Apparently I am full of sour grapes and a whiner - at least according to Ms. Ochman in a post of her’s today. Like Mr. Rubel though it appears that B.L. likes to suggest meanings and intents of what I wrote for her own purposes.

B.L. suggests that I am complaining that A-Lists run advertising when in fact all I was doing was stating facts that anyone can see for themselves if they take the time. I even pointed out that I - “don’t begrudge them a single earned dime - blogging is hard work regardless what people may think and as such they should get paid for it.”. Now how that equates to complaining is beyond my understanding but then maybe I’m just an ol’ fart; and just incase you haven’t noticed I run ads as well.

It also appears that a lot is being made about me talking about the A-List of the Technorati Top 100 and that I’m pissed about not being there yet; which I can only assume comes from my post about a weekend dust up between a couple of bloggers that developed into an interesting comment train on both sides. Here’s a hint folks - learn what sarcasm is.

Personally I couldn’t give a rat’s ass if I make it into the A-List; the B-List has a lot nicer people :), what I don’t like is sanctimonious and better than thou attitudes. That is not to say that all the folks of that level are like that - and just to make sure you understand what I just wrote let’s repeat - there are great and friendly bloggers everywhere regardless of standing. That said cliqueism of any sort sucks and does nothing to promote common goals.

B.L. does have a great list of reasons why a person blogs though but to that I would add my own personal reasons for doing this.

• I love technology - having been involved with computers for the better part of 20 years I have seen a lot of trends come and go and in the process have my own thoughts and opinions on the industry.
• I love the written word - that comes from having a father who was a writer and being an avid reader from childhood. To be able to express oneself (hopefully coherently ) is a gift to be treasured.
• I like to share my opinions - whether you agree with my opinions or not is entirely up to the reader but the rewards for doing this come many different places
• Making money is a bonus - when it boils down to it I don’t expect to make my retirement nest egg from doing this. I will be quite happy if I only make enough each month to take my wife out to dinner, buy ruby her treats and keep my computer equipment as current as possible.

Like I said above I don’t care if I ever make it into the top of the Technorati standing. I place my worth on who reads the blog, who comments and who adds to the conversation. For me when I can bring good memories for people like Paul to the table, or have folks like Hugh add their indomitable wit to the conversation that is reward enough.

Oh and B.L. - Ruby said thanks for the compliment and that is Steven with a ‘v’ not a ‘ph’

[note: graphic borrowed from B.L - hope you don't mind]

Conversation Tags: sour grapes, Technorati, A-List, reasons to blog, blogging, Hugh Macleod, Paul O’Flaherty