Greenest Before Dawn

I’ve been posting to the PeakOil.com website and contributing to the Energy Bulletin website. Plus, dipping my toe in the permaculture and SANET mail lists.

What’s GOOD about discussion groups and mail lists:

• One gets practice expressing oneself. I’ve written “objectively” for so many years — in journalism and technical writing — that writing my own ideas and feelings is awkward and unfamiliar. It’s like moving muscles I haven’t exercised.
• One learns to be diplomatic and handle disagreements.
• One establishes relationships and friendships. Enemies are easy to find too.
• No matter how bizarre one’s interest, one can find a virtual community with members who are similarly obsessed.

What’s BAD about discussion groups and mail lists:

• Much of the time is spent on stupid arguments. You spend two hours composing a devastating reply to someone on whom you wouldn’t spend two minutes in real life.
• Most people on the lists aren’t serious.
• It takes time, energy and emotions to deal with people and write well.

I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent posting, and I’ve become more accustomed to writing in a personal voice for other people. But in 2005 it will be time to detach myself from the lists and put my energy into serious writing.

And yet posting is addictive. I’ll need to rely on a Higher Power to help me keep this resolution!