At first hearing the term “blog” feels slightly ingenious (web log – right, I get it). More than that the word falls heavily upon the ear, unsubtle, ugly and crude – the more so since in the vernacular of childhood the bog was the lavatory. When we visited the lavatory whatever solids we deposited there were collectively a ‘bog.’ The term remains current but not predominant.
Initially I disdained the term ‘blog’. I knew instinctively that a blogger must be vain and unselfconsciously vulgar. I knew I would never write one; I would never be one.
Yet here we are. Of course I am flattered that over two hundred and fifty persons have managed to overcome these unpleasant redolences and ‘follow’ these postings. Yet, two or more years after embarking on the practice I remain unreconciled to blogs and blogging. The words suggest turds.
So what are we sharing? I think this is Howard Goldenberg’s column, too occasional to constitute a diary, yet intimate enough to be that. This is Howard thinking aloud, thinking personally. Self-absorbed in tone, vain in ambition, unexpectedly enriching to the writer in its fruitful exchanges.
Being now FED UP, I resolve that so long as I remain a bogger, I’ll no longer be a blogger. When King George V lay on his death bed a friend visited and remarked encouragingly, ‘You’ll soon be up and about and able to take your annual holiday at Bognor.’ To which the king replied: ‘Bugger Bognor!’ – and died.
As for me, Bugger Blogger! I am glad to announce this blogger has died, executed, the punishment for linguistic ugliness well overdue.
Good morning, welcome now and henceforth to the occasional musings of Howard Goldenberg.
I really dislike the word too, but make myself use it, knowing that with use it will take on its modern meaning and come to represent it, but… I agree it will never be a lovely word.
LikeLike
I love your musings – they always leave me with feelings of comradeship in this life journey of ours.
LikeLike
Wow, jan. High praise for a musing writer
I recAll the inscription found inside the cover of all books in the “Everyman” series:
Everyman be with me at my side- or some such
Very gratifying to imagine my writing being some use of that order
Thank you jt
Berg
LikeLike
Thank you Howard. I would say your blog is always….. a musing.
LikeLike
Eater pies an berg
What use
Is a muse?
Better lose
The muse
Than abuse
The muser
Never confuse
The muse
With the moose
That’s the news
Love to all
Berg
The muser
LikeLike
Muse away muse.
LikeLike
Thanks
PB
HG
LikeLike
Dear Howard! I’m pleased your pleased to delete “blogs” and for the same reasons I relate in time and places to bog, bogs, turds, and the like! hmmm! crude! I shall look forward to your occasional musings! xxxxx
LikeLike