What’s the use of this activity called weblogging? (Or, as some prefer to call it, frequently-updated cerebral kineticism, which unfortunately lacks a catchy acronym). Millions of people are alleged to do it, but Pet Rocks were a big hit once too, as was CB radio.

On the one hand, it’s about voice and writing your way, which is what makes articles and books on “how to write for a blog” bizarre and ridiculous. It is about the appeal of having one’s own voice, and of reading a variety of voices and experiences, watching them evolve, whatever.

It is not, however, about mindfulness or helping one focus on life more sharply. I used to think so, but I was wrong. I even tried to start a group blog about mindfulness, but it failed, because, I think, blogging draws one away from life. Initially it seems you are paying closer attention so you can describe something more clearly. But in time – depending on the style of your blog – you end up living for publication, for an imaginary audience. This is perhaps not true for humor blogs or thoughtful writing; it is however my experience with Feral Living. I mean, the whole point here is, “is Miguel going to get in trouble from Alpha for saying that?” I am walking a thin line between having this site enrich my life – which it does – and detract from it.

I am not going on hiatus, though. On the contrary. The biggest benefit I have had from my experiences with this medium is that I am no longer a misanthrope. People are just as stupid as they ever were, but I have met, through their words and in some cases even in person, funny, interesting, intelligent, caring and generous people who have changed the way I think about earthlings. I have become more tolerant. I won’t analyze this any more deeply, but contact and interaction (even collaboration) has been a positive surprise. This ranges from looking at the site stats and seeing who’s visiting and linking to reading and writing comments to publishing on group blogs and having IM conversations and e-mail exchanges.

New collaborations are in the works, more on that later, and it even looks as if there may be another surprise encounter with some bloggers I’ve been wanting to meet for a long time. More on that later as well.

On the other hand, it’s just blogging. I mean, who are you people? Who am I, for that matter?