Saturday, July 12, 2008

Lurking

I think we all do this a little... Read blogs or look at myspaces or facebook pictures of old friends or friends of friends, or acquaintances and less-than-acquaintances (people we have heard other people talk about). The internet certainly skews our outlook on relationships by giving us a false sense of closeness with the ability to peak into the lives of people we would otherwise lose contact with (or not have contact with at all).

And, it's an interesting thought, really. I think almost everyone is guilty of this weird thing. (Andy thinks just girls do it, but I've caught him looking at pictures on facebook of people who he barely talks to.) I've noticed a few times since I started this silly little blog that people will randomly mention in passing, "Oh, I read your blog." Or, "I read about such-and-such on your blog."

So, I would like to do a little experiment. I know I look at random people's blogs, so I'm sure there are random people that look at my blog. And, I know when I look at random people's blogs I usually don't post because I feel weird posting on their blogs. But, I'm curious - if you read my blog, and even if I barely know you, will you post a comment on here? I promise I won't think it's weird :)

(My theory is that lurkers don't post comments, so I'm curious if anyone will respond to this, even if you do read it. I'm not sure if I'd respond on a blog that I lurk on if I read something like this.)

6 comments:

Sara said...

Hi! I'm a friend of Drew and Jordan Remke's...Drew and I are good friends from college. I was clicking around to different blogs ("lurking", like you said) and although I'm not a regular to yours, I felt like posting anyhow to say Hello! I guess I felt brave tonight:). Like you, I've often wondered who might be reading my blog other than those I have on my blogroll! The blog/Myspace/Facebook connectivity is such a passive way of staying connected with friends, isn't it?
Anyhow, nice 'meeting' you! :)

lisatatj said...

I have Google Reader and became addicted to it. I got your blog off Brian's blog :)...

Our small group has talked about this issues several times, so I found it interesting :)... I get creeped out a little when I lurk (particularly Facebook/Myspace) and see all their pics and than have face to face interaction, cuz it feels like I know them really well and they may barely know my name... Makes me feel like a stalker... so I tend to not do that that often, but random blog lurking... I like that ;)--thanks for the post...interesting experiment

Jill said...

I actually know you guys in person, but you may not know that I stop by here occasionally! Did you know I have a blog, too? I've had it for 5 years now!

Keeping up with people online is pretty bizarre. I don't know what we did before it! But I have to admit, my 10-year high school reunion is in November, and thanks to Myspace and Facebook, I don't even feel the need to go, since I've caught up with most people anyway!

Anonymous said...

Hi! Im Abby your cousin :)
I think your blog is great and I think the picture of Andy and the washer was pretty funny...
see ya...
by the way it was great to see you guys at the wedding!

Abby

kirstin said...

Hey darlin!
I check in regularly to see how y'all are doing and what you're up to... I love reading about your deals, about Redeemer (or the stuff y'all are learning), about the silly stuff that takes up normal life like laundry and chacos. :)
kirstin

Brian G. Hedges said...

Yep, I read you often, but since I know you guys well, that's okay, right? :-)