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Something that will make me lose interest reading a blog is when I find that the author is constantly apologizing or second-guessing what they are posting about.

It’s like you know they have something they want to say but between every word, you can feel this invisible but visible underlining passive-aggressive energy, because they don’t want to make any of their readers mad or disagree.

It’s as if they are overly tentative about offending someone by covering all their bases because they're trying to be politically correct or appear nice. Yet at the same time, attempting to voice their honest opinion.

I would much rather disagree with what the author is sharing in a confident manner, than have them present it with an apologetic disclaimer.

Let's face it, we all have different opinions and beliefs, so no matter how much you try to be politically correct or tip-toe around what you really want to say, someone will be offended.

And I don't know who ever concocted the words, politically correct, but I can't stand them because it's made everyone so ultra paranoid about saying anything. Politically correct has taken away our right to freedom of speech.

And please understand that I am not talking about carelessly spewing your opinions with ignorance and hate, no.

I think it’s very possible to share your opinions and beliefs in a clear and intelligent manner and make your point, without having to say you're sorry.

One of the things I’ve learned about blogging, especially since I started this personal blog 6 years ago, is that I better not be afraid to share what I feel because if I do, I'm doomed. Because I am no longer writing my blog to fulfill a passion within me, I'm writing it to appeal to the masses.

A blog is your voice and your piece of cyberspace, which include your opinions.

So go forth and blog with passion and confidence.

Don’t be afraid to push people’s buttons and allow them to think and feel; even if it means they may feel uncomfortable.

And don’t ever apologize for it.

Because I guarantee you will eventually offend someone, no matter how you say it. So you might as well do it with confidence.

And remember, there are some people who will disagree with you, just to disagree and stir the pot.

That is a reality of life.

So blog on everyone!


And have a faaaaabulous weekend!
X

64 comments:

  1. Hellooooooooo Jeanne!

    "I am never one to hold back when I have something to say!"

    *applause*

    You GO, girl!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. You always catch my posts the second after I post them. You and I are such night owls!!!

    Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend, dear lady.

    The best to you with your testing. And keep the faith, because I know they will find the answer!

    ((((((((((((((((((((( You )))))))))))))))))))))))))

    X to you and the girlz!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ron, another wonderful post! And I can't tell you how much I agree with your feelings on being politically correct. You are so right, people are so paranoid to say anything anymore. If you say Merry Christmas, some people get upset because you didn't say Happy Holidays. But then if you say Happy Holidays, some people get upset because you didn't say Merry Christmas. You can't win either way.

    That is what I love about reading your blog. You openly share your opinions and beliefs, but never in hateful way. And you never write with a tone of apology. You just say it.

    So blog on, Ron. I love your blog! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  3. You're absolutely right Ron!

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  4. Hmmmm....now I'm curious as to what sparked this post!?!

    I agree with you that Bloggers should say what they want, with confidence. Readers who don't like it can politely disagree, choose to not comment, or even never visit again. What bothers me are replies that are just plain rude and meant to stir the pot, or take the liberty of implying that they know better than the Blogger. Very few of us know each other IRL, so it's better to not make assumptions and pass judgment.

    With that, let me thank YOU for always being a positive replier, even when we disagree! Have a wonderful weekend.

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  5. "no matter how much you try to be politically correct or tip-toe around what you really want to say, someone will be offended"



    agreed. though i would never come right out and say everything i'm feeling or thinking. even if it is my opinion, and yes i'm entitled to it, i yield to be tactful and may choose my words carefully. not sure if it's about offending or being politically correct, but i do care about other people's feelings. if i finally put something in print or say something i stand by what i said. it's probably the cleaned up version anyway. someone told me just because we have the right to do or say something doesn't mean we have to. it depends, ron, for me on the subject matter. i know with famous people in the news are not allowed to voice their opinion. one sportscaster said something about how he felt about gays and people went off on him - granted his opinion - but yet he still was not entitled to it because his thinking was not politically correct. some people felt he shouldn't have to apologize and that this world is overly sensitive. we can't say anything anymore without offending someone. darn if you do and darn if you don't.

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  6. "A blog is your voice and your piece of cyberspace, which include your opinions."


    Ain't that the beautiful truth? You're so right, Brother Ron. What's the point of speaking out if you're not going to use your real voice?


    The only time I've held back on blog posts is when I was concerned I would embarrass or hurt someone dear to me. Other than that, a blog should be a wide open cyber-space.


    I'm so glad you posted this. Now I'm going to head over to my blog and write some nasty sh@t about you! Just kidding!


    Have a great weekend, buddy, and sing your song as loud as you can!

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  7. Boy...... You've said a lot, here. And I agree--a person's web log is their space. I can read or not, comment or not......and keep moving. And I have on some, trust me. They're just not the kinda spot I feel 'comfy' in...I tend to land (and stay) in places that I feel 'comfy and at home'.
    That 'politically correct' jazz changes and I can't keep up--I don't even wanna try TO keep up any more. LOL One week it's 'okay' to refer to a person's ethnicity/religious conviction/whatever in one term, the next week it's disrespectful.
    Seriously, I can't keep up--and I've given up trying.


    I will always, ALWAYS attempt to say what's 'necessary, kind and true'. I don't have the right to hurt others. I am responsible to monitor what I say so I'm not compromising the message being delivered. With a whole lot of practice, I really CAN say what I mean without saying it mean--unless I'm under mass amounts of pain killers.....in which case I'm gonna haffta apologize until the cows come home, BOY howdy!! (oy......LOL) Just cuz I CAN say something, doesn't mean I oughta. I cringe when I hear people saying "just saying what I feel" (and there's no feeling words IN there) or "just being honest" (well, gee......there's a dime a dozen deal...........can you be honest AND be effective, there's the REAL power) Keep in mind, I cringe cuz I used to use those cheap excuses to take shots at others and feel 'better than' all the time.
    Now, I highly doubt that's what brought about this post cuz you don't cater to folks getting their feel goods at the cost of other human beings esteem.


    I do have opinions. And they're brought about from my experiences. I can share my experiences and know they're inarguable. They're my experiences. My opinion.......will always be arguing material. Darn straight it oughta be. It's been stretched and pulled--and the values/beliefs attached to those opinions have been challenged (and needed to be!) for eons...and those challenges have resulted in making some changes in my thinking and doings (thank goodness!).
    There are some values/beliefs that others aren't going to change--they've been adopted and embraced as a part of who I AM. But others who believe as they believe CAN believe and share at will. In this medium I always have the option of simply not commenting, commenting kindly or moving on, yaknow?


    HA! LOL Betcha missed my wordy comments. *laughing*
    *hugs* You enjoy the weekend, sir!

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  8. Look, I'm sorry about this (I really don't want to upset you or anything) but I'm not sure I totally agree with this post.
    I mean, it's very good and everything, but some of what you say is a bit, well, um, ......

    ..... erm,

    ...actually let's just forget about that for now, it's probably just me being silly. I expect it really is a terribly good post, I just took it the wrong way, that's all...

    Although, I have to say, some of that final paragraph, well,.... wasn't it a little too,...I don't know, aggressive maybe..?

    No?
    No, you're right of course.
    Best just to pretend none of this ever happened.

    Apologies again,
    your humble servant,
    dalecooper57.

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  9. Oh, shit, I just remembered, you don't have sarcasm over there do you?


    Hahahaha.
    Nice one Ron.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is so right. I tend not to tackle anything that is considered a serious topic. Not because of the fear of offending people, but just because my blog is a personal kind of diary of our life, in a funny sort of way.


    I get so sick of all the politically correct nonsense. Some of it may be good, but the vast majority of it has, as you say, taken away our freedom of speech and that angers me.

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  11. :)

    Thanks so much for stopping by, m'dear! Have a lovely weekend!

    X

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  12. I love this topic. So often I post on issues that people will disagree with me on but that is why I love blogging. I like to think of my posts as more of a conversation. People will agree or disagree but I can get different views on a topic that matters to me and thats the fun of it all. If you are constantly apologizing or afraid to say what you really feel its really hard to enjoy the full affect of blogging. Thanks for sharing this its important many bloggers take this to heart!

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  13. Hey there Bijoux!

    "Hmmmm....now I'm curious as to what sparked this post!?!"

    HA! I've actually wanted to share on this topic for awhile now and had this post in my documents for months. So, yesterday I decided to post it. It's comes from an accumulation of time.

    "Readers who don't like it can politely disagree, choose to not comment, or even never visit again. Very few of us know each other IRL, so it's better to not make assumptions and pass judgment."

    Exactly! A blog is your voice, so if spoken with intelligence and without hate, there is nothing wrong in you sharing your opinion - even if others disagree.

    "With that, let me thank YOU for always being a positive replier, even when we disagree!"



    Yes, that's a perfect example. You and I have not agreed on things throughout these years yet, we have always been respectful of one another. So, thank YOU as well!


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a FAB weekend!


    X

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  14. Hey there V Girl!

    "even if it is my opinion, and yes i'm entitled to it, i yield to be tactful and may choose my words carefully."

    Exactly. It's HOW we say it. But even so, there will always people who will disagree with our viewpoint or opinion no matter HOW we say it.

    " i know with famous people in the news they are not allowed to voice their opinion. one sportscaster said something about how he felt about gays and people went off on him - granted his opinion - but yet he still was not entitled to it because his thinking was not politically correct."

    People say things to me quite often about being gay; sharing their opinions (and sometimes quite rudely). But you see, I am comfortable being gay, so they can say whatever they wish. I can either choose to listen to it or ignore it.

    " i wrote it when i was angry so i said some things that were off the chains. my opinion, yes, but i'm still afraid to publish it."



    Yes, I've done the same thing. Sometimes that's all we need to do, write it out so that we can vent how we feel. But we don't have to necessarily publish it. It's using discernment.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, girl! Have a super weekend!


    X

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  15. Hola Denise!

    "f you say Merry Christmas, some people get upset because you didn't say Happy Holidays. But then if you say Happy Holidays, some people get upset because you didn't say Merry Christmas. You can't win either way."

    Thank you!!!! And it's so ironic you mentioned that because I was actually going to say something about that particular topic on this post. I've had people get upset with me when I said either one of those things during the holidays. You're right, you can't win either way. It's like we're paranoid about saying either one, just to be politically correct.

    "And you never write with a tone of apology. You just say it."



    I try to say what I wish to say, but do it in a way that's not hurtful. But even so, I realize that some people will disagree with me. As long as I feel that I shared it in the best way I know how, no, I don't think I need to apologize. And neither does anyone else for their opinion.


    Much thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful weekend!


    X

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  16. Hey there Rob!

    "The only time I've held back on blog posts is when I was concerned I would embarrass or hurt someone dear to me. Other than that, a blog should be a wide open cyber-space."

    Me as well, buddy. I think it's about using discernment. There have been times when I simply wrote a post because I was angry about something, but never published it because I knew I couldn't word it in a way that wouldn't be vile.

    As I shared, I'm not talking about spewing every single thought or opinion we have with ignorance and hate. But we can (and should) voice our opinions in a clear and intelligent manner without apologizing for it.

    "I'm so glad you posted this. Now I'm going to head over to my blog and write some nasty sh@t about you! Just kidding!"



    Bwhahahahhahaha! CRACKED ME UP!!!!!!


    Have a grrrreat weekend, buddy, and thanks for stopping by!


    X

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  17. Bwhahahhahahahahahaha!


    Dale, that was freakin' BRILLIANT, man!!!!


    BRAVO!!!!!!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your wonderful wit!


    Have a super weekend, buddy!


    X

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  18. "Oh, shit, I just remembered, you don't have sarcasm over there do you?"


    Hell, we have TONS of sarcasm over here.


    Look at ME!


    Bwhahahhahahahahaha!

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  19. Hey there Babs!

    "Not because of the fear of offending people, but just because my blog is a personal kind of diary of our life, in a funny sort of way."

    Totally understand.

    My blog is sort of a blend of everything, so as you know, I've shared on a HUGE variety of topics - some humorous, some more on serious. I pretty much share it all.

    "Some of it may be good, but the vast majority of it has, as you say, taken away our freedom of speech and that angers me."



    It has gotten to the point where we're afraid to say ANYTHING anymore. And yet what I find ironic is that people have said things to me which I could take very offensive, but then when I say what I feel, it's suddenly, "Oh...you're not being politically correct."


    Thanks so much for stopping by, Babs! Have a terrific weekend!


    X to you and Mo!

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  20. Ron, you've hit the nail on its head, my friend! While it's wonderful that the blogging community is so supportive and complimentary, sometimes it's necessary to disagree with something someone has said, without being disagreeable.

    "Politically correct has taken away our right to freedom of speech." YES it has. We're walking on eggshells, afraid to offend, holding in our opinions. When that's ALL they are -- opinions -- and we have a right to them.


    You're so right -- offending people, even inadvertently, is pretty easy these days. It's like some people are LOOKING for offenses, even when none are meant.


    Thanks for penning this, and have a SUPER weekend!

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  21. Hey Shae!!!!

    You nailed it, girl!

    "If you are constantly apologizing or afraid to say what you really feel its really hard to enjoy the full affect of blogging."

    Exactly! And it's as you shared, it's about having a conversation and discussing different views that's the fun part!

    "So often I post on issues that people will disagree with me on but that is why I love blogging."



    And that's why enjoy your blog so much. You will often post about things that are VERY informative and keep me in touch with what's going on in the world.


    LOVE your blog, girl!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by and have a fantabulous weekend!


    X

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  22. Goooood morning Debbie!

    "While it's wonderful that the blogging community is so supportive and complimentary, sometimes it's necessary to disagree with something someone has said, without being disagreeable."

    I agree. I actually enjoy reading a post that either makes me think differently than I do, or is something I totally disagree with. People can agree to disagree and do it intelligently.

    "YES it has. We're walking on eggshells, afraid to offend, holding in our opinions. When that's ALL they are -- opinions -- and we have a right to them."

    And isn't something how that in spite of all this "politically correct" stuff (which is supposed to be a good thing), people seem to more angry in the world? And I think it's because people are so afraid to say ANYTHING. As I shared, I think someone can clearly and intelligently express their opinion without being hateful. And do it without apologizing.

    " It's like some people are LOOKING for offenses, even when none are meant."



    Oh boy, are you ever right!


    Thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Have a SUPER weekend!


    X

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  23. Hiya Mel!

    "One week it's 'okay' to refer to a person's ethnicity/religious conviction/whatever in one term, the next week it's disrespectful.Seriously, I can't keep up--and I've given up trying."

    HA! Me too, I've given up trying.

    "I will always, ALWAYS attempt to say what's 'necessary, kind and true'. I don't have the right to hurt others. I am responsible to monitor what I say so I'm not compromising the message being delivered. With a whole lot of practice, I really CAN say what I mean without saying it mean"

    Thank you, thank you, thank you, because that is EXACTLY what I mean in this post. I can say what I mean without being mean. And yes, I don't think I should say something just cause I CAN say something. This is more about feeling as though we have to apologize for our opinions. I try to use discernment before speaking.

    "Now, I highly doubt that's what brought about this post cuz you don't cater to folks getting their feel goods at the cost of other human beings esteem."

    This post comes from way back; not from one single incident. I wrote it months ago and had in my documents. Yesterday, I added some things to it and decided to post it.

    "But others who believe as they believe CAN believe and share at will. In this medium I always have the option of simply not commenting, commenting kindly or moving on, yaknow?"



    *clapping*


    Thank you!


    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. I LOVE your wordy comments, keep them coming!


    Have a FANTABULOUS weekend!


    (((((((((((((( You ))))))))))))


    X

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  24. Ron, I love how say things. This post is perfectly written because you state your case strongly, but you did it smart!


    I agree, I am so over the whole politically correct crap. Pretty soon people will be so paranoid to say anything that we'll be a society void of any opinions what so ever. And truthfully that's one of the reasons why I think there is so much anger in the world. People hold back their opinions in fear of offending, thus they get angrier. As you said, we can state our opinions without being ignorant or hateful. But even so, there will still be those who take it the wrong way.


    Thanks for sharing this, dude!

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  25. Hiya Matt!

    " Pretty soon people will be so paranoid to say anything that we'll be a society void of any opinions what so ever."

    I have a friend who says that same thing. OMG...the whole politically correct issue thing annoys him to no end.

    "And truthfully that's one of the reasons why I think there is so much anger in the world. People hold back their opinions in fear of offending, thus they get angrier."

    Great observation and I totally agree with you. People are hesitating to share their opinions and I think it's making them angrier because they're scared to death to say anything, in fear of it being offensive. Like I shared, I think sharing your opinion can be done in an intelligent way. And not every single thing we feel needs to be expressed, we can use discernment too. But where I get really upset is when people feel that they can't express anything anymore and they preface it with, "I'm sorry."

    Thanks for stopping by, bud. Have an awesome weekend!

    X

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  26. I enjoy writing somewhat controversial pieces (gun control & women's rights are my faves) & then having fun in the comments. You get the most interesting comments when people don't necessarily agree with you!

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  27. "You get the most interesting comments when people don't necessarily agree with you!"

    Yes, how true that is! And brava to you for having the courage to post about controversial pieces. I mean we all may feel differently about them, but that's what make it's interesting to discuss.

    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

    X

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  28. Now this is a feel good about blogging post and in a big way.
    I couldn't agree more.
    It is YOUR BLOG and if you are that worried about sharing a particular opinion, then just don't.
    There are topics I choose not to share at any of my blogs, personal beliefs etc...that I don't want to post about. But there are lots of things I DO want to share.
    And if I go to someone's blog and they've posted about a topic I find offensive, upsetting or just plain boring...I just move on to the next one. It's their right to write about what they want, within reason of course. I don't think spewing hate or being downright nasty or profane is appropriate at any time.
    GREAT post Ron. You do not disappoint here!
    www.myreallifereviews.com
    www.mypoeticpath.wordpress.com

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  29. "Because I guarantee you will eventually offend someone, no matter how you say it."


    Ron, if that is not ever true, I don't know what is! I remember having a conversation with a guy I work with earlier this year about politics and I tried to be very diplomatic in giving my opinion, which was in opposition to his. Yet he took everything I said as an attack and twisted my words into something I was not really saying. I finally told him we needed to end our conversation because it was pointless to discuss anything with him because I didn't want to get into an argument. So he got offended. Pfft!


    You have shared many controversial topics on your blog, but I don't feel that it has ever been done in a malicious way or have shoved it down our throats. You're definite in your opinions but you always leave it open for discussion and allow others to share theirs.


    And as far as being politically correct goes, I'm over it because although I would not saying anything in a mean way, I have a right to my viewpoint and opinion, even if it's not POLITICALLY correct.


    GREAT post, Ron. As always!

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  30. Greetings Geraldine!

    "Now this is a feel good about blogging post and in a big way."

    I thinks it's important that bloggers remember that we don't have to apologize for being ourselves and sharing our opinions if we choose to do so. And as I shared, I don't feel that spewing hate or being outright nasty is the way to do it. But we CAN share it in an intelligent and forthright manner and should not be afraid to do so.

    "And if I go to someone's blog and they've posted about a topic I find offensive, upsetting or just plain boring...I just move on to the next one. It's their right to write about what they want, within reason of course."

    Yes, I feel the same way.

    And as you said, if it's something you are worried about sharing then perhaps it's not something you should share.

    Always a delight to see you, dear lady. Thanks for stopping by and have a GREAT weekend!

    X

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  31. Hey ho Robert!

    "I finally told him we needed to end our conversation because it was pointless to discuss anything with him because I didn't want to get into an argument. So he got offended. Pfft!"

    That's what I mean. Sometimes no matter HOW you say it, someone will be offended.

    "And as far as being politically correct goes, I'm over it because although I would not saying anything in a mean way, I have a right to my viewpoint and opinion, even if it's not POLITICALLY correct."

    I'm over it too because you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. People have gotten so afraid to say the wrong thing and offend, that they find the need to preface things with, "I'm sorry but I don't mean to offend you." And it seems that no matter what you say, it's wrong anyway - HA!

    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a super-duper weekend!

    X

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  32. Guilty as charged, Ron, simply because I once had a blogger have a go about an opinion I had and it hurt so much I am always careful. Yes, I know it's wrong to be that way but you see I'm a coward at heart.


    Keeping it brief today since I have to dash off to the hospital again. I now know where how the expression 'at sixes and sevens' arose.


    Have a lovely weekend xx

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  33. And a great weekend back to you Ron.
    The "dear lady" ref. Ron, that doesn't mean I'm old in your books, does it? Sounds kind of old and I'm not that ancient, LOL :<)
    If you want to see a blogger in action who doesn't hold back or pull any punches, stop by:
    www.myreallifereviews.com
    Mr. Cheddar is back to blogging. "Nuff said! :<)

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  34. "The "dear lady" ref. Ron, that doesn't mean I'm old in your books, does it? Sounds kind of old and I'm not that ancient, LOL :<)"


    HA! Nooooooo..that doesn't mean you're old at all, Geraldine. I use that as a term of endearment.


    Btw, I LOVE the review by Mr. Cheddar. Sooooooo clever!!!!!!

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  35. Gooood morning Valerie!

    "...simply because I once had a blogger have a go about an opinion I had and it hurt so much I am always careful."

    Yes, I remember you sharing that with me a while back. And I don't think it's wrong to be that way, it's just how you feel and your opinion. I respect that :)

    "Keeping it brief today since I have to dash off to the hospital again. I now know where how the expression 'at sixes and sevens' arose."



    I was thinking about you all day yesterday when you didn't post, and wondering if something had happened.


    Sending you a big hug.....


    ((((((((((( You )))))))))))


    And please give Joe my best.


    X

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  36. "I would much rather disagree with what the author is sharing in a confident manner, than have them present it with an apologetic disclaimer."

    I agree with that, wholeheartedly.

    And quite frankly, when it comes to Politically Correctness - I truly think everyone needs to calm the fuck down. And lighten the fuck up already.


    "One of the things I’ve learned about blogging, especially since I started this personal blog 6 years ago, is that I better not be afraid to share what I feel because if I do, I'm doomed. Because I am no longer writing my blog to fulfill a passion within me, I'm writing it to appeal to the masses."

    EXACTLY, Ron. Exactly.

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  37. Well said! I see my followers go up and down all the time. What's the saying? You can please some of the people all of the time but not all of the people all of the time. Something like that.



    That's why I love your blog. You say what's on your mind but not in an "in your face" kind of way. And just because you think Sex in the City was a great show, I won't hold that against you.



    Muah!

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  38. Update: Robert, I was curious to find out where the term "politically correct" came from so I looked it up on wikipedia in case you're interested.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_correctness

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  39. Thanks Ron! I will go over wikipedia and check it out.

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  40. Hi Ron,
    Happy weekend to you.
    Very well thought post. I think that perhaps a bottom line for some of us is if we are feeling good about what we blog about.
    Really... If there is a spark going from you, to the computer and to your website, then it is A OK. It doesn't matter what you say, do or show; you direct it.
    I think that perhaps blogging style is like personality. Some people need to learn to have a stronger voice and affirm themselves while others have a natural quality. Though, everyone can change and grow through time and practice.
    Thank you for your views, Ron.
    Be well and enjoy your day.
    X

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  41. "And quite frankly, when it comes to Politically Correctness - I truly think everyone needs to calm the fuck down. And lighten the fuck up already."

    Bwhahahahahahahaha! Meleah, I LOVE YOU!!!!!

    And THREE cheers! Lighten the fuck up already!

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Blog on, girl! And keep sharing those TMI posts because I LOVE them!

    Hope you're having a FAB weekend!

    X

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  42. Hey there Chrissy!

    "What's the saying? You can please some of the people all of the time but not all of the people all of the time. Something like that."

    Yes, and thank you! And it's not even really about whether our followers or readers go up and down because that's going to happen anyway. It's more about staying true to US.

    " And just because you think Sex in the City was a great show, I won't hold that against you."



    Bwhahahahhahahaha! OMG that's right, I forgot you don't like that show. But see, we're still friends anyway, right?


    (((((( You ))))))


    Thanks for stopping by, girl. Hope you're enjoying a FAB weekend. The weather is GORGEOUS!!!!


    X

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  43. Ron, you can say, "Good Morning!" and offend somebody these days. It's pathetic. I figure if I don't like what I'm reading, I can stop reading it. And if someone doesn't like what I write, they can move on to some other blog. Simple.

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  44. Nitebyrd, I LOVED your comment!!!!!

    And you summed it up perfectly...

    " I figure if I don't like what I'm reading, I can stop reading it. And if someone doesn't like what I write, they can move on to some other blog. Simple."

    AAAAAMEN! It's that's simple!

    Much thanks for stopping by, Sis! Hope you're having a great weekend!

    X ya!

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  45. I say, Merry Christmas, Ron. And that's that. No apologies, right?

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  46. HA! Right you are, Denise! No apologies :)

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  47. Hi Ron,

    Mr. Cheddar says, meeeow and thanks a bunch. Although he is NOT surprised by your compliment. He knows he's great! :<)
    BFN and Happy Weekend, G

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  48. HAHAHAHAHAHHHAHA!

    OMG...that was FLAWLESS!!!!

    Please tell him, MEOW!!!!!

    X

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  49. Right on! Don't let that internal editor mute your thoughts. If you're a blogger, you go into this game knowing that not everyone will agree with what you have to say. What's fun about blogging is civilly disagreeing and sharing opposing viewpoints. Giving and taking with your readers is key, and not fearing what they have to say or locking them out simply because they disagree with you. Where's the fun in that?

    Here's looking forward to disagreeing with you in the near future, Ron! ;-) Heh...

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  50. "What's fun about blogging is civilly disagreeing and sharing opposing viewpoints. Giving and taking with your readers is key, and not fearing what they have to say or locking them out simply because they disagree with you. Where's the fun in that?"

    Amen, Herman! Couldn't have said it any better myself!

    And I also love how you said, "Don't let that internal editor mute your thoughts!"

    "Here's looking forward to disagreeing with you in the near future, Ron! ;-) Heh..."

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You said it, buddy! Blog on!

    Much thanks for stopping by. Hope you and the family had a fantabulous weekend and that you're feeling better!

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  51. I can understand why some people are hesitant to voice an opinion....or preface it with some kind of qualifier. Like it or not, we do live in an age of political correctness where opinions are many times labeled with words like intolerant, discriminatory, hateful etc. I find most people think anything that disagrees with their own opinion qualifies.


    I'm not condoning spewing caustic comments or commentary on subjects. That's just not acceptable in any arena. But it seems like we've all become hyper-sensitive about offending someone or a group of people if we happen to disagree with their political/spiritual/lifestyle stances. But, I'm all for posting on topics that make the reader think outside their comfort zone. If the words are written well and designed to make the reader objectively think about the reason why they agree or disagree, then it's of great value.


    Fortunately I've only had one caustic commenter on any of my posts. Most of the time, everyone is respectful of my opinions, even when they disagree with them. Hopefully I am with others as well. If I read something that truly lights me up, I'm more inclined to not comment so I don't risk losing control and say something I would regret later.

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  52. Hey there Lisa!

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your comment!!!!!

    Great points!

    " I find most people think anything that disagrees with their own opinion qualifies."

    Exactly!

    "But it seems like we've all become hyper-sensitive about offending someone or a group of people if we happen to disagree with their political/spiritual/lifestyle stances."

    Yes, and that's my point. We don't all have to agree (and shouldn't if we genuinely have a different opinion), yet many people feel as though they're going to offend someone if they write about their opinion.

    "I'm all for posting on topics that make the reader think outside their comfort zone. If the words are written well and designed to make the reader objectively think about the reason why they agree or disagree, then it's of great value."

    *clapping*

    Amen!

    "Fortunately I've only had one caustic commenter on any of my posts."

    Me as well. And I've written about some very controversial topics on this blog in the past 6 years, but have only had a few caustic comments. I simply deleted them.

    "Hopefully I am with others as well."



    Yes, you are, Lisa. I enjoy the way you post on your own blog as well as comment here. You give your honest opinions and viewpoints, but always with intelligence and consciousness. Always.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, my friend. Muchly appreciated.


    Have a super week....X

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  53. Howdy Mark!

    " I never thought of it in those terms, but you're absolutely right. We have no freedom if we're afraid of expressing ourselves."

    And this is not to say that I should SPEW my opinions with ignorance and hate. But if I share them intelligently, then I should have not have to apologize. No one should.

    " I amassed a huge following but found myself writing for them instead of for me. That wasn't working, so I left that site and started fresh at WordPress with NOBODY reading me...but I was writing what I wanted to write, and that made all the difference."



    AMEN, buddy!!!!!!!! And keep on blogging!


    Much thanks for stopping by, Mark!


    X to you and Tara!

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  54. Ummmm did you write this TO ME??!!! Seriously?!??!?! I need you to read this to me outloud, in person, and then slap me in the face. Because I am TOO CAREFUL. I never EVER say what I REALLY feel, whether blogging or in person. Not if it is something that could make someone "not like me" or disagree. My two good girlfirends say I am a... can I say it without offending? A PUSSY. They are right!

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  55. And see, from what I read on your blog, I think you're VERY open and honest with your feelings. And you're also not afraid to be naughty on your blog either - which I LOVE!


    My thing is this, as long as I share my opinion about something I feel passionate about, and say it in the best possible way I know how, I don't feel that I (or anyone else) needs to apologize for it. The people that annoy me are the ones who preface their posts with, "Now, I don't mean to offend any of you by saying this." Or, "I'm sorry if what I'm about to say offends any of you." And then through the whole post, they're saying the same thing.


    If someone has something to share, just share for heavens sake. And share it confidently or don't share it all.


    THAT'S what I'm referring to in this post.


    And honestly, you've never done that on any of your posts.


    You just say it.


    So keep on blogging, girl!


    Thanks much for stopping by.....X

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  56. I completely agree with this, Ron. In fact, when I see someone being apologetic for what they are writing I have a sneaking suspicion that they aren't apologetic at all, they just want to take away any chance that you'll disagree. After all, who wants to look like a big meanie by disagreeing with such a sweet, tentative person. I say what I say, and am fine with people not agree as long as they do so with civility. (Although, I'm NOT fine with people offering me unsolicited advice or assuming they know more about me than I do!)

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  57. ".... they aren't apologetic at all, they just want to take away any chance that you'll disagree. After all, who wants to look like a big meanie by disagreeing with such a sweet, tentative person."

    Thank you!!!! And my feeling is that if it's something a blogger feels apprehensive about sharing, then don't share it. But don't share and then apologize for it.

    (Although, I'm NOT fine with people offering me unsolicited advice or assuming they know more about me than I do!)

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Amen and ditto!!!!!

    I will always carefully read a post before responding in my comment to see if the blogger is ASKING for advice before giving it. And if they don't ask, I don't give it.

    X

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  58. Even when you're trying to be careful not to offend people, you will offend them. I know. It's happened to me several times. Like you said, as long as you're not being hateful or the intention is to hurt someone, you've just got to say it. Otherwise, there's not much point in writing in the first place.

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  59. "Even when you're trying to be careful not to offend people, you will offend them."

    Amen, Jen!



    I just recently read a hilarious humor post on Huffington and was glancing through some of the comments. And I couldn't believe how many people found something offensive about it. And there was anything controversial about the post what so ever.


    Thanks for stopping by, girl!


    X

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  60. YES!!! I couldn't agree more.

    "Politically correct has taken away our right to freedom of speech." I never thought of it in those terms, but you're absolutely right. We have no freedom if we're afraid of expressing ourselves.

    "Because I am no longer writing my blog to fulfill a passion within me, I'm writing it to appeal to the masses." I think I've hinted at this before, because it's something I dealt with previously at the blogging site where Tara and I met. I amassed a huge following but found myself writing for them instead of for me. That wasn't working, so I left that site and started fresh at WordPress with NOBODY reading me...but I was writing what I wanted to write, and that made all the difference.



    Great post!

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  61. Hello there Barb!

    "Really... If there is a spark going from you, to the computer and to your website, then it is A OK. It doesn't matter what you say, do or show; you direct it."

    Exactly! You set the tone. You can say what you want and say it intelligently without apologizing. People may not agree with it, but I think you still have the right to share your opinion.

    "Some people need to learn to have a stronger voice and affirm themselves while others have a natural quality. Though, everyone can change and grow through time and practice."



    Beautifully said!


    Thanks for stopping by, Barb! Hope you're enjoying a vunderbar weekend!


    X to you and D!

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  62. Love this Ron! I am never one to hold back when I have something to say! Agree with you 100% my friend! Thank you so much for cheering me on in my testing. Some days I feel as if we will never find the answer. Your words and hugs mean the world to me! Xo Jeanne and the girlz

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