John Left
This Time we Have ” John Left ” with us, a Rocking Blogger from U.S
About Myself : John Left
I’m a 35-year old guy who was born and raised in the American Midwest. I majored in liberal arts in college; this means that, other than a talent for bullshitting, I have no marketable skills. So after I graduated, I went straight into the one job field best suited to my talent—retail sales. I worked retail sales in a variety of stores, both large and small, for 14 years. I’m not saying it was a totally negative experience. I met many interesting, good-hearted people, and discovered that I am a pretty decent salesman. I learned more about the way the human mind works than I could have in ten psychology classes. But for the most part, retail was a Carnival cruise through Hell.
I turned a corner in the Spring of 2005. My boss, who happened to have the IQ (not to mention the face) of an orangutan, ordered me to empty a trash can filled with soiled toilet paper. An order that was, incidentally, a major health code violation. I refused. She insisted. So I quit my job, right then and there. I thought I could easily find another position. I was wrong. The U.S. economy was in a recession. Soon after, I injured my shoulder in a household accident and was unable to seek work while healing (I detail all this in my blog). I have since recovered, but I am still trying to find a decent job—outside of retail sales.
2) How, when and why you started blogging.
My blog, “John Left’s Field”, was born in April, 2005. Blogging, a hot topic in the U.S. news media then, was described as “the wave of the future” in communication and it sounded interesting. I chose the blogging program www.blogger.com because it’s free and very user-friendly. I started a blog for two reasons: 1.) As an educated unemployed person, I thought my take on the job search process could be unique; 2.) in between job searches, I was bored off my ass. I hoped writing about my experiences could provide me (as well as readers) with some intellectual stimulation.
3) About My blog.
“John Left’s Field” (http://johnleftfield.blogspot.com) is several things. Primarily, it’s a chronicle of my struggles with the often-bewildering job market in my small corner of America. As tough as it can be, many of my experiences have been quite funny, and I try to accentuate the humorous aspects.
I don’t, however, limit my blog to this subject alone. I write about other things as well: films, books, TV, current events—both local and international. Whatever interests me. I try to model my blog after the “human-interest” newspaper columns of writers like Bob Greene, Jimmy Breslin and Dick Shaap, which I’ve always enjoyed reading.
4) The status of blogging in the U.S.A.
In America, it’s true that the novelty of blogging has worn off a bit. I’ve even seen an article or two claiming that blogging’s day has past. But I don’t agree. Major American newspapers and TV networks, the “old guard” of news media, routinely consult blogs and feature blogs on their websites. Based on the wide variety of American blogs I’ve read, I believe that blogging in the U.S. is here to stay.
5) My tips for coming bloggers.
I think it’s important to first visualize the kind of blog you want to do. What subject(s) do you want to cover? Will it be for a select audience or a variety of readers? Seek out and read some blogs that address similar topics. Research blogging programs; determine which one best suits your plans, preferences and computer skills. Too many bloggers ignore the basics of good writing and grammar—just because your teacher won’t be grading your blog doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to write clearly and spell words correctly. Lastly, it’s important to update your blog on a regular basis. You won’t attract or keep readers if they don’t know when to check your blog for new postings.
6) If you can help other bloggers, then how?
I believe I can best help other bloggers through example. I try to write a blog that’s engaging, insightful and good for a laugh. I try to adhere to the rules of English grammar and composition as much as possible. If I read a blog I like, I leave a positive comment on there or post a link to it on “John Left’s Field”. I try to be a fan of blogs, as well as a blogger.
7) Anything else you want to share with the world.
Blogging, above all, should be fun. It shouldn’t be a chore. At the same time, I don’t think you should dash off your postings like grocery lists. The “blogosphere” can provide you with a worldwide audience—and that, to me, is a great privilege. The very least the blogger can do in return is put some thought into his or her postings. I know I do.
“John Left’s Field” is updated on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month and is located at the following web address:
http://johnleftfield.blogspot.com
2 comments March 22nd, 2006
