Shall I respond?
As someone who spends much of his spare time writing about other people, it is pleasantly surprising to see that someone has decided to write about me. But it turns out that this is just what prominent Southern Gospel blogger averyfineline (Doug Harrison) has done, in this post. At issue is whether or not it is appropriate for me to reply to comments made on this blog. Apparently Harrison doesn’t like the idea and thinks it is beneath me to reply to what you say.
There is no question, Harrison and I do find common ground in some things. For example, we agree that a blogger starts conversations. At issue is whether it is appropriate for the blogger to participate in the conversations he starts.
Essentially, we are dealing with two different models of blogging here. Let me borrow a page right out of his playbook and give them names.
Let’s call the first the “patrician” model. (A patrician is a member of a hereditary aristocracy, a ruling class.) In this model, the blogger is viewed as somehow above his readers. He starts conversations, but to participate in them is beneath him.
On the other hand, we have the “populist” model. Unlike the patrician, the populist is “one of the people.” He relates to people one on one, and doesn’t consider himself any better than the people. He starts conversations and participates in them, interacting with his readers.
One side issue: A particular complaint of Harrison’s is that my comments are often enthusiastic and to the point. Unfortunately, that is just who I am. If anything, I am more subdued in an online setting than I am in person. There are just no two ways about it, I’m a people person. If I’m going to comment, I can’t help being friendly and enthusiastic. It’s who I am.
With that said, let me know what you think. Would you like me to start conversations and leave you to have them all to yourselves, or would you rather I be an active participant in the conversations I start? Have at it and don’t be afraid to speak your mind.
Comment by Diana (November 28, 2006, 8:10 am)
That’s a hoot!!! I vote for the populist point of view!! Keep on with your comments —- it’s your site, after all.
Comment by Chris Unthank (November 28, 2006, 12:46 pm)
I haven’t read Avery in almost a year, so I didn’t even know he allowed comments now, but I will say this:
A good blogger is one who stirs conversation and actively participates in it after he started it.
It’s like being a good professor or teacher. You start the conversation off with a statement or question - watch where it takes the participants - then jump in to offer other insights as well. (Not that a blogger is a professor or teacher - rather one who just gets the subject started - no one should take a blogger at face value.)
I like your blog Daniel, as well as the way you handle it. Keep up the good work.
Comment by Quartet Fan (November 28, 2006, 3:23 pm)
I tend to participate in any discussion (if there was any, anyway) that results from my blog posts. I think there are merits to either method. Keep doing things the way you want and enjoy.
Comment by Mandy (November 28, 2006, 7:15 pm)
Daniel, as someone who used to enjoy occasionally reading averyfineline’s blog, I say “Keep up the good work!” For some time now, I have been disappointed in Mr. Harrison’s blog. I was particularly disappointed in his blog about the Steeles’ song “We Want America Back,” and his unwillingness to reply to the comments that he stirred up. I think it’s great that you are so friendly and open, and willing to participate in your own posts.
Comment by Tom (November 28, 2006, 8:09 pm)
Well, I guess one good slam (Avery’s) deserves another (your response!). I say do whatever you want to do on your blog, although I do also understand Avery’s viewpoint.
I would point out that Avery does occasionlly jump back in and reply to conversations he started–it’s just that he does so by posting a brand new blog entry on the subject rather than participate in the comments section or by posting an update in the original main blog entry.
Comment by Ron (November 29, 2006, 1:27 am)
Daniel: I really enjoy your blog, but it was bad form to whine about what Doug said. He was merely pointing out how his blog differs from others and the philosophy he uses. And I agree that yours is a populist blog while averyfineline is “gospel music for the rest of us.” A more critical view of the music, so to speak. Room for both always.
Comment by HeidiSGF (November 29, 2006, 2:03 pm)
Definitely keep up the comments!
I think a lot of people value your feedback as much as you value ours!
Comment by Inquirer (November 29, 2006, 7:46 pm)
Daniel, just keep doing what you feel you should be doing…you do a fine job.
There is certainly enough room on the internet for blogs like Doug’s, and for blogs like yours as well. Don’t waste your time sweating over the small stuff, and just continue to do what you feel you ought to do here. Clearly, there are many readers who enjoy it.
Comment by Just Sing Bass (November 29, 2006, 9:11 pm)
Daniel:
I vote for you to post on your website with any comment you want to make. I believe in freedom of opinions and therefore everyone, you included can speak their mind on any subject. If anyone is offended, click to another site.
Pingback by www.southerngospelblog.com » The verdict is in (November 30, 2006, 7:24 am)
[...] Well, it looks like the verdict is in. In response to a post made by Doug Harrison at the Averyfineline blog suggesting I should not interact with my readers, I asked for your feedback. Everyone–even those of you who prefer the patrician model of writing but declining to interact with your readers–agreed that the model I’ve been following of interacting with my readers (I called it the “populist” model) is just who I am. Different blogs have their places, and this blog is and will continue to be a place not only for you to read my thoughts, but also a place for me to read yours. [...]
Comment by Daniel J. Mount (November 30, 2006, 7:24 am)
Thanks for all the feedback! It looks like I can continue commenting.
Comment by L5FanLady (November 30, 2006, 6:09 pm)
And why shouldn’t you comment?!? That’s the very essence of conversation, is it not? And as others said, it IS your site, so don’t mind folks like that, Daniel. Glad to see you have the initiative to maintain an SG site!!
Comment by SpeakingOut (November 30, 2006, 6:58 pm)
Got to admit, I can’t help but laugh at the commenter who said it was bad form for you to “whine” about DH’s comments. You whine, while DH “editorializes.”
Some say tomatO some say toMAto. IT’s all whine to me. And none better than DH.