A glorified soapbox. This is the blog.
Even Wikipedia says "A modern form of a soapbox is a blog: a website on which a user publishes one's thoughts to whoever reads the page."
But is it? There are some similarities - but the blog, being slave to computer technology, has limitations - yet increased possibilities too.
Traditionally the 'soapbox' referred to the small raised platform which would be used to stand on to make an impromptu speech. The speaker would be interacting with his audience, and would adjust his comments to the demographic around him. He would be vulnerable to his audience - with the heckler having as much say as the original speaker, and possibly the odd tomato being thrown. And he would need to think on his feet - no opportunity to delete and rewrite.
The master orators who would gather at Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, London, in the 19th century were proficient at thinking and speaking with the flow of the crowd, and became adept at working the emotional temperament to aid their cause.
Generally they had something to say, and were passionate about their cause.
A skill, an art - something now lost? Dare I say sacrificed under the advance of the digital age?
Blogs can access so many people. But who? What is the demographic you are reaching - or are we just speaking into the 'cloud'?
Where is the skill in adjusting to your audience, thinking impromptu? As you write your blog, you are mainly guided by your own perspective. And, how many times do you rethink, backspace, delete, rewrite? Yes, you can have followers - either likeminded, or antagonists. Not the general public, just passing by. People need to look for your blog - they are already wanting to hear something, before you ever get a word out.
The opportunistic nature of the soapbox orator really isn't there.
Freedom. Our historical orator often embraced controversial or politically dangerous topics. Think of the Suffragette movement lobying for the women's vote. Getting out and speaking your mind was risky, sometimes ending in a dingy gaol.
It's safer now - but do we speak our mind? The blog only goes out if the network is operating. And if the moderator approves. Who is the moderator - it depends on your country? So is the 'free speech' here limited to what is already approved within your country/government? Are we so caught up in political correctness that the blog has been reduced to endless words disappearing in the breeze? The internet is so accessible, blogs so easy, that we are flooded with words. But do we have something to say?
When I think of the soapbox predecessors, I am ashamed to compare their courage, passion, wit and oratory skill to our attempts at blogging.
Can we get some perspective here?
I have responded below to some ideas Trudie. Your words are in quotes.
ReplyDelete"Generally they had something to say, and were passionate about their cause.
A skill, an art - something now lost? Dare I say sacrificed under the advance of the digital age?"
They're out there in force, more than ever. Maybe vlogs (video blogs e.g. on youtube) are the new soapbox.
"Blogs can access so many people. But who? What is the demographic you are reaching - or are we just speaking into the 'cloud'?"
This is tricky. We don't always know. Can't always look them in the eye. A shield of anonymity means sometimes poisonous barbs are cast your way.
"Where is the skill in adjusting to your audience, thinking impromptu? As you write your blog, you are mainly guided by your own perspective. And, how many times do you rethink, backspace, delete, rewrite? Yes, you can have followers - either likeminded, or antagonists. Not the general public, just passing by. People need to look for your blog - they are already wanting to hear something, before you ever get a word out. The opportunistic nature of the soapbox orator really isn't there."
Live speaking vs blogs. They are different media. Not analagous. A blogger may not duck and weave on the run, thinking impromptu, but neither does a book author or a newspaper columnist.
"Freedom. Our historical orator often embraced controversial or politically dangerous topics. Think of the Suffragette movement lobying for the women's vote. Getting out and speaking your mind was risky, sometimes ending in a dingy gaol."
"It's safer now - but do we speak our mind?"
I'm not sure it is safer. Maybe it is a bit in many societies. Or could it be that it is just the taboos that have changed.
"The internet is so accessible, blogs so easy, that we are flooded with words. But do we have something to say?"
Now this is a very good point. I once heard it said that the internet is like a library where anyone can go and put their own book, or few sheets of paper, on the shelves.
As for me...I'm all out of words.