Brad and I were talking about the runaway success of some major blogs this morning. And it got me thinking about where I won't go with mine, however much it sabotages my readership.
- I just can't bring myself to post advertisements. I'll cut grass on the side first.
- I won't take off my shirt for you. No matter how much I like you. I just can't do it.
- My sex life is off limits.
- My attention span is too short to write on one theme til Kingdom come.
- I would love a new profile pic every month, but I don't know any free photographers.
- I go back and forth about shutting off comments, but I just can't keep them off.
- I'm not this hip. No matter how hard I try. And believe me, I try.
- I'm not reformed, but I might consider it to have a blog like this.
- I don't have a high likeability factor. And sometimes I write negative things.
- Now that I'm not a pastor, I don't have Sunday reflections anymore, but then again, I don't have "suicide Monday mornings" either. =)
Okay, that's enough. All that to say... I gotta be me. Even if I am missing out.
Sounds like someone whose blog I would like to read!
Posted by: Jim | July 29, 2008 at 09:22 AM
im a free photographer.
Posted by: sarah | July 29, 2008 at 09:31 AM
I hate reading blogs - but for some reason I bookmarked yours and keep coming back. Good stuff in here. Maybe its the cynicism or whit, either way it's pretty fresh.
Posted by: Mack | July 29, 2008 at 09:41 AM
i'm with you, especially on the advertising thing. i think it's tacky.
Posted by: joshua | July 29, 2008 at 09:54 AM
hey, you changed your profile picture...again! :)
Posted by: anne jackson | July 29, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Be who you is bro.
Posted by: Jeremy Small | July 29, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Ben, high comedy. That's why we all come here- you bein' you!
Posted by: Clayton Bell | July 29, 2008 at 10:20 AM
oooo...cutting grass on the side or advertisments...that's a tough call for me.
Posted by: Camron Ware | July 29, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Ben,
Understood. That's why I went lo-fi with my blog design. So many read through readers (like I do) and the extra stuff tends to get in the way.
Posted by: Scott Cheatham | July 29, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Gotta say, the ebb and flow of life that comes across in your writing constantly hits home. You have a wonderful observer nature (see Catalyst blog post) that should be a huge message to the pastorate and leadership within the church. It REALLY is okay to be quiet and observe. It can actually improve your knowledge and understanding of the people you lead. As for the other things, thank you for NOT going there. Keep up the random thoughts, the amazing posts and being real.
Posted by: Abby | July 29, 2008 at 11:17 AM
The first 3 are all Ragamuffin Soul for sure. Not in particular, obviously, but they all fit my blog.
I'd love to hear your thoughts as to why. They may just not be you, which it seems like the reason, but if they stem deeper, would love to know.
Los
Posted by: Los | July 29, 2008 at 01:37 PM
definitely not a criticism here... just ways that I miss out on a more enhanced blog. =)
Posted by: Ben Arment | July 29, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Totally. Did not feel criticized. Just always looking for good feedback to make my blog better. And you are a voice I listen to.
Thanks.
Los
Posted by: Los | July 29, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Los, we're all learning from you bro.
Posted by: Ben Arment | July 29, 2008 at 02:56 PM
yeah and i think i should clarify. i honestly have no problems with a few relevant ads in a sidebar. i take issue with the ads that are embedded in posts, both on a site and in rss specifically. i'm not a huge fan of people trying to sell me things over the phone, i'm not sure being force-fed it on blogs i enjoy is much different.
and that's the problem. i love what tony morgan has to say, so it's not like "well if you don't like it, don't read it..." because that doesn't make sense.
it's just a necessary evil i have to put up w/ i guess ;-)
- jw
Posted by: joshua | July 29, 2008 at 03:53 PM
A wise man once told me (in regards to my blog) "Terrace, you be you." Glad to see you are taking your own advice. :-)
P.S. You don't have a high likeability factor? I disagree.
Posted by: Terrace Crawford | July 30, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Nice work! Why cant we just keep it simple and talk about the superbowl?
Posted by: miller bennett | February 09, 2010 at 01:32 AM