Who am I writing for ?
July 28th, 2006Who is reading my blog
If I take this challenge literally, the answer is easy: Lorelle. At least, there can be no doubt about that when you look at my wordpress dashboard. It makes me so proud to have comments and links from the one blogger I worship most, the one blogger who started me on this adventure !
But in the meantime, even though my blogging career is not a day older than Lorelle’s blogging challenge, I would be happy if other readers came around and had a look at my five posts or so.
Who am I writing this blog for ?
But who would be these other readers ? I am certainly not writing for everyone. The post that got me to become an addict of Lorelle’s blog was ‘How to write like a wanker ?’. So I confess, I blog to be part of the very select salon of literate bloggers. Those who never write a superfluous word. Those who ponder every sentence. Those who weigh the rhythm of speech.
My endeavour is to find these literate writers, and leave a comment so wise, so nice, or so smart that they would feel compelled to have a glimpse at my nascent blog. It is hard work, it takes a lot of reading, link-jumping, and bookmarking and it has not been very efficient so far. Maybe I am spending too much time on this blog challenge and catching up with Lorelle’s older writing. I also understand that there is no reason why every literate writer should consider me as one, or be interested in what I write. I will take my time. I do not need that many readers either. There is a brilliantly written blog by Mir (WouldCouldaShoulda), so popular that each post gets at least 30 or 50 comments. It’s no more an exchange in a salon of peers, it’s a lecture for a throng of fans.
My dream would be to stumble upon someone who would have gone through the same quest, and all the literate blogs would be listed in the blogroll. Unfortunately, until I can get cloned, there is pretty much noone who has exactly the same tastes - I will have to do the job myself.
Wow. Amazing. Whelming.
The other part of the challenge was to “describe your audience”. So it makes me wonder how you would describe me. And puts me in an interesting situation.
We hold a vision in our mind’s eye when we write, whether we are conscious of it or not. So who and what do you see sitting across the computer line from you as we share these little conversations?
For the time being, my audience looks like a big void. Or should I say a big airport hall with thousands of people hurriedly passing by, and me sitting in a corner, just displaying 3×5 cards with small letters on them, trying to get passers-by to stop awhile and read - and talk.
And then there is Lorelle. I cannot really tell you what she look like, as she is reading from behind my shoulder, a benevolent yet awe-inspiring mentor, whispering fabulous compliments. Fortunately, she cannot see me blush.
And thank goodness you can’t see me blush. I turn a terrible color. I’ll let you guess which one.
I’m reading your blog! Your writing is terrific. (And orange is one of my favorite colors, dear Mandarine.) I like these Lorelle challenges. Even when I don’t write them up, they make me stop and consider what I’m doing. This much is clear: I write for pleasure — and if the wriing and the audience are not bringing me that, why do it? Pleasure does not mean self-indulgence: it can mean working hard, and trying to get better and thinking about new things and stretching yourself, all experiences I’ve had on the many fine blogs I’ve seen since starting blogging earlier this year. You’re on my blogroll, and I’m looking forward to reading many more lovely mandarine posts.
Thanks. Then I gather you do not mind your appearing in my humble Literate Blogs roll.
By the way, I could not stop laughing when I read about your unrescued recipes - everybody in the house was asking ‘what’s the matter ? tell us !’, unfortunately, witty and funny writing is extremely hard to translate - they did not laugh that much.
Of course not, I’m flattered to be on your blogroll! By the way, two of my boys just completed their sixth year in a bilingual school (a french bilingual school). They’re going on to a middle school that’s not french speaking, but I’m planning to make sure they get lots of good reading in and some writing. Do you know any good and fun french websites for children? If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your recommendations. (Sorry to be going off topic here.) And I’m glad you liked the recipes. I understand though why they didn’t translate. There doesn’t seem to be the same tradition in France of truly awful food. Best, BL
Well, you’ve won me over today.
Since I received your comment, I’ve read several of your posts here, and found that I love your clever, deep, and analytical, yet funny style.
I’m honored to know that at least you’ve read ONE of my posts.
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