Is it better to know or to not know? Is ignorance truly bliss?

It probably depends on the subject but in general, when I have a choice, I prefer to know something rather than be ignorant of it. Exceptions may include movies, because I prefer to go into the theater spoiler-free. I would also rather not know if I have cancer.

I bring this up because I have a plugin here which lets me see how much traffic my blog gets. It’s not information that will ever improve my day, yet I look at it just to see if anyone out in the void is seeing my words.

Apparently, when you make the title of your post something that is trending, the search engines take notice and strangers will find you.

It’s not that big a deal, but it’s a little bit disconcerting. Like being at a party, trying to talk to someone over the noise, when suddenly the music shuts down and its your voice filling the room.

Also, the numbers aren’t that large. Fifty or so strangers showed up to see what I was talking about on the 1st. Usually, I get between 10 to 15 views on my posts, and only when I post a link to Facebook and Twitter. I’m not posting any links right now. This exercise is just to get me writing again, not draw a crowd or say anything particularly important.

If it’s an exercise, why am I doing it in public? Why not just keep a journal or something?

I have found that when there is no chance of another person reading my writing, I can’t bring myself to put the words on the page. If no one is going to read it, I could just sit in an empty room and talk to myself. No need to activate the pain in my wrists. No need to waste the paper or electrons.

Writing is a medium for communication. Communication involves more than one party. It can be from a younger self to an older self, or it can be between strangers. Sometimes, the younger and older versions of a person are strangers, actually.

Writing is connection. When I know that there is no one at the other end, I go silent. The electricity of my words is grounded out, and no amount of willpower on my part can get it to spark.

So, for this exercise to work, I have to do it publicly. Doing it on the internet means that sometimes, the internet shows up and watches. I don’t expect people to stop and stare as I force my doughy Dad-body to do jumping jacks in the park, but there can be curious gawkers, and I just have to be okay with that.

I have a whole lot more to say on the topic of writing and motivation, and how I’m already starting to see some improvements in my life after just a few days. Maybe that’s what I’ll talk about tomorrow.