Conclusion form the poll

[vaneramos]

Before I get too busy to think about it, I need to respond to the user poll I ran a couple days ago. I'm going to do this in point form:

1. 29 people answered at least one question, more than I expected. I want to thank everyone who responded. Special thanks to those who rarely comment in my journal but took time to fill out the poll. It showed me more people pay attention than I realize.



2. Photographs: I'm vaguely alarmed, though I had already guessed, that my photography is the most popular aspect of my journal. 28 respondents said they enjoy it, and it was the only answer which no one chose as "least favourite." The problem is, writing is my primary focus, my calling, my passion. Have I chosen the wrong career? Am I confused? On the other hand, I love doing photography, and it will continue as an essential part of this journal.



3. Poetry: The largest number of people (8) chose this as their least favourite thing. Fortunately, more than half (15) said they like it. I post poetry sporadically, but it was my original pupose for this journal, so I'll continue with it.



4. Fiction: Most respondents (18) indicated they don't enjoy reading my fiction. This is helpful to know, because it indicates one thing I can do to keep this journal more focused. I already have one fiction journal: blind_king, which was supposed to be for a single project. For now I will put other fiction there, too. That's where I'll put my work for NaNoWriMo, unless I come up with a better idea. blind_king is friends only, so if you're interested in reading my fiction, add that journal as a friend and I will add you back. I'll occasionally post updates here about my fiction projects for those who might want to read later.
   
   
5. Other writing: Commentary on my day-to-day life and autobiographical sketches (stories from earlier in my life) are the kinds of writing that the most people find interesting. This helps with focus, too. A few respondents made it very clear they didn't like me lumping memes in with other day-to-day stuff. I get the point. I would like to observe that the best LiveJournalists tend to despise memes. I only like the ones that encourage self-expression, but I will continue my practice of putting them behind a cut.
   
   
6. How personal? Most people (22) said my journal is just right. This is a tough question for me. I admire draco_kc's journal, and find his candid discussion of sexuality and relationships most informative. I would like to be more open about certain topics, but don't know how to, without compromising the privacy of LJ friends.
   
   
7. Focus: Most people (22) said it doesn't need more focus, which is a relief because I'll never achieve an orderly approach. But a little more focus would be useful for me. I can simplify by moving the fiction elsewhere. And I have already started to put a bigger emphasis on day-to-day activities, a practice which I'll try to continue.
   
   
8. The beard: On Tuesday night I was annoyed with it, particularly the moustache. But this was just a light question. Good thing this journal isn't a democracy, or if it is, djjo has veto power over facial hair. Some modifications are in store. I don't know what they are, but they won't be drastic. I'm glad at least 11 people said I should keep it long.
   
   
   

Comments

[draco-kc.livejournal.com]

I admire draco_kc's journal, and find his candid discussion of sexuality and relationships most informative.

[*blush*] I'm glad you find my mutterings to be of some use. The process of becoming a titleholder has really gotten me to confront and think seriously about a lot of different topics with regards to sex, the leather community, and BDSM. Writing about those topics has really helped me think through and process some of those internal discussions. It's good to know that others find my ramblings thought-provoking, as well.


I would like to be more open about certain topics, but don't know how to, without compromising the privacy of LJ friends.

That's a tough call, trying to be more candid while at the same time honoring the privacy of others. For my part, when it comes to sex-related subjects, I tend to avoid identifying specific people or commenting on what we've done. I've occasionally bent that rule, but usually it's involved circumstances which were pretty much public, anyhow.

I think that it helps that when I write, I often try to keep the focus on myself and my interests/perspectives/desires, rather than commenting on others. Maybe a similar approach might be helpful for you.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I can't respond at length right now as I'm hurrying to catch the bus, but just wanted to say thanks again. This is quite helpful. Come to think of it, I realize how discrete you are wrt individuals.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Hey there, I just wanted to point out some other thoughts I had, which came out of the discussion in my journal.

I didn't mean to suggest I wanted to be like draco. We write for different reasons. His journal is educational and wise and it pushes boundaries that ought to be redefined. It is an expression of who he is and what he does. He is a teacher and community leader. My journal expresses who I am, and I am something different. I think of myself as an artist and poet in the broadest sense of those terms.

Best regards.

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

I'm selfishly glad you want to keep the beard longer. Hurray!

I desperately need to trim mine back, although the ancient Druid effect is not without its uses at this season of the year.

I enjoyed looking at the link to the Leather God's journal. But why compare? I love having a world that includes both your organic, tapestried, lovin-spoonful approach and his controlled, disciplined, every-zipper-zipped design. (I tried hard to make that comparison objective--you can tell which one I personally prefer.)

wafting off on my gossamer wings,

Shimmer

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I didn't mean to suggest I wanted to be like draco. We write for different reasons. His journal is educational and wise and it pushes boundaries that ought to be redefined. It is an expression of who he is and what he does. He is a teacher and community leader. My journal expresses who I am, and I am something different. I think of myself as an artist and poet in the broadest sense of those terms.

As for the beard: I'm probably going to trim the sides down to less than an inch, and the moustache up to the lip, and keep something longer and van dykish happening on the chin. Bill says I have the kind of face that van dykes were invented for. Besides I like the way the gold highlights in my chin and moustache contrast with the rest of my beard.

[art-thirst.livejournal.com]

I personally feel the photos compliment your writing. The one problem with long posts is reading off the computer strains the eyes a bit more than reading a book. Also, you can't recline unless you have a laptop (I guess). I don't like to post long texts for that reason. As editor of Miamiartexchange.com, one of the things I have to remind people that don't write for the web on a regular basis is that they need to write more concisely and make paragraphs a bit shorter. Of course, that depends on ones audience. All that said, I do enjoy your writing very much, and always have. The photos allow me to see something of your life, surroundings, and part of Canada that really has given me something special. Thank you so much Van. :-)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

As a former reporter and newspaper editor, I tend to write everything in short paragraphs anyway, for the same reason: readability. The only exception is my fiction.

Thanks for you input.

I have to get busy on that novel this aft.

privacy and photography

[queenmomcat.livejournal.com]

Isn't it interesting to find out just why other people are reading your Livejournal? Ultimately, you get to decide why YOU'RE keeping it though...

The photography, both yours and that of your friends is gorgeous but bandwidth forces me to check these things from my work computer (not necessarily while working)

Privacy is ALWAYS an issue--that's why I've been avoiding naming anyone who doesn't have a LiveJournal and I'm not even posting anything more than PG-13, just occasionally snarky.