Why do I even bother?

Although you wouldn’t know to read them, I actually spend a good deal of time thinking through a column before I post it on the old blog. Lately, I haven’t had much time to think and so there hasn’t been anything to post. Nobody’s complaining either.

It’s difficult, on a regular basis, to write a coherent column on a single topic. Many columnists have taken to writing about four of five different subjects to get to their 600-700 word requirement. That’s fine and certainly easier to do, but I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of expounding on a single subject, trying to find few things to say about it that others may not have thought of. Often this will lead to excruciatingly dull analysis or pointless blather, two of the hallmarks of the work we do here at BlogFreeSpringfield. In fact, this column is quickly headed in that direction.

Now that I have a regular gig with the SJ-R, I’ve very much warmed-up to the idea of writing for money. You may be surprised to learn that despite the immense popularity of BFS, advertising revenues are non-existent and for whatever reason the MacArthur Foundation has been reluctant to bestow upon me one of their coveted “genius” grants. So more and more of the time I spend over-analyzing and blathering pointlessly is for gainful pursuits.

I have no plans to quit blogging. It’s a great medium. But along with original BFS commentary, this space will also become a repository for articles and essays that were rejected by paying publications. For those instances when my work is accepted and a check is on its way, I’ll use the blog to link to the work and also to engage in a little puffery.

I do admit that this whole blogging business seems pointless at times, sometimes even stupid. But then someone will call someone else a pompous douche bag in the comments section and it will all be worth it again.

So there you have it. I wrote almost 350 words just to say that I plan to keep blogging. It’s a gift.