I was a little bothered by this post that I read over at Genuine's today about this woman. It was in reference to this post and some of the comments there, some allegedly made by Dooce herself.
I visit Genuine's blog on a semi regular basis. I enjoy it. He writes entries several times a day, many of them witty, and some thought provoking. Be that as it may, I think he as well as his some of his commentors, were a bit rough on Dooce.
A major problem that Genuine appears to have with Dooce, is that she doesn't (or rarely) allows comments on her blog. The last I heard, this was a personal choice and it should be kept that way. Dooce is in the top of the blogging field (look at the numbers, I'm not spouting my opinion). She's never been shy about letting her readers know her reasons for not allowing comments. She still has her email address up on her site and invites you to write her.
I'm confused as to how that makes her a person unwilling to be part of a blogging community. I don't have one bazillionth (is that a word?) of the readership she does and I get the nasty comments from trolls from time to time. I shudder to think what would come my way if I was anywhere near her popularity. It's her blog. It's her decision.
What I love most about this woman is that she writes about things that I would NEVER say, but by God, that doesn't mean that I have not thought of it. I am constantly laughing at her portrayal of things in her life and her willingness to put them out there for everyone to read. She's been open about her depression, and subsequent post partum depression after the birth of her daughter. She's given alot of help to women who have sufferred and are sufferring from the same thing. She let's women know that they are not alone. Goodness knows, I've had bouts of that myself during my lifetime.
There are alot of statements in Genuine's post that bothered me, but that's not a bad thing. I wonder to myself if it's not something of sour grapes perhaps? And it's just his way of venting?
Being able to post what you want and how you want is your right. That's why blogging is personal. It's your blog. You post what you like. You can still be popular, well read, and well liked, even if you don't have comments. Different strokes for different folks, I'd say.
That being said, I still really like the man's blog. If you take a look, you can see the chronicles of the birth of his latest child. He's posting while at the hospital. Congrats Mr. and Mrs. G!
Updates: MetroDad gives his views on sharting.
Dr. Laura's take on jealous, petty, asshat people.
Comments
Wow...drama!
Posted by: Robin at August 11, 2005 05:12 PM
I noticed that about Dooce along time ago and I can think of multiple reasons why someone would disable comments, so I don't blame her at all.
Blogs are personal journals, expressions, outlooks,...if she was writing in a paper version under lock and key, there would be no comments....or rules of ettiquette for that matter. I say she should do what suits her and her families acceptable guidelines.
Posted by: Suzanne at August 12, 2005 11:16 AM
I completely understand why Heather doesn't allow comments and I fully believe that its her choice. I'm a follower of the "if you don't like what I have to say then don't read my site" philosophy and would never slam another blogger on my blog or in their comments. You can still give a different opinion though....
Posted by: cursingmama at August 12, 2005 12:57 PM
I love Genuine... I really do. But I completely disagree with him on this one. Heather disabled her comments for a damned good reason, and unless someone else is paying for your hosting fees, no one should tell you how to or what you can do with your blog, IMO.
Posted by: amber at August 12, 2005 01:34 PM
All excellent points that people have made. I really wasnt saying anything derogatory about Dooce, I love her writing, and I owe her alot for inspiring me to blog. What I don't like is the "woe is me I'm popular, but I just do this for myself and Leta" excuse. What would stop her from closing dooce down and opening another blog under another name? She wants to have the fame but then again a cost comes with that fame.
I just want each of you to remember if I ever get famous, although unlikely, to call me out when I start bitching about the price of fame.
Sour grapes? You bet it is. Wouldn't we all like to have a following? I'm just saying be careful what you wish for!
Great post! I appreciate your points of view. I'm used to people disagreeing with me....I'm a man! ;)
I was hoping this would open the dialogue, then my wife went and had a baby!
Posted by: Genuine at August 12, 2005 05:14 PM
I can see your point, Genuine, but I do disagree with it. If I were ever to become a blogger icon, so to speak, I am sure that I would, too, disable my comments for the sheer purpose of time management. I am a blogger with a tiny little blog...I allow comments, I respond to nearly all of my commenters...and that takes a ton of time. Right now, that is okay, but if I were to ever have children, I am sure I wouldn't have the energy to maintain the numerous comments I might (someday) warrant.
Now, if Heather didn't post her email address, I might agree with you. She isn't closing her doors to communication, just regulating her bandwidth and time. Since when is that a blogging sin?
Posted by: Dana at August 12, 2005 10:55 PM
I don't have an opinion on all this drama but thanks for pointing the way to Dooce. She's hilarious.
Posted by: julie at August 13, 2005 12:03 AM
I agree. I think closing comments is fine. I think having comments open is fine. It all depends on your personal preference.
Posted by: Heather at August 14, 2005 05:15 PM