A few months ago, I wrote a post on blogging that generated more attention that this entire blog had since its inception. I think I provoked very strong responses which I actually did appreciate. And some good did come out of that. That is good.
Recently, there was a lot of controversy around the whole issue of teachers blogging. Actually the blog in question was revealing in a physical sense rather than an emotional sense. So it is a slightly different issue. There were past controversies where teachers had reveaked too much about themselves on their blogs which left them open to criticism. What to do? Teachers are supposed to be guardians of morality in society and open to scrutiny from all.
I wondered whether then I should carry on this blog. It started as a means for a group of students to find out a bit more about me through discussions on various issues. Didn’t work so well initially as while many read the blog, they were not inclined to respond. Later on, it expanded to involve even people outside of school. It is inevitable since blogs are public domains. What is the point of this now? The original purpose has gone.
I am not one for the whole put my thoughts/emotions in writing thing I never even kept a diary. Actually I wished I had as it would interesting to retrace my thoughts and emotions through the years. But I was never disciplined enough to do it.
Like everyone, I like being read. I know that most of the people who read the blog are students from school current and past. I am conscious that perhaps sometimes I reveal too much about myself. It is always disconcerting when people you don’t know know a lot about you. And as those of you who know me a bit more know, I don’t always hold the ‘correct’ view about stuff.
So the long and short of it is, I don’t know if I will carry on with this blog. I have to find a purpose for it first. Anyway, appreciate all of you who have read it.
Mr L, don’t be like this la. I draw inspiration from your blog, you know.
Perhaps you can think of why so many people still visit here day after day. Esp your faithful graduated students.
Hi. Thanks for your kind comment. But that puts more pressure on what I should/can write about. Whatever it is, you know how I feel about you all. Will try.
Simple. Go completely anonymous.
Sometimes blogging doesn’t need a purpose. To me it is about sharing with others how I feel – to talk to someone when there is no one in particular to talk to. (:
The question of purpose is there in these kinds of public platform. I agree it might be possible that many blog as a way to express thoughts and feelings. But it is always harder for teachers to do this as you can see from the recent controversies around this kind of thing. You see, it may not be appropriate for me to share with you my thoughts and feelings.
Also hard to be completely anonymous in this day and age. Besides, I don’t really like anonymity anyway.
Hi Mr L, I know I don’t respond much though I do read this blog a lot, so I apologize for that! Haha, and you sould know that I don’t respond much in class either :/
But anyways, like a lot of other people, I really do enjoy reading your posts, because it’s always nice to get to know more about your teachers and how they think.. and besides, you can always keep the graduated batches posted about what’s happening back in school through this blog. So.. yeah, I think this is a great idea, but whether or not you choose to continue with this is completely up to you.
Either way, thank you for blogging, (frequent readers will be checking back for updates all the time!) and also for being an awesome teacher this year
Hiya,
Nice to hear from you. Hope you are enjoying your break. Thanks for the kind words. I have very much enjoyed the year with you lot. You are a fun bunch!