The Voices in my HeadMy Apologies...
November 26th 2006 01:24
I was thinking earlier today about how much I miss Orble. Yes, I am here everyday. But I do not miss Orble as it is today...Orble as it was just a few weeks ago, where pleasant comments flowed and support bloomed and writing prevailed. When inflammatory or seductive pictures didn't make the post popular but the writing...I miss it.
I have been guilty of leaving some pretty heated comments lately. Adrian's philosophy blog has pushed a great deal of buttons with me but not because of his writing, which is brilliant, but because of my own personal issues regarding some of the topics he has posted for discussion.
I have had my feelings hurt over some comments that were left regarding a friend of mine and should have thought to consider the feelings which inspired the comments rather than the comments themselves, knowing the author of the comments.
I have been overwhelmed and stressed over the holidays and the numerous battles going on in my life and I have not been on my best behavior. I apologize to anyone I may have offended or hurt with any of the comments I have left. I am a passionate woman with opinions on everything. Truly, I apologize for any offense...(but not the stand I took...just the manner of it...)
I just hope that Orble can return to pleasantry, poetry, fantasies, thoughts and written words...
I have been guilty of leaving some pretty heated comments lately. Adrian's philosophy blog has pushed a great deal of buttons with me but not because of his writing, which is brilliant, but because of my own personal issues regarding some of the topics he has posted for discussion.
I have had my feelings hurt over some comments that were left regarding a friend of mine and should have thought to consider the feelings which inspired the comments rather than the comments themselves, knowing the author of the comments.
I have been overwhelmed and stressed over the holidays and the numerous battles going on in my life and I have not been on my best behavior. I apologize to anyone I may have offended or hurt with any of the comments I have left. I am a passionate woman with opinions on everything. Truly, I apologize for any offense...(but not the stand I took...just the manner of it...)
I just hope that Orble can return to pleasantry, poetry, fantasies, thoughts and written words...
What is your opinion of Orble today? Do you feel it has changed? If so, how and what caused it? I know that I am not the only one to believe there is tension in the air. I have read several comments of others that have indicated I am not alone in this sadness. What, if anything, could happen to change this trend?
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Comment by Adrienne
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Oh, I will...*smile* I do wish for these things but as with all things in life, you just have to roll with the changes...Thank you. You are always a bright spot...
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
You are a wondrous being but you are human, as are we all. Although I admire and respect this post, please don't be so harsh on yourself.
I too have felt the change and have had to remove myself.
This post is a start at changing the trend.
Once we all understand that uniqueness is an individual right not a selective trait, we'll go beyond what is happening now...we can't go back but we'll get to a better place.
You are beautiful and brilliant and funny and compassionate and that is all I need from you.
Sending my affection to you Voices...
Devi
Comment by Brenton
Dr Spin
Tales From The Other Side
Blip Blog
Gadget Museum
And if you don't engage with issues, you never learn a damn thing, so no probs there.
And we're all guilty of the same, so be chilled.
Comment by Justin
And what's with Homer having a restricted site!? That's bullshit. Why's he going elitist when before seemed so much the extraordinary everyday man. Shame.
Comment by Joe Blogg
Joe Blogg's Blog
manchesterunited
collingwoodfootballclub
And why is Orble offering to buy out domain blogs?
Comment by Justin
It might possibly be the recent dissolution of a popular crowd that cheered each other and secularised others. Or it might be a downturn in writers productivity.
Or, it may just be over-sensitive fancies of the days of yore. I'm not sure.
Orble has recently offered the chance of domain blog owners to buy out the site they write on (so the writer owns all of the material s/he writes) from the frustration of getting a domain site for would-be writers, to find out shortly after they don't want it anymore, causing the Orble parties grief and resentment of the hassle of setting it up in the first place.
Comment by Damo
To disagree is not the same as having a fight. Orble is a forum and a business. Like all businesses they want to make money. Here it is through sales of advertising space. And what sells the most advertising space?
Popularity. And what makes something popular to the broadest audience? Controversy.
The cosmetic changes on the look of orble confuse me and make it hard to track the writers I want to read. Also the number of Bloggers seems to have doubled in recents days.
Don't take this as being direct at you or anyone else but if something is pushing your buttons is it the words or the opinions that are disturbing? Agreeing to disagree is just a noble as winning someone over to your side.
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Soon there will be 1000 blogs on Orble. Isn't that scary?
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Thank you for your words. I appreciate them so much. Thank you for commenting...as always, you- all that I strive to be...
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Don't even get me started on this time of the year! It's just horrible...but I will definitely blame some of my harsher remarks on that...*smile*
Thank you for commenting.
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
The tension started way before the domain blog purchasing program, or at least I felt it before then...
As for Homer, I didn't know he restricted his site until this morning. I can't tell you what's going on...your guess is as good as mine. If you find out, will you let me know?
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Just a few weeks ago, Orble was a sanctuary for writers. The posts were substantial and eloquent. It was supportive and the focus was on writing, not just pushing people's buttons for the sake of doing it or to be on the popular list. The desire for votes and popularity are fine but when it takes over your writing, it's not a good thing...
As for the domain blogs, they aren't buying them out. They are offering new bloggers the chance to buy a domains themselves because so many people are agreeing to a domain, which Orble pays for, and then quitting soon after.
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Do you really think that there was one group that was secularizing other writers? I don't think I agree with that...but I'm not sure...let me work this out.
I know that there were people, and still are, whose writing I simply admire greatly and I find new ones all the time. So, yes, I do tend to visit their sites as much as I can because I so enjoy their writing and time constraints do prevent me from checking out very many other sites at a time. However, it isn't about visiting those writers and not others so that we can cluster our votes...
No. I disagree or at least remove myself of all blame...I have not been guilty of this. *smile*
Actually, tell me more about this, Justin...why do you feel this way? And others out there, IS this the problem? Is this how you feel about the issue?
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by Wendi
I know what you mean about the time of year. I've been dealing with my own chaos as well.
As for the rest of what's going on with orble, I'm afraid I'm a bit lost. I haven't been very active this last week, so I'm in the dark.
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
I do like the new homepage better than before and I love the search option, which helps me track a post I have left a comment on without the need for those pesky email reminders everyime someone leaves a comment. I hate the new logo though. I don't know about anyone else but I am not reporting anything...I'm writing.
As for what has been pushing my buttons, I reacted from a purely emotional standpoint due to my own experiences. I just need to turn it around and use it for inspiration, I think. Buckminster Fuller once said, "Don't fight forces, use them." *smile*
Thank you for commenting and do come back,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
When I started Orble in early October...there were just under 750 blogs, if I remember correctly. Now, they are nearing 1000. That is significant growth...I just hope that Orble can keep up with it all.
I wasn't saying that it was ideal a few weeks ago but there did seem to be an intimacy that is disentigrating.
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
I do hope it wasn't mine!
I do not do this for votes either, but I do, do it for feedback, -(which comes with votes.) I am trying to find my voice, what works for me as a writer and the feedback in the Orble community is far superior to other sites.
I have missed you, Wendi!
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by Wendi
Yet, it attempting to catch up this morning, I see a post titled "Why Pagans Should be Crucified" - The title alone infuriated me, and then I realized the post was from someone I had respected (which saddened me), but that the blog has been locked down, which frustrated me.
From there, I click to see the bare bottoms of abused children and it sickens me.
Suddenly, this isn't looking like the community I thought it was when I joined. It's disheartening.
I'm not throwing in the towel quite yet. I still enjoy your blogs, and Lilla's, and a few others... but the feelings I'm getting from Orble in general are discomforting and I'm re-evaluating my position in such a place.
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
I know. I really think it all started for me when the post about Britney Spears was at the top of the list for so damn long, the fact that that post stayed as high as it did for so long, speaks volumes. I mean, it was such a rediculous notion that anyone would find that worth clicking on, not because of the author...but because of the topic. That is when I began to think..."oh no". And then, enter pictures being displayed on the home page. Then writing took a back seat to publishing the most inflammatory pictures or misleading pictures one could find.
Please do not flit off into the night seeking a new fairyland...stay here and bring joy to this one...as you always do.
Come back,
Voices~
PS: The pagans being crucified post was not really about crucifying pagans but about writing such inflammatory titles or misleading titles to bring in the votes. Although, I should not speak for Homer. He prefers at this point not to speak for himself.
Comment by Wendi
I suppose this is the problem with a small starter company growing and expanding. In the initial phases, a tight network is formed by those testing the waters, then a few serious people join the group and fuel the fire in a positive way. But eventually, everyone wanders in to see what the buzz is all about and you end up with what exists in the here and now - chaos, back stabbing, all-out attacks, temper tantrums, and vulgarity. I don't suppose that could be avoided, really.
I'm not sure if orble was ever intended for professional writers. You certainly don't have to be a professional, or even good at it, in order to keep a blog or share your opinions - and with blogs being the best thing since sliced bread in the world of the Internet, it's not surprising that everyone wants to capitalize on that. Orble is getting what it wanted out of the deal... good statistics for page views and click throughs. Whether or not we all get along is irrelivent - and sadly, the drama and controversy often over-ride or out-rank legitimate talent.
My blog isn't overwhelmingly popular, and that's just fine with me. My subject matter is not one everyone will embrace or delve into, but it works for me and that's why I do it. I actually enjoy reading and interacting with others as much as, if not more than I write in my own.
I'm learning that I just have to ignore those posts I find offensive - commenting only adds to their popularity and increases their ratings, so to comment is to cut off one's nose to spite their face. Some posts just aren't worth the vote - I can rant in other more productive ways.
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
I love that you said all of that about not commenting. I have decided to do the same. As much as I want to explain my take...I have to know that to do so, just adds fuel to the fire, in a negative way.
As for Homer, I prefer to comment on that by not commenting in a public forum. PM on the way.
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by Wendi
I won't do it, but my idea is this: In regard to the spankings post, a "clever" way to respond would be to not reply on the author's blog, but instead, make a post of your own called "Spank This" (or some other clever and catchy title) and have your rant. *LOL* - Why give the author feedback when you could intitiate feedback of your own? Shoot, it could ignite an all out "battle of the blogs" *LMAO*
Comment by Nina
I'm curious though, since you mentioned the KFed post (I believe I know which blog it was from), what issue exactly did you take with that? I was wondering because I am a frequenter of said blog, which always has amusing commentary on the shallowness of celebrity. I should note that the popularity of that post was mostly due to an ongoing 'comment conversation' between two people; the remaining comments were composed mostly of sarcastic remarks about the news.
What I guess it comes down to for me is that, no matter the subject matter, a post can have worth - if everything was deep and meaningful, my head would explode.
I hope I haven't offended you, it certainly wasn't my intention. I enjoy your writing and try to make it over as often as I can. I just felt that I should stick up for those of us whose writing delves into the more superficial. I believe any problems lie with posters who use misleading. controversial or confrontationary means to drive traffic to their site.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I think that it is important to remember that Orble is now a community of almost 1000 different people from different walks of life with different perspectives and interests. Some are beautifully written and in-depth posts (and I include yours in that) while others are just for fun or for shock value, and I actually find most of them fun or interesting. I love that I can go from one of Homers beautifully crafted poems, to reading about a 21 year old's 4 day drinking bender, and then go somewhere else and find out what is happening in the world of tv. I enjoy these blogs equally.....but for very different reasons.
In fact, of all the things I've read over the last months the ones that get me the most worked up are the ones suggesting that we 'have' to visit and comment on sites. I'm not here for the money, or popularity, but rather to hone my writing skills and find my voice (no pun intended). It's only been in recent weeks that my posts have started to make their way onto the popular lists, I hope because I've built up some regular readers who like my take on my chosen topic.
In fact, the K-Fed and Britney posts referred to in the comments above that spent so long in the popular sites were both mine. Fear not, I take no offense to your comments, as I know that you don't mean any offense to me personnally by them, and I can understand where you are coming from. I am sometimes surprised by the popularity of celebrity stories.....though I'm not sure why I am. Women's magazine's have enormous circulation and people like to read fun 'puff' pieces that don't challenge them sometimes. There's nothing wrong with that.
(Also, on a side note, some of those posts were very popular just because I was chatting to someone via the comments, not realising that the popularity of the post was going through the roof. Once I realised that I stopped doing that.....it's a bit unfair on everyone else).
With so many of us here, worlds are bound to collide and tension is inevitable. However, I really do believe that as everyone finds their place within this community an equilibrium will establish itself. Every time there is large growth, there must also be a period of adjustment.
But chin up, I think that these are teething problems due to such a lot of growth in a short amount of time, and that eventually an equilibrium will establish itself. So please hang in there. We would miss you too much if you were to get too frustrated and leave.
We all need to be patient and tolerant in the short term (yes I know, much easier said than done eh').
Also - one last thing to the lovely Nina. Thank you so much for your kind words about my take on my blog. That means a lot.
Lordy, I've written a novel rather than a comment! *sorry*
KylieW
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
I'm still always pleased with the quality of writing on Orble, though!
Comment by MattH
Nutty Fudgekins
Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
And I apologize for provoking you and dredging up unwanted memories. I never intended to cause you distress.
I think you're quite right not to apologize for the stands you take. Freedom of individual conscience should be absolute.
And if you feel passionately about an issue, no one can blame you for expressing that.
On the matter of Orble community change, I'd agree with whoever said that Orble has been changing continuously since its inception, and that there hasn't been a golden age.
1000 blogs today, but it's only recently that Jon has opened up the floodgates. At the same rate of growth, 10,000 could comfortably be reached by this time next year -- but presumably rate of growth will increase.
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
You are a spitfire, aren't you? *smile* If my husband ever cheats on me, I am calling you.
Thank you for commenting, as always,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Thank you for that insight. I hadn't considered that aspect and I concede to you on that one. How absolutely right you are that it would be a dreary place if there were nothing to laugh at. Some of us find humor in celebrity news while I found a lot of humor in one of Adrian's posts, that a lot of people didn't. (I refer you to 'About Skinning Your Husband and Cooking His Head...' on Adrian's Philosophy Blog. It's morbidly disturbing but I laughed...not everyone is entertained by the same things.
Thank you for coming by,
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Several things I want to address:
First, thank you for taking that remark in the spirit it was intended. That was gracious of you.
Second, As for how it remained on the popular list, that is not necessary to explain here. I am glad that you are here and doing exactly what you do. Nina certainly provided some clarity on the issue. But each of us, regardless of what we write about, should feel comfortable doing exactly that.
Third, as for being patient...this is NOT one of my strong suits. I don't like change and I honestly felt I had walked into a dream world here at Orble. Such depth and skill...it was heaven and I have learned a tremendous amount about writing from everyone here. The selfish part of me was very afraid that was all about to end!
Fourth, thank you again for your comment...I really appreciated it.
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
I agree that it will always change and I agree that some people won't like it. *smile*
I don't care for change much..it's a fault of mine. But I have apologized enough today for my faults! lol
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
True. I don't have to like it though. *smile*
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by Wendi
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
No need for you to apologize for anything at all. Well...maybe one thing...the title to that one post..you know which one..about cooking...it was too funny! I went into the post already laughing. How could I possibly take it seriously after that?
You might be interested to know that the majority of my Thanksgiving dinner was spent telling everyone about it. My family also found it hilarious. See? Another reason I can't help finding it funny...it's in my gene pool.
*smile*
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Join the club, sweetie...join the club.
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by Justin
My comment obviously struck a chord on some level as you replied to it twice! Don't know if that was intentional or not but anyway, I'll try to elaborate on my opinion.
What I meant was that Orble was becoming subject to politicisation, if that's even a word. Certain members were bolstering each others endeavours on posting by forming a type of clique that supported each other overwhelmingly. In turn, this created a us and them dichotomy of those who were in the group and those who weren't. Or a type of secularisation of communities within Orble, developed by one group having separate (or additional) ideas on what constituted good Orble posting and the way things should be or liked to be.
The recent objection to others posts not within the party and a feeling of distress felt by those within the party had expressed explains a shift that didn't unite all others voices into the parties secularised beliefs or interests. To put it bluntly, a sub-community within Orble was straying away from the larger, independent community yet the sub-community wanted to become the dominant power or culture.
Notably, most of the clash came from Adrian's posts which delved outside the boundaries of accepted norms the sub-community had developed, yet their feeling to the sub-community was strained owing to their loyalty to the group and their individual interests.
It's all very implicit and understated, but that's what I think happened. To assure everyone, I'm not pro or anti any group, merely explaining some events that I think attribute largely to the feeling of unwellness or waywardness some feel Orble has drifted to.
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
You posted twice, so I responded separately because I just respond in order of comments...if that makes sense to you.
Well, you are analytical, aren't you? lol
I don't believe there is a subgroup of any kind and I don't believe that anyone is seeking dominance in the way you have described. Everyone, okay, nearly everyone who posts wants their blog to do well, and if their blog has become a domain, they definitely want it to do well, so dominance of that nature, yes, I will agree with.
If there are any groups out there that are trying to take over the world of Orble...I stand firm against it! I am not for global domination, at all. *smile*
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by Vixter
People
Diet Food Lifestyle
CHEATERS
I notice also that the people who are dominating tend to change they go then come back....if that makes anysense.
I have never been that popular myself so i don't know where the differences are there either.
Do you still enjoy writing at least?
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
One thing that I will always enjoy doing, regardless, is writing. It is a passion and a drive that I will always have.
I haven't been at Orble very long. It is more than likely my own misperceptions that have caused me to feel this way, but Orble felt much different to me in October, when I joined than it does today.
As I mentioned to Justin, I do not really think there are a group of people out there in Orbleland that want to dominate for the sake of control. What would they control anyways? *smile* I do think there are some very powerful personalities that come across and light up a 'room' with their comments. Perhaps that is being taken as dominance.
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by LaurenD
I don't like some of the tactics people use to get points around here. I'm a serious writer, and I've never been that tactical. Maybe that's considered a problem by some, when I see it as integrity.
Ah well.
I'm going to hang in there for a bit longer and see how things turn. There are some good people mixing here, even if there are a few potato heads.
LaurenD
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Thanks, friend. I know that things can improve, even if there are a lot of people joining everyday. I think, too, that there have been some inflammatory posts lately that insinuate there is a blogging etiquette that may be leading to some tensions too. Several people have mentioned this to me in their comments.
No one should ever feel like they have to leave a comment just because someone leaves a comment on your post, in my mind. I would much rather someone come and comment because something strikes resonates with them than to have people come and leave comments just for the sake of doing it.
I say the new Orble motto should be:
(I am on SUCH a Lenny Kravitz kick right now...lol)
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by LaurenD
LaurenD
Comment by Judy
Ex-Hostie
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Backatcha!
Come back,
Voices~
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Writing is my passion and nothing could sway me from that. The changes or tensions, whichever they are, that are occurring right now don't take away from that. I do miss certain aspects that haven't been here as of late...but thank you for your comments!
Come back,
Voices
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Deal with it.
Life's a ballad.
Love's a disco groove.
Laughter's like a Stairway to Heaven.
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
Play that funky music, bad boy...Live, Let Live and Let Love Rule, I say! It is going to be my new motto...rather than come back. All Hail, Lenny Kravitz...
*smile*
Live, Let Live and Let Love Rule,
Voices~