The contest is winding down. I have a presentation to give to my Thursday class and I have a ten lesson unit plan on Minnesota history to turn in that day. I leave town for Chicago Pride and a wedding on Friday. So this is my chance to say goodbye to this semester's contest and to reflect on everything I've learned these past few months.
Blogging at ProU has taught me much about the world around me, but more importantly, it has taught me much MORE about myself and my ability to influence that world. So here is a list of my favorite lessons from the past semester:
1.) Disagreement does not equal disapproval. I am a people-pleaser. For most of my life, I've tried to make people happy. This is part of the reason I've never written for an audience. I was sure that people would tell me I was crap. But they didn't. They told me my ideas were crap, and guess what? That doesn't hurt at all! The first time chillbill busted my metaphorical balls, I spent the entire day anxious, like a kid who knows the principal is going to call home and tell my parents I got caught swearing. I typed my retort, he shot back, I shot back, and so it went. No one got hurt. Ideas were exchanged. I lived to blog another day. I am no longer afraid to write for an audience. As a kid, I told everyone I would grow up to be a writer. Maybe I can finally grow up now!
2.) Allies abound. Once I came to and realized that a little healthy arguing would not kill me, I took up the cause of GLBT issues. I expected to be bashed, and I was a little bit, but what I did not expect was the sheer emotional force with which some of my fellow bloggers would come to my aid. I appreciate every single ally out there, whether you read my blog or not. It moves me to tears when people take up the cause of human rights.
3.) Sensationalism does not make a good blog. I tried out all kinds of formats in the beginning. What I found after A Gay in the Life was that sincerity makes for the best blogs. That post was sarcastic as hell, but it was a very honest account of my life with my partner. It turned out to be the most popular blog I wrote. It was also the easiest blog to write. Now i only write about a topic if it feels important to me. If I don't care about my topic, how can I expect a reader to care about my opinion and analysis of it? (And yes, I DO care very much about Schmeat! Who wouldn't?)
4.) I can stay up way later than I should. My sleep habits will improve markedly once the contest ends!
5.) I cannot listen and blog at the same time. My partner can't wait for this thing to end, so I can hear her again! She has to repeat everything because I just nod along as if I am taking in every word, then when I finish posting the comment I am working on, I look up and say, "Wait...did you say something?" I have some flowers to buy when this is all over!
6.) Friends don't need faces. I am so overwhelmed by the relationships I've formed on the site the past few months! I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to watch DrifterDani grow up before our very eyes! I have laughed like crazy with sawaboof. Sonja and I have lamented the injustices of the world together. I like to think of myself as a sort of naive, clumsy sidekick to Blackout...the Robin to his Batman, whether he likes it or not. Green Underbelly and I traded sarcastic verbal eye rolls with each other. Carrot cracked me up with her exploits. AmericanGirlinChina kept me reasonable, all the mods kept me honest, and Kinkatia and acheshirecatsmilehidesall gave me hope that the new graduates will grow into responsible, ethical leaders. Then there are the newcomers--powerful writers who make me think! Jlepp_journey and WonderW are the two who come to mind.
And then there was Kiota. A fierce adversary and ally, all rolled into one. I miss her (omni)presence on the site.
It's late now, and I am forgetting people. I will close this by saying that I began this contest on a lark. I had no idea how it would consume and transform my life.
It's been real!
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I was talking to my mother tonight about what you call "friends don't need faces." Funny little serendipitous exchanges brought me closer to people on this site. There were also a few excellent thinkers who challenged my beliefs this year. But through it, I feel as though I've forged allies in this e-struggle of ideas and ideals. It's been a nice little Jihad.
Eloquent in its brevity. That's what I have to say about your final post. Good luck to you in the future and I hope you have the time of your life in Montana this year!
Sustainably yers, Max
my documentary...
Wanna smile on the spot?
It's probably just final for the contest. Sorry. I guess goodbye made it sound like forever. I just mean for the contest. I don't know if I'll get another chance to post before it ends.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I will miss your writing greatly if you do, but it is your choice of course. Thank you for all you have done for me and for making me think. I wish you the best of luck friend and I am glad you learned many things. So did I. I also learned not to take attacks so harshly and to be blunt and honest. It was some of the ignorant people who would insult my intelligence who I could not have a logical debate.
Best wishes and Thanks,
Dani
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
Love comments? I do too!
Just probably not posting for the rest of the contest. Busy week. I'll be around next week though!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Don't go!
I love all the ideas that comeout during contest time. I just wish people would stick around during the not contest time and post a few things. If you stay gone I will have some serious withdrawal symptoms.
Have fun this up coming week. We will miss you wit
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
No worries! But I know a lot of people do leave after the contest ends, so I wanted to be sure I got a thank you in before the end, just in case any of them leave while I am otherwise occupied. I'll "see" you guys next week.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I thought I was going to have a heart attack...not being able to read your writing anymore. I am not leaving either, but I will be working alot starting weds so I probably won't be on here until sunday, or maybe I will sneak in at night.
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
Love comments? I do too!
Don't sell yourself short. I have no illusions about the probability that I don't reach very many people who aren't already in a position to (more or less) agree with me. I'm just too old, mean and bitter. You're blogs, however, seem to have a quality that reaches across the normal divides to provoke more productive conversations.
TTFN,
Blackout
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Yes, I've changed my username from "percivale" to "Blackout." Go here if you want to know why.
Rest in peace
yourfuneralguy
http://www.lowercostfuneral.com/rbrianblog
And as far as I can tell you won the contest.
But trust me real fun blogging goes on between contests.
...but I don't participate in the contests. For some reason, I started getting points this last time around, but even if I won I would decline the honor. I'm a looooooong way out of school, and don't need the scholarship money.
TTFN,
Blackout
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Yes, I've changed my username from "percivale" to "Blackout." Go here if you want to know why.
That's cause you quit being a mod (can't remember exactly when you did that, but it was sometime during the last contest, yeah?). Regular users get points, whether they want them or not. We just filter out those who don't check the box, or didn't sign up in time at the end. :)
~C
Check out the latest entry in the Between The Lines column!
Want the highest rated list to change? RATE those blogs, then!
Better be careful...or I might reapply for the position...
TTFN,
Blackout
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Yes, I've changed my username from "percivale" to "Blackout." Go here if you want to know why.
I must say, EW, that I have learned so much from you since being a member here at Pro U. Reading your blogs has provided me with excellent examples of how to write for a large audience.
Thank You!
You have no clue how much you made my day, not going to lie.
:)
You have also taught me something, EW: it's perfectly possible for a complete stranger to become a role model - without ever seeing his or her face.
============
http://progressiveu.org/194530-parents-when-girl-em-then-shes-control
(Latest blog. )
We will miss you, even if you leave for only a short while. You know how I feel about you leaving already...
~C
Check out the latest entry in the Between The Lines column!
Want the highest rated list to change? RATE those blogs, then!
Just watch. E.W. will leave a few days short of the end of the contest and suddenly she'll win the top scholarship. I don't know anyone else who has gotten as many reads and comments as you! Especially since "A Gay In the Life" (very hilarious blog, btw) is still popping up on my Track option!
But you'll be back! By now you've realized this place is like deep fried crack. Wait, did I just say that?
#5 made me laugh. I can sorta relate, because a similar thing happened between my roomie/friend and myself. She'd say something, I'd be typing a comment or something, and then I'd realize a response was needed. She'd say, "Blogging again?" Me: "Well, commenting actually....you have got to read this blog entry though!"
We're all nutters, but we're in it together, folks!
~ *~
This is a signature, an automated thingy that pops up when I comment, not a demand to see my blog!
Mind Control is Easier Than You Think
You know I have to pop in every now and then to make a comment here or there while doing my homework. I can't quit cold turkey! I'll get the shakes! I just don't have time to write another blog entry right now.
Speaking of time...I'd better get to work. I'm having serious anxiety over Thursday's presentation...
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I honestly don't know where the "deep fried crack" comment came from. I could have made it up, or I could have heard it somewhere, but I have used it in message forums before.
Sounds like you need a ProgU arm patch or something. :)
~ *~
This is a signature, an automated thingy that pops up when I comment, not a demand to see my blog!
Mind Control is Easier Than You Think
I think we all need an arm patch. At least this is more or less for a good cause right?
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
Yeah, at least we have a viable excuse!
Hey, the ProgU arm patch could be my addition to the ProgressiveU stuff!
~ *~
This is a signature, an automated thingy that pops up when I comment, not a demand to see my blog!
Mind Control is Easier Than You Think
I think I've discovered some of the same things from this site, especially the first one. It's so much harder for me to debate with someone online because I'm constantly wondering if the "tone" of the post is right...
Good luck on the presentation and the lesson plan and have fun in Chicago!
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Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress. --Mahatma Gandhi
My Blog: http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/kablock
My PhotoBlog: http://takingpictures.wordpress.com
awww thanks. :-) I'll look forward to your return. :-)
If you are ever in Milwaukee (more towards shorewood [what a fun town!]) you and your sawa are welcome for dinner. If I have warning, it might even be a good dinner. :-P
omg. ProU Dinner parties!!
Read my Blogs!
This is Why I'm Hot
And My Other Blogs
That would be awsome! Quick everyone to sawaboof's for dinner! I bet she will have mac and cheese.
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
oh noes! Not right this second!! I moved in like 2 days ago!
I have like... 5 frozen dinners, reeses peanut butter puff cereal, half a gallon of whole milk, and some crystal light pomegranate cherry tea.
That is all my food.
Well... that and left over road trip snacks. Pringles and beef jerky for everyone!!
Read my Blogs!
This is Why I'm Hot
And My Other Blogs
I'm in Kenosha today and will be in Milwaukee tomorrow, noonish. Lunch?
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Ack! I just got this. If you get this reply in the next 48 minutes or so... it will be before noon. And lunch can be a go. :-)
I'm on the 2nd floor of the Bolton building in the computer lab at UWM. :-P
Otherwise... another time :-)
Read my Blogs!
This is Why I'm Hot
And My Other Blogs
I thought of you as I drove through, though.
It won't be my last trip to Milwaukee. I'll PM you in advance next time I'm headed that way!
Fun!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
dinner sounds good. I can help you cook. I am alittle geographically challenged and have no idea what state you are in. I am sure it is pretty far from kentucky though. Frozen dinners ar still good....and easy...
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
Love comments? I do too!
I am in Wisconsin. :-)
And I have some food now! :-) Enough to make pasta with meat sauce anyway. :-) And by meat... I mean a lot of meat. Also peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Garlic, oregano... my sauce is pretty filling. :-)
Read my Blogs!
This is Why I'm Hot
And My Other Blogs
Mmm.... I want your food. Too bad I'm stuck in the middle of the desert.
~C
Check out the latest entry in the Between The Lines column!
Want the highest rated list to change? RATE those blogs, then!
How about:
Closing the Achievement Gap Part II
Are you going to post it?
Too busy this week. Out of town, tons of homework, etc. I wish I could have gotten it up before the end of the contest, but no such luck.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman