GRABBINGSAND

(This week, I interviewed Amber from Being Amber Rhea. Not so coincidentally, I answered questions from Jen over at Audacity.)

For whom do you blog? For your audience or for yourself?

When I started my blog, it was just for me. I didn’t even think that anyone would ever read it - the thought didn’t cross my mind … and that’s kind of obvious in the archives, where I talk in detail about work, complain about people at the university by name, etc. As I gradually got more readers - which was basically just a handful of friends for the longest time - I got more reserved in what I would and wouldn’t say. I still mainly blog for myself, but I do think about my audience more than I did, say, 3 years ago … or even 1 year ago.

Did you ever keep journals or diaries?

I kept a journal starting in — I think — 5th grade. I would go in phases with it. Sometimes I would write pages at a time each day, then I wouldn’t write anything for a month or so. When I got my first computer in 1995, I started keeping my journal on the computer. Blogging is different from a personal journal, of course, in that there are some things that I don’t post about - but I’ve always been a writer by nature.

Do you want to write more?

I’m not sure. I had a column in the school newspaper in high school and sometimes the pressure got to be too much. I know that’s not exactly the AJC, but still … The point is, I like to write when I want to, about what I want to. As with anything, I don’t like it to feel like an obligation. So I guess this is a great non-answer.

Where will blogs be in ten years?

There is no way I can even begin to give an educated answer on that. Anything I say will end up sounding like Bill Gates back in the 80s, saying that 640k of memory should be enough for anyone. Who knows? In 2015, we might all have computer chips embedded in our skulls and blog with our minds.

What about an optimistic answer? I promise that nobody is going to take away your hovercraft if you turn out to be wrong.

I really don’t have an answer. I don’t think a lot about “where technology is going.” I really have no clue … sorry to disappoint.

What do you read (when you have the time)?

Blogs or otherwise?

One and then the other.

Well, obviously, I read the coolest Atlanta blogs [wink] as well as a few other friends’ blogs. I don’t read a lot of the really popular blogs - except dooce, because she is awesome. Books? Random stuff. Harry Potter, of course. My tastes in fiction and non-fiction are truly random. I’m working on Every Young Woman’s “How to Fend Off Horny Men” Guide now. I’m trying to remember what i read last… the last fiction was one called The Birth of Venus. And I bought a book in New York City about the MTA substations - it totally kicks ass, but is definitely arcane.

Why the REM obsession?

Why not? They’re only, like, the best band ever.

….

That’s my answer, fool.

Given 24 hours as President of the United States of America, what would you do?

Gah. Why you got to ask the tough questions? (See … I’m already evading questions, just like our current Dear Leader!) Well, I’ll try not to get hung up on the logistics of it, but I guess I would increase the education budget. I know that’s a lame answer, like wishing for world peace … but that’s all I’ve got.

You wrote your own bloggin’ code, you get weak at the sight of good CSS … so what one (or more) things would you recommend bloggers do to make their sites look or behave better?

1. Comments pop-up windows have got to go.
2. As with any personal site, restraint is a virtue. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. I mean, I’m not going to lie - in 1996 my site had the blink tags, the animated gifs, text of all different colors, etc … but then I got over it. Blogs (like all sites) need to be easy to read and navigate. Just use this as an example of EVERYTHING you should not do.
3. Use a clear, readable, preferrably sans-serif font. Limit use of italics, as they are difficult to read. Make sure you have high contrast between text and background colors, for easy readability … and all the usual stuff that I could preach about for hours.

What secret talent/habit/fixation do you have that would surprise your readers?

Well, if that’s not an invitation for a salacious answer, I don’t know what is … but seriously… let me think a minute as I take inventory of my talents.

No problem.

Am I allowed to think about that one? Because I know I can think of something … maybe when I’m not at work.

You got it.

I shall get back to you, ASAP.

Thanks.

[the earth turns. fifteen minutes pass.]

I’ve got an answer … I love “Desperate Housewives” - I only missed 1 episode all last season, and I am very excited for the start of the new season this Sunday.

And now, the final question … WTF?!?

We’re all going to hell in a handbasket.