Friday, December 9, 2016

Focusing on content reality

More into talking things out where today is designated for that with an interest in discussion as well, but expect more of that to come down the line. And for me was a really important thing when just looked over what content had produced here.

And when first starting, to me is a great reason to just start putting things up, with some kind of plan yes, but also more along the lines of, here is what I'd like to produce, as content. And see what happens.

Then later you can just study what you have and get more refined direction based on what you have shown you like to do.

Where the HUGE bonus there is to see if anything seemed to interest others, and here can rely on a variety of measures where now spend a lot of time thinking about most popular posts over various timescales. For this blog the most popular posts over last 365 days has worked well, I think.

But it's a functional reality. There is no static here. There is a constant assessment based on what people are doing relative to the content here.

One reason scheduled posts have paused to some extent is willful as forcing myself to shift more from what I love to do, to things need to learn to like more, like with this post and yeah, the commercial aspect.

There is a lot about perspective too. On the revenue generating aspect, my goal is to promote other content which is in line with the blog, and will be to readers a value added. I like that phrase--value added. That is, on top of what draws you to content here to read it--and thank you much!!!--there can be this other which is just more value.

And NOT pushy content trying to make you do anything.

To me the web is shifting us back to the value of good referral at a minimum and great referral at best. And people I think only want to give so many chances for you to get it right! Like that friend who wishes to be the movie recommendation person who has to accept that will not happen when disastrous recommendations have friends groaning.

Looking for great referral isn't easy. But I'd rather bide my time and get it right than mess things up especially now! Have to figure out what it'd look like and then find people who want to try it. Set up agreements and all of that. But how to measure success? Lots to figure out.

Now though is also so much fun. And figuring things out is what I do. After all, while I do like to write, also like to be read. And if I can bring in others who can add value on top, then why not?

Then it's the mythical, maybe overused phrase, but I don't think so, which I think is best to pursue, which is the win-win.

Aiming for the best possible and taking the time. To me is more fun that way.


James

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Was surprised

Giving myself leeway to be creative without too many early expectations I actually had not checked Google Analytics for this blog until I did so last week because was writing a post and question was raised in my mind. And then that number of 58 countries in prior 365 days was just like, huh? Really? Wow. And am thinking to myself, but haven't even promoted yet! Is just the early readers while the blog foundations get put in place.

And for my own curiosity as would wonder later, what about recently? Well just using Blogger as not in the mood to open up Google Analytics and says blog had visits from US, France, Philippines, and Poland in the last 7 days. 

And again thank you early readers, from all over the world. You are EXTREMELY important as you're showing what content is of interest. And you're helping set standards. Reality is am paying as much attention as I can to what you want, as I work to see how best to deliver.

That global reality of interest already though.

Which raises question in my mind now of, what else is there to do really?

Which is why am posting as if you can talk to people all over the world and have readers all over the world then yeah, you can be commercial, and direction has been towards promoting things. Have talked it enough.

So will repeat that promotional items have their own day which is Tuesday as settled on a day significant format for this blog. So Monday is ON day, and Tuesday is Promotional, while Wednesday is Political, and Thursday is Out Night, and Friday is for Discussion but can be promotional.

And Saturday is a no post day so far. While Sunday is Foundations.

My feeling is that it takes roughly two years to get a blog going, which gives me all the way to August 2017 to have everything worked out and flowing with precision, and blog should actually be, wow, fully commercial.

Good news is, guess will look, for the most part like it looks now. What has already been done is what has built to this level. Can simply refine on it at this point.

Need to figure out other things, like marketing to people who might wish to promote something on Tuesday. I guess. Of course now it's like, hey you really need something that interests people in at least a dozen countries, please.

Ok. That's a standard. I like that one. Guess should think of others. But then again, what DOES interest people in at least a dozen countries? Where went two down from the monthly country count I posted which was actually 14. I like to down estimate.

Oh, so yeah, somehow content on this blog does, so far.

Must be people who like the written word as that is primarily what is here. Not even a lot of pictures where just used my own, so far. So audience has shown an interest in reading.

So yes am shifting to the next phase and talking things out. Am STILL working on discussion things and more visible engagement, but have a full theory there which satisfies me at this point. Which means is time to figure out how to find those who would want to have something promoting something of theirs on Tuesday, who could handle visibility in at least a dozen countries at a very high standard, with a post which would sit there indefinitely, where I would be proud to brag about having it on this blog.

Yeah. So that's the idea.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Figuring out metrics that matter

Have two primary ways that give me broad information about who my readers here are, or at least things about visits where like to think people actually read too! Which are Blogger stats and Google Analytics ones. But people can opt out which is why it's a general measure which is ok. And I check Blogger stats more routinely but to really get much info especially over time turn to Google Analytics.

To me as have mentioned before I think have found I focus on country counts as they're exciting, while other metrics like total number of visits shown are not. But like now on Google Analytics it says had visits from 14 countries last 30 days.

That's a LOT more exciting to me than the total number of visits, as ponder which ways to measure are the metrics that matter?

And for instance noting more countries here is why put up Google Translate on the blog as seemed like a good idea THEN to facilitate maybe people who might want to read from other languages. Though am not sure how well it works, but at least it gives a chance.

If I go back a year, which is easy enough on Google Analytics as just change the earlier date to Nov 20, 2015, and it says 58 countries. Wow. See? Much more exciting. Actual visit numbers though? Not so much. Would give but THAT is material to the commercial aspect of the blog so getting used to not giving out audience numbers. But what Google Analytics says is not a complete measure anyway.

And also that is visits from 412 cities and 7 languages.

Which makes sense to me, for MOST visitors for a word-heavy blog in English even with Google Translate which I added recently. Oh goodness and 3 of the 7 are English anyway as it differentiates between just English, American English and British.

And you can see why I get more excited with certain metrics. And for people reading here you can see that you have global company: People from 412 cities that are in 58 countries according to Google Analytics, in the last 365 days.

The blog is still in heavy construct mode as far as I'm concerned where now am focused on measuring the audience to figure out things that can go on my Promotional Tuesday which can get to the commercial aspect more directly. Like could actually promote a movie, BUT have learned the hard way I'd need to see the movie first. So if I got a promotional deal for one, would need to see the movie ahead of release and feel good about it. But that's just a random idea.

Currently am thinking more on the commercial side and planning, versus putting things in place as is complicated and I want to get it right. To me it's worth it. I want to be proud of what I have here always.

Thank you to those reading! Those metrics given are remarkable. Kind of information will admit is fun to share.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Fan or for favor

The web allows a really cool thing where you can talk about things for which you are a fan and maybe get attention from all over, or you can for favor promote something, like with an endorsement, which is for money. So I've been thinking can go simply with: fan or for favor.

And for me on the web being a fan has been it. And have a great time talking things over for which am a fan, and now am trying to figure out the for favor way so created a blog for that alone. Because it is so different from how I've operated for a LONG time on the web, I put commercial in the blog name. And just in case that wasn't enough still, I went ahead and just called this blog Seriously Commercial.

And have learned a lot. For some time now that focus has meant no mention of things other than my own as can do myself the favor of mentioning my own things but for others is not as simple. Even there I really have one day dedicated which is Promotional Tuesday. But see I also haven't settled on this day for one thing and it has both discussion and promotion labels.

Right now that isn't a big deal as so far nothing lined up. But yeah lots of reminders to myself! This blog has a purpose for which am figuring things out and I think much has been figured out. Lots more going on where on Friday give myself leeway to just kind of discuss things, or to promote! And this Friday was bit of both I think.


James

Friday, October 21, 2016

Still thinking on social media

So kind of making myself put things up on Friday and mostly free form without lots of planning as think is helpful. Though will note here not committing to it, in case miss a Friday. Where maybe is helpful as an update as still working on getting feedback from others, like a comment or other engagement things, but audience keeps going up.

Which is good. That's most important anyway, where am using indirect measures should note, which is somewhat to myself. Blogger stats only give some of the picture and you can get weird things. Figuring out audience takes multiple measures though should also note the list of most popular posts is necessarily driven by Blogger stats.

Am still doing lots of research and thinking. Lots of social media possible maybe, though I need to be on it. Will figure it out.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

My Facebook Page

So this promotional Tuesday will promote my Facebook Page as is a way to give feedback, and if I can get some Likes going on that thing would be cool. And informative! Right now it has 138 Likes.

My Facebook Page

There are a variety of social media am on, but now am looking more at ones where can get some discussion going. And am not picky. Switched the Page today from linking to my Beyond Mundane blog to this one.

And no worries if this path doesn't work well, like if you're really not into Facebook, will be looking at others. Was gratified with the impact of talking my Pinterest jstevh account where will link to it in this post. But doesn't seem to be much of a path to discussion there. I have other accounts where usually I do all the talking though without much feedback.

Oh, yeah, so I can see who you are with a Like which can give me a sense of the audience as well. But also could be a reason people don't want to go that route which is understandable if not interested in giving that information.

Friday, October 14, 2016

When quiet feels safer

Having readers to me is always good in and of itself, which it occurs to me is obvious. Clearly would want people reading the blog, but is still cool to state. And according to Blogger stats which are kind of a general kind of thing as don't catch everyone had visits to the blog from France, US and Netherlands from October 7th until October 14th which is today, in that order.

And no do not give numbers which are not impressive and it dawns on me, even if they were, should I? But reality with me with my blogs is I really look at countries anyway, as that's the one thing that almost always amazes me.

But other stats can be sort of strange to me, like low total visit number or I just wonder, like operating systems were Windows, Linux and Macintosh.

And yeah your web browser can give a lot of information, which is why these web stats can be so off, as more people choose not to give that info though I don't think that's really a huge big deal. What operating system? Is not a huge thing for your browser to blab, or your country.

Was not thinking in this direction for how this would go but am letting Friday be kind of free-wheeling and reminding that goal is getting to where others will be part of the discussion. And am studying lots of things in plenty of areas. Theoretically people could just comment, but that doesn't necessarily work well and I have a history where people haven't. I can do more about setting up an environment that encourages discussion am sure, and am working on it.

Will admit though this week? Don't mind not having it. Weighty topics being thrown around and while I took a very high road which was kind of abstract in talking equality, will admit it does feel...it's not a terrible thing to just get that quietly out.

Thanks for the readers with this blog still a work in progress. If you worry that lack of discussion SO far is not a good sign? Don't so worry. I know I don't.


James

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

With real equality boundaries will be respected

One of the most profound things for me to accept in the modern age with a thirst for true equality, including with gender issues, was the belief that gender has nothing to do with interest in sex. Which was to contradict prior training by society when growing up which stressed men as sexually interested with women needing to be pushed into sexual activity. But as a five year old child was actually sexually abused by two teenage girls who were baby-sitting will admit, as have long believed it better to talk out such things if can safely. So I knew different from a young age. Did tell my parents by the way should note.

Aiming to be more carefully personal in this post, as think is an opportunity to share information both useful and maybe continuing a catharsis for me begun years ago. I learned early to share such things, so have done so for decades.

When we get to true equality I think respecting boundaries is not about having to be specific to any of the divisive areas, as that IS equality when people respect the boundaries of others including physical boundaries so would not even think of abusing others.

I don't think abusers can respect boundaries AND engage in abuse.

And I think the reality is women facing the bulk of abuse often at the hands of men, but that's not the complete story. While focusing on respecting boundaries is simply human, and if done people can feel safe and be safe.

And societies are changing, as can understand better now my discomfort when watching movies where a male lead, presented as the hero, forces himself on a resisting woman, often with a kiss. And she melts in his arms as if rewarding the behavior! Of course that's fiction but consider the message.

There is a scary training where a pushy man forces himself upon a woman with the idea she needs to be conquered. Which is thankfully going out the window as unacceptable in our more modern society. Echoes of it are throughout older entertainment though. Or that a guy can say anything, lie or whatever to get a woman. Also echoes of that in fiction as well. I don't think that's ever funny.

Reality of mutual interest between adults of course is no force, and if accepted that gender is not an excuse, then is a matter of two adults interested in each other. Boundaries are not given exceptions in other areas, and the forward path is not to give a gender based excuse.

It is something for me at the age of 47, and never married to wonder a bit, but feel confident I made my own decisions as best I could. Still is worth noting that there were times with women where I realize now they could sense anxiety and distance, and not knowing the fear from past breaches of boundaries would get more sexually aggressive. Though usually would not and would drift away. The times women became more sexually aggressive, I think were about male stereotypes and thinking the easiest way to move forward if I were shielding myself was to push boundaries sexually more, which was the opposite.

Deep down guess wanted my anxiety recognized and accepted whether was understood or not. And feeling that someone feels you is so important so I don't think was wrong. I feel what I feel. Knowing someone is in touch with your feelings though is so HUGE, which would say, it will be ok, and you're safe with me.

As human beings feel can confidently state, we all have boundaries and all have a need to feel safe.

Sure people can test that, chase adventure and even danger, but everyone wants that safe spot somewhere, sometime in life.

It's rather basic really. And the more can focus on how to get there the better equality will be about a natural way of life. Nothing forced at all.

Maybe it can seem complicated, so I like to try to notice around me with the people who make me feel safe. With such people yes, can think about how they respect boundaries.

So I do believe, when we respect boundaries, we can simply be safe with each other.

Many of us have it really good in our times I think as vast amounts of information flowing where we can find relevant give us the option of knowing better than I was taught long ago, when women were presented as needing to be conquered.

The more we know about each other I firmly believe the better we know the boundaries that help all of us feel safe.


James Harris

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Musing on equality Wednesday

Recent events in American politics got me thinking more about equality, which seemed like a good thing to discuss on Political Wednesday so will be a scheduled post this week. But way I talk things don't expect specifics to recent events. I think that dates posts. I'd rather write ones that can just sit indefinitely.

Putting what I want to put out there in the subject of this post is a new move as before would give myself flexibility, but found it hard to find a subject when announcing scheduled posts.

Is an interesting thing to consider. Usually will have an idea what I want to write on, but feel wary at locking myself down, but if no clue given, how do I subject on Sunday?

Asking myself things out loud helps me process.

Friday, October 7, 2016

Talking the blog

Liking the idea of Friday as a much more general day to discuss, whatever. Where figured would talk some of the web analytics data I get, like from Blogger itself. And it says from Sept. 7 to Oct. 6 the blog has had visits from US, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Ireland.

And why those countries? Well bulk are from the US which doesn't surprise me, but can't say why just those others. Though that's for the people who actually show up in those stats which isn't everyone who reads. So if your country isn't listed and know you've visited during that period then you know Blogger didn't register you for some reason.

And not going to give actual audience numbers as is not necessarily accurate and besides is less interesting to me than the countries. And one reaction for me was to realize could put up Google Translate so did that yesterday.

Will be interesting to see if with that change will there be any difference.

Is gratifying to have readers though and do even like what I see as a rough indication from the numbers that registered. Am still working on engagement, so yes still talking about how to get talking going. Which is useful. And just something quick this Friday. But mainly to note, work continues.


James

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Getting a sense of the audience

Of course is very important for me to get a sense of the interests of the audience for this blog, where first step was a pool of posts to give a foundation and direction and see if that drew any interest.

Next I need a feel for what areas are natural zones for that audience where the list of most popular posts is the feedback actually that I need, as audience rules.

Intriguingly to me a post speculating on the oddity of the current presidential race, trying to explain registered Republican voters tops the list. But right behind is a post on comfort in dress, and then thoughts on managing risks.

And next is a post discussing flows of information in our modern age.

And to me have a good picture from where things stand now, as of course could change, so talking about what is there now on the date of this post.

Oh yeah, so information concerns are shared, and I do have a privacy page which gives opt out information for certain information gathering for this blog. Since is Blogger I think they may have something also automatically stated, but am not sure so am covered if they do not.

For those curious readily admit was briefly a registered Republican back in 2000, but didn't get who I wanted on the ticket, and that really ended with who got elected to the presidency. Was long independent, and then registered Democrat for a couple of years in California. And went back to independent since, though describe myself as a center-right conservative, which to me mainly means I lean more towards preservation of the nation than towards individual rights over that, but thankfully we get TONS of individual rights considered part of preservation of the United States. Which means I can look liberal in lots of ways, though am not. But also I have put out ideas for my own political party.

Such information is important so people aren't surprised and I don't think it would be surprising given how I've posted. If it is a surprise, um, well now you know.

And am fascinated with how we communicate as human beings, including with clothes. Human communication in and of itself is a huge arena which is of course so important, like in explaining yourself as best one can.

And that's information which is promotional in my opinion to help promote the blog itself, to fit with the day. Have structured the blog with types of posts on particular days of the week, and today is dedicated to promotion. Also helps me as consider what else might go on a promotional Tuesday. Anything would have to fit in with the direction of the blog.


James Harris

Friday, September 30, 2016

Still working on talk thing

Found myself trying to talk myself out of doing a post today, which didn't work, so here I am. Been thinking on subject and have really good ideas, which will implement at some point, am sure.

Gist of it isn't complicated though is just that ENGAGEMENT thingy, and have some to some extent anyway. Should admit that one of the best things I did was talk my Pinterest account here, for that account.

It did all kinds of weird things after I first posted here and it took me weeks to realize that happened. Oh yeah, after that post I did a post promoting granola for promotion post practice. I really liked that post, love granola.

Oh, but I digress. So talking Pinterest here did WILD things for that account. But not much visible. I get to see more about the audience.

Which isn't a big surprise to me really as blogs do heavy lifting for social media anyway. They are steadier, excellent platforms for directing attention, and is not a big surprise but was really cool to realize.

Which also made it much more interesting though I still puzzle much over Pinterest as it is very interesting but also much of it is still mystery to me. And talking it here gave me a better feel for this blog too! It's doing ok for how young it is, at just over a year old. 

And think is enough for now, as just want to put something up to show still working on it, which is more about taking steps than figuring out technique, but am still telling myself am figuring out technique as that is more comforting.


James

Sunday, September 25, 2016

From time was young have wanted be a writer

From the time I was young have wanted to be a writer, and thought would mean fiction, but find I write a LOT and is mostly not. And have blogs where also found I really was just enjoying expressing myself, but here have tasked myself with also seeing if can be commercial by which mean building an audience, and finding promotional opportunities. But for me that has to be so transparent, involve no pushy, and anything should be something I'd want to brag about that happening.

And also feel like it takes a while to get a blog going, where this one is still a fun work in progress, but so much has been done, and thanks for the readers have had, and you can see your influence with the most popular posts. That's for the life of the blog, so far.

Some posts have been promoted by me a bit through other places like my Twitter, but even then I would tend towards ones that I saw did ok here.

There is a pause with scheduled posting while I make myself focus on things that can lead to this blog being commercial, like getting more engagement, but yes reading in and of itself does give me much information! As to me point will be for the readers and other things are just necessary as well to get to that financial aspect, where my philosophy is very strong that should somehow, someway be so natural it is hardly even noticed by readers.

It's a fun goal. Will see if can get there. Blog is a bit over a year old, so to me is still so very early in a process will readily admit am enjoying a lot.

Thing is, I like to write! And as long as can do that am doing what I've wanted to do, like with this post. Is interesting what posts do get some kind of popularity. While posts like this one are kind of like scaffolding to me. So shouldn't and usually don't.

So yeah, making myself not do scheduled posts for now, still working on the getting to discussion thing, and decided to do a foundation update on the day for it. And scheduling around days is so useful for structures. It is a choice, but one am glad I made from the start.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Thoughts on this space

Have Tuesday set aside as a promotional day for this blog. And that is a concept am working on, where transparency to me just works so much more easily. Like it's just established that a post on Tuesday is promotional in some way.

And figured today would promote the concept and talk about how I think full disclosure upfront of any kind of promotional things works better.

Main thing is it keeps people from having to guess and if had some kind of a business promotion going would be proud of it. If I wrote something promotional for some entity or concept for this space it would be something I'd want to BRAG about and to me, if you do a favor for a stranger which is not about community like just being a decent human being, in a transaction that is legal limited by a contract, money is the most efficient way for them to return that favor.

Like if some stranger does you a favor and since a stranger you of course don't know that person, how do you return the favor easily? Well you do it all the time if you have the convenience of an item purchased. Someone made that item available, and you return the favor with your money.

Promoting things as a fan is very different though, as that's fun to me, and doesn't feel like I'm doing any favors. If I REALLY am celebrating something cool and want to share that then how is that a favor? Is why I like using that word as it helps me clarify to myself at least.

If I put anything here I want it to be able to sit indefinitely like MONTHS or even years. And when I look at it down the line, still be proud of it.

So yeah, promoting the concept of transparent promotion and talked out why it makes sense to charge a business entity NOT community, for the favor of it. As well as talked the high standard for when I would promote on a contractual basis, as I would want to brag about it, and would want content that would last and last and last.


James Harris

Friday, September 16, 2016

More talk why not

So linked my Pinterest account to this blog yesterday which felt like a good idea, as is more in line with what I tend to pin, and today is supposed to be a day for me to focus on getting discussion going so may as well mention.

And yeah really am curious about Pinterest more and more so may see how to be more social with it as to what people. Um, for those who are curious at least before the switch to this blog as not sure how that might impact traffic, top countries for my Pinterest audience? US, is by far biggest, but is followed by Canada, Brazil, Australia and Italy as top 5 right now. But I have 21 followers right now and I follow 35. So yeah Pinterest fascinates me in not mysterious ways. Audience views of course is about pins and repins, and have one repin I did, which took off and got repinned thousands of times, so not sure how that really means that audience even knows about me? Just this repin popping up all over?

Would be so nice to have someone really explain Pinterest who really knows.

Am much into curation realized. I like finding things that interest me, and collecting that where can swiftly scan and will admit audience info tilts that towards things of mutual interest it would seem with that audience, which is fun.

Very different from other web presence though as for instance on other blogs am heavy into math and science, and politics! Where here and on Pinterest find I have focused very differently like much fashion. I puzzle over why about my own behavior, which I see as very meta. But I like to just look at things, get a feeling and wonder why. But oh yeah am really into photography so it does make sense.

And just chattering. So idea is to figure out how to get more interaction here and kind of just trying things without worrying too much on the details. And at least am doing SOMETHING and will figure it out.

Any comments appreciated. Oh and questions too. But also explanations of things, like if you're on Pinterest. And that's enough talk for me for here this Friday.


James

Friday, September 9, 2016

More movement on discussion

For me discussion is where I want to get things going, and also have not done so much am thinking to encourage it, so will work there, and Friday is open, so here.

And will put up a tentative label as it is different when inviting something that includes others as it's not just about what I want or my creative direction.

What will say is that to me Friday is a great day to just say inviting some kind of discussion where will work to figure out how may go.

There are posts I think that can spark discussion like my opinion on whether or not athletes should get paid. Or talk about clothes, most people DO wear them. And yeah is interesting to me that my most popular post tries to explain registered Republican voters.

Oh yeah, blog is over a year old now! And yeah I did just notice. Ok in its second year focus is engagement. Not sure how to do it. Got three other blogs where relish the quiet. This blog can't be successful if it stays quiet. Am talking to myself now, and yeah.

So taking a step. Will see how this goes, ponder more and FOCUS. Discussion is fun! Can be fun. Gotta get to the talk. Ok.

Oh yeah so if you feel an intense urge to give a comment, please DO! Including comments on how I should do things to get, um, comments.

Yeah like that's going to work, expectations are NOT high. But trying things, and will figure it out. So no, won't depress me if no comments on this post. Will leave it up anyway as a record of initial efforts. Everything interesting is a process to figure out.


James

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Getting serious about commercial

Creativity can be lots of fun and made certain in my quest to make a blog that was commercially successful I would give myself lots of room to have fun, which is there with subjects can post on with scheduled posts. And I did a pool of those to see how hard that was to do, and test out concepts as well as show my writing style.

Now on to the commercial side as named this blog as I did partly to remind myself, maintain focus, and have it upfront, where transparency is SO important to me, so have a clear policy for if manage to get some kind of promotional things.

And like if you do some stranger a favor, which isn't some community thing, like if someone is dying of thirst give them water, but if just need a snack? Convenience stores have a business model on that one.

So like if I provide distribution of information to multiple countries for some entity then they should pay for it at this blog, as will exclude community things from this blog, as can for instance do public service announcements elsewhere.

Elsewhere I don't care. Happily talk all kinds of things without worrying about getting paid for it across so much social media. And don't get paid. Wouldn't as would take away the fun. Which is another reason to have a commercial blog where all that gets handled.

And readers should know as to me makes sense. But do wonder, did I put myself in a corner where can't talk anyone in my scheduled postings? Maybe. Kind of like it actually. Can talk subject areas for sure, and have noticed hasn't been necessary to talk individuals or actual companies.

So yeah still pondering. Looking to try more promotional postings for practice where Tuesday is the day for that, and noting to self am thinking of Friday as maybe a day to see about discussion.

Getting more into focusing on the commercial side will admit am wondering a bit if I do have enough leeway to make work. Well is fun figuring it out regardless.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Feeling good about format


For me so much is about figuring out a sustainable framework for this blog that can fulfill all my goals for it. And feel good about a format where, if announced on Sunday, have scheduled postings Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Where other days are more free, and since is supposed to be commercial decided Tuesday was designated promotional.

Have an idea that Friday should be focused on discussion, which is kind of next area have been thinking on more. Though it also is just a lot about numbers. If draw enough people here then yeah, there'd be comments.

And Sunday is more informative about the blog, and Saturday has been a rest day with nothing but really is a free day so that can change.

Gave myself enough subject areas to keep it interesting to me, and we'll see if draws enough interest from others.

There have been long pauses between postings which is about me figuring things out. Which is also why not doing active promotion for the blog.

But have been gratified by there being interest so far. Am really wanting something that doesn't fit prior molds and MOST importantly is not obnoxiously pushy, as I don't think that's necessary.

Am focused on the notion that can have a blog that makes money and is mostly fun anyway.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Conversation necessity

Different days have different focus on the blog and Tuesday is focused on promotion, where this Tuesday decided to focus on conversation. Gotta have it here as next phase.

Lots about focus up there. But yeah is true. Guess really want to emphasize.

Looking at what postings have been done, seems Monday seems more motivational and focused on the upcoming week:

Link to Monday ON day posts

While Wednesday has taken a very particular direction with politics, trying to stay out of the muck of too much current detail while talking generally:

Link to Political Wednesday posts

And Thursday has been more about celebrating the end of week or near end, so seems to be more in the direction of lifestyle:

Link to Thursday Out Night posts

Where those posts are labeled, so can just click on posts as well but for this one though I'd see about linking to the labels to focus attention.

The blog is meant to be completely transparent with regard to promotion which means that if a brand product or service is mentioned there should be some kind of a deal which frees me most of the time to not mention any! Can of course promote my own things freely. If some promotional deal does arrive once blog is fully up and going as still a work in progress then that is to be noted on the blog.

Looking to get the discussion going. Conversation? Is a necessity for success.

Monday, August 1, 2016

Thoughts on reachable goals

Getting going on Monday the feel of that start of the week for those starting their work week can so much be affected by goals to be accomplished over it. And if you're on summer vacation? Good for you! Still a good time to reflect on goal setting and to efficiently set some great ones to help enjoy your time best.

And I like to focus on short timeline reachable goals versus calling them short term ones, as on any given day may finish out 15 to 20 short timeline reachable goals, where yeah, to me? Making the bed is one. But of course there are more substantive ones, like getting a blog post up! Which actually involves about a dozen or so STRG's as I like to call them for short.

Which can help a bit with perspective I guess, as reading the words of a post, and considering that getting to the point where other humans see it besides myself will require quite a lot of goal setting and lots of goals reached! Which is fun. Can maybe let readers ponder how could possibly require that many, but will note of course have to write a post, but there is editing of the rough draft. And there are several edits. There is also scheduling and publishing. And with those things cover roughly six or so of the most important of the STRG's.

Notice though getting the post itself up so you can read is itself one short timeline reachable goal! Yet that involves lots of others as well.

Focusing on short timelines can help in a useful way as how do you know a goal is reachable, or is even a goal?

If you think you have a goal, and give yourself a short timeline and goal has not been reached, then you can assess. For instance let's say I have an STRG to tie my shoes if wearing ones with laces, of course. And that should have a very short timeline of less than a minute, and if I find I have not accomplished that goal, what happened? Well maybe the phone rang and rather than ignore, ran to get it, without tripping over laces of course, and that distraction is the result.

Notice then will probably go ahead and just tie my shoes before heading out the door.

However, if you find you are not reaching goals within the short timelines then the goal may NOT be reachable within that timeframe. Or you may NOT have a goal in actuality.

For instance if my goal were to have a popular blog by tonight? That's probably not reachable. It could happen, but is unlikely given proper expectations.

But if after years I found I hadn't done things to make this blog popular, when I think the goal is to be a commercial success, then that demonstrably wasn't my goal.

So yeah back to here! And I like that this blog being a commercial success is a stated goal but is not a short timeline one. But is it reachable? Time will tell.

I think it is. But figuring out how to get there is a lot of work.

But there will be SO many STRG's along the way. Where having short timeline reachable goals lets you check your goals very quickly or whether or not a goal is reachable very quickly.

So on the path to the bigger goal, I have a pile of demonstrated accomplishments represented in just this post itself. Where if it didn't get done then I could check at many levels, and notice that would also tell me LOTS about the progress towards the overall goal of success as well.

So check yourself with STRG's if you want a very fast way to see if you're doing proper goal setting. Notice get LOTS of practice if you're setting 15 to 20 per day. Get to that level? And you'll have goal setting down, including how to set real goals, determine proper timelines, and be confident they are reachable.

And then? Just get the goals done, as you reach accomplishment or enjoy your summer vacation that much more. And yeah, why not then do a power dance here and there celebrating the job of accomplishment? Maybe Friday?

Have a great week!


James Harris

Sunday, July 31, 2016

New month tomorrow and new scheduled post

So tomorrow is first day of August and there is a scheduled post as well. And still pondering a system for posts on Sunday announcing.

Work on the blog is slower in terms of public things as I spend more time thinking formats and structure and also, how do I make this thing commercial?

My initial assessment is that commercial means it draws an audience, as in writing that is meant to get people here consistently and in large numbers, where that interest can be monetized in some established way.

With an audience there are expectations, which is why now is still in the building phase where things can change, so if you're reading? Thank you! But is still a situation where things are in process, and not polished.

My own view is it takes about two years for me to establish a blog. My other three fulfill different purposes though, where commercial is NOT one of them. Mainly I think of them as places where I just like to write, and share things that are interesting without looking to necessarily build an audience.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Thinking about granola

Realized had another day free for promotional which is today, but also realized that following the Thursday Out Night post something more, lifestyle oriented? Ok trying to get fancy so found myself thinking more in lines of food related like even alcohol but with no promotional deals decided I would just talk granola.

So the point of this post is to test another potential promotional day along with Tuesday, and hey granola is really good.

I like with raisins.

Though have noticed can get a bit hard at times to get granola I like in the store, and also am not a fan of bins, but maybe shouldn't say that, as isn't promoting bins then. I could go for bins I guess.

So yeah if you like granola? I do too!

Ok, enough of that to test.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Working towards a comfort zone

Don't feel need to schedule necessarily but planning on doing another Promotional Tuesday post. Partly as last was kind of uncomfortable though just talking a free, open source software product of mine for developers.

So figure could use more practice at it. Am thinking this time will promote my Pinterest account. Just because is something I can use to practice.

Otherwise no scheduled posts. Am focusing more on how the commercial of this blog will work, and need to do more in areas far less familiar to me.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Tried new thing on Tuesday

So one thing different as just to see put up a post on Tuesday where looked to see what promotion maybe could be like. And of course easy to test with my own thing. For those curious did not impact downloads at all from what I've noticed. Talking free software as is open source so no money involved.

Glad I did it and still assessing things for here. No scheduled posts to announce for this week.

And otherwise enjoying a contemplative Memorial Day Weekend.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

My app can help you code

Thinking more about how this blog can live up to its name, which has me testing Tuesday as a promotional day. Not being a scheduled posting does not need to be announced on Sunday.

And without official endorsements where info on those is on a page of this blog can use my own, as am a Java developer and with so much talk about coding, might want something practical as a tool if you've gotten started.

Even for me when looking to refresh Class Viewer for Java is invaluable as a quick reference, lightweight tool, giving me public information about Java classes in an easy to use GUI. Having been around since 2004 the application has withstood the test of time, even if I say so myself, since I wrote it.

That was fun! Is an experiment, let's see how this goes. Obviously can try things out promoting my own things. If not into coding? Or not into Java coding? Well then, um, don't check it out then. Maybe not good at this. Um, that is all.

Want to promote something of yours here on Tuesday? Work in progress so not available for others, yet.


James Harris
Developer, Class Viewer for Java

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Pressure that needs to be relieved

Was brought up puritanical is how I like to put it. Parents were in some fundamentalist Christian religion so of course us kids got dragged along. And the idea of just kicking back at times and having fun wasn't as emphasized as it might have been for most. So to me, yes, being an adult making my own decisions I greatly embraced the ability to party more and see it as normal, healthy, and a great release from working hard.

And not so much pushing that for Thursday night, though for those who are not going to work on Friday it is a good start. While I think for others it can be a way to release a little steam without messing things up for the next day. Like if you just go out hanging out at a restaurant with friends? Home for normal bedtime should not be hard. If it is? Um, then yeah probably shouldn't go out tonight.

Of course for single folks there can also be added pressure, which is unfortunate and felt that with an odd twist, as I was SO convinced the Devil was just waiting for me. That's how I was taught! Was relentlessly told that temptation was everywhere. That indoctrination is so potent, so for a long time figured women should just be throwing themselves at me, you know to corrupt me or something.

Of course real world wasn't that way, which was kind of devastating. I sort of felt like a reject...I really felt like a reject for a long time. Though women were interested! I now realize but they just weren't like those preachers or Bible teachers made me think they'd be.

Where now am like, thank God, which is ironic I know, but I couldn't have handled it. Probably have a bunch of kids by now, and maybe have some little scary critters called STD's which would actually make it feel like biblical punishment maybe.

Still even for folks without that training the pressure can be INTENSE which especially in the US is reinforced by bizarre fiction we call entertainment though especially in the past it is debatable how much of television was. Often enough I think people would just sit in front of a television as seemed better than other things they might be doing. And on so much questionable entertainment sex was relentlessly touted as THE goal, while usually managing to depict how it happens, very unrealistically. Like usually with incredibly beautiful people--by a narrow standard--who manage to escape most consequences unless highly stylized or way messed up, like murder. And STD's? In American television for a long time it was just like they did not exist. And I have not checked lately to see if that has changed.

Reality is that sex is a huge big deal based just on what can happen.

Where I cheer it now. But focus on the importance of making your own decision without giving into pressure which is often naive or self-focused. Like those buddies who talk like you're lucky as push some woman on you. Not that am saying that ever happened to me...ok, did at times and I balked. Ran away from situation and felt bad about it, like I was a loser. Now I know better.

People can pressure you to do things with your sexual equipment to take risks theirs aren't facing. Is SO easy for certain folks. Consequences don't care for you though, why you did, what you do.

Reality from various sex surveys of actual human behavior tend to fascinate and for me were a relief.

Nothing like American television or movies. But those things involve entertainment. And I think fantasies of writers where if you look at the writers it can make sense! And not trying to disparage them but have looked at writers, as am curious, behind the scenes and would feel, not surprised. As I could identify with and imagine them, like me, dreaming of a world which they thought worked one way, partly because they were excluded from it.

How many people realize there are people writing these things maybe living out their own fantasies through it?

Which is yet another reason for greater diversity among writers, and not wrong for those with the narrow fantasies that played out a certain way, as there clearly is a place for them. I just think there should be other visions and voices as well from across the human dynamic. Thankfully I think we're seeing that a lot more now.

So I say, go out, have fun and if you meet someone great! And YOU decide which way you will go. And don't let friends pressure you, or even worse, mysterious television writers.

Have fun. Be free, to be who you want to be, and with whom you decide without silly pressure, is my wish for everyone. So if you felt it, like I did, let that pressure go! Feel the relief that you can be you.

I feel like I have that now. And is SO much better.


James Harris

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Happy Mother's Day! And a scheduled post.

Will have a scheduled post for Thursday. Kind of don't like to talk specifics on topic but being on a Thursday means it's for Thursday Out Night.

Which gives me a chance today to also say Happy Mother's Day. To all the moms out there including my own, though she is unlikely to read this post.

Such a commercialized holiday but still cool I think. Mom's should be appreciated and am sure very much are, and it does help to have a day when people can be free to express it, loudly and proudly.

Which plenty of people do. Is a great thing.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Building an audience is work

Started to write this post apologetic as my original concept for this blog was three scheduled posts per week, which I tried for three months and discovered was outside of my creative abilities. But am glad I tried. You need to push yourself.

And after has been a lot less posting where have pushed back a bit on working on building an audience here, which IS work. But another reason not to be apologetic is am also trying to figure out how best to measure how well a particular direction for this blog works.

And to maybe give too much information I think I had established 3 readers over those three months, which is not enough to commercially support anything. Glad for them! But yeah, need to find a better approach to build much, MUCH bigger.

However, will admit have a view that it takes about two years to establish a blog, where building the foundations is actually a lot of the fun.

My prior blogs were not commercially focused though, and still are not.

This one is still in that learning phase. And building the audience is the work that has to wait, as once you really have a big one? People don't care about or really want apologies if you can't deliver, I'm sure.


James Harris

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Greek slaves would have laughed

One of the things that fascinates me as bizarre behavior not even really hidden is when people marvel at accomplishments of Black people in the US today with an aside like--and to think descendants of former slaves have reached such heights...or something like that.

Which to me is like, huh? Are you KIDDING me? As if that matters at all?

Other side of it, is wanting, say to marry into British royalty. Or I guess any royalty as plenty of them still left on the planet, but Brits get lots of attention. And am sure British royals are so over it. Delusions of some do not matter to their reality.

For those who haven't awakened to even the 20th century, the notion that human breeding is an actual thing can seem potent. So it's like your ancestors were not what some backwards thinking people would see as pure breeds? So obnoxious and so easy to get into trouble. But yeah, like with dogs or something? As if some people look down on people like me as being like the mutts of humanity? Well I like mutts. They're often adorable, but besides, human beings aren't dogs. Well most of us aren't and even using that as a put down for some human beings? Is an insult to dogs in my opinion.

So no, it's not that amazing for descendants of people who were slaves during those unfortunate times it was in practice in the US, to being doing well today, as two things are entirely separated.

If that incites fury in some, who feel that problems with the Black community today stem back to slavery I can assure you that is not the case, but is about what happened after it was abolished to continue institutional American racism.

Turns out history has some perspective with the Ancient Greeks who got enslaved by the Romans when conquered but got a totally different kind of think from what I remember of my history and if way wrong, sorry. Not going to look it up for this post.

But they were prized for their knowledge and extraordinary skills as hey, Greek civilization was of course really important in advancing human civilization. And those Greeks were not considered lesser human beings because they ended up enslaved. That entire breeding notion hadn't developed yet.

They just had a bad deal.

And British royalty learned the hard way you don't want to play too much into that breeding thing as they tragically ended up with severely disabled people who were put on the throne, and labeled what was then a medical term which today is offensive enough I decided not to use it here. Thankfully, eventually they figured out that marrying close relatives? Not a good idea.

Ok. So even past the point of realizing that marrying a brother and sister was bad, or even close cousins, royals In Europe still for a while kept to too small a dating pool, which was also bad. Turns out being labeled "royal" does not mean squat to your genes. They can't tell. Looking at wasting away, royal families figured out to spread the marrying net WIDE or else.

Best thing really I think is to fall in love. Which I'd like to think anyone should cheer.

And not claiming to be an expert on genes, but you can look around the world today and just see SO many humans doing great things with no need to reference their ancestors at all. And that's great!

And British royals? You can thank me later for trying to relieve some of that pressure of people endlessly throwing themselves at you. Or actually, am sure nothing can stop such people, let alone reason and facts, alas.

So no reason to be surprised that descendants of slaves can do what human beings do. Which is a great thing in my opinion. And I sure like to give it.


James Harris

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Still commercial? Yup is the intent.

There will be a Political Wednesday post this week. And will note that am looking at this blog on a daily basis as still work at the foundation. Where post about the foundation on Sunday.

Keeping to some structure is important for a blog intended to be commercial as this one is. While also am finding it is work to shift from just talking about things for the fun of it, like I do across so many other things versus having the intent to do so for commercial purposes.

And so far no endorsements or anything, which is ok. You really need to have it together I think to have commitments to others that involve money.

And if that changes will note it! So yeah, if some name pops up here where you're wondering if am being paid, then that is to be noted on page dedicated to it. Otherwise I try not to mention anybody at all. Which actually is fun. And I have months of postings where could see could do that. Kind of freeing really.

The idea is transparency. While yeah also want to make money.

So for those who wonder, who come across my writing elsewhere, no, I do not have any commercial aspect to it. No paid endorsements. Just lots of opinions and fan of plenty of things.

But wouldn't mind that changing where here is to be the center of commercial efforts, so is to be the point from which it all takes off. Once I figure out how to do it best, within my values.


James Harris

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Why not be comfortable?

The idea that fashion is driven by comfort makes great sense to me, and I think it can be a lot about perception that people could see it any other way. Like with wine tastings the point is to pick a wine you like. But if you think it's something else, then it's so much about not learning it one way instead of another.

Being comfortable when going out is big deal though, which one learns if you go out a LOT. As if you wear something because it is clever or makes a statement that can kind of wear thin as a night goes on. Like literally, when it's cold out, and you're standing in line somewhere pondering life to one's self as you shiver and beg friends to hug up on you. And besides most of the fun I ever had going out had nothing to do with trying to draw attention to my clothes. Preferred the attention on me in terms of what was doing, saying or singing, as liked to karaoke.

If you're on stage singing, your clothes can catch people's attention at the start, but what will decide their opinion of your efforts? Your efforts will, not your clothes.

When I went out was so much about wanting effortless. To just flow with friends, and mood, maybe food, and let go in ways that were sustaining. There could be those times when looking around at others with me felt like we were on a journey together because we were. So many things we call entertainment can make it happen, and so much better when each person can have a part.

That fashion is driven by personal comfort is a reason I think it is so big on social media and going to get bigger as FINALLY can be freed from other notions. And whatever others may think, can probably find people who are looking at clothing in the same way as you.

Picking comfortable clothing that looks good to others too? I think that is an art. And why do so? Because people can make you uncomfortable if you don't. Like just try to go to court in pajamas and bunny slippers saying you need to be comfortable. Am sure they can make you REALLY uncomfortable instead quickly.

And yeah, how people react to us is part of how comfortable we feel too. It is just part of being human and being part of a communal species where things go better if we get along.

Finishing up a writing work week, where yeah felt like work, and nice to end talking about communal nature. Yes we humans can find ways to NOT get along, but I don't think I'll ever tire of cheering the ways we do.

Wear comfort, share comfort, and be comfortable doing that human thing, if you go out on this Thursday night, and see if I'm right. I think that those who do? Have the most fun.


James Harris

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

It pulls you in

There are those times when politics is just pushed on you, and there is no escaping it really. Sure you can avoid the ads, try hard to stay out of the discussions, but it dawns on you that even to stay out, is a statement, because political season has arrived in America, and it will pull you in one way or another.

And it is a duty of citizenship that taking a position, figuring out where you stand and pondering which way you want your country to go.

That voting thing is something you can do, or not. But at least you have a choice, in a system that asks for your input.

Other ways aren't as inclusive of your opinion as some group, or worst, some person may make all the decisions. That's a drag.

There is a thing though where maybe can feel lost in the masses with MILLIONS ultimately making the decision as if a vote is just one bit which is so small. What matters one vote then? But all bits make the whole.

Like am one person, but I feel empowered by my vote because I have a sense of millions of voters like me, who will decide. We're choosing, together.

The whirlpool feeling can be there, yes, as you feel like you're swirling down towards, what exactly? Where is it all going?

But your vote is a push. And millions of pushes will give a direction and a nation will forge forward down the path decided where there is a majority consensus.

Is there a better way? If so, we haven't found it, though people in countries where there is a different way might argue with me there! I don't feel like arguing. Not pushing anything on anyone but do feel good celebrating what is here, in my country.

With a muddled picture unlike any I've seen in my life, the political reality we're facing today begs for a bottom, if only the candidates would all find one, where maybe a little dignity were best?

On what does it all stand? Where is the fight going and for what really?

With so much being reported will admit am still not sure what's going on, and as battleground states merge into "Super" this day or that, get the feeling that something is missing.

There is no coherent narrative to me.

But you can feel the pull regardless, and a pressure to take sides, as the politics pulls you in.

And whomever you are, in my country, if you vote you will be a part of it. And your decision? Is yours.


James Harris

Monday, March 7, 2016

Looking forward from beginnings

To me beginnings feel nice, and Monday is a natural day to focus on what can be a fresh start, as is for many first day of a traditional work week. And I think better to see as an opportunity for something new than as just continuing on.

Here on this blog things to me are still with the beginnings as work out formats, how to present best, and what content to provide and when, which is challenging but fun. Though can be harder on readers not sure what to expect, yet.

Growing up was an avid reader, where I consumed books. Finish one, and go to the next, so would go to the library to get enough to keep me going until next trip to the library. Which was a cycle that sped me through adolescence in a blur of books. And there was often that thrill of open the book, turn to the first page of the meat of the writing.

As a kid I felt like a lonely middle child, usually ignored, except by book authors. To me it meant something that people had worked so hard for so many out there, where one of those was me! I marveled at the effort and care to produce something for so many people the writer would never see. Sometimes I would imagine that person reading to me as I read the words, and feel comforted.

There has to be a reason to write. Though now I understand that a reason can be about a compulsion. And I DO like to see the black words appear against the white background as I type.

The words to me have personalities--as have posted before--and are like new friends who just arrived to say, hi.

And with them can say hi to others all over the world, and consider a new week, with new challenges am sure.


James Harris

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Three scheduled posts for Week 10

Will do three scheduled postings. So one Monday, another on Wednesday, and last on Thursday.

Just sitting here this Sunday morning feeling an urge to commit to some writing.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Creative process is ongoing

Starting out had some assumptions about how things might go with this blog, and have been correcting as reality manifested itself, keeping goals of the blog in mind. It is focused commercially which keeps me from just posting anyway when it's clear not moving well in that direction.

And since I need commercial writing and a place to talk commercial efforts when they emerge its position is secure, while a creative process of figuring those things out continues.

Meanwhile it IS possible that there may be scheduled postings which would be announced on Sunday. And no such announcement today.

Commercial viability will mean LOTS of readers. For those who came along early, maybe in the dozens, your interest is appreciated! Just need to multiply your numbers by at least a hundred or thousand or so, and then blog will be what it's supposed to be, commercial.


James Harris

Monday, February 8, 2016

Something in the effort

As much as challenge can seem distant it is interesting to me how often it's easily found. But what value in it? And on Sunday started thinking to myself, could I embed a challenge which was answered for me with the effort?

Here is the result:


And I started typing that tweet wondering if I could do it, with the tweet itself and succeeded.

I know it is perfect 140 characters as Twitter tells you as you're typing it, but guess helps to show for others so went to a program to get a count:



Which is the kind of quick mental exercise that can be a challenge for those who are on Twitter who find it of interest. But why bother? I wonder that often with things.

And I think there is something in the effort as it has to tell you something about yourself. And maybe others as I like to think it says something about me. How hard is it to do?

Not sure. But does that matter really?

But what if I had failed? Well then, you wouldn't see this blog post now would you? Because if I had failed, I wouldn't have done it.

So as Monday progresses and the remaining days of the week, like it or not, challenges will appear. And what effort will I bring? I'd like to think I'll do my best.


James Harris

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Happy Chinese New Year

Heading into the Chinese New Year which I is already being celebrated somewhere in the world am sure.

And have a blog post for this week, for Monday ON day.

New plan is to announce on Sunday. Which is ok, but haven't figured out how I'd title in general. So on my to-do list, while for this Sunday will go with the holiday.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Pondering engagement

New system then is that I announce what posts will do for the week, on Sunday, and today have no scheduled posts for the week, as I have to work at engagement. While it's fun for me to produce more content, I have three months of that solid to see how well that goes and now to look at other aspects necessary to success.

So will give myself an assignment of working to figure out that engagement thing through the week. Very vague. I don't like vague goals. It's not even really a goal, as is an assessment.


Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Should politics be painful?

Coming into a New Year wonder if there is a bit of a groan for those thinking about it being an election year in the US. And yeah that can mean lots of things I think can be considered painful, like blizzards of television political ads.

The concept of pain in politics fascinates me, as if it has to be there. But does it? Politics has so much to do with people's lives in so many ways. But yeah it also relates to so many things not liked in most people's lives, like taxes. Who likes taxes? I don't even say I like taxes. I think taxes are one of the few things where you can get a tremendous amount of agreement on the position that no one likes them.

To the extent that politics isn't grim, it can involve things that puzzle, like politicians actually do kiss babies. But then again, so do religious figures. Oh, and American politicians do seemingly odd things, like make pancakes or flapjacks often called for groups of supporters. Why pancakes? Why not?

And as politicians stump around the country, why do they stump? Why don't they just tread softly, metaphorically? Of course they actually ride I'm guessing in big black vehicles.

There are those for whom am sure the idea of something being painful is part of it being important, like that horrible exercise mantra--no pain, no gain? Wrong!!! Exercise does not have to be painful for gain, and in fact painful exercise can simply lead people to, not exercise. So definitely not a gain there.

And is that part of the point? Pushing politics as painful as a way to lessen engagement? Turn it into a dreary exercise of drudgery to which we are subjected routinely and wish we could escape?

If so then my answer to the question of should politics be painful is, no.

It should be a way to help. Should be about what's needed to maintain our nation at its best. And should be how people get heard, feel like a part of something, and find a sense of place within a healthy reality.

Yeah, that sounds good to me! Wishing for people to look more for a political exercise without the pain, with all the gain, and with discussions that matter to you, to your community, and your nation.


James Harris