Blogging in the Second Person: Open Correspondence for a Social Web? jamesshelley.com
Micro.blog
@jamesshelley I’m inspired to adopt this practice. Thank you.
@jamesshelley I started writing a reply...and kept writing. In the process, what I wrote changed. My post where I attempt to work through what you provoked.
@joshducharme Really interesting read, Josh. I'm going to spend a little time with it before responding properly but I understand where you're coming from.
@colinwalker Thanks, looking forward to your response.
@joshducharme thanks for reflection. Working on a response, and looking forward to your thoughts as well, @colinwalker
@jamesshelley I absolutely agree with you. I really enjoyed your thoughts and analysis. For me, I do both. The question I ask is, am I responding to the person who wrote the post or am I talking to other people ABOUT the post. Imagine the difference between a Twitter Quote Tweet and a reply. One uses the other’s words for context of your thoughts and the other is writing thoughts back to the author. I use 2nd person or 3rd person based on the expected audience of my post, regardless of the fact that it is available for anyone to read.
@colinwalker @jamesshelley @joshducharme @EddieHinkle @rick This is such an interesting discussion. (And anyone who thinks this is all too meta, doesn’t understand how the medium truly is the message.)
@EddieHinkle If it’s something you would write as a reply in the comment section then the post should be in the second person on your blog. I think it’s just a bit alien to most to separate replies from the conversation in this way.
@rnv @colinwalker @joshducharme @EddieHinkle @rick Indeed. The platform dictates the pronouns we are comfortable to use. Reading Franklin's Real World of Technology right now, and thinking how this conversation highlights her thesis on the nature of 'prescriptive technology'
@jamesshelley @rnv @joshducharme @EddieHinkle @rick I’ve not read it but the very term “prescriptive technology” gives a good idea of what it is. Still, I found this which gives a great summary.
@colinwalker @rnv @joshducharme @EddieHinkle @rick That's a great overview by Mandy. It's a compelling framework because it doesn't impose a distinction between 'digital' from any other technology, like, say, a road, thus keeping focus on use-value and labour. Slim read-Recommend
@jamesshelley @colinwalker @rnv @EddieHinkle @rick I’ll have to check that out. Thank you for the responses, they have helped sharpen and mold my thinking. It feels like I’m actually pulling on three discreet threads here, but I need some time to process my thoughts.
@colinwalker @jamesshelley I’ve finally pulled together my further reflections on this topic. I’m surprised the directions this conversation has spun out for me from such a seemingly simple question.
@joshducharme @jamesshelley Thanks Josh. I’ve had a quick read through but need to really digest it. Interesting points.
@joshducharme Thanks Josh! Like @colinwalker, I'll take some time to noodle this further for sure.
@jamesshelley @colinwalker I look forward to your thoughts gentlemen!