Marlz’s Weblog

My first introduction to blogging came about as a result of being a big Smashing Pumpkins fan. I was captivated, and amused, by all of the threads that would report the whereabouts, sightings, guesses and endless rumours regarding the band in any capacity. I never had the gumption to participate though, as I felt that I did not want to become one of those “groupies.” Looking back, I really spent a good deal of time perusing SP related sites. It wasn’t until I attended a particular SP concert, one of many, at Metro that I was able to see how blogging can bring about a feeling of camaraderie and friendship.

It was a freezing cold day. It was a few hours before the SP show was set to begin and already there was a line of fans waiting to be the first rush in and take their place in front of the stage. As the time passed, I listened to some of the conversations that surrounded me. I would hear person after person saying to each other, “I’m so-n-so on the SP and Netphoria site” or “I remember you from such-n-such a thread…you posted the pictures from the Milwaukee show.” Undoubtedly, there would also be that person who would pace the line in question of whether or not the person who promised to sell them a ticket from the “One extra ticket!” posting would in fact deliver. Just from reading the blog postings I was able to assume whom certain people were, once I heard enough of their revealing details. I gathered that blogging brought this group of fans closer together.

When I began working towards my M.A. in Library Science, I was introduced to BlackBoard as a means of contributing to class discussions. At times these postings were in response to others postings, and at other times I would place my own limb of thoughts out there. As I would keep a watchful eye on the thread postings, it would seem as though most responses were placed out of course necessity. At times I would truly have an opinion, though I never felt that my opinions were extraordinary to anyone else’s. How many times have you read, “I agree with so-n-so…” on BlackBoard? There is no reason why it shouldn’t be different though. Why not respond with a story or thought that maybe isn’t directly pertinent but is inspired by what we’ve just read. I would like to believe that blogging could incorporate various degrees of intellect and information and inspire new perspectives.

As it stands, I still am mostly a blog reader, rather than a blog contributor. I guess there are those who feel the urge to spread their miscellaneous thoughts and knowledge and then there are those who would rather read their postings. I know that storytelling is a most valuable tool, which can bring about a variety of effects, whether historical, informative or just enjoyable. I appreciate factoids and worthy information which I can apply to my own knowledge. I am used to absorbing information from newspapers and magazines. I am not used to contributing my own 2 cents to the story. Blogging permits this though, and just maybe it is time for those, like myself, who at undervalue our own words to put them out there for all to read, consider and respond to, or not.

Working in circulation has provided me with many memorable experiences. I have been able to interract with every seeking patron who wanders in the library. The other day, a man about 40ish came in and I couldn’t help but notice his disheveled look. It was somewhat obvious that this man was carrying more than just the average daily load of belongings. In my opinion, he appeared to be under hard times. He soon disappeared into another area of the library. About a half hour later, he approached me at the desk with a demeanor that did not match his appearance. He spoke with much purpose and intellect. He asked me about the e-mail that he received from the library informing him that a document he requested was in. He was quick to retrieve the e-mail, before my eyes, on his hand-held device and ask if it was possible to see if another item that he had written down was available in the library. This man chose to then search the library opac on his own device. It was obvious that this piece of technology was a means of many possibilities for him. For me, it added new hope that L2.0 technologies can enable anyone and everyone to be more empowered and informed in their daily lives, no matter how rough the times are.