"Regrettably, not all bloggers employ the same level of critical evaluation and discernment."
This article From Fashion’s Collective is so sadly true -to a certain point. And it is mostly because “the low-barrier entry to setting up a blog has always made it extremely easy for just about anyone to join in.” The only endorsement one needs is their own. There is no editor or content director other than yourself. The perspective is yours alone. And yes, these are also great things about blogging. But like any profession -to categorize blogging as such, I suppose depends on your intent- background and experience are what builds the strong foundation. You see vast differences of opinion when it comes to bloggers like the Satorialist and this Tavi Gavinson person who I’ve never heard of, but is apparently famous. (See the Talks interview with Scott Schuman.)
Perhaps the objective with which you blog is the important part. Obviously, many blogs are focused on making money, directly or indirectly, and have set target markets with business plans and all that jazz. I, for one, started blogging a couple years ago as a way to keep track of interesting things I see in life and online. A sort of digital footprint map of my thoughts and ideas organized chronologically and by keywords. It has been quite shocking to find the number of people I do not know who see and like my posts. I suppose I figured someone might read it and enjoy it. My train of thought might be interesting to someone.
These are my commentaries and reflections on topics that I find interesting. I re-blog things I like from people I follow on Tumblr because I believe it’s important to share information, ideas, inspirations, etc. I’m happy with the fact that people “heart” and re-blog my photos and posts. That is not to say that everyone does. It has happened that someone rudely disagreed with me and neglected to be open to discussion. I wondered, “Why bother sharing your point of view if you have no interest in expanding upon your own horizons -but only attacking others with your’s?” I am certainly open to other ideas. Whether I adopt them into my stance or not, I like to know what other people think. No, I do not conduct in-depth, dissertation level research on every little blurb I think and/or post. Realistically, who does? If anyone has information to volunteer, I welcome it -so long as it is presented cordially with a mature and completely not self-righteous attitude.
That being said, the world does not grow or move forward if we don’t have any interest in other perspectives. I think that is what is important. Whether or not you are an expert, if you aren’t here to share AND learn, what ARE you here for? You might learn something from someone less educated or with less experience. You might open your eyes to see something differently. Nobody is a born connoisseur. Refined taste comes from knowledge and experience -and nobody has experienced EVERYTHING -and no two people experience anything the same way.
