August 7, 2005

Bring it on

About one year ago I read my first blog. Up to that point I had no idea what a "blog" was. Vox Day's site was my first. I followed his links the Grouchy Old Cripple and others. I soon found the DuToits (both) and Acidman and others that became my daily reads. I had suddenly found a whole new world. There were actually people out there who thought like me. There was a free flow of ideas, opinion, facts, and yes, bullshit. I could read and discuss at will. Suddenly I was back in College having meaningful discussions, hearing the opinions of educated and uneducated folks alike.

I rarely commented on others blogs. I always felt that if I had nothing meaningful to add to the discussion, I should not waste people's time or bandwidth. Eventually I formed the opinion that I should just begin my own blog to have an outlet for my opinions, rage, thoughts of the day. Thus Fat in Indiana was born.

The title is a play on words. I am overweight, but not obese. The 'Fat' pertains more to the alternate meaning -- content, happy. I sign myself as Hoosierboy, not because I am a fan of the Indiana Hoosiers, but rather as an indication of my pride in my native state. My ancestors were among the first settlers in the Hoosier heartland, and I suppose I will live my life here.

I started the blog in March of this year. Apparently, so did a lot of other people. After just a few posts I got my first regular reader -- Alli at Ranting Fox. She was the first to bogroll me and offer encouragement. I am not sure I would have kept it up without her support. Since then, many others have offered links, help and support, like Og, Grampapinhead, and YOU (I mean it, I would not/could not leave YOU out). If I did not mention your name specifically, it in no way lessens my esteem and thanks.

I still do not comment often on other blogs. I prefer to post my opinions here. I am trying to change that practice, but I have a hard time being witty, pithy and original when I do not have anything to add to the discussion. I have discovered one fact. I love comments on my posts. I enjoy almost more than anything a good argument. I have been known, in my younger days, to take the opposite side of a discussion just so I could argue! I welcome Breezy, Teresa and other commenters who dissent from my opinions because I crave the discussion. Too bad they often disappear just when things get fun. Argue with me, tell me I am full of crap. Just be ready to back it up with facts and logic. If you agree with me, tell me. I look forward to the words of encouragement and kindness I find in my comments; Hell, we all like our egos stroked now and then. I find it especially gratifying when you think enough of my writing to blogroll me, or even better, provide a link. I take it as the highest compliment.

Some days I feel like Blanche DuBois, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers". Each day I turn on the computer to see who has visited me. It is the best part of my day. Somehow my blog friends are no longer strangers. You have let me see your thoughts, your happiness, your sadness, and a glimpse into your life. You have allowed me to share my pain as loved ones have died, and others fought devastating illness. You have allowed me to share the jokes I used to tell my coworkers before I worked alone. You have soaked up my rage towards leftists, terrorists, and those who do not have our county's best interest at heart.

I want to say thank you to my loyal readers, thank you to my new readers, thank you to my occasional readers. Bring it on, tell me what you think. I don't care how much comment space you need, if you think I am wrong, tell me. I will be glad to set you straight.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

We may have to organize a Hoosier Blogfest. Call it Fear and Loathing in Fort Wayne.

Anonymous said...

yeah, me too. I often have to drill people on the error of their ways. And the drill bits are getting expensive.

Anonymous said...

You're full of crap.

;) Sorry, sorry, you told me to say that.

I've seen your link around and about, and for some reason hadn't yet followed it. Now that I have, I suspect I'll come back regularly.

GUYK said...

Best of tha evenin' to ya, Hoosier. I was checking my meter to see where I was getting readers from and your blog popped up so I figured I'd drop in and say hello and thanks for droppin by! I like what I see here and I'll come in when I have a chance. Ole acidman does have the influence don't he? I bet half the people that click on my place come in the first time from Rob's. Hey-don't be afraid to comment on my site. hell, say what you want and if you don't like what I have to say say that too! I started to blog because I'm full of shit and was using to much band space on other peoples blog-just like I am here. But I figure that if mine fills I'll just pay to get a bigger one. Take care, GUYK

Anonymous said...

So you love comments on your posts do ya? Well here's one for ya, First off , My 18 yr old son leaves for Basic in the morning, so I am kinda crabby. He enlisted behind my back because some recruiter brainwashed him. His field is Millitary Police, which means he will prolly be sent. If you watch anything other then Fox news, you will know this. Words cannot describe the pain that I feel for Cindy Sheehan,...So help me God,.Should my Own son, Casey, like hers,dies in this idiotic war I will be camped out at GW's place as well,....But I do hope your daughter enjoys her charm school.

Joe said...

Teresa, You shuld be proud your son wants to serve his country. You should have more faith in your son than to believe he was "brainwashed" by a recruiter. I am sure he is is much stronger than that. You may not agree, but he feels the need to serve. I am sure you are upset he is leaving, he will be in my prayers.

My daughter is not going to "charm" school as you put it. She is going to Butler University, a fine school to major in Education and Spanish. She works three jobs, was class president. She is already charming.

Anonymous said...

Keep up the good work HB... you're doing great and we love having you around. Thanks for putting it all out there for the rest of us ego-maniacs to identify with.

Joe said...

re: Hoosier blog fest, who gets to be Gonzo and who has to be Hunter? Let's see what we can do.

Anonymous said...

Sorry Hoosierboy for the cheap shot at your daughter. I am sure she is very charming. As I said, I was crabby, still am. The point I was trying to make, and did so wtih no tact whatsoever, (not myself this week because of this), was if you would have differant thoughts about the war in Iraq if it was your Own son going. Notice I said Iraq. Should he be sent to Afganistan, it would still suck, but would make more sense to me. Again, my appologies for my rude and crass comment.

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