How often have you had a conversation with a non-blogger that goes something like this?

“You mentioned that you have a blog? Did you say ‘blog’ or ‘blob’?”

“It’s a ‘blog,’ not a ‘blob.’ It’s short for weblog?”

“Oh, and what is a weblog?”

“Weblogs are internet sites on which people write dated entries.”

“Oh, so lots of people write things on your blog?”

“No, I’m the only one who writes things there.”

“Are you the only person who has a blog?”

“No, lots of people have blogs. In fact, it is estimated that a couple million people have them.”

“And they all write things in them?”

“That’s correct.”

“Who reads the stuff?”

“It depends on the blog. Some bloggers …”

(Laughter) “Did you say ‘bloggers’?”

“Yeah, that’s what people who have a blog are called.”

“So, you’re a ‘blogger’?” (more laughter)

“Yes I am.”

“What kind of things do you write?”

“I write whatever I feel like writing on any given day.”

“You’re shitting me. You sit down and write something every day and put it on the Internet?”

“That’s right.”

“Why would you want to do that? Do you get paid for doing it? Is it some kind of club?”

“No, I don’t get paid to do it, and no, it is not a club.”

“So, then, why do you do it?”

“I like to write. It is both relaxing and stimulating at the same time. It’s a pleasant mental exercise, and it provides an outlet for creative impulses.”

(More laughter) “Creative impulses? You mean like an artist or something?”

“Yeah. Something like that.”

“And people actually read the things you write?”

“Yeah, some people actually do read the things I write.”

“Who are they?”

“Although I know who some of my readers are, mostly I don’t know who they are.”

“And, I suppose that you read things that other people write.”

“Of course.”

“Why would you want to do that?”

(Beginning to lose patience)“Listen. I read other bloggers’ writing because it’s damned good. That’s why.”

“Are you telling me that a collection of people sitting at computers, who are not professional writers, are writing things worth reading?”

“That’s exactly what I’m telling you. Some bloggers focus on news and politics. Others share their thoughts and observations on a whole host of things. Sometimes the writing is very serious, and sometimes it is light and funny. You would be amazed at the amount of writing talent that is out there. Many bloggers are clearly talented enough to make a living writing, but, for one reason or another, they are not professional writers.”

“I dunno. It sounds pretty boring to me. I think I’d rather watch television. Don’t you miss lots of the new television programs by doing all that writing?”

“Yeah, but that’s OK, because I prefer to write and to read what other bloggers are writing.”

“OK, so how would I find your blog on my computer? You said it was on the Internet, didn’t you?. Do you have a website or something like that? Could you write instructions for me about how to find your site?”

“I’ll send you an e-mail.”

“Great. Nice seeing you. What do you say we do lunch sometime?”

“Yeah, sure. Sounds good. Take it easy.”

“Hey wait! Do you have my e-mail address?”

“I’m sure I have it somewhere. Bye.”

(Thinking to self) “What an asshole.”

(Thinking to self) “What an asshole.”