First, an apology. When I started writing this blog I was focused on writing about cameras and lenses, and how the nuts and bolts of the photography business worked; at least for me. Over time I moved from writing about the gear to writing about "how I felt about the gear." and from there, recently it seems, the writing has become about "how I feel about everyday stuff." In this transition I've unintentionally minimized the experiences of others in this incredibly trying time and become somewhat blind to my own privileges. That I let my own hubris and (misplaced) sense of entitlement come through in my writing is regretful and insensitive and for that I am sorry.
A blog about photography should be a respite from the angst and trauma of life; especially during a pandemic. My insensitivity is a result of too much isolation and not enough empathy for those who haven't been as lucky as me over the last year. It's also "off message."
In the next 55 blog posts I'll try to make amends, or at least keep from going off the rails. No more posts about politics, cars or swimming. No more emphasis on luxe camera brands when an article on the actual operation of cameras is more relevant. But I do reserve the right to discuss stuff like...raccoons.
I'll try to make the next 55 posts well worth reading for my core audience: photographers.
Not sure what will happen when I hit the target of 5,000. We'll see when we get there.
Sorry for mucking up some of the posts.
41 comments:
I think you should write about what ever you would like to write about..... that is why we keep coming back...
I like what you write, and what you write about. The variety is an attraction, and I can easily step over any posts that don't interest me.
Hey, it's your blog sir. If we didn't like the party we would not be coming back!
It's your blog, Kirk, hence your discretion. We the readers can elect to read or disregard. As you mentioned, it's an unusual time, where it seems everything has been politicized and so many vilified, trying to stay on point or task without distraction is no longer the norm. It's a very disheartening time, and sharing thoughts, opinions or feelings is probably therapeutic in some measure. But write what you want. I've enjoyed following along, and only wish you were a competitive cyclist instead of a swimmer. But I'll get over it.
What Matt, Paul, and Hank said goes for me too.
If I don't like a topic, I can skip it.
I forbore to comment on that in the previous post but now I think you are maybe over-reacting the other way. I’m not going to analyse it further than that for obvious reasons. But I will say that almost nothing you write about is directly relevant to me but I value many of your posts on cars, swimming etc as well as photography & art. As long as you enjoy blogging you should keep it up, it’s probably a useful escape from professional stresses anyway ;).
Good man. Well said.
I don't think you've gone off the rails. The rails just lead to some interesting places. We follow along gladly.
Peace and love my brother.
Eric
I share the feelings of many of the commenters, Kirk: photography is what brought us here, but well written observation of life and work (and especially for my viewpoint of Europe: in the U.S.) is what keeps me returning.
You be you. Everything else is just noise.
I just want to add my +1 to the comments above: it's your blog, you should write about what ever you would like to write about.
And what you write is likely the reason why many of us keep coming back. At least: this is it for me.
I've started following your blog because of photography, and I really like when you write about it, in any form: gear, experience, business, personal, technic, etc.
But I also like when you share anything else.
Good to see Racoons aren't off topic. I'm sure you miss their little chatter at night :) FWIW if you want to write some more gear focused posts, I'd love to hear anything you have to say about the X100V as I'm considering one.
Write what you want. I have never felt you were writing with a lack of sensitivity to those folks who haven't had a good year. It is fun to read about your life from Leicas to Subarus to a lovely family to a grueling swim practice. You have maneuvered your way through this pandemic with wit and intelligence. You have planned well to be where you are now, without doing harm to anyone. Just keep writing and looking for a camera even more expensive than the Leicas to tell us about.
Thanks. Not going anywhere...I still have at least 55 new posts to write, shoot and publish. But love the support!
I like when you write off-topic stuff
You have nothing to apologise for. This blog is among the best out there. Quality writing, and variety is the spice of life.
I think the reason I keep coming back here is because you write about what matters to you and not necessarily to us. Be yourself, that’s what draws me and I’m sure many others.
As everyone above has already pointed out; and as you have said yourself, if we don't like it - go read something else. Or as a famous chef (not Gordon Ramsey) once said, "after all, it's only food".
I love your blog, it's the one thing on the internet I visit regularly, please keep it going, and write about whatever you like.
I believe that you are being too hard upon yourself. Self-awareness and "enlightenment" are important but should be inwardly driven rather than externally imposed. No one is "perfect".
Culture warriors of all stripes self-righteously insist that they are perfect and 100% correct as-is, the antithesis of self-awareness, but then insist that you (and we) are not unless we emulate them precisely. Whatever happened to a middle ground, a bit of tolerance and viva la difference, not to mention a realization that one does not always have all of the answers?
While it's unlikely that I would buy a new vehicle when the old one is still running reliably and well ( there's currently 343,000+ miles on my older small Saturn wagon and pushing 200,000 miles on a rebuilt Saturn AWD SUV for those really bad winter days), realistically a person should be able to get a new car when there's a good reason to do so.
After all, that makes a reliable late model vehicle available used to someone who needs a good vehicle but cannot afford a new one.
I do wish you would write about billiards more often, but other than that...
Ah. Billiards. I'd almost forgotten... Thanks for the reminder!
55 more posts? I am on the edge of my seat, waiting to read WHATEVER you want to discuss. I’ll be entertained, challenged and educated. 4955 in and Iearn something every day. Hopefully there’s another 5000 after that! Your voice is unique, and a valuable contributor to a broad conversation. Thanks for the all the posts.
I read your blog and I appreciate the time and effort you put it. I wouldn't ask you to change but what might I enjoy reading? When you're shooting theatre do you have a sense of the decisive moment or what gets you to fire the shutter at a specific moment? What are some elements of design that you appreciate or disparage that are just outside your area of expertise? You are an effective forward-facing person which means that you seldom talk of the good-old-days or offer reminiscence. But if you talk cars, Texas scenery and your favorite packing cases I'll be glad to hear about them.
Oh!! Please don't stop at 5000....there is so much to write about...and in your own way, which is my way of saying that I enjoy your blog and the fact that it covers off topic subjects. That's one of the things that makes it fresh and readable, as well as your photography enthusiasms!!!
I come for “you” and what ever is on your mind. I doubt I’ll find a “measured” Kirk interesting.
Kirk: So now if you can afford to buy a camera or a car you’re insensitive? If you’re successful you’re insensitive? Good grief! Don’t give in to the critics. They’ll only ramp up the criticism once they think they’ve got you on the run. It’s your blog. Write what you like. I’m no fan of your politics, but I’m still reading.
I vote for more raccoons and more swimming!
CDC
I don't see the need to apologize for anything Kirk. It's your blog and it's your life. Write about whatever you wish. I may not find every single post of interest but so what. Same goes for every reader. I hope you keep writing beyond 5000 but only if it's fun for you. I'm really trying not to buy a new camera right now but I am sorely tempted by the Fuji X100V.
Your posts are quite interesting and word output impressive. As all the others have said, write about anything you want.
I want to know if you bought snow tires?
Kirk, it is your Blog, I like seeing things that others are interested in. I do enjoy your blogs about politics, cars or swimming. I also have interest in Coffee, Food, Old Signs and information about the cities, towns and states that you pass through. When you shut down your blog a couple of times, I did miss your chatter! All the best to you in anything you do or talk about.
You can write about anything you want Kirk, it's your blog.
And I think we all enjoy hearing about your life, your swimming and your cars. It lets us know you're human and think about other things than photography.
I'll just sit here quietly with my cup of Ethiopian and keep reading....
Don
Kt,
You can't please all the people all the time...
If you did please everyone your blog, writing would not be worth reading.
The reason I'v been reading your posts everyday for years is because of you
and your view both photographically and the world at large. Keep on keeping on.
Jb
I used to enjoy getting together for lunch with fellow photo enthusiasts, and at first talk was Leica, Leica and more Leica. Then other brands started to creep in. And over time, it morphed into a more general get-together. And I think that was a good thing, because after awhile, cameras and lenses (or automobiles for that matter) all start to look pretty much the same. Of course if someone were to bring the latest thing from Phase One, Sony or Fujifilm, we'd ooh and ahh over it a bit, but it'd quickly become the new normal, and regular conversation could resume.
So don't worry about posting too many food pictures. And by the way, have you ever photographed Precision Camera itself?
Jeff in Colorado
It's all been said before but here is my vote anyway. Please write about whatever you want. It is your blog and we are all free to read or not. I, for one, enjoy almost everything you write for these reasons:
- I like your writing.
- You provide valuable insights into photography, equipment and photo business.
- Since you are so open, I like getting to know you.
What I don't like:
- Why all this focus on raccoons? While I am personally very fond of raccoons, don't other critters deserve equal time? (and don't give me that old "but they're not in my chimney" excuse)
Nobody should ask anyone to do more than 5,000 posts ...but please don't stop.
Kirk,
You have nothing to apologize for. It is your journey. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Please, keep it up. Like everyone says, it's your blog and wonderful it is. I read and love all your posts. Best greetings from Iceland!
Kirk, I know what it feels like to come in to a bit of extra dosh later in life. As Tom Robbins put it when asked by his old Seattle Times workers how it felt not to have to worry about money anymore, he said that it left him with a kind of "Buddhistic calm." So write what you want and I'll be certain to read it. Thanks for all you've given us so far.
"...keep from going off the rails"
What's so great about keeping ON the rails??
Your blog, your rules I think.
I come for the writing and the point of view, don't mind at all if I don't always agree with you.
Dave.
Don't worry about it. Be yourself. We've stuck with you for 4945 posts because we -like- your peregrinations.
Kirk - be you. We're because you're an interesting person who plays with cameras. Have fun, it is your blog. - Mark from Ottawa
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