DON'T ASK IF YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO KNOW

Writing is a fairly new gig for me, so lately I'd been thinking that it would be great to get some real, solid feedback on my blog. Are the topics interesting? Something more than a few people might find worth reading? Cogently written? My secret fear is that it’s being read mainly by loyal friends and family too nice to tell me they’ve read better stuff in the classifieds.

Well, this past week I did get a piece of feedback, and I’m not quite sure what to do with it. It came from a dear friend and fellow blogger - one whose own blog is so awesome that he’s become somewhat of a legend when it comes to writing about expat living in Cuenca. His talent is real, with an easy-going voice that draws you in and makes you automatically want to call him "friend". His blog also has informational substance. Mine, in contrast, meanders through esoteric subjects that may or may not be of interest to anyone else but myself.

Anyway, I know his comment was intended to be positive and constructive, though I didn’t quite take it that way. He told me the blog was good, and/but that it was “relentlessly cheery”. RELENTLESSLY CHEERY@#$#$%%! He might as well have outright called me a Pollyanna. Little Miss Sunshine. He might as well have said its saccharine sweetness made him gag. Aaaargh! And here I was thinking I was doing some real serious writing. 

It’s not the first time I’ve been accused of this, whether in the context of writing or in just being. This is pretty much who I am. I’ve got my downers, but I don’t dwell on them, let alone share them. I deal with them and move on. Besides, I’d rather put something positive out there; maybe even something thought-provoking. My Pollyanna self actually resents this world of apathy, aggression, and wise-#$% comments. I like seeing things through happy-glasses, and actually think it’s gotten me a pretty decent life so far. Call me Pollyanna, but it works.

Okay, to be fair, I’m probably being a bit defensive here. Maybe it’s because the truth hurts, be it a grain or full pearl. But then again, if I look at it from my usual sunshine-y disposition (!), maybe the truth can  inspire me. Not that I’m guaranteeing less cheer, mind you. But I may just be more conscious of trying not to make my readers nauseous. (I think.)

So now for the real questions for feedback.  I really would love to hear what you have to say to make this blog the best it can be. If you could comment on any or all of the following, I’d really appreciate it. 

What topics would you like to see addressed?

Do you have any specific comments about the writing style?

Are the theme and format attractive? Easy to read?

Any suggestions for improvement?

Oh, and by the way, thanks for reading!  :-)