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I am a sufferer of a dreaded disease; it is an illness that usually strikes without warning. Many times it is evidenced after being introduced to a simply amazing blog post via a link on a friend’s site, or being taken there though the medium of Google Reader. I read over that particular blog and think to myself, “Now that was BRILLIANT!!” (Notice that it warranted two explanation points).
I usually then go on to think something along the lines of, “Why in the name of all that is holy didn’t I think to write about that? To have that cool link? To have such an amazing header? Why didn’t I post that video? How come I’m not that funny? Why don’t I have as many comments as they do?
Blah, blah, blah, blah…
The list goes on and on.
The crux of it all comes down to the one obvious truth: I am afflicted with blogvy—much the same as the curse which took hold of Cinderella’s evil stepsisters over their mice-friendly, fairy-godmother having, and much better-looking sister who ended up with it all.
I’d have abhorred her, too.
The only real difference is that my voice isn’t nearly as grating as either of theirs. And I don’t want to go to a ball. And I could really couldn’t care less about gowns and glass slippers. Oh, and I’m not a girl. Other than that though…it’s just like it.
It is in these pathetic moments of my modest, little illness that I begin to question what I write, and wonder whether or not my minor contributions to the realm of cyberspace are really worth the time and effort involved. After all, many hours get lost in the work of writing a post that may—or may not—be brilliant.
I find myself wondering why I allow myself to compare myself to all of the Joneses out there, and all that they seemingly have. Why do I not instead concentrate on that which I do have, and my little contribution to the literary world via blogger?
Just human nature I guess.
“Teachinfourth, there’s all this horror and suffering in the world, and you’re worrying about a blog?”
Yep, guess I’m just superficial and shallow at times. However, I do have moments where I redeem myself…
I listened to a song last night by a little-known band by the name of Sanctus Real. One line of their song, Things like You, jumps out at me every time I spin it up on my iPod:
“Everyone wants everyone else's everything; sometimes the more we have the less we really gain…”
I thought of blogvy, or whatever type of desire I have at the time for those things which someone else has—or is—that I don’t have or am not; I then realized that it all comes back to me. Should I concentrate on that which I don’t have, or that which I do?
I choose the do-haves.
I can write. I have a certain boy in my class who offers up plenty of fodder from week to week. I have a place to share my photography with others. I have met some great friends though this medium. Quite simply—I love to blog.
So, this post was all about my dreaded disease, blogvy. I know that there will be times when I will still suffer from its effects, but I don’t think you need to worry, I’m pretty sure it’s not contagious.
22 comments:
LOL - It's a DARN GOOD THING - that I don't have Blogvy (since I have 1 follower... supposedly, only a few comments here and there, etc) or it would have killed me! THANK GOD IT'S NOT CONTAGIOUS! ;)
That picture freaks me out.
It's not contagious if everyone already has it....... :D
You know my saying, Upon closer inspection, greener pastures have manuer in them too.........
Ya know! I think I need to make myself a T-shirt with that on it. HEY! You make your cat death one and I'll make this one and we'll sell them and make a fortune!!! ;)
So what does that say for the rest of us when it's your blog we envy? Darn!
My Lord, is that what it's called? I contracted it at the beginning of this year...we could form a support group...
I'm a new follower and I say, you have nothing to worry about =)
and I love the greener pastures comment by Rachel - so true!
In the process of blogging about blogging, you happened to create a brilliant post about brilliant blogging.
I also often have the exact same thoughts as you. Eerie. You described the symptoms of Blogvy perfectly. I am proud to say that I have come down with it.
Like Corine, it's a good thing I don't have this disease - or I would never survive with my the pitiful amount of comments I get on my blog. Besides, I have enough disease to deal with as I envy others' clothes, figures, cars, houses, boyfriends, husbands, kids.... sheesh! Check me into the hospital - I'm a mess! (:
I think we all go through Blogvy at one point or another. I also suffer from photovy.
And I think you are a pretty darn awesome blogger.
"Because I have been given much, I too, must give".
Thanks for sharing a part of what you have been given with all of us here in the cyber world. I think we are all better people because of it...even if it gives us our own case of blogvy.
What if I envy your blog? This post definitely puts things into perspective though. I have a favorite saying: "The grass that looks greener on the other side very well may be artificial turf." Good song too.
C - Good thing we live so far apart…if it was catching, the distance would be your saving grace.
G - I thought it up this morning right before I posted. I probably misspelled words, but I was in a hurry.
R - Let's hear it for riches!
I guess you're right though, if you've already got it…
R - Wait, I have envyors? Rock on!
S - It's the word I made up, so that's what I choose to call it. I think you're right, we need to have an intervention.
D - There's always that one blog though…
Glad you're a visitor. Hope we keep seeing you back here again!
A - Wait, this is something to be proud of? Well, there's ANOTHER blog one could write!
J - I hear you. It's so easy to see what other have that you don't. BTW, which hospital would you like? Regular or mental?
S - Ugh, don't even get me started on photovy!
Thanks for keeping on with the coming back. It makes the world a better place for some of us.
A - Wait my coined word and post have brought on that very aspect of which I wrote? How's THAT for coming full circle? And to think, I hesitated about posting the thing…
N - Blogvy strikes again! Ugh, the curse of the dreaded disease.
My favorite line was, "The grass is always greener over the septic tank."
Not that I would want that grass, necessarily...
Let's hope your past bloging hasn't shown any previous signs of symptoms for this disease, or your insurance won't cover treatment under the pre-existing condition clause.
M - Drat those big corporate foundations!
Great post. I laugh at myself sometimes when I post for "my readers", who mostly likely is my mom, whom I talk to on the phone more than I post.
In addition to blogvy, I also suffer from "affluenza." Wanting more than I have or need. Such is life I guess. But really...that was a grea post. Thanks.
HA! What a great laugh this was. I suffer from blogvy on an almost daily basis...and usually it's after reading YOUR STINKING BLOG!! (Notice the two exclamation points.) You're awesome--don't forget it! ;)
Karin - I can remember back when I had one reader. I was so proud…well, it was my mom, too. Nevertheless, I was proud.
Lori - Thanks. Sorry I make you feel a sense of blogvy though. If it's any comfort, I suffer from it too...
Oh, I'm sorry! It was probably my awesome blog that gave you this disease, huh? (Yeah, right!) :)
I know exactly what you're saying. I had that same disease but I think I'm cured now. I just enjoy everyone's blogs and have come to the conclusion that my blog's not ever going to become anything great (and that's okay). But you really shouldn't feel this way. (Who am I to tell you what to feel?) Really, your blog IS awesome! :)
So I was thinking Mr. Z - yep, I do that sometimes...think - since you are a seasoned blogger and have humbly not only diagnosed your blogvy but have had the courage to write about it as well...perhaps you could tackle blogiquette? Does it exist, and if so, is there a specific set of parameters in which one must behave while following blogs?
OK. I like it , I grabbed a button.
Very awesome...
I will submit something I've been working on.
Thank you for the info., and the hop over, I love finding what you have here.
And you are right: enough with the blogs with 50 pictures of your kids eating peeps.
it seems as though my first comment did not go through. I am returning your visit from my blog. It is all about family over there...the good the bad and the ugly.
I have long suffered from blogvy and found that the only was to overcome is to continue to blog myself. Rock on! Your site here is the bomb.
Blogvy. Great word. It's funny how you can start blogging as a form of self-expression or self-entertainment or self-therapy- or whatever, only to suddenly find yourself writing competitively instead.
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