Thursday, May 31, 2007

Kicking and Screaming into the 21st Century


Welcome to my Blog,

I've joined the 21st century kicking and screaming along the way. For a few years now, Blogs have replaced the old journals and diaries of the previous century. I've written in journals all of my life. I've got a footlocker full of them.

As I look back over time, I guess I've always looked at new technology with hindsight. The microwave oven, although invaluable in my life nowadays, was something I waited to get. Computers, I have to admit it wasn't until my father got one that I first realized the ease of it as a writing tool. I used to spend hours upon hours tapping away on my old typewriter editing and reediting, which now sits forlornly in the garage. I never saw the need until I got my first one. I looked at blogging the same way. How could journaling here be better than having a book in hand for all time? Less finger cramping for one thing. Computer monitors are backlit so I don't have to turn on the lights and wake everyone up was another.

My daughters finally convinced me to connect with myspace and start a page there. Like everything else, I procrastinated for YEARS before I finally made a page for myself. What really spearheaded my action was a message in the Books and Writers Forum in Compuserve. I've been a member there since before AOL/Worldcom bought it out. I finally saw the value of having a myspace account and a blog. Marketing was a major selling point for me. It was a way to get myself out there without going there. Well honestly, I still have "to go there." As a writer, I'm always looking for tools to help me along the way...this is my newest one. Even if I protest against it, usually dragging my feet and scuffing my shoes in the dirt, I have done it now.

Before there was email, it was letter writing, telephone calls, and actual one on one conversations. Can you believe it? Talking face to face with someone? Introducing yourself and seeing them? All of these are being replaced in the cyberworld. You can find anything on the net. Now, even me.

With postal rate increases coming along almost yearly, this is cheaper and faster. Now, be honest, cheaper is important. With the price of gas reaching over three dollars a gallon, people buying hybrid cars, and everything else...you save money where you can. Oh, don't get me started on gas price or rising costs of everything...I'd be here all day!

It all made sense and seemed normal to me. That in itself is strange, because I'm the Queen of Abby Normal. Long live the Queen! I usually find unconventional ways of doing things to make things work. I struggle against conformity constantly. Why conform, when unconformity is fun and exciting...but that's another blog for later.

Thanks for stopping by and reading. Y'all come back now, ya hear?
Jo

4 comments:

Choc Mint Girl said...

For a newbie in blogsphere, wow, I must say you are indeed a good writer. Will love to come back.

Take a look at mine and appreciate for any constructive comments
http://chocmintgirl.blogspot.com

Thanks!!

J.L. Murphey said...

Choc,

Writing is what I do for a living. As soon as I learn to tweak this page, Ill be adding more to it...so stay tuned.

txdave said...

Internet readers tend to return to blogs with a focused theme.

They also like shorter posts, smaller bites, as well as photos of general interest, see wht I mean:

browniesforbreakfast.blogspot.com

waterfallsuplift.blogspot.com

good luck

dave

J.L. Murphey said...

Thanks Dave, Will have to look at it. I look at blogs like journaling, since I'm a writer by trade, I figured a general commentary was good.