Guess who's back...back again
So, in the 3 months since I created this blog, I've posted a whopping 5 times. That's partly because I've been busy with other things, but mainly because I haven't decided what the purpose of this blog is. I vaguely recall being motivated to start a new blog when I read an article about employers perusing applicants' blogs as part of the evaluation process; actually, I think I was considering applying for an IHS summer program and saw that the application had a field marked "blog."
Since then I've realized that Blog-as-resume holds myself to a unnecessarily high standard, keeps me from blogging about anything that isn't Deep, and makes blogging a chore instead of a procrastinatory delight.
Another reason I've been less than motivated to blog is my conspicuous lack of readership. The only comment I've had has been from an acquaintance I haven't talked to in person since middle school (thanks Zach!), and anyone who was interested in reading my blog has probably long since given up hope. But I would just feel silly returning to Xanga, and I suppose I can write more freely knowing that no one's reading.
Which raises the question (I'm very tempted to say it "begs" the question, but the specter of Mr. Wolf looming over my writing keeps me from abusing a term with precise philosophical meaning), why bother to post at all? For one thing, the prospect, ever-so-slim though it may be, that someone may read my work forces me to strive for higher levels of precision, organization, and interestingness. For another, it will force me to take positions on issues, instead of just idly pondering them, letting the arguments for both sides wash over my brain and moving on.
Besides, I need something to do during the two months of summer vacation before I leave for China. (I'm teaching English through the Crimson Summer Exchange program, where Harvard pays my airfare and room/board. So not only do I get a free trip to China, it's funded by my rival school!
If anyone's still reading, my responsibilities include submitting a copy of "a text, or part of a text, that illustrates or helps one understand American culture. Cultural submissions that relate to moral and behavioral standards are particularly encouraged." Any suggestions?)
Since then I've realized that Blog-as-resume holds myself to a unnecessarily high standard, keeps me from blogging about anything that isn't Deep, and makes blogging a chore instead of a procrastinatory delight.
Another reason I've been less than motivated to blog is my conspicuous lack of readership. The only comment I've had has been from an acquaintance I haven't talked to in person since middle school (thanks Zach!), and anyone who was interested in reading my blog has probably long since given up hope. But I would just feel silly returning to Xanga, and I suppose I can write more freely knowing that no one's reading.
Which raises the question (I'm very tempted to say it "begs" the question, but the specter of Mr. Wolf looming over my writing keeps me from abusing a term with precise philosophical meaning), why bother to post at all? For one thing, the prospect, ever-so-slim though it may be, that someone may read my work forces me to strive for higher levels of precision, organization, and interestingness. For another, it will force me to take positions on issues, instead of just idly pondering them, letting the arguments for both sides wash over my brain and moving on.
Besides, I need something to do during the two months of summer vacation before I leave for China. (I'm teaching English through the Crimson Summer Exchange program, where Harvard pays my airfare and room/board. So not only do I get a free trip to China, it's funded by my rival school!
If anyone's still reading, my responsibilities include submitting a copy of "a text, or part of a text, that illustrates or helps one understand American culture. Cultural submissions that relate to moral and behavioral standards are particularly encouraged." Any suggestions?)
posted by undoctrinated at 6:37 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home