The day I started blogging, I had this feeling that everything I was going to say was going to be coming from a different entity of which no one would tie back to me. Yes, I was an idiot. I quickly learned that what I say reflects myself and those words and thoughts often disagree with most others words and thoughts.
Why LifeExcursion is (Somewhat) Censored
After a few articles discussing health and the lack thereof for many, I decided to start censoring what I put out there on LifeEx. By no means is LifeEx primarily censored. About 95% of what I believe is shared with you all. However, I have decided to keep that 5% all to myself. The reason…INFLUENCE.
The goals I have established for LifeExcursion have a great deal to do with many of you. In small ways, I have impacted many others readers here and previously at The Minimalist Path. I love doing that. I feel that change is necessary to evolve into greater beings. However, there are a few subjects/topics that can’t be discussed for the sole reason that thought-provoked barriers would prevent learning to continue.
Thought-provoked barriers, in my eyes, are obstacles established by an individual’s opinion that prevents the receiver from discussing a single topic because of discourse with the sender on a different topic (Read that line again if need be).
For example, in the Fall of ’09, I wrote an article discussing my thoughts on the health status of many folks in the States. The backlash was huge and I have a strong feeling I lost many a good readers/followers due to this expression of my opinion. The sad part is that though we may disagree on one thing, there is no need to complete shut one’s mind to the positive and collaborative thoughts beside that one disagreement. However, I know there are topics that some may not be able to see past. Thus, I established the 5%.
I censor 5% of LifeEx because I feel I can bring more positive change by not discussing that 5% of disagreements. I know Everett and Leo would highly disagree with this practice, but sometimes, I must sacrifice a few battles to win the war.
How I Recently Have Expressed the 5%
Just the other day, I ran into a site entitled Letter.ly. To say I am addicted with it’s simplicity and application is an understatement. Via a retweet by Everett Bogue of Ross Hill’s tweet, I found this hidden gem.
Letter.ly allows people to subscribe to a simple interface blog . That’s pretty much it.
As I toyed with the potential in my head, I thought that this would be a great outlet for that 5% and then some. So, I started a letter.ly entitled Ramblings. If you would like to know more, CLICK HERE.
What I did was found a different outlet for my thoughts that is a tad bit more private and optional compared to the public domain of LifeExcursion. Now, I am able to share my 5% UNCENSORED and still appease the wonderful readers at LifeEx.
When Should You & I Censor Ourselves
I am not completely sure if we should ever censor ourselves. I think that, as a society, we have become to offended. Some are offended for being told they are too tall, others too skinny, others to slow, others too nice, others to greedy…and so on. Rarely am I offended. I accept disagreement and move forward. Reality is that moving past those barriers can be difficult and some choose not to. I want you to be different.
- In an attempt to change society, accept disagreement and provide wholesome discussion. Be different. Don’t hate because others disagree. Try to work past those differences onto acts that can be collaborated on.
- Don’t censor yourself with others. Your opinions have bearing on society. I may be a hypocrite on my blog, but if you met me in person, you’d probably wish I’d censor myself.
I wish I could say life was all rainbows and we all get along. But often we don’t. To make this world a better place, I have chosen to somewhat censor myself. Sure, I spread my opinions, but sometimes life is just more enjoyable when you keep your thoughts to yourself.
The quietest person is usually the smartest and brightest of them all.
Schucks...This one is super unique. No similar posts.
Agreeing to disagree is probably one of the most important social graces humans can demonstrate. But most don’t bother. Most people are just big babies who run back to mommy at the first hint of conflict on the playground. It’s just so much easier to shut someone out then risk being influenced by them in a way that frightens us.
I worry about this myself because I know I have some off-putting opinions about religion and society and traditions like the impending Thanksgiving. I wonder how much of those to share, or if I should stuck to minimalism and not explore my other passions because they might alienate someone in my handful of readers.
I think sometimes we need to forge ahead with 100% of our heart on our sleeves, but other time it’s better to hold back. It’s not a sign of inauthenticity or fear. Just a sign that you have better things to do than fight with people who can’t let a disagreement slide.
I agree with a lot of what you say Chase.
At first, it was tough silencing my voice because of roughly 5% of those unhappy. However, I realized that if I was more positive in my approach, more people would maybe make changes without me telling them what to do. That meant a lot more to me than fighting over personal beliefs.
Thanks for your thoughts Chase…
David Damron
LifeExcursion
I see your point here.
I think it would be beneficial for a lot of bloggers to have a 2nd site for off the wall ramblings that would not qualify for a “regular” post.
If anything just for organization.
I like posterous which is just another type of Tumblr.
Hey Rob—
I was thinking about using letter.ly which I really liked, but only a few readers seemed interested so I dropped the idea. Maybe I will test posterous again.
Thanks for your thoughts…
David Damron
LifeExcursion