Difficult Second Post

First off, thanks to all for the kind words now I've got started. As I said the first post was just a foundation, something to get started & build upon, and that got me thinking about how does one kick off a blog or other diary?

Those who have had on-line records for some time or up-date at least once a week, soon get into a groove and are either commenting in a professional capacity (Runway Girl, Shut Down Corner, for example) or from a personal experience point of view (Richard Herring, Michael Legge, RAFAirman), and as a result have plenty to draw upon, must have started somewhere. They either re-casted news and added opinion or used the media as advertising or self-review, so they always have something to contribute. They're also professional writers, which helps. So what have I let myself in for?

As I prepared to publish, and after asking for input from chums, I read their blogs & those of "professional" bloggers to track down their first, early efforts to get a feel & to see how they started and where I stand as a beginner. Results were variable, ranging from, as I thought, adverts for gigs, re-publishing industry news in one place perhaps with an editorial comment to full blown introductions to what they were going to be writing about. So having my fear allayed, I pressed that publish button, and, huzzah, I have an on-line vent for my spleen or platform for my opinions.

And you know what? The fear is gone. Yes I was nervous to start this; so many others blog and so much better than this will ever be, but I stopped worrying about that once it was live. I'll write what I like, when I like, and if readers don't agree, we can discuss it openly via the comment box or they can stop reading.

I do think more people should try this. Once that initial post is done, the blogshere (I do not like that phrase) is one's oyster, as the "experts" show. Let your thoughts flow freely, express your opinions, respond to others, develop a theme or focus, but at least give it a go.

You never know, you might be good, it could become a regular thing, either as a job (like Runway Girl) or turn you mad (like Herring). :)

(Some new pics added to Photostream, including my Nan on her 94th birthday.)

First go

Well, I've been thinking about doing something like this for sometime so now I have the time and clarity of mind to do so, I'll give it a shot. (I even tried about 18 months ago, but to no avail.)

So what's going to be here, I hear you scream, desperate for something new and exciting. Well, like most blogs, it won't be new and exciting. It'll be a collection of thoughts and experiences and the usual boring crap you've probably seen elsewhere. Hence the name.

I do hope, however, this will reflect my personality, which, I do admit, flips between the cynical and sarcastic and the positive and sincere, but don't take things I say here too seriously. Unless they are serious. You'll know when that happens.

I'm sure I'll post some links and photos too. Every other lazy-arse blogger does, so why shouldn't I? (See below for some recent photos.)

So where to start? I guess about me. This is a little background info which might explain future comments and some of the coming content.

I'm 42 (going on 25, looking about 35, so I'm told), white anglo-saxon single heterosexual male, never been married, no kids (that I know of). Carrying too much weight at the moment; must sort that out. Basically a bald fat bloke; yeah, the world is out to get me.

I like comedy from across the ages and genres and media. Last year I promised myself to go and see more live comedy and I seem to being staying true to that and met some good people and great performers, who are also genuinely good people, otherwise I wouldn't talk to them. Long may that continue.

I'm a massive fan of the New York Jets American football team. I know, sad moron who should watch rugby, but I do understand the game and have been a supporter (through thick and thin) for over 25 years so get over it.

Movies, books, comics, music, all these things play a part in making up my personality & psyche, but I do have rather strange tastes; how would you explain Night of the Hunter sitting next to Star Wars next to Howl's Moving Castle or that the writings of the Dalai Lama find themselves next to Alan Moore's Watchmen & an old edition of Kipling's Just So Stories? No, I don't get it either.

So, there's a start. Nothing contentious or inflammatory, but pretty sure that will change. I may even do some shouting; I am a grumpy old man, after all.

Comment, if you want, either here or via Twitter (see right) but be gentle with me; its my first time.