In the most recent Galli Report, “Why Bloggers Are Calling It Quits”, Amy Becker talks about blogging and where it has come in the past two decades. Two huge names in the blogosphere have recently called it quits, stepping away from the platforms that have helped shape them and their work. Andrew Sullivan, Heather Armstrong, and others, have decided that there is something to be said for moving away from people who leave their reckless disagreements and insults in comment sections. There is a desire to return to the “actual world”, absorb books, and do longer, serious writing. There is also a desire to be free of the pressure to create post after post. It has become the tyranny of the present.
Becker goes on to make this observation: “With such a transient, ‘what next?’ mindset, bloggers and tweeters may experience what media theorist Douglas Rushkoff calls ‘present shock.’ “ Quoting from Rushkoff: “Our society has reoriented itself to the present moment. Everything is live, real time, and always on. It’s not mere speeding up…It’s more of a diminishment of anything that isn’t happening right now—and the onslaught of everything that supposedly is.” Becker concludes: “Our focus upon the present leads to ‘narrative collapse,’ the end of storytelling, the end of understanding our place in the world as something from a beginning, a middle, and an end.”
At this juncture, I am not calling it quits, but I am backing off a bit. My posts will be reduced, in large part, because I am working on a book that must be to an editor by Dec 1. (Hopefully, I will not experience a narrative collapse). I hope to share some of the insights along the way, as well as reflect on various books I am reading, though almost everything I read will focus around Jesus and His conversations in John. But here are a few great reads for the summer—
- Reagan, The Life–H.W. Brand—just into it
- The Rise of the Ottomans–Eugen Rogan—on the to do list
- Mystery and Manners–Flannery O’Connor—ditto
- Dead Wake–Erik Larson-just finished—a must read
- Johnstown Flood–David McCullough—just starting
- Prayer–Tim Keller—almost finished
What are you reading?