I think. Sometimes I think too much. Sorry for that. It's what I do best. Often it is the only thing I am doing. And in thinking I solve another riddle that helps me to get a clearer idea of my true nature and essence, for make no mistake: I *am* a riddle of riddles.Not long ago I ran into a passionate comment in a friend’s blog. Its tone ruffled my scales although it didn't qualify as a troll. As a fire dragon, patience is not my strongest suit. However, as Father Dragon I know the rule is brain cells sparkle first. Spitting fire comes second.
A couple of misused adjectives turned my natural red more intense, but I found two points worth pondering. One of them referred to the futility of awards given between bloggers. The other was along the lines of seeking true readers instead of “bargaining” for comments (i.e. You comment on my site and in return I comment on yours.) Wrong market strategy, Anonymous stated, implying writers should aim for readers –potential consumers of his brand- not for other writers.
I was still “dissecting” these propositions when I read a post in another friend’s blog. He was giving his opinion on whether or not blogging was dying. And in between I read a golden piece of advice about answering to comments individually.
I am as new in the blogging world as they come. I am so NOT an authority in the matter that only six months ago I thought a blog was either a bloating ailment or some Facebook profile. The Force guided my debut. I could only hope for the best. My goal was sharing and making contact. With whom? Whoever willing to believe in and talk to a dragon.
Three questions are the key of all Mother Dragon’s teachings. What do you want? Why do you want it? What do you want it for? These questions help me to unravel my thoughts and feelings about all these matters quite effectively. It’s thanks to them I got my final conclusions.
Sir David Powers King kindly chose me to receive the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I am expected to say seven things about myself, so I have chosen these:
1. I value awards given between bloggers as much as any other award. Bloggers are both writers and readers. But first and foremost, they are people who are granting me (the worldwide unknown Al Diaz) a bit of their precious time to read what I have to say. They value my words and thoughts above thousands of bloggers out there. The fact they don’t belong to the Pulitzer Board doesn’t make their opinion less honest or their time less valuable to me.2. I care for page hits as much as I care for a gazillion followers in Twitter. Mostly when 99% of those persons won’t even respond to a single greeting. Don't take me wrong. It would be nice for a million people to read me but I honestly care for people, not numbers. I care for interaction and to get to know the hearts of those behind the words I read. If I am to spend so many hours in front of a screen, I am doing so in order to find the humanity on the other side, not just a page hit. That’s why….
3. I love to leave comments on people’s posts and I cherish their comments on mine. That’s interaction. I know people by bits and pieces but that’s the way I have come to meet some amazing folks. There are a few around here whose essences I’ve caught filtered in a few words. How could I not treasure such comments more than a hundred hits?
4. I answer comments individually, not to increase the count number but because I enjoy it. Some people like coffee with milk, some like it black. To me, answering comments individually is like looking at the person in the eye or shaking hands. It is a matter of preferences really, and I do prefer it this way for now. Forgive me if I break the rule.
5. I would love to have a world of fans like J.K. Rowling but my dragon friendly folks are a world to me. Yes, I write and yes, I’ve dreamed the “Harry Potter dream.” Who hasn’t? Yet, even though touching millions of lives while earning millions in royalties would not hurt me at all...
6. I would consider myself a successful writer if my words touch and inspire one single life. Regardless the format they come or if they were given for free. A life is a life and I know something about the value of words in a moment of dire need. Little matters whether they come from a Best Selling writer or from an elder with no more wealth than his wisdom. By the Higher Powers I do know about that.
7. If blogging is truly dying, I’ll stick around anyway for the C.P.R., the autopsy and the funeral. Maybe afterwards, I get to hang out with those who attend the funeral. We can tell stories to each other while eating marshmallows.
Now this is my choice of bloggers to get this award.
Congratulations to them all! And Dragon hugs to all of you. Save them for tomorrow that's Valentine's Day. :)
