Journalling
BBC4 has been covering the rather intriguing topic of why we bother to write diaries, and what different people get out of the process. I've only dipped into the short series, which started with Richard E. Grant's overview of diarists such as Joe Orton, Kenneth Williams and John Diamond.
As with many documentaries, there was some filler, and some fawning by the interviewer, but the core struck a chord. Beyond the mundane, the diary holds a place where detail can be recorded, a personal take on history, with the semblance of confidentiality that allows opinions to be aired that might not have been spoken out loud - at least not in the earshot of the people being described. The journal is not only a snapshot in history to be referred back to, but also a social commentary.
Some diaries have been prompted to catalogue life changing events. Journalist John Diamond wrote movingly of his battle with cancer in a newspaper column, followed by many right up to his eventual, untimely death. For others, the diary has been cathartic process of self discovery and release of emotions. Many diaries have been written for the writer's eyes only, or for intended release after death.
I guess the internet journal/blog is one step on from the newspaper column, released for immediacy, and, at least at times, intending/hoping to elicit some response amongst readers. The web allows for the immediacy of response, and community interaction that the paper press cannot match.
To journal, we need to have something to write about - hopefully something worthwhile, at least to the writer. The easiest time to find things to write about is when a great deal is happening in life. I felt the need to journal five years ago, prompted by my first steps in coming out, and keen, in my (at that time) isolated situation to share with those who might understand. LJ was my choice, partly down to the community feel, partly because I already knew some folk here, and partly because I could see other people on here that I could relate to. Writing has been cathartic. Taking the time to think out posts and responses has been educational. I've learned from my fellow LJers and developed valued friendships in the process.
Five years on, things have changed. I'm no longer so isolated, and real life interactions now tend to trump online banter. Like others, I have passed that period of intense self-reappraisal that was the initial prompt. Many of my earlier LJ friends have stopped updating and commenting, or cut LJ ties completely. A few have gone on to blog elsewhere. Life moves on.
Technology moves on too. The profusion of communication services has diluted LJ's role. Boyzici raised interesting points about the exodus to Facebook, a poor replacement for LJ, but with it's own advantages on immediacy, succinctness, and reach. I have avoided FB to date, mainly on issues of privacy - my social groups are quite distinct, and I want to keep most of them that way. On time too, I waste enough online without FB to deal with as well.
I hope to keep going with LJ, even if I post less. I should look out to increase my friends list to make up for those LJers who have gone dormant, in order to refresh my outlook, expand my vision.... and troll for more responses.
Discuss.
As with many documentaries, there was some filler, and some fawning by the interviewer, but the core struck a chord. Beyond the mundane, the diary holds a place where detail can be recorded, a personal take on history, with the semblance of confidentiality that allows opinions to be aired that might not have been spoken out loud - at least not in the earshot of the people being described. The journal is not only a snapshot in history to be referred back to, but also a social commentary.
Some diaries have been prompted to catalogue life changing events. Journalist John Diamond wrote movingly of his battle with cancer in a newspaper column, followed by many right up to his eventual, untimely death. For others, the diary has been cathartic process of self discovery and release of emotions. Many diaries have been written for the writer's eyes only, or for intended release after death.
I guess the internet journal/blog is one step on from the newspaper column, released for immediacy, and, at least at times, intending/hoping to elicit some response amongst readers. The web allows for the immediacy of response, and community interaction that the paper press cannot match.
To journal, we need to have something to write about - hopefully something worthwhile, at least to the writer. The easiest time to find things to write about is when a great deal is happening in life. I felt the need to journal five years ago, prompted by my first steps in coming out, and keen, in my (at that time) isolated situation to share with those who might understand. LJ was my choice, partly down to the community feel, partly because I already knew some folk here, and partly because I could see other people on here that I could relate to. Writing has been cathartic. Taking the time to think out posts and responses has been educational. I've learned from my fellow LJers and developed valued friendships in the process.
Five years on, things have changed. I'm no longer so isolated, and real life interactions now tend to trump online banter. Like others, I have passed that period of intense self-reappraisal that was the initial prompt. Many of my earlier LJ friends have stopped updating and commenting, or cut LJ ties completely. A few have gone on to blog elsewhere. Life moves on.
Technology moves on too. The profusion of communication services has diluted LJ's role. Boyzici raised interesting points about the exodus to Facebook, a poor replacement for LJ, but with it's own advantages on immediacy, succinctness, and reach. I have avoided FB to date, mainly on issues of privacy - my social groups are quite distinct, and I want to keep most of them that way. On time too, I waste enough online without FB to deal with as well.
I hope to keep going with LJ, even if I post less. I should look out to increase my friends list to make up for those LJers who have gone dormant, in order to refresh my outlook, expand my vision.... and troll for more responses.
Discuss.