Before too many minutes go by, I will get an e-mail from someone suggesting I post comments that make me look good and hide others. This is undoubtedly true; I hate to publish comments that make me look bad, and really, why should I?
But I have probably posted too many that don’t make me look good at all. Some people think I am under siege all the time; I’m not. That doesn’t seem very smart of me, a wrong kind of modesty.
Like most human beings, I’d instead look good than bad, but this
But that is only part of why I am posting more nice comments these days. Kind people have a right to be also heard. I’m leaving the wrong impression – I get a lot more compliments than criticism. And they are essential to me and meaningful.
And I am very proud of them. Maria thinks I’m nuts for almost always posting the bad ones, and she is an expert on my madness.
The world around me has a Nastiness Pandemic, and by only posting nasty comments or too many, I am offering a distorted picture of my blog and its followers.
Most of the comments I get are wonderful, affirming, and make me feel good and look good. They give me strength and purpose; they refresh and inspire me.
I read them, and believe me, they matter. It is only right that people see them and others. I feel obliged to post some of the criticism, and as you know, and I do. I am also happy to post some of the others.
The nasty ones are getting nastier, and so I have stopped posting those that can’t criticize me in a civil and courteous way. There are still some people who know how to do that.
Yes, I am controversial and messed up at times, but that is only part of the story. Here are two messages from the other leg.:
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“I appreciate and enjoy your openness, authenticity, and willingness to share with us as you try to find your way. It is, of course, your way, and I find it so interesting to observe. Keep it up.” – Nancy.
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“Jon, I look forward to every new post. So many ideas, new ways of looking at old shit. Always something to think about. You must feel like your head is about to explode with all of your thoughts and ideas, and images.
You’ve helped educate me about many things – Amish culture, C-PAC, new books, movies, health issues, and on and on. Mainly I like your philosophical musings. I’m amazed that you have found such richness in your life living in a rural area and having some medical problems—best wishes to you and Maria and the critters.
—— Susan
I have to say that I don’t really need everyone to love me or what I write. I don’t see a great reward in looking good to strangers, either.
It would be nice, but unrealistic in this world to be loved by everyone. It wouldn’t even be healthy. I often learn much from criticism, especially the thoughtful kind, which seems to be increasingly rare these days.
What I most want is for me to make people think, as Susan suggests. Thank you, Nancy, and Susan, for encouraging me and appreciating me. Back at you.
Beautiful picture; one of my favorites so far. Personally…I have been perusing your blog for a while. I choose what I want to read depending on the subject matter. The political ones were far, far, far, too long for me and I really tried to stay away from it entirely. My choice; I know you understand that. Have enjoyed Amish posts, but then it was too many for me…so I picked those depending on subject. I love your photography. I love your love for Maria and for life on the farm. I truly I adore dogs so needless to say anything you write about your dogs, or other dogs, I read…and love any pix of them. Enjoy hearing about all the other animals too. First time I have commented, I think. Probably my last as its just not my thing. BUT wanted to say above. Thank you and may your holidays be filled with love and happiness.
Everything isn’t for everyone, Linda; I am certainly not for everyone, and I understand your feelings; and thanks for your honesty. Lots of people would be happy if I only wrote about dogs. That doesn’t work for me.
I’m happy you found something you like. It would be strange if everybody wanted everything, and I am far too restless to stick with one subject. I don’t write according to what people tell me they like; I write what I want. I know that sounds arrogant, but it’s the truth.
At its best, a blog is rich and diverse, and surprising. I think you were trying to say you like animals and other photos, especially dogs.
You were honest with me, and I’ll be honest with you. That will never be all that I write about, and I am so pleased to use the long-form essay that E.B. White pioneered, which is the inspiration for my blog. More people read the blog than I ever imagined possible.
Stay as long as you like and enjoy what you can and comment when you wish or not if you don’t and have a happy holiday yourself. Thank you for writing. best j
There’s probably 100,000 that just love you & don’t even know how to comment. (Or just don’t take the time)
If I don’t get an email soon enough I search you on Facebook. I truly look forward to your every post. The 1% that I disagree with, oh well.
I love you & wish you the very best.
Steve
Oh, Jon,
You are so honest. That is one thing I treasure about you and your blog.. You are also smart, insightful, passionate, gritty, funny and kind. You know how to write and think and feel your feelings. Your thoughts make me think — andask myself why I haven’t yet found a Mansion in my corner of the world.
Thanks,
Kally
P.S. I do like your columns on politics — in addition to many of your others — because I can get stuck in the muck of my own fears, and you give me a perspective that serves me better than the ditch I go to hide in when fear gets the best of me.
Thanks Kally, I appreciate your note and your spirit…smart and good..thanks.
Jon, I really appreciate your posts… to see life with the eyes of your inner truth. Mostly unvarnished and we both know how challenging it is to get to a point in our lives to speak the truth about ourselves and the reality as we meet it. I love your reflections about the farm, Maria, your pups, your critters and your land. I have been moved by your learning the ways of the Amish and the friendship you have made with Moise and his family. We your readers have been invited into that — the sacred human condition of friendship and connection — with ups and downs. So I am grateful for so much… since I picked up my first volume of your works in 2014 in rustic cabin in West Rupert. As you have shared recently about your friendship and some challenges, it has made me reflect too on the goodness of friends and not pass them by. So there dear Jon. Thanks, John
Thank you John, very much…