The only problem with deciding to blog to keep up my writing discipline is that once given the power to be an egotistical prick and preach from the high and mighty pedestal of a blog, it’s hard to go back to any other form of writing.
When I look back at some of my posts I really have to wonder where the hell I was coming from and on what sort or ‘I’m smarter than anyone else’ drugs I was on. Now approaching six hundred posts, it seems that I’m addicted to this wielding of the sword of opinionated thinking and blind bias.
Luckily though, I have a great bunch of regular commenters who really do keep me on a relatively even keel, and on occasions, even disagree with me. Now I know this may sound strange coming from an egotistical armchair blogger like me, but deep down I think I need a bit of alternative thinking from time to time. So much so, that I’m toying with the idea of actually encouraging it. Well, just a bit.
This is not to say that I will change my routine. I mean, I’m enjoying the pleasure of clacking away daily and sending my rational, irrational, crazy, stupid and on rare occasions, lucid thoughts out into the wild blue yonder of the Internet, and having a damn fine time too.
However, I will take more notice of what other people have to say, trying to come to grips with their point of view and rationale. Then when I have fully digested their opinion, I’ll probably go straight back to my own egotistical views and get on with enjoying my blogging pulpit.
Oh the joys of the Internet and blogging. Giving one the opportunity to be an opinionated creep, right from the comfort of my sofa. Now, that’s life!
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22 comments
J. Kevin Tumlinson
30/09/2011 at 3:40 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
The thing to do is embrace this Id version of yourself, give it a name of its own, and treat it like an occasional house guest or an old frat buddy. Yeah … that’s the mentally healthy thing to do.
Johanna
30/09/2011 at 3:50 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
There’s definitely something egotistical about every act of writing. Making up stories or putting your opinion out there and then expecting people to *gasp* read it! Somedays I still ponder the fact that no one has bothered to tell me, “Um, you know, you’re just making stuff up. Why do you think that’s worth anyone’s time.” Fortunately, that hasn’t happened yet so I’m with you…keep putting it out there from the comfort of home!
Jack Eason
30/09/2011 at 4:59 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Heh! Mate, if you want a real rant check out mine on “Cold Callers”, I really let rip.
http://akhen1khan2.blogspot.com/2011/09/cold-callers.html
PS – I’m only a few post behind you at 507.
Claude Bouchard
30/09/2011 at 6:11 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
The important thing, Derek, is to recognize AND admit that you’re an egotistical prick. Once that’s done, it’s like a license to not give a crap about what anybody else thinks. Way to go!
Derek Haines
30/09/2011 at 8:44 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Well, Claude, that really sounds like a licence to continue being an egotistical prat! I will therefore happily oblige
Wesley Dylan Gray
30/09/2011 at 9:10 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
I couldn’t disagree with you more, Derek! Where do you get off thinking you can post such irrational banter? You should NEVER listen to what anyone else has to say about anything EVER! So please, for the love of all that’s good on this earth, stay on your blogging high-horse-soap-box thingy, and preach your good word to the masses, so that they can in turn totally and completely disregard every last word you have to say. It’s our bloody right as Humans to do so!
Derek Haines
30/09/2011 at 9:24 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
I’m thrilled Wesley! Your disagreement has been duly noted and greatly appreciated
)
Wesley Dylan Gray
30/09/2011 at 9:49 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Just doing my part!
Rob Castley
30/09/2011 at 10:10 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Love it, send it out. Otherwise people like me who wish they could drink wine and write would have nothing to read in the vacuum where we wish our writing could be and I just like your random wisdom /witticism to brighten my evenings………
Derek Haines
30/09/2011 at 10:28 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Ok Rob. You asked for it. I’ll just have to continue to be an egotistical prat then!
Rob Castley
30/09/2011 at 10:34 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
You have an audience, I believe that is all a writer requires (after an income of course…..)
Derek Haines
30/09/2011 at 10:58 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
A real challenge Rob. ‘Income’? Now there’s a word I think I’ll need a dictionary to understand.
Rob Castley
30/09/2011 at 11:23 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
I’m looking for the ‘like’ button. I think that says something bad about about me…………….
David Lever
01/10/2011 at 4:14 am (UTC 2) Link to this comment
The Vandal is one of my most valued blog reads. But I do really need to get a life. I spend too much time here.
gabriella
01/10/2011 at 4:22 am (UTC 2) Link to this comment
I agree with J. Kevin. Be like Stephen King and morph your own Richard Bachman to take over from time to time…
Catana
01/10/2011 at 4:58 am (UTC 2) Link to this comment
One of the blessings of being an egotistical creep is that it gives the rest of us a reason to say “There but for the grace of God…”
Rachel
01/10/2011 at 8:14 am (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Nicely done. It’s always wise to mix in a little humility and self-deprecation when trying to be heard, or in this case read – it makes one’s opinions more palatable to the average infantile reader. It’s like adding a bit of sugar to a teaspoon of whiskey for a baby who won’t settle (although I don’t really think people do that anymore, but whatever).
On the other hand, in your case self-inflicted aspersions are probably unnecessary – you always seem to give your followers something interesting to read and think about, without offending the average idiot reader’s sensibilities. If you have offended anyone it was probably a delayed response, like when someone gives a backhanded compliment. You are that clever…I mean, I don’t really know, but from what I’ve read thus far, that’s the impression I get).
Anyway, I’ll shut up now because this “comment” is turning into a blog post of its own.
Another fun-to-read post!
Cheers ~ Rachel
Nicole
01/10/2011 at 10:54 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
I know what you mean!! While I don’t write from the perspective of being any kind of expert on writing or blogging, it can be an addictive form of getting automatic feedback from people, something that (as an aspiring novelist) thoroughly feeds off of.
Good post!
Kortney Gessler
04/10/2011 at 11:38 am (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Someone’s gotta be egotistical now and again. Frankly, the posts I’ve read I’ve not gotten that impression from your writings. The way I look at it is no matter where you speak – be it blogging, website, or in person – there is always going to be someone who does not like what you’ve got to say. ALWAYS. No need to go changing your M.O. because someone’s feelings got hurt along the way.
Kortney Gessler recently posted..Rising Power
Derek Haines
04/10/2011 at 11:56 am (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thank you Kortney. I feel you’ve given me licence to continue ranting and raving and hopefully attracting a little mild agreement and some worthy dissension. It would be a boring world if we all agreed!
Now, who or what should incur my vandalistic wrath this week? lol
Derek Haines recently posted..The Clown
Kortney Gessler
04/10/2011 at 12:14 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Of course it would be a boring world if we all agreed. It would also be a boring world if we all kept our mouths shut too. – Yes, keep on keepin’.
Hm…. I’d like to know your thoughts on the whole DRM mess – or better yet, facebook hooking in with Kobo.
Kortney Gessler recently posted..Rising Power
Lilith
04/10/2011 at 1:08 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Well, your readers don’t seem to mind you being an ‘egotistical creep with a keyboard’ (your words
). I’m new here, so i will have to get to know you first before i express an opinion, but i think that… creep you are talking about, will do me fine. 
Nice to meet you.
Lilith recently posted..No huggee, no kissee