Blogging and conversation
On the subject of social software, I really like Deaf UK Technology* right now. Its small enough to have a kind of community feel about it, tech focused you still get to know people a bit, and its a way of keeping in touch. The discussion tends to be product related, thus I can lose interest a bit. Perhaps one day the boundaries might be pushed a bit, and recognition of how software is used in community building. Deafies in the UK aren't alien to this concept, its just not acknowledged enough.
Which brings me onto my next point, why aren't more UKers blogging? Blogging is supposed to be about about conversation, which a mailing list could be described to an extent. However, blogging creates a sense of ownership, and pushes thoughts into the mainstream. Mailing lists can be difficult to navigate thoughts from individual users. Why would you want to do this? Simply to get to know someone, and through this process, you might even begin to trust them. Taking thoughts and discussion outside of a mailing list and pushing this into the public arena gets more exposure to issues. A mailing list by comparison (although can be public) does this extremely poorly, and there's always an element of control by an over zealous power centric moderator.
Whilst individuality is important, as a blogging community we need to start joining up and acknowledging each other a bit more. Its all part of conversation.
On the point of conversation, I was talking to Rob last night, who was complaining about the lack of comments. This in part had something to with new posts being alerted to people you know who read your missive on IM. Instead of commenting, people will then reply direct on IM. I get this too. However, it does not generate interaction, and blogs aren't supposed to be places where you are passive receivers of information: read then go away.
There's a bit of a comment whore in all of us, I suppose it massages the ego a bit: someone out there is paying attention, and what you have to say is remotely interesting. However, it goes well beyond this. Blogging is conversation, just in another form, and without conversation or indeed interaction then what's the point? Its not very Web 2.0.
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* Disclaimer: I'm a "moderator" of DUKT, but try and treat it as a passive admin role.
Comments
I seem to recall deaf.blog banning comments,and operated a clique and censorship, (Shades of deaf-uk which is going to drag you down every time), no wonder people won't bother, you don't get that on American deaf.read they're more enligthened.
Grumpy couldn't take comment, so you close ranks like some 'in' girls club. When are deaf.blog & Co, going to STOP trying to operate UK net sites and such like a cosy clique ?
The only people that get comment and debate and conversations are those that introduce alternative views and some contention let's face it, but you can't take it. At the start when I was at defa.blog I was told in no uncertain terms deaf.blog was NOT about holding debate, woke up have you !
This is fuss about nothing you can use a web cam you know or even splash on your blogs. deaf.blog is running this site for the benefit of a select few in the UK, they're nowhere near the Americans who are miles and years ahead of you.
UK deaf (That title has to change or it will be a millstone around your neck), are just not with it.
Posted by: MM | March 12, 2007 9:13 AM
MM if you prefer deafread.com that is your choice. Go over there and use it. Many international people hate it.
deaf-blogs.com does not carry comments. I do not know what you are talking about when you say comments aren't allowed. Noone can comment on there! Its an aggregator.
Re your blog being taken off deaf-blogs.com you are mistating the facts, and have also done so on your own blog. I've attempted to correct your version, but you don't allow comments to go through. The same went for when you posted some cartoons on your blog, claiming it to be all your own work! The original image was copied, and this was clearly shown by the pixels within the image.
deaf-blogs.com took your blog off because you resorted to trolling. There is a difference between trolling and conversation. You then played martyr on your own blog via deafread.com along the lines of none of the content here objectionable. What you failed to tell them was that you had deleted several blogs before.
Within these blog posts (which you deleted your blog after the above), you made a mockery of people like Dr Paddy Ladd, and several other personal comments about others. Some of us have been around your
Re taking your blog off, you might like to refresh your memory. It was you who requested that Tony's blog was removed, and kicked up a massive fuss about the need for moderation in the See Hear forum. After several pages, I and others listened and removed. Since you were guilty of similar behaviour and to apply some consistency, we took yours down too. You fail to mention this in your postings.
MM you being dishonest, and on this ground alone your blog and what you are saying lacks credibility. If you are going to blog, at least do it honestly.
Other than that, there's a difference between disagreement and being a troll. I don't tolerate the latter. If other people across the pond can tolerate trolling, they are welcome to it.
Posted by: Alison | March 12, 2007 11:35 AM
To MM: Do you mean deaf-blogs.com? (You wrote deaf.blog)
Or are there more another deaf blog sites I have missed?
Posted by: tecken:glad | March 12, 2007 11:41 AM
To MM: have you been honest about all the posts you made about the Gallaudet protest, and mocking everyone who supported it? You made some vile comments.
You constantly belittled British people supporting it. Not just objection in a sensible manner, but ....
Posted by: KJP | March 12, 2007 12:08 PM
MM - you are so clever! You have managed to comment on deaf-blogs.com AND have it censored, doing the impossible that no-one else in the world can do!
Deaf-blogs.com doesn't have comments, doesn't carry them etc so I am amazed at your sheer ability in commenting on deaf-blogs.com!
I look forward to your next masterpiece - making a post on Grumpy Old Deafies without any login details!
Posted by: JGJones | March 12, 2007 12:23 PM
Ummm, well, what can I say? The lack of comments on blog postings? Let me answer Rob's point with a question, how the hell do you comment on a posting about someone's stomach ache? Are we meant to group tpogether and offer some cyber commiserations? Are we meant to offer some cyber affirmations that you are not alone in suffering stomach aches?
I'm being facetious I know, but the standard of many blogs out there, esp. Deaf Blogs, aren't all that high.
Then more pertinent, is the fact there are os many forums, blogs, and what have you, that we are in danger of commenting and replying and posting overload. On top of this, write our own blogs.
Then there are people who blog and are basically trolls, that it is pointless entering into a debate with them.
Posted by: Tony Nicholas | March 15, 2007 12:45 AM
Yet they STILL allow you to comment, best not look a gift horse etc..... ea.blog has lost out simply because it stifles debate, it's as basic as that, and the fact I couldn't give a fig for someone's lengthy diatribe on waking up in the morning... for goodness sake get with it...
Posted by: MM | March 17, 2007 8:14 PM