posted @ 09:13...

BINYP! Sometimes it's annoying when bloggers write in their blogs about blogging. It’s like someone who’s hungry, but only talks about making dinner, instead of actually preparing the food. Well, maybe not. But anyway, here is me annoying myself by writing about blogging. Let’s think if this as Brian’s Introspective New Year Post (or as we rifle-carrying defenders of freedom might call it: “BINYP”).

A Canadian neighbor who has several blogs found that two of them recently won awards. (Yeah, there are awards for blogs.) The awards, incidentally, are restricted to bloggers from Canada, but I’m sure they’ve got something similar for those of us from the land of exorbitant prescriptions.

There are categories of blogs, just like anything might need categorizing. Mine never did actually fit into a category though, and probably still wouldn’t if I hadn’t joined the Army and been deployed to Iraq. Now several places on the Web list me as a “military blogger” – subsequently bringing more visitors than I ever expected. I can no longer address you as “nonexistent reader” like I did for the first three years. Of course, the increased readership is due more to my current location and position, than my (ahem) writing prowess. I don’t read other blogs enough to determine what all categories are out there. There are probably two or three blogs that I keep up with. Nothing against others, but I just don’t have time. I don’t usually read mine, and am amazed that other people do. Don’t get me wrong – I love that you’re reading. It makes me feel like somebody gives a crap.

There are books written by bloggers, who got book deals because of their blogs. Imagine that. Of course, they don’t bore the reader by writing about blogging. Rather, they share their expertise on the subject category that their blog falls under. I was thinking about compiling all my deployment-related posts into book form when I get done here. Could I write a book? Sure, but just like the source material, there would be hardly a hint of rhyme or reason as I rambled on about Iraqis, my job, my family, my feelings… and of course, military justice. Besides, in order to make it worth buying, I’d have to put stuff in there that’s not already in the blog. And I doubt I’ll be that ambitious 6 or 7 months from now.

Another problem with me writing a book is the inherent immediacy of a blog. What’s happening to me is happening right now (or yesterday, or the day before, depending on when you read). A book seems automatically outdated. Even so, I’d like to continue entertaining the idea. And I’d like to hear any input my readers may have about it. Would you buy such a thing?

One cool thing about reading a year’s worth of posts packaged together is seeing the change in myself. Good or bad, I now write with an audience in mind. The thing’s still completely honest, and that’s a good thing. Most readers know to take everything I say with a grain o’ salt. I also quit using selected minor expletives. Two reasons: 1. If people are actually reading this, that’s embarrassing. 2. I’ve made a serious attempt to keep my language as clean as I can (which is hard in the military) because of my son. I don’t want him growing up in a household where there’s questionable language.

Wow, this post has been very self-indulgent. I started with one thought, and now there are six paragraphs. Well, it’s my blog. If y’all don’t like this post, please come back soon for more text about Iraqis, my job, my family, my feelings, etc.