Today
the 24th of March 2017 is the sixth anniversary of this blog, this
project, this scholarly and artistic expression of knowledge, study and
experimentation. I have difficulty remembering precisely why I began the blog
six years ago, I was inspired by the work of others without a doubt. In
particular a writer by the name of Cunning Man (link below). Indeed some of my early posts
before I found my own style, were just a little too close to his own to be
comfortable.
Since
then, I have of course developed my own style and presentation, variously described
as pretentious, pompous, opinionated and self-confident. I have on occasion
been complimented, being described as knowledgeable, a talented writer and a
gifted photographer. My web-presence has also been defined as intimidating. I
think all of these epithets hold some veracity and I am very likely, the most
pretentious man I know.
Truthfully,
the reasons behind the blog are as one would expect, not as simplistic as first
appearances may suggest. The work here aims to reach people, to share ideas and
interpretations that may not necessarily be found elsewhere. Material that is
published on the blog, is not necessarily meant for publication in a printed
source but designed perhaps, to reach a different audience. Part of the work is
to express ideas outside of the Hearth of the Turning Wheel, part is express
ideas that influence the work of the Hearth itself. There is a balance sought
between my own personal praxis and the ethos of the Hearth of the Turning
Wheel.
Looking
back now at this the six year point, I cannot be certain that everyone who has
read my blog, may understand these aims or even the content. This cannot be
helped. Some have suggested that my posts are over long and others it is clear,
struggle to see beyond the rather ‘flowery’ style of writing. A lapwing nests
in plain view, it is not my obligation to stop someone walking past blindly and
distracted by the mundane.
Importantly
I can say with some pride, that today I have a blog that is known and valued by
a select few. I have only sixty three official followers but my reach appears
to be beyond that small number. My posts, now totalling two hundred and
seventeen, have gained one hundred and fourteen thousand ‘hits’ in those six
years. That is now an average of a little under twenty thousand ‘reads’ per
year. I have no idea if that is particularly good or bad, it pleases me and
that is enough.
Surprisingly
and this is an illustration of the reach of the Internet, more than half my ‘hits’
are from outside the United Kingdom. Here I sit at a replica Victorian desk (I
said I was pretentious), a middle aged Englishman in a middle aged English
house, bemused by the discovery that two thirds of my ‘readership’ is overseas.
What is it that I have to say, that is of interest to such an audience?
Whatever it is, I sincerely hope I can carry on with it.
By
flesh, blood and bone, the Chattering Magpie.
The
Cunning Man
No comments:
Post a Comment