carol]

Susannah, your blog is unique and true because you are unique and true. And it's always a wonderful place to visit. You have achieved such wonderful, wonderful things with your life after experiencing such a devastating loss.

Don't let the ******** get you down, you have no need to justify your life as it was then, or how it is now. Those of us that have been visiting this blog for some time come because we love the beautiful images that you share with us and because your words are full of the same beauty.

Peace
Carol

[Baraginie]

Oh my. As we say in French: this is "n'importe quoi".
Have a lovely weekend Susannah, I hear the weather is lovely down South-enjoy it whilst it lasts!