You know what is cool? That the blogging community is so supportive of one another. That we all click around and pay each other visits and hang out with the peeps we like. That is cool, no? I think so.
You know what is weird? Well, the nature of linking and blogrolls can often mean that things look a bit cliquey. And the whole notion of commenting can mean that some people feel a bit left out or neglected, don't you think? The very nature of Facebook and Twitter lends itself to misunderstanding via short status updates and commenting, no? And if you are a non-blogger you might be unsure whether you can play with the bloggers. All of this can play on our minds, as though we are back in the playground and it's Grade 5. I've heard it spoken about often in regards to blogging. Feeling left out. We want to be included. We might even strive to be one of the gang, part of 'the group'.
But that's the thing. Do these groups really exist? Or is it something that just appears that way online? Is everyone really buddying up and having a jolly old time (without us!) Or are we just being a bit shy and insecure?
Shyness aside, I would like to think that we could all have a chat to each other, because who knows what we might stand to learn about the other person and ourselves. I know that we can't like everyone, and everyone can't like us. I get that. We can't be all things to all people, blah blah blah. But don't you think it would be ace if we could push the idea of online cliques aside altogether. Call it a hoax and shrug it off. Surely it's just another way to pit person against person? Meh. We don't need that. Let's not allow it.
I think it's easy to assume someone is not your cup of tea (in case they reject you, reject them first kinda thing.) I think it's easy to assume there is a club, or several clubs and we might not be part of them, because it taps into some very basic insecurities. It's easy to assume people might not like you. Or might be SO very different to you (in a bad way). But let's not. Let's not assume any of that. Let's assume that is all internet-drivel. Let's assume things are much better than that.
I've been mulling this over, and personally I think that there is not a club, despite appearances. I think there are lots of ace people hanging out and wondering who else is like them. I think that sometimes we can get carried away with jumping to conclusions and spinning cliquey theories, but I think we are all coming at this from a similar angle. I think we need to think the best. I think we are, for the most part, wanting to connect with others, not exclude. And I vote to include. What do you vote?! What do you think?!
xx Pip
