During this same period, I was trying to balance my own life, and ensure that I once again did not become overwhelmed with work--book reviews--to the exclusion of anything else...
Along the way, I found a Facebook group about blogs... I immediately joined, thinking I'd like to have an opportunity to talk to and about other people's blogs. The group had been abandoned, frankly, rightly so, because a series of people who obviously set out to upset, "vandalize by placing fake members in the group," and did... The group was offered up to a new admin... Anyway, since then, there seems to be not an interest in centrally sharing blogs... At the same time, there were FB members who routinely share essays, topical dialogue and personal thoughts, memories, or concerns...Right now, we are exploring whether there is a "use" for this group...
Anybody who is paying attention at this chaotic time knows that America is in a crisis. Politicians blame the other party--anybody but their own actions. Fake news is the new word...Media is said to be no longer able to be trusted. Oops, that is, only news media that supports one faction or another is acceptable, right? I have been personally condemned for watching CNN! Oh, My! It is a station that deals with all sides of an issue and encourages discussion and debate. That to me, for a television program, rather than a newspaper, is the only way to make Words Matter!
Yesterday in the Words Matter! Group, I posted a number of videos of top news items...Check them out... Do you find that when you post publicly, the poster is criticized, condemned and berated if you have to say something politically charged. It seems that politics allows people to forget that their Words Matter!
In this group, we are open to sharing personal thoughts, with no fear of ridicule, condemnation for an opinion that differs from that which has been posted. For those who want to share their own words...and participate in a legitimate argument, debate, or just plain personal reactions freely given without critical or snide remarks...this group is for you. Postings are monitored and comments that "are not civil" are automatically removed. If you want to speak "loudly"
just to disagree, this isn't the place for you. If you want to incite emotions rather than read another person's thoughts and opinions and consider them on their own merit, this group isn't for you...
Words Matter! Your Words Matter and you should not have to defend your own opinions! If you don't know something when a comment has been made. Why not thank them for that info and consider your post in light of new information gathered. Words affect people... Words are meant to be shared as information, as our Constitution provides for us under Freedom of Speech. But, personally, I think there are limits, don't you? Freedom of speech should carry with it the ability to freely speak, using language that is not offensive for any reason, and meant to disseminate your thoughts on a topic. Responses to another's words is important to each of us...we want to know what other people think about shared Words... We should not be afraid to share!!!
You decide how to present your Words... It can be purely for posting, with no desire to have substantial feedback other than appreciation or personal thoughts in response...
Or you can post videos/news articles, such as I did about a topic of concern to you, and then add your own thoughts and seek feedback. Who knows, if Words Matter! you may change your opinion if you receive information in an open manner and with the ability to add thoughts or questions without fear of negativity creeping into the discussion...
Does this sound like a group for you? A group that wants to share intellectually rather than emotionally. A group that is concerned about how words are used and are valued for their merit...
Consider this writers! I've been reading your words all my life, the last ten years of so as a reviewer of how you have used your words and what they have said... Why not share some of the issues that affected your writing a book and maybe even a problem you experienced that somebody else could also face...
Right now, I'm looking for feedback! If you are not already a member, merely join the group! There is already a pinned post to discuss the future of this group; we'd love to have more participation on postings, for instance, even if you don't want to contribute, but just read what has been shared, that's important too! After all, I've been overwhelmed by requests to read somebody's Words, so I am well aware of how much Words Matter! Protect your words and share them where they will be heard/read...
GABixler
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