Week 2: Why on Earth Should We Journal Online?
Typically, I’m a private person but I see writing about myself online as something fresh. I used to write in a dream journal for sometime and discovered exciting results. My dreams became deeper and lucid. They were livelier, I could remember them in greater detail. Every morning, I’d awake with two pages worth of content. Journaling is an incredible tool, journaling online is different however. I’m not sure I will reveal my personal dreams to others, but if someone else wants to share their dreams — who am I to stop them?
If I became influenced by my readers, I feel my voice would change. That’s where my trepidation lies with online journaling. Pouring out my personal details to strangers could help me be understood better, I guess, but then my life wouldn’t be private. There are people who devote many hours of their day peering into the lives of others, especially with social media, which are forms of mini-blogs/journals in themselves. There thousands of fan accounts for celebrities that reach borderline obsession. When it comes to online journals, I think it is less severe. Readers just may want to read real, human experiences; I don’t see anything wrong with that. The idea of consumption I do think is a modern issue. People can research anyone they want really. The reader may be unhappy with their own life so they find someone who:
a. Has a life like theirs and makes them feel less lonely
b. Has a better life than theirs so it fills a void that is missing
I think most people write stream of consciousness in a physical journal with pen and paper. These writings are usually for the writer’s eyes only. Growing up one of the rules was, “Don’t look in their diary.” Journals and diaries have traditionally been personal. Now with the online format, there is a greater emphasis on appearance. The words not only have to flow good, but they must look good too. Images, layouts and color-schemes are included in every online journal. People even make video diaries now.
Again, I feel a traditional journal shouldn’t have to follow the rules. They’re private. The writer should be able to do whatever they want. If the writer wants the work published then that’s a different discussion altogether. The online format invites the entire globe. You’re more aware of your writing because there will be people judging it. If I was to write about someone I know and they read it, they may be approving or critical of whatever I said. The writing becomes less private. That is the main aspect that changes when writing online.
Truffe Salt
I am glad that you touch on the importance of presentation and the difference between online presentation versus writing privately. The way you present your work is dependent on purpose - what are you trying to communicate?
ReplyDeleteYou may be trying to explain how to crochet an afghan or prepare a recipe - communications that require specificity, accuracy, and clarity.
What if you are trying to make a statement on society's obsession with perfect presentation? What if you are trying to write a creative work in which the main characters speak with a particular slang or haven't received much education? The choices you make as a writer must reflect your purpose to be true to your message.
It is startling how alone you can feel on the internet given the absolutely public nature of it. Our ability to hide behind the screen definitely helps create a sense of security when posting online - as can posting in place that you don't think people who know you will find you, such as an obscure sub-Reddit about birds with arms.
Aether - your last paragraph resonates with me, and I am sure others. Even pre-internet, maybe we had the chance to use a pseudonym to mask our identity, but a digital voice does give some a sense of power because of the ability to cloak their identity.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think it is a modern issue?
I really agree with your statement in your second paragraph where you stated that you could post more personal things about yourself online even anonymously, but then your life wouldn't be private. I find myself feeling the same way, like even though most people have no idea who I am, I still want to keep the private parts of my life private and it's hard to explain, but I almost feel that I owe it to myself to do so.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, I think that some strengths of your blog are that you ask questions which help to draw the reader in, and that you write in your personal format (for example stating "A" and then "B" statements) which I think helps your writing develop a more clear voice, and allows the reader to make a better connection with you and what you are writing.