This is one of those “From the Table” type post I’ve been wanting to do for the last few days. This new blog of mine has been up for a few weeks now and I thought it might be a good time to communicate with you my thoughts on a particular “feature” of the site that is not present. That would the Comment feature on posts.
I am aware that many popular blog sites have comments enabled for posts. It is one way that a community can be built around a common theme, and for some it works well to build a solid following for their blog. And for many of them it probably helps with certain “metrics” they are working to meet through this medium and help them to successfully meet goals for their endeavors. Growth is an admirable goal and can certainly extend the reach for an individual, or group, in the culture we are all a part of these days.
So, I believe enabling comments is a decision that a blogger must make, and the best decision should foremost be made considering stated goals and measured in view of desired outcomes. Thus, that is the way I have approached the decision for this blog site. If you have had the opportunity to read the About information on this site, then you are aware that my primary goal is to produce posts that may be appreciated by those who visit the table. If you’re not aware, let me just state that goal again:
I built this place because I believe some of the best conversations happen when curious people gather — over a book, a meal, a strong cup of coffee, or the memory of a city that changed how they saw the world.
After some considerable thought, I have decided not to enable comments currently. Primarily, for two reasons.
My first reasoning is that my true goal is to encourage us all to leave this blog site and …. go sit at a table with friends and discuss our journeys. Patronize that local coffee shop and help someone accomplish their goals of being a “table of curiosity” in their neighborhood. Find that local “water hole” where friends, and strangers, gather to exchange ideas, stories, and accomplishments. Let’s not stay seated at our computers or phones and just speak out into a void where we have no personal connection or the power of facial expressions. (See, my previous post, Two Faces of the Same Truth: Faces, Faith, and the Art of Being Seen) Let’s gather and be humans that appreciate one another for the diversity we can share.
My second reasoning is time. Right now, I do not want to “swap” time for moderating comments and take away from my time reading, writing, and journeying through cities, museums, and café’s. I want to continue to have as much time as I can interacting with others and come away with new stories and insights because of these encounters.
Does this mean I will never enable comments and enjoy hearing from those who take the time to read my ramblings? As the old saying goes, “Never is a long time.” So, stay curious and continue a path of being a lifelong learner.
The Curious Table 