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thoughts on blogging

Yes this blog has gotten me in a little trouble from time to time. And maybe it has gotten a little silly lately. Like, uh, some of the questions that were posed to me? I think I might try to affect a tone of a little more “detached aloofness” and not respond to every single comment people leave. That seems to work for Heather Hunter fairly well. Or maybe it is just that being a guy opens me up to a little more mockery/derision? Not that I don’t have a sense of humor about it, I do, but I also want to preserve my dignity a bit…

I do have fun with this blog. But it is not like it makes me any money or anything like that. If it came down to it and the choice was between my blog and my career, I know what side my bread is buttered on. Or something like that. It would not be a big deal to close it down, to just focus on running and Hell’s Kitchen bar reviews, or what have you.

I feel like I try to keep away from discussing subjects that are controversial (save one that I’ll get to later, journalism-related stuff). I know I did offend a lot of people off with that “dregs” post. Really that was just my insecurity about getting older talking, I was not trying to dis’ on anyone!

Actually this blog is a little unusual in that it’s a (semi-) personal blog written under my own name. I feel like most of the blogs like that are like my friend Bex‘s, written anonymously. It’s good that I don’t have to worry about being “outed” but at times it does make me feel a little bit exposed. Like when I go out on a first or second date and the woman knows an awful lot about me. (I put the blog-address in my email signature, it’s not like I’m trying to hide it — not that I could, this is the second google hit for “derek rose.”) Maybe I need an anonymous blog for all the personal stuff, and keep this one just about running?

I haven’t been opining so much about journalism-related topics lately, although I did more in the past. For example, here I tried to explain why I’ve used the term “insurgents” rather than “terrorists” to describe what was going on in Iraq. Here and here I defended the mainstream media from charges we were misreporting what was going on in Iraq and ignoring the “good news.” (Uh, yeah).

I wouldn’t have written posts like that if I thought it would have caused my employers grief … I mean, I respect that as a media person I am a quasi-public figure. So if an employer (or potential employer) told me to zip it, of course I would.

But I do think that in today’s day and age of blogs and attacks on the media, it’s incumbent on journalists to go out and engage our critics. Not with mudslinging, but in a reasoned, nuanced manner. To explain our craft and how we make decisions. The day when news outlets could just report the news while trying to remain “opaque” is long gone. People want transparency these days. CBS has realized that with its “Public Eye” blog and the NYT with its public editor. I think most press critics really appreciate it when you’re willing to interact with them and understand that bloggers’ views are their own, not those of their employers.

But like I said, if an employer (or, for that matter, a girlfriend) really wanted me to close down this blog, I would. Or just write about running stuff and bar reviews. Sorry folks but you have to know what’s important in life!

10 comments to thoughts on blogging

  • CL

    I think you are a terrific writer and a fabulous journalist, and reading your posts has taught me more about journalism and writing.

    Yes, there are some days when the posts are just for fun, but I think other posts show great responsibility and courage and insight. You clearly are dedicated and interested in what you do, and want to get it right.

    As for the ‘dregs’ one, it stimulated some lively discussion, and I think everyone has thoughts and fears like that, so it wasn’t too bad.

    I know that you will ultimately do what is best for your career and what makes your employers most comfortable.

  • ariana

    What are you saying exactly?

  • bex

    well i hope that nothing forces you to shut down (or censor) your blog. if you keep your work life separate from what you’re writing about, i can see no real problem.

  • Tallman

    Yes, that must be a little weird to meet a girl in a bar, give her your name, call her two days later, and she knows your life story. I wonder if that is what it is like to be a celebrity, except there isn’t even that two day lag period?

    But you should keep blogging because it is a form of reporting and that is what you do.

  • ariana

    I’d run screaming if I was a new McHotty and I started reading all this — the Jewish Girl bits; the gay bar jaunts; the income debate; the guy-with-two-cats thing … the gay bar jaunts …

  • Flygirl has told me that too, about the blog in general… she’s careful to keep her real name off of her’s so she’s un-googleable.

    But I really don’t think the girls I date would be turned off by the occasional trip to a gay bar. It shows I’m comfortable, secure in my own skin, and open-minded.

    Was the Jewish girl post really that offensive? And the income debate? The one where I looked at that MIT study?

    They’ll find out about my cats sooner or later!

  • I don’t care so much about guys finding my blog…but I don’t want co-workers (or even family) finding it (since I do quite my share of bitching about both :-p ) I don’t mind if people use my real first name when they comment on the blog occasionally, but I just don’t want the full name on there at all.

  • […] This is a big step for me, one I’m very excited about. For you, my readers, it will mean a few changes … for now, at least I won’t be blogging about journalism-related stuff at all. I guess this “edgy” blog has, um … well, like I said, I’m going to be keeping it a little more professional from now on. Will use better judgment! And no more comma splices. […]

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