I’ve only been here at OS for a short time but it’s been long enough to feel the culture. It took a while for me to find the right phrase but I think that’s close to what I’m thinking.
Feel the culture.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
cul·ture (kÅl' chÉr)
(d) The predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization.
I’m not seeing the culture, because all I've seen so far is just a tiny corner. Describing the “predominating attitudes and behavior” here would be like trying to describe the Great Wall of China by picking up a brick. But in that brick, that tiny component, by touching it, holding it, pressing it against my face, I can smell it, taste it, I can feel its temperature, texture, density, and strength. By feeling that small component, I can get a sense of the wall.
A feeling. Feel the culture.
I’ve been reading blogs here for 26 days. I love to read and I read fast. I spend hours here and I get lost here. I find myself clicking on one of my favorites and then I click on one of their favorites and then I click again … and soon I find myself in completely unfamiliar territory surrounded by blogs who would maybe never venture over to my quiet little homespun, reminiscing, milquetoast corner. Edgy blogs with clever names and raw opinions.
Sometimes I don’t comment, not because I’m afraid but because I’m not here for debate. I just wanna read, and maybe unearth something interesting, touching, or funny. By the end of my day, honestly, I’m just too tired to debate.
Okay, so here’s what I’m feeling.
The culture here feels very talented. I have come across some of the most powerful writers here, people who have truly amazed me with their command of the English language, who can manipulate and orchestrate phrases that just sing with such resonance that you can’t help but stop everything you are doing, be absolutely still, and just listen.
The culture here feels very intelligent. Twenty years ago, when personal computers were big hunking things attached to modems that screeched and squawked when the dial-up kicked in, the internet was a very elite society of geeks who could figure out their winsock settings and baud rates and could actually connect and navigate the world-wide-web in its infant stage. (Yes, I was one of those geeks.) Since then, the net has become accessible to everyone and so it’s inhabited by everyone. Here, I feel I’ve stumbled into a corner of the web that seems very populated with literati, scholars, and thinkers.
The culture here feels very liberal. Yes, I know, I’m only feeling a brick, not the whole wall. But if there are many conservative opinions lurking out there (calm, rational ones, not raving crazy ones), I haven’t seen any. I mean, really. None. Have I not yet ventured into that corner of this community yet – or are there just so few willing to put it out there and be the minority (possibly the targeted minority) that they stay quiet? Like I said, I don’t wanna debate. My sense, though, is that the liberal majority enjoys agreeing with each other here.
The culture here feels very agnostic. Or even atheistic. It’s okay, I think everyone is entitled to believe what they choose to believe. That I disagree with the belief (or lack thereof) is not the point. I’ve seen many posts here which expound on the nonexistence of a diety or higher power and attached to them are a profusion of comments which further expound on said nonexistence. I’ve seen very few posts or comments which acknowledge any kind of religious belief at all.
The culture here, for the most part, feels respectful. I’ve seen a few isolated incidents of disrespect, a smidgeon of snarkiness, a dash of condescendence (and one whole dust-up of caustic, reactionary attacks), but for the most part, the people here are on a pretty even keel, slow to anger and quick to forgive.
The culture here feels kind. The comments are overwhelmingly supportive and heartfelt, helpful and sincere. Sometimes I find more of those nuggets I’m searching for (interesting, touching or funny) in the comments than in the actual posts. There are some really good people here, people with huge hearts and empathetic shoulders.
Over the past 26 days, I have teetered on the edge of Do-I-really-belong-here. I’m a conservative Christian. Occasionally, my beliefs are going to creep into my writing – in fact, they already have. Does the culture here feel welcoming to me? For the most part, umm….
Yes. But it’s just a feeling.
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Fay Paxton
irish colleen in green
MrsRaptor
basykes
Juliet Waters
Kathy Riordan
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Thanks, as always, for your encouragement and kind words!
You must watch.
Watch ducks, peeps,
turkey, heehaw mules,
and wear a Chinese hat!
Wear a straw conical hat!
Wear a porkpie Yiddish hat!
Wear a Amish Yankee ball hat!
Wear White Socks to White hut!
Wear sock hat! Visit the homeless!
Eat dinner at a homeless soup shop!
Never steal a salt and pepper shaker!
If Ya don't belong here? Barack Obama?
He needs to weed poke weed from a plot!
And hey - you've had visits from Torman and Art...that's a pretty amazing start! (Don't count me among the talented - that lovely rhyme was unintentional ;-)
I hope you stay, truly.
My first year here I read just he way you described, going from post to post of favorites, then looking at favorites of favorites, and finding all these little interesting nooks and crannies, as though OS is a great big rambling Victorian mansion, and we as readers/lurkers and wandering down the long hallways, going from room to room, sticking our heads in and finding all these conversations going.
RS Grandma - Thanks! I'm glad you're here too!
I would add this - a true liberal isn't merely the opposite of a conservative, and, in my mind, isn't even opposed to conservativeness. The true nature of liberalism is one of tolerance, and that tolerance can be large enough to honor and respect all differing isms. But I am naive about many things. ~r!
not.where.or.if.we.worship
not.Bush.or.Obama
it's.how.we.treat.each.other.and.I.can
tell.you.treat.others.well.
I'm.glad.you're.here.and.I.am
here.for.you.if.you.need.me.
(I.promise.to.fix.my.spacebar.soon)
:D
xoxo
here and I fell in love with OS. So, you and I are about the same newbie-wise. I agree with almost all your points. I have found many blogs about religion, especially Seder menus, Good Friday observances, and Easter celebrations.
Glad you posted this.
Yes, there's a lot of talent and intelligence here. I tell my friends it's Facebook for literate people. Maybe an unfair putdown of Facebook, but you know what I mean.
It's overwhelming liberal, yes, though there are a few exceptions. Some of the nastiest arguments here have been between liberals bickering over slight differences. That bores me. As a non-dogmatic liberal, I'd love to hear a few reasoned conservative voices. (But be sure you're not thin-skinned!)
There is a lot of respect and kindness for each other here, because we feel like members in the same club. (There are a few who seem to enjoy being nasty, so beware.) There can be a lot of bickering here because nobody understands the editorial thinking about what goes on the front page and what doesn't, but I know that when one of my favorites gets chosen, I'm happy for them and not the least bit jealous. I hope others feel the same way.
It's not as agnostic as you think. There are several writers here who have written about their Christian faith, and we've had an outpouring of sensitive article about Judaism during Passover.
I sense you'll be very comfortable here.
Don't be afraid to share when you feel moved to - your ideals are just as worthy and worth seeing the light of day as any other here. Don't worry about getting knocked down, it's kinda like grade school, ya just glower and pick yourself up and dust yourself off - as you say - opinions butt heads in some posts but on others nearly everyone is in there pulling together :).
Welcome!
Your presence here is definitely an asset. And perhaps having a conservative Christian voice added will make things just a bit livelier. Glad you're here. I like your stuff. And I like that you're from the city in which I grew up.
Outside - I know, right? I'm so honored that such cool people have come here to comment (you too!). Oh, and about figuring out the banner, it's the computer geek in me. Had to do it.
Sandra - Thank you so much for that feedback! That so explains the apparent predominance of atheists/agnostics here on this site. "...uncharacteristically chatty" - that cracked me up! Your question about what topics delineate conservatism? It's not the topic for me, it's the philosophies. For me, it's about tradition, stability, continuity, loyalty, patriotism, religion. I also loved your description of OS as a big rambling Victorian mansion. Great imagery!
dirndl - Thanks for your comments. I meant no judgment nor to label any individuals. I appreciate your kind wishes!
sweetfeet - Wow thanks! What a great compliment!
Kit - Thank you! I like that concept a lot - not opposite nor opposed. It goes both ways, too; there should be tolerance, honor, and respect whether liberal or conservative.
cominghome - Thank you for your welcome and your kind comments!
Trig is that you? Nana?
Sorry if I'm a cynical shit, but this is too funny........did no one else catch this?????
:-)
Rated for culture!!!
Amanda – I’m actually getting used to your posts with the dots. It’s becoming kind of a signature thing! Thanks for your wonderfully supportive comment, dots and all.
Dianaani – Welcome to OS too!
ClarkK – Glad to make your acquaintance, too! And thanks for such a warm welcome!
Cranky – “Facebook for literate people” – HA! I love that! Thank you so much for your feedback, it was great! I’ve decided I’m gonna start calling myself a “non-dogmatic conservative” from now on!
Scanner – thanks for the welcome, and I agree, there are great people here!
Fernsy – Thanks for the kind comment!
Seer – Welcome to OS too! Thanks for your encouragement and reassurance!
Walter – Wow, thanks, that was nice. And woohoo Tampa Bay!
Sandra – I met Torman and his wife (knew them before coming here) and you’re right, they are just as incredibly wonderful in person as they are on here!
H-Julie – Well even though I’ve decided to call myself a “non-dogmatic conservative” from now on, I might just insert an opinion or two from time to time. Thanks for the comment!
Outside – it helps if you have software (like Photoshop). For the banner, not for the banter. You have the banter nailed without any assistance from software!
N-Jordan – Thanks for the comment – and for the rating!
But for the most part it is civil and kind. If you embroil with comments, it can go the other way, but that is a choice.
Can't help you much on religion as I am not that high on it and can be as unwelcoming, likely, in some caustic commentary about the unyielding nature of some of the religious right as any secular liberal. But, I have the utmost respect of those who walk the walk when it comes to religion, and that can be discerned easily from the tenor and tone of their writings. It's a kindness and civility that is not the sole purview of the religious, but shows a utilized of the creed, as it were, that is consistent with the teachings, rather than hiding behind it as an excuse for intolerance of an opposing viewpoint.
Good luck. Keep clicking on favorites of favorites, it really is a fun way to explore the joint. I still find myself doing it 18 or so months after showing up.
Jesus.
:)
(I'm kidding. Welcome!)
I've only had the privilege of reading the post above, but I hope to read many more.
Please stay. If anyone gives you any trouble, I and several others will circle the wagons around you.
Rated!
Welcome.
Have you found Monte Canfield's blog yet? (Sorry, commenting before reading comments and I rather suspect some folks will already have mentioned him to you. He's not a CONSERVATIVE Christian, but he is most definitely my idea of what a true, Christ-following Christian looks like.
Like I said, welcome!
And just by reading your post I can tell you belong here.
Don't worry about whether OS is too liberal, conservatives here hold their own, and there have been serious and respectful debates on anything and everything.
Dustups and snarks are a part of life. They come and go. And then we all get a talking to by the voices of reason and we settle down.
And you got Art James!!!! Honey, you are home.
Are you new here, too?
Not frightened, are you?
Feel at home, I do.
glad you're getting in the pool!
Good to know you here, and I look forward to more posts!
'Group think', which can often be found in religion, but not always, will be challenged. I admire that about OS.
Welcome, and I hope you find your niche and know that if you need anything, I am a PM away.
Gwool – Thank you so much for your kind and helpful comments. “If you embroil it with comments … that is a choice.” How true! A thought worth a whole blog entry all by itself!
Lesh – Thanks so much for stopping in.
Kasey – You know how people write, “You made me spit [insert beverage] all over my monitor” but they really didn’t do such a thing? I did! Okay, no liquid actually came in contact with my notebook, but I did choke and tried to spew a mouthful of Coke Zero. Too funny! Thanks for the welcome – and for the laugh!
Julie – Thanks for the kind words and for the referral, I’ll be sure to check her blog out.
Cindy – Yeah, no kidding! I never expected one of my entries to get this kind of attention and honestly it ROCKS, hehe! Thanks for your nice comment!
B-f-t-queen – What a great welcome! Thanks for your comment and for having my back!
Catherine – Thanks!
Denise – Thanks for the nice welcome and for referring me to Dr. Canfield’s blog. Nope, no one else mentioned him but I already checked him out!
Vanessa – Thanks for your welcome and for your kind comments! It’s good to be reassured about the respectful culture here.
Ladyslipper – Welcome to you, too! Thanks so much for stopping in.
Femme – Thanks for your kind welcome. “…we love that you said we were intelligent.” Ha! Well, y’all ARE!
Aim – Nope, I’m definitely not here to proselytize, nor convert, advocate, convince, defend, persuade, sway, catechize, nor indoctrinate. Oh I gotta tell ya this - “proselytize” was such a great word, I just had to “thesaurus.com” it – and as soon as I entered the word, an ad popped up that said “Meet Pentecostal Singles” ! Ha! Is that funny or what?!
Sparking – Thank you so much for the kind comments and the warm welcome! I wiki’ed groupthink and it said some underlying motives are “desire to avoid being seen as foolish, or a desire to avoid embarrassing or angering other members of the group.” It’s good to hear that the general population here at OS would welcome individualized points of view.
F-and-Bs – Thanks! And yes they are!
Rooster – welcome to you too! Thanks for your kind comments!
A-H-Pilgrim – Thank you for your comment and for your encouragement.
I wish I were as perceptive as you are about the culture of OS when I first got here. It would have saved me some serious growing pains.
When all the dust settled, though, I found OS to be a uniquely hospitable site that is generally life and people affirming, open and caring and willing to allow a wide variety of people to get to know and respect one another. But if you are going to flourish here the one requirement is to be open-minded and willing to listen to people with very different views that you have.
We have our share of trolls and neandertals, and even some who just like to stir up s**t. Kind of like everywhere I have ever lived. But, on balance, this is a fine place to read, write and play. I think you will do very well here, and enjoy it very much. Most people here will have your back if you are sincere, honest and compassionate. Otherwise, not so much.
I look forward to reading more of your work and getting to know you better through it.
Blessings and Peace,
Monte
HAHAHAHA
=)
Welcome, rated.
For two years I've watched this universe expand and contract with unusual and extraordinary writers, many constants, some shooting stars, and, as anywhere, some obviously disturbed and needy souls. You will hear there are "cliques." I think that's less true than that there are, as in everyday life, those with common interests, those who've met and/or simply bonded, 'betas' who have history here together, generational groups (though that's less prevalent as the age here skews over 30, probably over 40), those whose writing styles (poetry, prose, humor, memoir, etc.) blend and yes, those with political ideas, especially liberals.
Political posters stand out on both sides, but spur lively debate, rarely snark, you'll find them. Rev Monte is a precious resource on religion and belief systems, there are many Christians and Jews who speak about their own experiences. In the main, we learn from each other, as you said... respectfully. If you're concerned your conservative Christian values will turn people off if woven into your writing, don't be... unless you intend to proselytize, which doesn't seem the case. And would spark lively debate regardless.
Humor is everywhere. Fabulous fiction. Photography. Graphic and tradition art. Poetry. Tragedy. Family life. LGBT. History. Politics, religion, sex, music, travel, cooking. Life.
This environment is elastic, stretching our talents, interests, knowledge, learning curves, hearts and minds. We're writers, some of us artists, creative and often high strung. Don't let that get in your way. There's a great pool of talent here (mixing my metaphors). Welcome to that pool! Jump in, immerse, swim, float... throw the occasional leaf, bug or Baby Ruth out of your way and, most of all, have fun.
vzn – I know, right? Who woulda thought?
Bonnie – Thanks for stopping by!
Thoth – Thanks, Thoth, for always saying such nice things!
Sally – Wow! What a great response! Over the years, I’ve been a member of a few online universes, which all seem to have similar properties (expansion and contraction, shooting stars, the appearance of cliques, humor, and of course the disturbed and needy souls, no universe is complete without those). I loved your description of this environment as elastic and appreciate that you shared the benefit of your experience here as well as such a warm welcome. Thanks!
Seafarer – well, that’s cool. Thank YOU!
Cindy – Thanks for the welcome, and welcome to you, too.
Scupper – Thank you so much.
:D
Just kidding, OS is a grand place, a wide variety of folks ranging from the good Christian to that fellow over there! ~points to a mirror~ He's a loser!! :)
Rated, a bit late, but better late than never!!!