I intented to write a courageous post about how I came to be here, in this Middlespace. However, I discovered this morning, that Barbara Ganley had written it for me. When I read her Betwixt post, I had to smile because her sentiments mirror mine, and I know the two of us are not alone. After two years of total immersion in social media and educational technology, I have spent the last four months on the outside, observing and searching for answers. I have come close, but still am not satisfied. I’ve watched colleagues post transformative ideas, theories and models on their blogs, in anticipation of collaboration and engaging conversation. More often than not, the comments stray from the original inquiry, exposing commenter agendas and stilting conversations that really need to happen.
Maybe blogging isn’t the way to have these conversations. I don’t know. I do know that I am ready for a space that is not about educational technology, or technology in education, or technology or education. I am ready for a space where I can share my thoughts, without considering whether or not anyone will find them of value or will learn from them. I’m ready to make myself at home.
Can I just tell you that your reasons for starting this blog sound like the same reasons that caused me to set up a series of different blogs? I, like you, just want to share thinking. I, though, was focused on the audience (which now I am rethinking…perhaps that wasn’t the best plan) and thought, “Who would want to listen to all of this different stuff???” So, I began to pigeon-hole my thoughts into different containers (blogs). Now, I’m feeling a bit like a mental patient with split-personalities, and have been considering just ditching the worries about an audience and finding something new. Not ready for that though…need some continuity first – even if it is crazy continuity, I guess. Anyhow, I’m interested to read what you share….but no pressure.
Thanks, Jenny. I’m not that concerned about new audience, but I didn’t want to completely change the type of content for the audience at my other blog. I’ve had this domain for years, and I jump back and forth. I think I actually used this one as a blog before the other. Today I’m feeling even better about this. I’m going to change my blogging process. I used to just quickly post my feelings, without much editing or preparation. Now I’m going to try taking time to revise and edit and see if it helps me become a better writer.
Sounds like you are on the slow blogging path to bit-full enlightenment. Let me know how it is when you get there!
Chris, I haven’t figured out how to do it! I have 2 drafts with 2 sentences each. I have about 5 drafts in my head. I’m trying to find new ways to organize thoughts. I’m so used to writing on a particular theme or single thought at a time. I’m also having a hard time thinking of how to balance reflection, external observation and fresh ideas. I think I need a writing class.
Blogging in MiddleSpace
Intentionally swimming against liminal currents
Gasping for breath in the wake of cascading reflections
Grasping blindly at dark stones on the murky bottom
I tread water seeking yet finding no clear direction
Craning my neck to peer backwards and forward
From within the mirror of middlespace
I think you you have reached a point where you need to blog more widely, and you are undergoing a transformative process involving a re-examination of your new roles.
You are a personal blogger, one who can readily shift between types of blogging contexts, from private blogging, to blogging entirely for self, to blogging for others in a sharing community, to anonymous blogging. Your journey now involves an expansion beyond the tasks you have set for yourself, and there is a process of discernment, of soul-searching, over what to change in how you perceive yourself, and the consequences of how others might perceive you. Each shift between blogs is the result of a conditional compromise of your self.