Don Draper’s Advice: Follow It.
“Sex sells.”
“Says who? Just so you know, the people who talk that way think that monkeys can do this. They take all this monkey crap and just stick it in a briefcase completely unaware that their success depends on something more than their shoeshine. YOU are the product. You…FEELING something. That’s what sells. Not them. Not sex. They can’t do what we do, and they hate us for it.”
A lot of blogs seem to take one of two forms:
1. The infomercial: Post after post “sponsored” by X, whether it be spelled out (“The fine people at X….”) or sneaky, affiliate marketing (“You guys know how much I love Y! You should click on the links that I provide to buy this stuff, I promise!). (Marie summed this up nicely here. )
2. Self-Indulgent Wankery: Blogging is self-indulgent by nature. Nobody is denying this. But good blogs offer something other than “You guys, I am awesome and inspiring. Aren’t I awesome? Look at all these pictures of my awesomeness. I hate to brag, but I’m awesome, you guys.” I parodied this attitude a few months back and that is one of my most popular posts because people found it googling I AM AWESOME. Yeah.
But can we return to my opening quote?
If you don’t recognize the source, you should punch yourself in the face as you are a toolsack that probably doesn’t watch Mad Men.
But I’ll give you some context here:
While coming up with an ad campaign, a copywriter comes up with something her boss finds trite. Her boss is successful because he understands how to make sentiment work in ad campaigns. His best gift is his ability to figure out what people want to hear…and then put it in terms that appeal to them. Personalized messaging. To that end, he’s sees that “sex sells” is a cliche. Yes, sex can draw someone in on a superficial level…but at the end of the day, there is something impersonal and generic about the whole message.
Here is the image they’re looking at:
He goes against her instincts and points out the child while pulling out a Valentine his daughter made him from his desk. He falls back on sentiment and personalization because THAT is what resonates with people. She gets what he means and comes up with “What did you bring me, daddy?”
Something someone can feel.
Now.
Do you see where I am going here?
When I’m reading what people write, I like to see a trace of WHO they are. I like to see evidence that someone is an actual person who isn’t just spouting cliches or using their writing as a way of convincing themselves of certain things. If you’re trying to be humorous, convince me that you’re actually a funny person – not just someone who is mockingly self-deprecating/mocks others because it fits a certain context. Don’t just walk through how you were given X product and how X product changes your life. Don’t fucking TELL ME you’re inspiring. Do something impressive and let it speak for itself.
In short, YOU ARE THE PRODUCT. And if you market that shit poorly, your brand will only go so far. (See also, this guide to Don Draper’s insights. )
As far as me? Yes, I’m a whiny, bitter, angry, mean spirited bitch. Have I claimed to be anything else? No. I do not make any money blogging. I blog because I like to tell stories and call things like I see them. They’re often stupid stories. Or stupid rants like this one. However, I’d like to think that when you react to the shit I say its because it is legitimately ME. Whether you hate me (and there is plenty of reason to hate me!) or like me, you’re getting shit from my perspective with no attempts to market to anyone or anything. But I suppose that at the end of the day, I’m still the product and I’m sure as hell not pulling the whole ZOMGZ I BLOG FOR MEEEEE crap. (See also, some good advice here. )
And I’d like to think I’m more REALLLLLLLLLLLL than Tooms (if you don’t get THAT either? Why are you alive?) and his creepy child bride.
EAT HER LIVER! EAT HER LIVER!
What say you, audience?
1. What do you look for when you put a blog in your reader? I’m not asking because I can’t think of anything else to write, I’m just wondering how many people feel the same way.
2. What CAN’T YOU STAND about me? Is it the fact that I say lolzerbeams? The fact that I’m relentlessly NOT sunny? The fact that I’m a whiny prison bitch? The fact that I haven’t talked much about running lately? You can tell me. No really, anything you want me to write about? I know I am horrible at responding to comments but I swear I don’t bite…unless you get me drunk first and ask nicely.
Mostly the blogs I follow are people that I want to be like in some way or another. This includes you.
And the only thing that I can’t stand about you is the fact that you write well and are otherwise more qualified than so many people in this country and therefore deserve a job that you can stand.
Thanks!
I hate that I am uncultured and rarely understand your TV references, aside from the ones that involve Mad Men or The Sopranos. I was so excited to actually know what was going on in today’s post.
Also, this reminded me of the extent to which giveaways make me want to punt kittens off cliffs.
And the mockingly self-deprecating thing? Yes. That nonsense gets old fast.
I have no life and am a lazy fuck, hence I watch a lot of TV. Now if you excuse me, I have to adjust the lighting so I can take 50 glamor shots of myself and ask people if they think I’m fat.
I tend to lean towards reading blogs that aren’t all running all the time. Let’s face it, I love running as much as the next person, but there’s really not much to say about it, in my opinion. (I hate play-by-plays of every single run.)
I’m also really nosy and love to ready people that talk about their lives. I find it interesting.
The only thing I can’t stand about you is that you’re faster than me. So, there’s that.
Yeah, if I only posted about running I think it’d be boring. There is only so much I can say when it comes to my slack ass style of training.
1) I’m not reading the informercial-blogs as they are… exactly that, infomercials.
2) The “I am awesome” guys post three times a day and yet let nothing come through as to who they are as a person that would make me want to know and follow their story… I was thinking about this today and thought, these guys are the Kardashians of blogging. Overexposing their life and yet nothing real comes through.
In conclusion I like your blog because you’re not a Kardashian. And such as.
You’re dead on with #2. Damn. PERFECT.
I like blogs that use phrases like “self-indulgent wankery.” And blogs that link back to MY blog. And my blog.
FAP FAP FAP FAP FAP
Sorry, got distracted.
I like blogs whose writers share my sense of humor. Even if they don’t write explicitly for humor, I can usually tell from their writing/general outlook on life if we would side-eye or laugh at the same things.
Usually my standard as well. Inability to catch certain references can sometimes be forgiven, but a lack of sense of humor CAN NEVER BE FORGIVEN.
I like writers and blogger who are willing to answer or reply to the questions they ask. I get pissy when someone puts something out there, and you take the time to write back and in return . . . fucking crickets . . . <Chirp . . .Chirp They don't have to reply to every single comment, but when they don't reply to any! THEY'RE A FUCKER! I also don't like people who talk a lot a what the do in the bathroom. Even worse . . . give pictures of them on the john.
AS for you AR, we seem to share a lot of the same sense of humor,and I can roll deep with you on the anger and spite side of things, but I don't take bouts of negativity from others very well.
Point taken. To that end, I’m often horrible at returning comments. I admit it. I should do something about it.
Gee, I wonder where my blog falls into this discussion. I like your blog because you freely says things most people won’t say publicly or even consider privately. It gives me courage to speak my mind as well. That being said, I hate the latest twitter avatar. Bring back the American Psycho.
Trust me, you’re not what I was targeting at all.
COURTNEY WILL STAY FOR NOW
Thanks AR. For me the best part of writing my blog is hearing from others when I nail their thoughts or feelings. Learning that I am voicing another human beings thoughts or fears or joys is pretty special. Even when I think I’m full of shit. Which most of the time.
Wait… did you just allude to reading my blog. Holy fuck. Mind. Blown.
Your blog is in my google reader – I’m just a horrible blog commenter. A SKILL TO WORK ON.
Re: what goes in my reader, I look for people who make me laugh and/or whom I can imagine wanting to get a beer with offline. These two categories usually overlap to a large degree. I also look for an at least average understanding of grammar, because otherwise (unless it’s SO bad that it’s hilarious) I won’t be able to pay attention to the content through the haze of my constant mental editing.
Re: what I can’t stand about you, well, if I couldn’t stand you, you’d be out of my reader. That said, when I first found your blog, I was a new runner, and seeing negativity around race/training times that were so effing much faster than I could imagine running was tough to take. Like, well if this fastie thinks her running is worthless, why do I even bother? Um, then I grew a pair and learned how personal running and racing and improvement really are and stopped letting blogs make me more insecure than I already am, so, y’know, that’s cool. But it did scare me off at first.
That’s actually really good to know. Because I often compare myself to people faster than me, I fail to think about the fact that people may be doing the same thing for some reason. It sure as hell isn’t intentional because I remember reading an interview with Kara Goucher when she was talking about how “embarrassing” it was to run a 5:00 mile while pregnant. Granted, I realize she’s a professional but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I rolled my eyes.
Yeah Fastie quit making us feel so slow
Kimra, your second comment is the hammer to the nail. I have inadvertently offended slower, less capable runner either online or within the local running community due to comments I have made regarding my training and speed/distance. Last week I ran a 100 miler. Then yesterday one friend ran a 50, a second her first half marathon and a third her first 5k after a 10 week absence due to injury. All three had their struggles but in no way do I seek to diminish or belittle their efforts because I think I am superior for having gone 100. For someone with a shin splint a half mary may seem like one hundred miles.
Thanks for sharing your in sight.
I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned since I started running is that I have to own *my* fast and *my* slow and *my* effort. It’s not like it was news to me that the super-speedy mile starting with a 7 that I ran this one time would be someone else’s regular recovery effort — but it took longer than I expected to be OK with that within the broader “running community” or whatnot. When I started running I’m not sure I had much fine-grained distinction in speed and type of runner, other than “jogger” vs “Olympian,” so it was a big learning process.
Hmm, I like to think of my own blog as an extension of my online dating profile, so my standards are pretty low. That said, I enjoy (and subscribe to) blogs that are candid, have honest race reports/reviews and discuss awful running-related topics I could never bring up with friends, family and prospective boyfriends.
As for you, AR, I dig your race reports so much, I sort of wish you were sponsored to run even more … But I’d hate it if you became a full-time shill. (Cough, cough.)
I do get a bit sad when you rag on your looks. I’m not saying you should post a dozen glamour shots or write Post-its to yourself … God that would suck. But be easier on yourself.
I hate bloggers who blog every day just … becuase. Blog when you have something interesting to say. I don’t really care what the topic is. Just quit filling space. If you don’t have anything interesting to say, don’t post. I’ll go a week or more without posting … I know I’m really not all that interesting, and I’m not afraid to admit it. Also, I hate overly wordy posts filled with pointless details. And include pictures. What can I say. I’m a visual person. I like pictures.
What I want to know is why anyone would follow my blog. I don’t think I’m particularly interesting. And I think I’m too wordy. Which makes me hate myself.
And as much as I hate fake glowing “reviews” … I do like winning free stuff. There. I said it. Give me your Handful bras (not really, they wouldn’t fit me) and FuelBelts and Running Divas tanks.
I look for bloggers who can tell a good story and are relatable in some way.
What I can’t stand about you: I never got my prize for the HLB macro! I joke. I really don’t need more crap.
But really, you can post with more frequency, even if it was just a recap/review of this week’s episode of Parks & Rec. (I have the theme song in my head.)
I’d say I follow blogs for the reason you brought up, people writing about who they are. There is a reason I read you and Pioneer Woman. Two totally different blogs and two totally different people writing about stuff they like to bitchabout/lookateverday.
I agree with the others. I need more blogging from you.
1. I’m becoming more choosy. For ‘running bloggers’, they have to write well (but not too many words per post), have something interesting to say, race (1500 to the marathon), talk about races and talk about training and how they fit it into their life.
2. Nothing really. But don’t listen to cindylu — your level of frequency is fine as is.
1. I know more about what I DON’T like in a blog than what I do like. I’ve deliberately “un-followed” only two blogs: one because the author whined about not getting enough attention when she turned 30 (and talks more about running than she actually runs) and the second because the author is prone to posting inspirational Bible verses that she believes capture her “awesome” race performances. There are a couple of other popular running blogs out there that I haven’t followed because the product endorsements were so thick and/or because the author is a braggart. I much prefer self-deprecation. Bad grammar and poor writing bother me, but I’m willing to overlook them if the blogger seems genuine and has something to say, however badly they sometimes say it. In my own blog I’m guilty of trying to keep my “friends”, even if they aren’t really friends, and of writing cliches. I try hard not to fall into the “inspirational” trap. Writing about running is like writing about sex. None of us can really capture it in words and we look like idiots when we try. But I admit to selling out to my own desire to be liked. “Look at me! Look at me!” Thanks for calling me out on that.
2. You like TV too much. You use too much profanity. You sound young. Time will cure the last issue. It may cure the second, too, though I know some pretty foul-mouthed old people, too. As for the first issue…..I think we just have different taste in lazy time wasters. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Hm, how do I sound young? I don’t think I really qualify as young at this point, nor do I have an unrealistic view of the world (relentlessly cynical? Sure. But a lot of what I write is slanted that way to fit the “theme”) so this is a strange one and I am honestly curious. (Feedback is good!) Also calling television a “lazy time waster” explains the difference in taste: I don’t like lazy time wasters. I like shit I can analyze. Just how I roll.
And I FUCKING LIKE PROFANITY and that is not likely to change.
I think you sound young to Terzah bc she’s got a few years on ya (I think she’s 38 or 39?). I probably sound the same way to her – so it’s just like a 25 year old sounds young to me.
Fair enough. I’ve just never gotten that particular comment before!
Hmmm…..why do I think you sound young? I think the profanity and the TV references are actually part of that. I know it sounds effete, but I’d rather analyze books (I AM a librarian). And like Margot said I’m sure you ARE younger than I am so you should sound young to me (I have 40 looming in a little over a year or so, but it’s not something I’m sad about; being 40 is better than being dead, and in my case it’s also already looking MUCH better than being 20, 25 or 30 was).
But there’s also something about bitterness that goes along with youth for me, because I was way more bitter younger than I am now. I don’t know why I was bitter–my parents love me, I have friends and always have, I have a job and always have. I guess it took me a while to learn to like what I have and stop obsessing about what I can’t have (lucky thing, too, because I’ll never be a fast runner and I’ll never have any kind of interest in or talent for fashion or anything “hip”). It seems to me you are more realistic than that, that your bitterness doesn’t stem from that kind of childish dissatisfaction with the good things you have or the person you are. Nonetheless, that’s probably part of why I read you that way. That part of it is my issue, not yours.
Fair enough – I appreciate the feedback. But I have to take issue with one thing here:
What do you think about Roger Ebert? Does the fact that he loves and made a career out of reviewing movies reflect poorly on him in some way? I bring this up because there are TV critics who review things on a level that most people don’t. One of my favorites, Alan Sepinwall, is downright literary in some of his reviews. Hell, some TV critics are more pretentious than literary snobs. I have a love-hate relationship with Todd VanDerWerff of the AV Club; everything sounds very grad school on one level but on a different one, this style works well for say, analyzing the motivations of Tony Soprano who may have been BETTER as a character in a novel. Bottom line: dismissing TV (or film!) as “juvenile” or not i intelligent (I know that is not what you said, but its sort of implied with the “books are better, TV is for young people and is a time waster” argument) is pretty short sighted. I don’t think appreciating television – for humor OR for other reasons – makes someone juvenile. I’ve defended the medium for years, I nearly got a TV/Film Masters until I got tired of the number of media majors who told me they “didn’t watch TV” (Kinda like English majors that don’t read. Pretty much defeats the point) and went in a different direction entirely. If it’s not your thing, fine – I don’t begrudge that at all (I don’t actually punch people in the face for not getting my Seinfeld references….) Different taste is different taste. However, I AM sort of bothered by the implication that the fact that I love TV makes me immature. And not on a personal level either; I just don’t like the implication that certain forms of media are inherently “better” than others. I’ve heard people say “any hour spent reading is better than an hour watching TV!” and its just so not the case. An hour spent reading garbage like Twilight is better an hour of watching The Wire? Really? There are plenty of exceptions here; I’d rather read ANYTHING than watch The Bachelor – but my bottom line is quality can be found in different forms of media. (I guess this is my issue, not yours.
)
Also, some people like to swear, others don’t. I don’t thing age has anything to do with it. And same things with general bitterness; people just have different personalities, some of us are more prone towards anger/rage/bitterness than others. By in large, my bitterness stems from things other than the superficial…but I understand what you’re saying there regardless.
Most of the blogs in my reader are there because I find them humorous, educational, or inspirational. There are a few blogs I read because I’m an asshole and want to see them fail.
Your blog is a mixture of humor/inspiration/education for me. I’m a lifelong runner but run for fun rather than competition. I enjoy reading your race recaps because 99.9% of the time you kick ass and are not an arrogant asshole about it. I run to channel my anger/irritation/stress and I’m generally pessimistic and pissy so I identify with you (except I’m married and have a dog, lolz
Heh – well put. Also, schadenfraude is a wonderful thing.
Yes it is! Seeing someone else fail never fails to make me feel better about myself. But like I said I’m an asshole.
I’d follow your blog if my computer would let me. It keeps telling me that there’s a miscommunication or something and won’t let me follow. Why do I want to follow your blog? Because in your “about me” or whatever the hell you have it labeled as, you say “I like to say fuck. A lot.”
Everyone should want to follow a blog like that.
I love this post for many reasons; beginning, of course, with the Mad Men reference. Brilliant.
Blogs that I regularly read and enjoy are those of people who show themselves in a genuine light. Just because you have a running blog doesn’t mean zomgeverysinglepost must be all about running. BE REAL, we’re all human! Not sure where some bloggers get off thinking they have to be all mary-sunshine all the time just to keep readers happy. I find it equally annoying when someone does go off on a rant or expresses anger/frustration, then apologizes for it. Really? People need to quit justifying every move they make. I don’t need to read a 600-word diatribe justifying why you thought it was acceptable to eat a giant cupcake because you ran 10 miles that morning, are going to run another 7 tomorrow and “don’t usually eat this type of thing! hee hee.” If you want a fucking cupcake, just eat the damn thing.
I do hate-read a few blogs that are very guilty of the constant name-dropping, brand-referencing, “look at this picture of me that looks just like the one I posted yesterday!” song and dance. The faux self-deprecation gets old. The glowing reviews of every product touched get old. The sub-par writing, filler photography of dogs/iced coffee/husbands/oatmeal/cell phone pics from that day’s run, and constantly recycled content gets old. Blah blah.
1. See above.
2. I LUVS YOU. <3
I like blogs that sound “real” or let their personality shine through. I also love blogs of people who are better or more dedicated runners than me. And I kind of hate read a few of them
. Self congratulatory blogs make me mad. Unless you’re running a 2:30 there’s no reason to get all hyped up on yourself.
What I like about yours? It’s unique and funny. You say things no one else will. At first I thought your blog was insane, but it grew on me
. Sometimes you are too self deprecating for my taste, but reading your posts that do that make me feel better about my own feelings of “OMG YOU SUCK SO BAD AT RUNNING AND LIFE”.
Also, I feel like you’re probably awesome in real life. Just a hunch
At first I thought your blog was insane,
AHAHAHAH…best comment ever.
I try and use self-deprecating humor in the same way I do in real life. I’ve always, always, always had a self-deprecating sense of humor. However, it really doesn’t translate well in writing from what I can see, which is part of the reason why I like to try and make things sound absurd. At the very least, my goal is to NOT sound like the “I AM SO FAT YOU GUYS, HERE ARE 50 PICTURES OF ME IN A BIKINI.” I also know A LOT of us get frustrated with not meeting our own goals and standards. When I first started writing, I couldn’t find too many bloggers that were honest – so there I go.
Yeah. Gotta say – while I said sometimes you’re “too” self-deprecating, I also don’t want you to change. Your blog persona is awesome and altering it might make it less awesome
Mad Men is just so genius in so many ways. I sort of hate that Matthew Weiner is supposedly such a wank in real life, but damn that man can write a show (anyone who comes up with Draper- YES). I only wish you’d blog more often, that’s my complaint. Then again, I suppose you’re actually…having a life…and out buying your own groceries instead of reviewing those that showed up in the mail. Whomp whomp.
I’m also incredibly lazy. <3
You had me at Don Draper. I loved that episode.
I follow blogs that I also feel I would want to have a beer with the author. So someone who is a runner, enjoys the same TV series I do, likes good beer, has a sense of humor, possibly lives in my area, doesn’t blog for the sake of blogging, and is real about life in that they aren’t perfect and are willing to show it. I admit I’ve started “hate” reading a lot of the blogs I started out reading years ago. I am just over a lot of it. Part of the reason I haven’t blogged much myself lately. I work 50-60 hours a week. I run 25 mpw, and in between try to keep up my house and maybe read a few pages of a book or watch some good TV. Not that interesting.
My complaint with you AR is that you were, are, and always will be faster than me. I’ll probably never qualify for Boston, and I will be stoked if I win an age group award some day. I also hate that you are a good writer and I am not.
I would love love LOVE to hear the blogs that others hate-read. I wonder if they are the same ones…
One blog in particular comes to mind. A “runner” that is constantly injured and complaining about injuries, and makes no effort to address the underlying issues. It’s a constant cycle of “I’m hurt y’all this sucks” then “I am running this race because OMG it is my dream but since I’m hurt I’m going to take it easy” then a race recap of “I ran really fast you guys!!! Then 1 mile in I felt like my leg was going to fall off during the race, but I ran through my pain and OMG I’m sooooo fast”, then the follow up post of “I am so injured/sore/cramping/etc that I can’t walk, this sucks”
I (kindly) pointed out this repeating cycle after (yet another) post about being injured after running a race in which she was ill-prepared for, and advised her to address the injuries with a prolonged rest period and a smart training plan to recover (really I was trying to be helpful, honest). The bloggers response was to delete the whole blog post and pretend like nothing happened…..all I can say is the truth hurts, yo.
Anyway. I feel better now.
Pretty sure I know who you are referring to…heh.
And I HATE when people delete comments. I haven’t gotten a whole lot of really harsh feedback (and frankly, the harshest comments were so loltacular I enjoyed drawing attention to them), but I don’t think I’d delete anything because frankly, I’m kind of an awful person.
Is it the same bl
Is it the same blog that counts stationary bikes, stair masters, and elipticals as part of the weekly “mileage”? Pet peeve of mine. I don’t count the distance I walk back and forth to the fridge for beers, or walking my dogs, so whatever workout that is not actually running DOES NOT COUNT AS RUNNING.
Sorry about that stutter post earlier, damn iPhone got away from me.
I hear you. It’s very easy for me to read a blog and know I don’t like it, but it’s harder f
For me to always know why. This makes sense. As for my little slice of the blog world, I’m probably too “sunny” sometimes, but that’s who I am. I write about things I care about, and I also don’t make any money. I do indeed try to show to real me, and this post is a good reminder to keep vigilant about that.
Gah, this stupid device keeps posting before I’m done commenting. Last thought – I love the dose of perspective and uncensored reality your blog always provides. Keep. It. Up.
And you know what? If someone is being genuine, it shows in their writing. You’ve never struck me as anything but.
You don’t sound young to me, you sound your age. Reading your blog (and those of all the other 20 and 30somethings I read) gives me a good reminder that I am glad to be 10+ years older than all of you. I’m over caring about a lot of stuff that occupies your minds and am 150% comfortable with who I am. I like your BRUTAL honesty and sometimes stream of consciousness thinking…aren’t we all trying to figure out what we really think about something or what we should do about a situation we’re in? So it’s fun to watch all of you experiencing what I went through at the time…asking “what matters to me and what doesn’t — work? friends? money? competing? love?”
I don’t like that you complain about being “slow” when you are clearly a top-tier runner. Even if I had started running much younger than I did, land speed was never an innate talent for me and I doubt I would ever have been in the sub-8mm class…we’ll never know, but I doubt it. Fast/slow are of course relative for each of us, but by any reasonable amateur running standards, you’re fast. So your expectations are understandably high, but 21 minute 5ks or 3:20 marathons are a fantasy for me and I roll my eyes when you complain about being sluggish. But I’ll beat your ass in a swimming pool any day
I’m fascinated at how you recall so many race details, by the way. I am so focused and in the zone when I’m really racing that it’s like a wrinkle in time…I hardly remember a thing.
I mostly just like you. And blogs like yours. I like that you aren’t afraid to be cynical and…angry, for lack of a better word. I just hope you have a lot of moments that legitimately make you happy as well, because everyone deserves that. Except for maybe slutty pumpkin-patch goers.
I like bloggers who seem like genuine, fun people. Not someone who seems uptight, or thinks they’re better than me, or thinks that brown rice and kale is a delicious meal.
If they have a job, a social life, and a good sense of humor, that’s just about all I’d look for.
Yep, I agree. I only read blogs whose authors write about real shit and who seem like people I wouldn’t hate in real life. And no matter how much I like them, each time they blog about pumpkin a piece of my respect for them, along with a piece of my soul, dies.
I really want to say something hateful though, because you asked for it and because I don’t want to sound like a kissass, so ummm… fuck, I’ve got nothing.
When I first discovered running/healthy living blogs (omgz back in 2006), I read all of the big ones. But then I got bored…Now I really only have time to read the blogs of people I’m friends with. Heh, that doesn’t sound like a very good reason, but at least it helps me stay in touch with what’s going on in their lives. Plus, I can be all creepy and be like…WELL THE INTERNET TOLD ME…even if I haven’t actually seen or spoken to them in awhile. I’ve also gotten into reading some elite-runner blogs, like Lauren Fleshman’s and sites like the Hairpin and Thought Catalog (totally non-running related).
As far as you, AR – all I’ve got is love. Except for your twitter avatar. I miss Patrick Bateman.
<3 he'll be back!!! though the goatee project might keep costo for a bit longer, though i suppose i could put a beard on PB
Some blogs are in my reader for no other reason than because they are one of the first to comment on my blog, so I reciprocated. Not to be a snot, but I wouldn’t be reading them otherwise…and sometimes I don’t (“Mark all as read, wheeeeeee!”)
Next, I like funny bloggers.
Next, I like fast runners. I know everyone’s like “I want to read someone I can relate to, who is middle-of-the-pack.” Eff that, I would rather read Lauren Fleshman’s blog any day.
Next, the only BIG blog I really enjoy is HungryRunnerGirl. I don’t think I need to defend her…. she is a big bubble of running LOVE, and I think it is cute and infectious. I also really love that chic who posted right above me ^^^
As for my blog, no idea. I mostly just write how I talk to myself inside my head and don’t think about what an audience might want to hear. Maybe I’m rude for not thinking more about the needs of my worshippers. But much more likely is they’re not thinking about me either.
Last, are you FUCKING kidding me, of course I’m not going to bag on your blog. Curse and whine and bitch away, it’s a huge relief to read the uncensored.
SWEEEEET MOTHERFUCKER <3
Hey AR–I think I’m out of replies on the comment stream above….
Points taken and of course you are right. There is good quality stuff in all forms of media. There is good television. There are good movies. There are trashy books, lousy magazines (I’ve stopped reading most health magazines for this reason) and reams of written cat-box liner on the Internet. I was even thinking about this before reading your response. I *have* watched decent TV (what I’ve seen of Seinfeld I do like, I like most of the new Battlestar Galactica series, which my husband and I watched on DVD–yeah, I’m a total nerd, and there are some other shows we may try out at some point like The Wire).
So here’s why I don’t like TV (and I like that you made me think about this because I really don’t want to be a pretentious wanker who says things without having reasons):
1. Commercials. I don’t care how “well-crafted” they are or how worthy the products peddled. They’re trying to part me from what little money I have. And they play a role in turning kids who are allowed to watch them into smart-mouthed materialistic Hollywood parrots. Many kids may turn out like this anyway, but the longer I can put it off with my own offspring the better. I can seriously feel brain cells dying whenever I watch commercials.
2. The price of cable. Extortionate. Won’t pay it. Ever.
3. TV/video games play a role (and, yes, how much is debatable, but believe me the evidence is on view) in making kids fat, uninterested in sports and the world around them and antisocial (and therefore uninteresting and sad). It does the same for adults who don’t know how to control themselves with it. I want my kids to play outside with other kids, get dirty, run and make up their own stories, not just pretend to be characters created by adults who are trying to take money from their parents.
4. MOST of the time (Twilight is an exception to this) crappy books aren’t discussed on my friends’ FB pages, in the warren of cubicles where I work or on the phone with my parents (who both watch too much lousy TV, Bill O’Reilly included). Crappy TV is discussed EVERYWHERE. I’m sick of Project Runway and other “reality” shows…and I don’t even watch them! It’s like a virus, one that kills you with boredom.
Anyway, I hope that makes sense. Maybe what I’ll do is just take the suggestions for good TV you make on your blog and get them on DVD so I don’t have to pay for cable or watch commercials.
Hey, fair enough. I hate that I pay what I do for TV considering the only thing on pay TV worth the effort right now is Boardwalk Empire. Meh.