On (semi-)hold
I’ve reached an existential moment for this blog. I don’t feel like I’m contributing to any discussion, which reflects my own interests since lately I have focused on nooks, crannies, and shadows of literature (at least in the English speaking world) that few people seem interested in despite my enthusiasm. I want to thank everyone for their support, encouragement, and comments since April 18, 2006, which translates into 49 years in dog (and maybe more in web) years.
Taking a step back, I realize many of my goals for this blog have been achieved. I wanted to revisit the works of a classical education, a plan I’ve started and will continue. It’s gratifying to see the visitors that come looking for the same thing and I appreciate the emails I’ve received about those works. I noted at the start of the blog that I read a work differently if I know I’m going to write about it. I find I have adapted how I read, whether I plan to post on the work or not. Writing about what I’ve read has historically been a painful process…OK, not everything has improved.
If I plan to continue I need to set new goals for what I want to achieve. The problem is I’m not sure what I’m looking for or hope to realize in this blogging endeavor. I have several books I want to comment on over the next few weeks, mostly out of inertia. I’ve set a goal of two months to figure out what I want to achieve here and will update as I work through things. Again, thanks to everyone that has provided support and comments over the years.
Richard
Dwight, glad to see your "hold" is only "semi-" in nature! All your reevaluation plans sound eminently sensible to me, but best of luck working through them and figuring them out regardless. Cheers!
Mel u
Dwight, keep blogging. Long term one of the biggest rewards of blogging will be able to go back and see what you read years ago. I envy young bloggers who might Oe day be able to look back on fifty years of blog posts.
Isabella K
I really enjoy your discussion and your eclectic literary taste. Keep reading, and I hope you choose to continue to share your thoughts.
seraillon
Dwight – I'll echo the sentiments of the other comments here from Richard, mel and Isabella and add my hope that you return to blogging quickly after your reevaluation. I've greatly enjoyed your posts and the care you've put into providing genuinely helpful guides (especially for some quite fat books). These are the kinds of posts that I'm sure I'll return to when I read those books. And of course I've also greatly appreciated, via your blog, the chance to learn about many works new to me. So thank you – not only for your posts to date – but also for that door-left-ajar "(semi-)" in this post's title.
Jean
I enjoy your posts a lot and hope you will stick around. I usually feel like I don't know enough to contribute to a discussion, but you've added much to my reading list. (I can talk about classical homeschooling all day, though.) In fact I pushed Maidenhair for purchase at work, and am going to write up my post on A Novel Without Lies today, so you see you've had an effect. 🙂
Dwight
Thanks for the kind words. I didn't mean the post to turn into a pity party. I think part of the problem last night was that I was so frustrated in trying to figure out what I want the blog to "be." I realize I have very idiosyncratic interests so I’m not going to appeal to everyone…or many. Maybe I just need to embrace that more and do ‘project’-type posts. We’ll see.
In the meantime I'll be dribbling out posts on what I've already read. Speaking of quirky…
LMR
I enjoy your blog and I think you focus on many interesting books others ignore for flashier things. You do a good job in the blogosphere so I hope you continue.
Amateur Reader (Tom)
Fifty years of blog posts? Good lord. Now I'm having an existential moment.
Anyway, best of luck with the re-thinking. Something good will come from it.
Dwight
Again, thanks. I'm not sure why I had the desire to completely call it quits the other night but it was real and it was strong.
So, for what it's worth, the next few weeks will be spent transcribing the notes on books and plays I've read into posts. Hopefully y'all will enjoy those, too.
city
thanks for share...