I take responsibility for being guilty of "BUI: Blogging Under the Influence." I could post links to bring you to the moments when this has occurred, but I have decided that if it matters to you, you would track my posts and find them on your own. These posts have attracted criticism, which I humbly accept. I have made some foolishly rash comments, only to be justly reprimanded. I was embarrassed, yet I take responsibility.
I have been tempted to forget about Progressive U. After all, I found this site because i was searching scholarships and this one came up, along with a dozen others. Those others accumulate to $50,000 and simply require one time essays. Progressive U offers $1000, but requires constant involvement, untired creativity, boundless empathy, and absolute social and educational integrity. i doubt I can win, but oddly, I can't walk away. By moving forward with Progressive U, I am sacrificing precious time and energy I should be spending on writings for other scholarships far less demanding. On the other hand I am providing myself with the gift of unbiased, honest feedback to my energy.
The force compelling me to stick it out with ProgressiveU is my innermost voice telling me that this is where I have the most to learn. Even "Blogging Under the Influence" has it's place, because unlike my typical "Preaching Under the Influence," Progressive U keeps me honest in a way that I think otherwise impossible. Here I am truly exposed. I am afraid to tell my friends, even though they are curious, because here I reveal too much personal information. In my past I have ran from critical feedback, but here I am starving for it. So when I met the harsh reactions to my self righteous "BUI," I was initially ashamed, but soon came to appreciate it. I was embarrassed, yes, but also excited. I understood that this is a place where I can express myself freely, yet be held accountable. In this sense, anyone can "Blog for Progress" with ProgressiveU
i find it ironic, because I know people who have been hurt by portraying and pursuing a fantasy online, only to end up rejected. Most people who find safety in online communities, such as online dating communities, end up disappointed and hurt once they realize that in spite of their unleashed honesty and vulnerability, the object of their affection was distracted and held by a seemingly weaker force. They can express anything, without exposing themselves., hence blogging, or My
Space, Facebook, whatever.
Then there are people who are unwittingly striving for progress. Those who don't totally understand how they got here, but cant deny that they are here now. Those who don't stop questioning. Those who don't give up the idea that we might not have all of the information.
Progress has many levels. There is individual progress, group progress, community progress, cultural progress, spiritual progress, national progress, and global progress. I find myself striving for them all, but at different moments I find that the cries of one are louder than the others, requiring more attention.
So far, Progressive U has inadvertently put me in contention with myself, so i may have to take a break to get clear. In the meantime, I hope that anyone who reads this blog, who can Identify would please take the time to comment.
The purpose to stay on the site is a good one, you shouldn't leave especially when a comment was not directed towards you in general. More than likely babbling about underlying issues happens when people drink especially when they may only drink on occassion. Some people just need to stay away from alcohol when they are going through issues and tough times.
Also don't take comments too personally I first did it when I first joined the site and it can get to you after awhile. I am especially talking about comments that you may not have recieved yet. I recieved some pretty nasty comments at one point and almost left as well.
I can't really think of much else to say but if the person apologized then at least accept it not everyone is perfect and people make mistakes.
http://www.progressiveu.org/043043-mom-i-can-finally-write-you-letter
Sorry to disappoint you, but I am voting for Lewis Black.
DrifterDani~
I did the math. I realized that it was very unlikely that I would win and that the hours I would have to put into the contest made the award come out to about .8 cents per hour. But I couldn't back down. And for me, like you, it was the criticism that kept me going. In my regular life, I would be so hurt if anyone argued or criticized me or my views on something. I avoided conflict at every turn. So I stuck with ProU, which helped me refine my writing skills and my ability to hear critiicism both good and bad. I am today much more confident, much more able to handle conflict, and much more comfortable with criticism.
Oh, and I won the scholarship, which was nice. But that wasn't the most valuable part of my experience here last semester. So hang in there! I like reading your work.
And to everyone...if any comments strike you as especially nasty, to the point of being out of line, please flag them for the moderators. We'll check them against the Terms of Service.
"Never go with a hippy to a second location."
~Jack Donaghy
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman