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[ero_guro_phile]

I was thinking a little bit ago about the role of blogging for the individuals involved both in its production and consumption.  Do we write entries in these journals out of a great desire to express something of ourselves, to transmit information we feel other people need, to promote ourselves as points of interest or possible friends?  Do we

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[amanda_mary]

I've considered, on many occasions, the purpose of me maintaining a journal in this public (or semi-public) environment, as I've noticed that many people who use spaces like this grow disenchanted with them over time.

For me, having this journal has allowed me to keep in contact -- or even reconnect -- with friends from "the past," while discovering more about them, and allowing them to discover more about me (although, admittedly, only what I choose to present; but that is the case with any form of interpersonal communication, isn't it?) in one fell swoop than they would probably be able to gather from piecemeal conversations (especially because I tend not to be especially locquacious in person). I have also been able to establish friendships (again, limited though they may be) with people I never would have met otherwise, some of whom (Rebecca and Lauren, Jessica, Becca, etcetera) I have been fortunate enough to become friends with "in real life."

Insofar as memes are concerned, while I do attempt to limit my indulgence in them, I think they satisfy everyone's egocentric leanings and allow us to broach topics with readers that generally don't come up in everyday conversation. (One might discover, unexpectedly, that a friend shares your love of, say, Southern Gothic writing, or that they were raised in a strict, Pentecostalist family, both of which may give you insights into their worldview). Memes that prompt you to find out what Leslie Nielsen character best matches your personality may not be grounds for similar disclosure, of course ... .

[ero_guro_phile]

I think the social aspect of these journals is one of the most important components, yes. Certainly I am grateful that, through it, I have had more opportunities to chat with you!

There is a good point to be made about the way memes allow us to bring up topics either too obscure or otherwise not socially permissable in casual context. I find it interesting how often memes address the number of times a person has, for example, committed a felony or seen another person killed. Such entries may be in jest, but I wonder how they fit into the broader discussion of, you know, favorite colors and ice cream flavors.