What do you think?
So, here it is. I've been writing this for a good couple of years, and it's been fun. There are about 10 times more people reading this blog now than there were a year ago, which is quite something.
But I'm kind of at a bit of a crossroads with this, and with everything else at the moment. I won't bore you with personal shit and I'll try not to sound wanky, but I really don't know where any of this is going.
I think if I keep this going, I might need to expand the scope of it a bit. I like being a so-called 'political' blog but that way lies dragons - or, more precisely, trolls. I don't know how much happiness there is for me in endlessly debating "Yes it is" and "No it isn't" below blog posts for the rest of my natural life. It's a thought that fills me with dread and sadness, because I don't really enjoy that at all, I might as well tell you.
Not that I don't appreciate feedback, as of course I do - but I look at the more successful political blogs, particularly on the left, and how they become basically battlegrounds for the kinds of arseholes I despise most of all in the world. I don't know if I have the will to deal with all that here, if this became a more successful 'political' blog. I don't know if I could. I do this in my spare time as it is, and it's got to the stage where it's a bit wearying seeing dozens of comments to be looked at and moderated - which is the only way to do it, in my opinion, as I'd never want to do the 'see no evil' business, as I regard it as essentially deceitful.
Sorry. I said I was going to try and make sure this didn't sound wanky, but it sounds wanky already. No point trying to correct that, though, so I'll just plough on through this...
What I'm trying to say, I think, is that I don't know where to take this. I think it's important to try and address the misdirection and distortion of things you read in the papers and online, but there are a lot of other people who do that. I kind of want to write other stuff, and I hope that's all right with you. I don't know why I'm even asking, I should just do it. But I don't know.
The thing is, in my 'real life', it turns out that I have no skills or experience which are of any interest to potential employers and that I am doomed to remain in my existing job, which I find somewhat tedious and unfulfilling, until I get made redundant, or lose the will to live, whichever comes first. I won't bore you with a tale of woe and I'm not looking for sympathy. Don't feel sorry for me. Because here, writing this, I have found something which I enjoy, and which other people actually seem to like me doing. Here, I don't get judged for decisions I took 15 years ago or what university I went to; here, I either write something good and you like it, or write something shit - like this - and you don't. I rather like that because it seems like a level playing field. It seems the only place where there is one.
So, the thing with this blog is, I do love it. And I want it to be more successful so that there's that the ever-dwindling possibility that I might ever be able to write things for a living doesn't disappear down the toilet altogether, I might want to write about more things than just tabloid bollocks, and politics. It's not that I won't do those things any more, I just won't do them as often. Less often, but better, maybe.
And I know the layout isn't very good, and I have no way of rectifying that really, because I have no skills in designing things like this, so my efforts are fairly poor. So you'll have to bear with me on that until I can learn to make it better. But I will, eventually, make it look a little less amateurish, even if I can't make it read that way.
If you've made it this far, thanks. If you have any suggestions or ideas as to where I can take this or what I can do, then you can email me at the address at the top of the page and let me know. Normal service will be resumed later.
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About Me
Hello. I'm a Bristol-based writer and soon-to-be-redundant journalist. You can read more about me and the Enemies site here, or follow me on Twitter. Email me if you like - antonvowl at live dot co dot uk
If you're struggling to read the site please use the drop down box below to increase the text size.
January 15th, 2010 - 11:00
I'd definitely be interested in reading some other stuff of yours
And though it's nothing too complex, I designed my blog layout myself. I'm crazy busy with uni at the moment but would be willing to lend you a hand tarting yours up if you wanted. Though I'm sure there are much more talented people out there who could help!
Erykah
January 15th, 2010 - 11:01
Good writers write, a lot of the time it doesn't matter the subject. I happen to think you're an extraordinary writer, full of passion but never allowing that passion to overshadow the message.
I happily read whatever you write, and hope to continue to do so into the future when you are writing whatever it is you feel like writing.
As to the layout, a quick appeal on Twitter would have volunteers leaping to help you I'm sure.
January 15th, 2010 - 11:04
This is your blog – you can write whatever you like. Don't worry too much about what we, your readers, want. You are a good writer (yes, you are!!) so you are bound to attract readers whatever you write about. If you are very interested or passionate about what you're writing about, that will also attract readers. Sorry I can't give more helpful advice! In fact this is the "just be yourself" style of advice, which is not what you want at all!
January 15th, 2010 - 11:19
Honestly, Anton, it's your blog and I think it's entirely reasonable to approach it as you wish to.
I enjoy your writing style and I think it's likely I'll enjoy reading your posts on other subjects, even if I did come here for the wonderful rants and critiques.
(I grappled for ages with the issue of my own blog's "identity" before deciding, fuck it, if I want to write about science fiction short stories AND hardcore punk rock AND politics in the same place, that's fine. It's a reflection of my interests, after all.
Of course, I am not in the business of web analytics and market analysis and perhaps my advice is bad advice in terms of readership. Eh!)
January 15th, 2010 - 11:33
Keep this blog as is. It's a refereshing and necessary counterblast to the loud, strident voices of the Tory yahoos that dominate both the blogosphere and the MSM.
January 15th, 2010 - 11:35
It's your blog mate, write about what you want to write about and block comments or commenters you want to block. We like reading you because you're funny and insightful. We don't particularly want to read you trying vainly to correct the worldviews of idiots in the comments. We can go to CiF for that.
But also, yep, you should carry on trying to get a job you like doing cos otherwise your soul will die. There isn't a way to say 'it will happen eventually' without sounding like a motivational hallmark card, but…
January 15th, 2010 - 11:49
I suppose you could count yourself 'lucky' you get comments. I can also see how moderating them is, or could become, a chore (albeit one of your own making).
So you asked for suggestions, and off the top of my head I've come up with a list of one; get a chum to do, or at least help with, the moderating. Do you have a chum, or maybe chums?
January 15th, 2010 - 11:53
I think in these situations, it's your blog, you do what makes you happy. If people don't like the newer material they don't have to come back. I appreciate this has some risks, but I doubt your readership would have stuck around this long just for the "oh look @ the right wing tabs" wow factor.
…also it's mid Janaury. We are all feeling miserable. The weather sucks, it's two weeks until payday, and the tories are looking smug as they prepare for government
January 15th, 2010 - 11:57
Keep going and write what you want! If the blog is ten times more popular than last year then you must be doing something right.
Holding the media to account is such as crucial function to perform as they don't have the greatest of track records when it comes to self-scrutiny and regulation. You do it very well.
And don't worry about the appearance – I'll risk stating the bleeding obvious when I say that the content is what is important.
January 15th, 2010 - 12:00
Well, I can't offer any advice on what you should do with the blog, but I *can* say that, while there are plenty of similar projects out there (and this is a good thing, as lies need to be exposed as such to the greatest possible audience), this blog is at the top of the league. You not only hold up the bile and falsehoods for scrutiny, but you provide a commentary that is passionate, well-reasoned, thoughtful and heartfelt; a powerful corrective to the weasel-words and mendacity that you examine. That's no help in terms of what you should do next, but I would be very sorry if you stopped performing this valuable public service (though that is, of course, your prerogative!)
January 15th, 2010 - 12:13
Hi mate,
No need to un-moderate this comment, this is more of a message to you just to say that your blog is one of the most insightful and inspiring among all the blogs on the left. I thoroughly enjoy your work. And I can totally understand if you're feeling burned out for whatever reason.
I hope you won't mind me being bold: perhaps one of the reasons you're feeling this way is that no matter how many times you blog about scummy tabloid lies, the situation never changes. Perhaps it might be an idea to put a suggestion of how we can fix a problem at the end of each blog post? For example, if the Mail provably lie about immigration, end the blog post by saying which rules (if any) of the PCC code they have broken, and how to complain. Or give the address to the Daily Mail complaints department, and encourage people to give you their feedback. I'm not suggesting you actually turn into a campaigning blog; I'm just thinking that giving people options of how to make a difference might make you feel less like you're always writing about the same topics with no change.
Your blog is essential reading, and you're giving it all away for free. If you leave for any reason, it'll totally be understandable. If you do choose to stop, it will be a tremendous loss to the left-wing blogosphere.
Cheers
- Chris.
January 15th, 2010 - 12:19
Enemies of Reason is the best political blog I've ever seen, and I would miss it loads if you stopped writing it.
But that really doesn't answer your question.
January 15th, 2010 - 12:32
I really enjoy reading your blog, I think expansion would be better than just leaving it though. Id love to hear your opinion on other non political subjects, as much as I like reading your analysis of bad journalism and the most awful people on the planet, it would be great to get some reviews or opinions of well anything really..well maybe not sport but thats just me.
Please dont give up on it! My job sucks and reading interesting blogs like yours is one of the things that stops my brain turning to mush.
January 15th, 2010 - 12:39
I've been blogging at Blurred Clarity since March 05 and before that under a different name since March 2002, when it get is a drag you need to stop, take a rest, recharge, change direction, do whatever you want to do to make it fun again.
Personally, I don't like political blogs as everyone just says the same thing, I prefer blogs that are true to what blogs were supposed to be, online diaries, a place for musings on anything you want as it is your space and yours alone.
Sure that won't help you but your change of direction sounds great to me.
January 15th, 2010 - 12:42
I liked that post for what it's worth
Firstly, I read your posts on my google reader, so I can't really comment on the necessity of moderating comments as I never read them. As a print journalist myself, I've never quite understood the need to vet reactions to your work – but I'm told that the comments are what help make a blog a community. Plenty of larger blogs just seem to ignore them – victims of their own success perhaps, or just pragmatists.
I say go for it. The first thing you could do is elongate your tabloid criticisms with some kind of alternative ideology. E.g If Knife Crime is being grossly misrepresented then what is the truth? – and what can be done? If the immigrant underclass is shown as parasitic, how should this be resolved?
Just my two-pence. You do what you want mate. But I really enjoy your blog and not just because I know -and loathe- Paul Darce
January 15th, 2010 - 12:55
Anton,
Just wanted to say, Ive been reading the blog for over two years now and it's helped keep me sane through all the utterly horrendous Mail and Express stories I seem masochistically incapable of not reading. Whatever you change/add I'm fairly sure I'll still be reading in another two years, so keep it up! It's always nice to be reminded that not everyone on the internet is a raving idiot.
Also, that post about the over-reporting of the snow was literally genius. Thanks!
/end fawning.
January 15th, 2010 - 13:06
I love the tag – vanity.
Wonderful irony.
That post is not vain.
It takes some courage to share your thoughts and concerns in such an honest way. Do what you enjoy the most.
January 15th, 2010 - 13:30
You need to do what makes you happy and is best for you. I'd be ineersted in reading non political/media-related stuff you have to write and i'm sure a lot of your other readers would be too. I love your blog and honestly its appearance doesn't bother me.
January 15th, 2010 - 13:38
I'll read anything you write. I'm such a groupie.
January 15th, 2010 - 13:41
I'll echo others and say that I will be interested in reading what you have to say on whatever you feel like writing about.
January 15th, 2010 - 13:44
Your blog serves as a check whenever I start to fall into the trap of believing what's in the papers (or more accurately, what other people get from the papers). It's an oasis of sanity and clear thinking in a world of doubt, fear and downright stupidity.
It's up to you what you write, but I will go on reading it regardless.
January 15th, 2010 - 13:47
I think you're too good at this shit just to walk away from this place.
An expansion of the remit would be good because, as many other people have said, your writing style is easy and enjoyable to read and it would be good to see some content on other subjects.
What those subject are depends entirely on you, after all, you'll be doing the writing. I'm sure you won't start to lose readers.
January 15th, 2010 - 13:54
I concur with the aobve folks – the point of a blog is to wander around someone's head. Weirdly, I find that some people I really lock horns with in comments turn out to share a passion for some of the music I write about. It helps us to see each other respectfully as full humans rather than just 'that LibDem tosser' or whatever.
One of my favourite blogs is done by someone who also builds websites for a lving. He's written some impenetrable technical stuff about coding and stuff. Fine, when it's one of those I don't read it. I still love his politics and cultural criticism.
You have a great incisive mind and a gift for clarity and wry wit. I strongly suspect whatever you write will be good to read.
Regarding arsehole commenters, you can just delete them if you don't like it. It's not a freedom of speech issue. If someone's at your party shouting bigoted stuff in the middle of the room, it's not censorship to eject them – in leaving them there you're discouraging the intelligent people in the room from speaking because they don't want to be shouted at.
I'm fortunate that my comments are so low traffic that I take apart most arseholes (only deleting comments that are solely comprised of insults). But it's your blog, and you should create the space most conducive to having the sort of discussions you want to see on there, rather than pandering to who's got the most time at work to troll blogs.
January 15th, 2010 - 14:16
I like your blog, the layout doesn't bother me and i'm meant to be a 'designer', primarily it's funny, i like the way you write, it cracks me up. Even if there are at least a million and a half blogs that touch on similar subjects, they aren't you, darling Anton *mwah mwah*
January 15th, 2010 - 14:18
Do whatever you need to do. I've been in a very similar boat at 5cc for a while (minus the commenters), but just deciding to write about whatever took my fancy made writing about the tabs less of a bother. I still seem to just do that all the time, but I don't feel llike I have to any more.
I'm sure I'd like whatever turned up on Enemies as long as you wrote it.
If you want a hand with layout and things, ping me an email if you don't think I've buggered up 5cc.
January 15th, 2010 - 14:27
Do what you want, it's your blog and you write well so I'm sure it'd be interesting whether you write about the tabloids, politics or what you had for dinner. Don't get too downhearted about the job either, everyone sits down and takes a long hard look at their lives in the new year so there's much more competition in the job market in January, you'll probably have more luck later in the year.
January 15th, 2010 - 14:39
Ultimately, it's your blog. That means you can do with it what you will. There are no 'rules' as such, so if you don't want to deal with comments, turn them off. Perhaps have a link to Digg or similar where comments by readers can be left there and are not your responsibility. That might free up some of your time!
Another issue is if you feel that you have started writing for and audience. For example, many, if not the majority, of the posts here deal with the Mail and Express's terrible writing and the sheer wankery that's allowed in the comments. Now, you deal with that very well, but if you think that this focus is somewhat overwhelming the rest of the blog, it might be an idea to spin it out, either in a brand new blog or as a regular feature in another group-written blog such as Mail Watch or Tabloid Watch. The advantage of this would mean that you could get other writers to contribute to this as well as yourself, so again freeing up time for you to write about something else and/or to produce other interests.
There are many good people online too, who will gladly help you redesign the layout of this blog, supply logos and other graphics, implement new features or anything else you can think of – and do it for free, because they're good people. The world is yours!
January 15th, 2010 - 14:50
I love this place, and your writing – it's a regular daily lunchtime read for me. Your commentary on the media's reporting is always razor-sharp and thought-provoking so as long as some of that remains then I'll be happy and keep on telling people about you.
Write whatever you want though, if you end up slaves to your readers then you'll probably end up unhappy writing the blog and close it. So do whatever makes you happy – I trust you!
January 15th, 2010 - 14:51
I should imagine you won't have a problem. I changed my blog from a comics blog to a comics/music/Doctor Who/politics/whatever blog about 18 months ago, and the vast majority of my old readers stayed with me – and you're a much better writer than I.
As for the layout – most people read through RSS anyway, I think. It's no uglier than most blogger blogs, anyway.
January 15th, 2010 - 14:56
You seem to be in quite a strong position if you do choose to change direction, there is a dedicated audience who will at least pay attention to what you write in the future.
You worry about going political as political blogs all end up the same. While there is some truth in this remember the broader task of politics: helping society function; you can be political in this way without being a "political blogger".
I agree with some of the other comments here that one possible option is providing suggestions for what your readers can do when faced with miss-information, e.g. c contact org X, read report Y, offer time for task Z.
I guess you've probably looked into this a million times so I apologise for my naivety, but is there no way to make some revenue from your blogging, if only in addition to normal work so that normal work becomes less of a burden? I'm sure there are people on Twitter or the net who have the experience and can give you a straight answer.
January 15th, 2010 - 15:07
Nothing much to add to what other people have written, except please keep on writing.
January 15th, 2010 - 15:16
Been enjoying this blog for the last 3 or four months as a result of the quality of writing as much as the content. So I'd more than likely enjoy any other writings you added to the world.
It's your blog dude, I assume you aren't getting much in the way of income from it so feel no need to pander to an audience.
My blog is a sparse mess but I post about what I want to, and that means when I write I enjoy it. Which is kind of the point of something you do in your spare time, right?
January 15th, 2010 - 15:18
i agree with a lot of what's been said already – especially by michael. you write wonderfully and i would read anything that spews forth from your keyboard. i don't care how pretty it looks.
but i will say that if you were to abdandon this blog in its current form we would lose a precious, precious thing. whenever i read your latest post i am actively grateful you exist.
chin up, sir. expand, diversify, but please don't go.
January 15th, 2010 - 15:21
If it's a daunting task to reply to comments, then just don't do it. Filter out the abusive ones and leave it at that.
And if you do want to do this for a living, maybe CiF is a good place to start, I don't know?
January 15th, 2010 - 16:38
I'd just write whatever you fancy, in blogging you are self-employed!
If you want a copy of the modifications I used to make this template go widescreen as it is on my blog, just let me know.
January 15th, 2010 - 16:45
I will be happy to read any of your writing. I know what you mean about the political pieces. I write them on my blog from time to time and the trolls and haters climb out of the woodwork. It is exhausting debating people who don't have a clue, yet are convinced they're right and the rest of the world be damned! So lately I've taken a break from politics and written/photographed other things. I think a blog is like its owner: rich and diverse, with many layers. So keep writing, whatever you like! I don't expect you'll lose any readers, certainly not this one.
January 15th, 2010 - 16:57
I love this blog and read it every single day. I also discovered other brilliant blogs through it like Feminazery. Seeing all these positive comments urging you to continue fills me with optimism and hope that the world is not full of Have your Sayers and ignorant bigots. Kepp up the good work and I would be happy to read anything you write. I'm sure you can find 'Enemies of Reason' in places other than the tabloids!
Kim
January 15th, 2010 - 16:58
I enjoy reading your blog immensely.I share your contempt of the so called mid market tabloids – particularly as they are in a tail spin of scare-mongering and xenophobia at the moment- but I could never hope to write so eloquently on the subject.
No problems with teh layout but If you want to change the colours and give them a spring clean that's fine.. but that is just window dressing which after all is what the "World's Greatest Newspaper" and "Daily Fail" are all about!
please continue!Thanks!
January 15th, 2010 - 17:11
I certainly enjoy your stuff and will miss it if it goes away.
As other have said, you can always turn off comments altogether by default and only turn them on when you want feedback or a debate — Language Log does something like that and it works fine.
Personally — and I appreciate the irony here — I think comments on blogs are an overrated feature. I come here for your posts, not what's under them. You'll still get meaningful feedback on Twitter. You don't have to provide a forum here if you don't feel like it, and I for one wouldn't blame you if you didn't.
And yes, as other have said, write about what gets you fired up, not what you think people want to read.
January 15th, 2010 - 17:22
You post what you like mate, your blog is a welcome reminder that not everyone in the world is a knee-jerking idiot.
If you fancy a break from the tabloids, how about a Guardian article courtesy of Simon Jenkins?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jan/14/swine-flu-elusive-as-wmd
Oddly links to a blog critical of Jenkins's previous work regarding HIV and AIDS keep disappearing from the comments.
January 15th, 2010 - 17:23
Do you know Penny Red's blog? http://www.pennyred.blogspot.com/
I've been following it for a while. She started out just blogging but presumably off the back of it now writes pieces for CIF and a couple of magazines. You could try emailing her and ask how she built on the success of her blog.
January 15th, 2010 - 17:41
I LIKE IT.
January 15th, 2010 - 17:54
While I like your political and tabloid take down stuff a lot, I like the way you write and will read on whatever you are writing about. Your blog is the one I send the most links to as I find you explain things that I would like to be able to say really well. I have M.E. so I was pleased to be able to send friends and family links to your story on the Mail's poll this week as it explained everything I want people to know without being boring or patronising. Keep up the good work, on whatever subjects interest you.
January 15th, 2010 - 18:12
Other people might write blogs pointing out the culture of irrationality that poses as journalism in the right wing but nobody does it as well as you. When I read your blog I feel less of a stranger on this worrying world x
January 15th, 2010 - 18:25
I have over 240 blogs in my google reader so cannot possibly read all of them but I always read yours.
It would be nice to read other stuff from you though, you're a great writer so I am sure I will be just as entertained reading different posts than Mail bashing – as funny as they are.
Don't stop. x
January 15th, 2010 - 18:58
Loads of other people here have said what I'm about to (and probably more eloquently) but I've always enjoyed your blog, much, much more than those that have outbreaks of partisan warfare in their comments.
I have worried about your health from reading the Mail and Express that much though, I certainly couldn't stand it every day without exploding in a ball of rage, so you're providing an essential public service!
But I totally understand that writing about the Mail each day might be beginning to pall, an antidote of music/books/any old thing that takes your fancy might be what you need. A change being as good as a rest, as they say.
I only started blogging last year and went straight to wordpress – some of my pals who have been at it longer and were on blogger have switched during that time because they say it's easier to mess around with the content on wordpress. So maybe that's a way to go?
And I know a teeny tiny bit about coding and have taught myself a slight bit more as I've been blogging! So, if you have any questions I'm happy to help, my email's on the about page on my blog.
Julia
January 15th, 2010 - 19:28
Just keep at it. If the blog, as you say, serves as an escapism, almost, go ahead with it, as it could turn things around. I think this blog has served you well just as much as it has served me and all your followers as well. Keep up with the good work!
January 15th, 2010 - 19:35
I've been reading your blog since last year when my friend showed it to me and it's kept me entertained for a since!
Having recently started my own public blog I see your problem – if you have a 'them' (e.g. politics) it's difficult to post off topic without making the rest of it look odd, while if you don't have a theme it could be accused of not being cohesive or having a point.
I decided not to give a fuck as to whether it had a point and just write whatever comes into my head.
In my case no one reads it yet anyway!
January 15th, 2010 - 20:06
really like your blog
January 15th, 2010 - 20:09
Let's be clear: you like writing the blog; we enjoy reading it; why give up? From what you say, it's the rest of your life that ain't up to snuff, but the blog is worth keeping going (IMHO)