Where I Just Can't Go with My Blog

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.

Comments

[Jim]

Sounds like someone whose blog I would like to read!

[sarah]

im a free photographer.

[Mack]

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.

[joshua]

i'm with you, especially on the advertising thing. i think it's tacky.

[anne jackson]

hey, you changed your profile picture...again! :)

[Jeremy Small]

Be who you is bro.

[Clayton Bell]

Ben, high comedy. That's why we all come here- you bein' you!

[Camron Ware]

oooo...cutting grass on the side or advertisments...that's a tough call for me.

[Scott Cheatham]

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.

[Abby]

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.

[Los]

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

[Ben Arment]

definitely not a criticism here... just ways that I miss out on a more enhanced blog. =)

[Los]

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

[Ben Arment]

Los, we're all learning from you bro.

[joshua]

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

[Terrace Crawford]

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.

[miller bennett]

Nice work! Why cant we just keep it simple and talk about the superbowl?