Peaceful blogging.

I have to admit, I've been a little surprised that I've not been attacked more often. I've heard many horror stories from other bloggers. So either I have a thicker skin than others, or I've escaped the worst.

I post something everyday. I'm pretty sure not everyone likes what I'm saying. I've gotten the impression that some Downtowners don't like my blog -- but I've also got the feeling that those not liking my blog often haven't actually read it. (A strange phenomenon that; I've seen it in my business over the years -- people believe what someone says instead of coming in and checking it out themselves.)

Anyway, I learned early on, that I need to stick to a subject -- and not personalities. I have to remember that if I post a name, there is a chance that the owner of that name will find out and read what I say. This blog has taught me that I don't have all the information to make judgments, so my opinions are always couched in the language of "I could be wrong about this, but this is what I think..."

I have no desire to make people feel bad.

So I try to stick to issues, not personalities.

I've tried to stay away from politics, except in the most general way.

I'll state that I'm a pragmatic liberal; and some of my best friends are conservative. But I don't think I can change anyone's political leanings one way or the other.

I don't respond to what mild attacks and disparagement's I have received, but instead try to deflect them.

Even when I'm feeling outraged, I find that using over-the-top language, while fun and attention getting, tends to lose the point of the argument. In other words, if you say something in a reasoned and un-attacking tone, just about anything can be addressed.

Because it's my blog, I figure if anyone becomes too aggressive or nasty, I can delete and ignore. I haven't had to do this but a handful of times.

Usually -- you know who. Buster amuses me, and he does say some very pertinent things. I try not to take offense -- but I wish he wouldn't personally attack others. I've let some attacks against Bruce, and Hollern, and Moss, and so on go; with a bit of a cringe, and thinking they are big boys and girls, and hoping they don't think it's me agreeing with those things.

I've tried not to comment on other people's blogs. I think everyone and anyone should able to say anything and everything they want. I may not be as intrigued and interested in Basset hounds, for instance, as some other blogger, but that's neither here nor there.

There is no reason why a blog can't be pertinent and pointed -- but at the same time calm and reasoned.

By the way, this entry isn't an invitation to start attacking. Just a kind of gratitude that that hasn't happened much.