Wednesday, March 12, 2008

My Little Corner...For rent?

Well.

It’s getting quieter and quieter in my little corner of journal land.

So, with an extra half-hour to kill before I return to my non-stop life, it seems like a good time to assess the benefits of continuing to pay the rent on this quiet little corner of journal land.

I’ve stated before, every time I re-visit this issue, that I don’t really care if anybody reads; that I like to write and this is where I write, so I will just soldier on.

But now, of course, I have to consider the dangers of writing here.

I don’t try to keep my identity secret. I’ve not published my full name, address or phone number, but anyone with half a brain would be able to figure out where the café is and who I am, if they wanted to.

And this IS a public journal, so people—like customers or crew—have perfect legal access to my ranting about the restaurant. And people who might give a shit will also be able to connect me with my political and agnostic beliefs…and one never knows what trouble that would cause in a small town. 

I’d like to go on record saying I’ve never written anything here that I wouldn’t share with the principals involved. And I’d also like to say that anyone who would stop patronizing the café because they don’t agree with my politics or my religion (or lack thereof) is not really welcome through the doors, anyway.

Still, I probably haven’t even imagined the worst scenario that could result from someone "in my life" reading my journal. It’s such a novel idea, I’ve scarcely thought it necessary to consider the consequences. Up until now, I haven’t been able to pay friends or family to read, for the most part. So it beats me why relative strangers would show any interest. But accidents do happen, and unfortunate accidents with weird consequences seem to occur daily on the internet. I’m probably pushing my luck by continuing to be so free with my thoughts and rants here on a public journal…that nobody reads. :P 

So what’s the answer? Go private? Nah…that’s not why I’m here. Go back to the notebooks with pages and pages of stuff no one will ever see? Can’t do it. Censor every word I write? I suck at that when I’m sane and rested…couldn’t possibly see myself attempting it now.

Haven’t come up with an answer, have I? And I’ve run out of time…

16 comments:

  1. Well, I'm glad you ran out of time.  At least for today.  :::sigh:::  It just seems that the more I write, the less people read ... and then ...

    Oh, I don't know.  Sometimes I think I'd just like to go back to good old pen pal style.  You know?

    Don't leave.  At least, not yet.  I can't take one more leave just yet ....

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  2. Keep on...I think of your plight with the restaurant and remember going though the same thing. Small town, prejudices and gossip- what the heck you're ok and I read your journal all the time even if I don't always comment. Don't worry, I live in California, I think that's a ways from you!

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  3. Hi, I read all your entries. I don't think I've commented on yours. I feel strange commenting, I don't have a journal myself. But I'll keep reading if you keep writing. Sheila

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  4. Don't stop.  I enjoy reading your writing.  I don't know why.  I don't even remember how I stumbled upon your blog.. probably through someone elses blog.  I don't comment very often and I don't have a blog of my own.  I live no where NEAR where you live  - I just enjoy reading about your cafe, etc and the trials you have with it.  I don't agree with all your political views (from what I have read anyway) - but it is just nice to know that there is someone else out there that goes through the same type of things as me (and the rest of us I suppose) and has had the same thoughts about every day life as me.  I read because I want you to be triumphant in your business venture - I read to see what "happened today" at that damn place - I guess it takes my mind off what is going on in my life I don't like.   You are a good writer.   I understand about people "finding" you, but I hope you continue to write and let it be public.

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  5. Oh no, don't go away.  I've just added you to my own personal blogger blog, where I will now be writing waaay more than I did when I simply created it in order to become part of TBV team.  I am once again contemplating leaving TBV, and just writing at Quid Nunc, so I'm working on the template to turn it into something that it hasn't been previously.  

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  6. I enjoy your journal, and yet I certainly understand your concerns.  I don't know what the answer is, though...

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  7. Don't leave lisa....make an alter ego....announce it here and then delete the announcement after everyone who is currently reading has a chance to bookmark your new site.  Change names and localities...to protect the guilty....

    dont' stop writing though.  Lots of people read that don't comment.  check your counter.  

    Besides we can't lose another sane voice that is willing to stand up to our government.

    the country is already goin to Hell.....

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  8. If you stop writing I shall cry.

    Michelle

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  9. I look forward to your journals and would miss them if they were no longer here.  I rarely comment here, or other places.  I usually don't have much to add, I mostly agree, laugh, empathize, sympathize, etc. silently.

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  10. Hey Lisa.  Back again here with an additional thought.  I feel when we write (and I just write drivel and life stuff) it helps when people comment.  It helps to have some feedback and to know that someone is reading what you write.  I don't expect people to agree or approve always, but it is nice to know readers are out there.  It isn't about writing to a large or ever growing audience, per se, but it is about putting some work in to it and getting back a little bit of acknowledgement.  

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  11. If you start a new anonymous blog, I will be there as soon as I get an invite!
    http://searchthesea.blogspot.com/

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  12. Better late than never. Keep the flags flying. Thing is, some of your best writing is about you and where you live. YOur sense of place is so much a part of your identity I'm not sure you could be anonymous and still be you. If that makes any sense.

    Take care,

    Jackie

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  13. Lisa, go and read Funky Winkerbean today:
    http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/fun/funky.asp

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  14. For what it is worth...I say write away my love.  No one should have the right to silence another.

    But I do understand.  I do.

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  15. I can understand your issue.  But, I see that I'm commenter number 14....so you would definately be missed if you pulled up stakes.  I hope you decide to just stick with us.

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  16. I know I do not comment very often, for that I am sorry. I enjoy your blog. I jhave been reading about the ups and downs since day 1 of your business. Stay please.

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