Back by Popular Demand (But Changed)

Back by Popular Demand (But Changed) July 1, 2016

A week ago I announced my retirement from blogging. Since then I have been inundated with messages (here but also by e-mail and telephone) of regret, appreciation, consolation and pleas to change my mind. The outpouring of such messages has been, of course, flattering and encouraging. Yet, I still wrestle with “Should I stay or should I go?” (To borrow a phrase from a contemporary television commercial.) The decision to quit blogging, once made, was a relief; I felt a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I enjoyed blogging, but the negative feedback–including from some people I care about very much–had become discouraging. I honestly felt I was failing to communicate my thoughts and feelings well. And then there were the personal attacks, even occasional threats, when I posted my musings about controversial subjects.

Like “Fagin” in the musical “Oliver!” (where are all these popular culture references coming from?) “I’m reviewing the situation.” Some people I care about very much have prevailed upon me to continue blogging here–even if I must change my approach and the format (which I must in order to return to the joy of blogging!).

Lest anyone think I’m simply giving in to flattery, or that my head is enlarged by it, I will say that my publishers are not happy with my decision to quit blogging–even “for now.” I totally did not think of that when I made my seemingly rash decision. (Which wasn’t really rash at all.) While some readers may not appreciate what seems like self-promotion here, my publishers count on my blog to announce my books and promote them as new books are published and new editions of old books are released.

Many people have told me that my blog was an encouragement to them; some have said it was transformative in their lives. I give all the glory and credit to God and take all the legitimate blame on myself. I have sometimes stated things in a way some readers found offensive.

My tentative plan is to return to blogging in the near future–here–but to post much less frequently and to attempt to express myself even more clearly, if that’s possible, and briefly (which I am sure is desirable).

One of the most discouraging aspects of blogging has been dealing with commenters who 1) attempt to misuse my blog as a platform for their own opinions, 2) misrepresent what I wrote, and 3) comment only to debate and argue. I must find a way to avoid having to deal with sixty comments the day after I post my musings about a controversial subject. I could avoid it by sticking to “safe” subjects, but I have learned that if one’s audience is large and diverse enough almost anything is controversial.

When I return to blogging in the near future, here, I will have to include some words of caution to would-be commenters. My intention, my hope, however, is to stick to topics that do not invite “flaming” responses.

So, please “stand by” if you are interested, watch for a blog post here in the near future, share the good (or bad) news about this decision with others (if you wish), and anticipate a somewhat changed approach to blogging by me. My posts will be less frequent; I will not concentrate as much on blogging every other day. And I will simply delete angry, hostile responses that are not intended to promote understanding through civil, respectful dialogue.

And I apologize in advance to those whom I may offend in spite of my best intentions and attempts not to offend.


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