Welcome to the black hole. But I can say that writing about things that matter, addle us or can possibly help others does not make it a completely self-absorbed act. Of course, my post from today says nothing to reflect the comment that I just made. Just jump in and have fun. Kind of like sex. If only.

Yes, it's all true. Just like life, we are all interested only in our own world view. That's what makes this a great place to vent and observe, to ponder and make us laugh, to explain and to seek. You can find out what makes the other half tick or just seek out like-minded people. Though it all, I hope you enjoy the ride.

A good commentary, and one that I'm sure many of us share. That being said, not all of us are even here to blog at all. Some of are just here to write, and it's coincidental that we're doing it on a blogging site. Whatever your reason though, we're happy you're here.

I hope you're not leaving already! (But, yeah, I know what you're talking about.)

There should be no pressure to blog daily, just whenever the muse hits. Go for a while if you must, return when you want to. If fame and glory are what you seek, though, calling your readers 'losers' might not be the best first move. Hopefully you'll stick around a bit, find your rhythm, and enjoy yourself.

I write to write and I don't think of myself so much as a blogger here but as a writer who has found a place to polish ideas and his skill as a writer. Read me and I thank you, don't and, well it just lines you up with the vast majority of people in the world. I'd say hang around if it were my choice. You find some true gems here on occasion.

I hear you! Over a year as a member -- only 20 posts. Between working and taking care of Dad, there's not a lot of time to spare. I read and comment more than post. Welcome, anyway. Just post when you feel like it. No pressure. Easier that way. :)

First welcome. I always wanted to write and never got the chance to do so. This is a place for me to experiment. You could look at many of my posts to see that. Pardon the shameless self promotion, but it's only to illustrate that people come here for difference reasons. the best I think is what Bill S. said, "I come here to be read!"

You posted for whatever reason your chose. If I like your writing I be back to read more.

No, no, no--don't turn away yet! I had very similar feelings about blogging until recently. When the whole thing really became big several years ago, I thought, "Why does everyone think people want to read about their personal lives--that's so self-centered."

But then, being a writer and wanting to keep up with the writing trends, I started a blog of my own. I had maybe 5 followers. Then I started another one. This time I had 4 followers.

Then I found OS--what a difference!! Here, it is not just self-centered bloggers writing about themselves but intelligent, passionate people who want to partake in a conversation about things. Plus, even if you don't get 100 people to read your post, you can have at least 30 people--to me that was amazing.

So keep writing and writing and writing. I promise you--within a few days you will be absolutely hooked. And you will have made some friends too!

Yes. We're writing about "our meaningless, consumer-driven lives."

But there is some benefit about being in a conversation, which is what blogging really is, with other people. Don't forget that one. The connections made here are just as human as the ones made that start with a handshake. :)

I love all the losers here. Including myself. heh.

the word is "narcissism" and it goes way beyond blogs. twitter, txt msging, etcetera. I think it would be a great topic of a blog post....!! maybe Ill write one sometime....

ps welcome to OS

so lets see, blogging is like navel gazing. so then ... writing about blogging as being like navel gazing is....?
how postmodern & ironic...

I'm totally self-absorbed.

Like a sponge pocket.

If it matters to me, it matters to me.

Beware the ones who lie;)

Yeah, like "Will Someone Feed the Cat?" said, who the hell cares if it is self-absorbed? Be self-absorbed. And as odetteroulette points out, the connections offer a lot. Be self-absorbed! Things matter to you! How is that pathetic?

Thank you all for your input. I honestly was so disgusted with myself today I was going to quit. I was thinking about people's articles all day when I was driving and almost got into a car accident. In a way, it is like there is just too much going on here to read and comment about and think about. It is overwhelming. Add to that the fact that I am already feeling a bizarre and sad competitive streak in that I am wanting people to read what I say. I don't really care about fame and fortune, I am just hoping that people will read me. And this is making me conjure up all sorts of horrific and deplorable article headlines, like "I murdered Someone!" or, "I am Hot, Gay & Willing to Talk!" I am repulsed by these ideas. And yet I cannot shake them. For now I am going to stay (I have a really good article knocking around in my head for tomorrow about a butt plug), but I remain at the precipice.

Also, my entire career has been about public service and because I am working part-time right now, I am finding that I am doing stupid things with my time, whereas when I was working 80 hours a week I was much more efficient. I would never have had the time to do something like this in my past life. I feel guilty for writing about me me me. I am going to stay for now, but at least try to have my posts have something of value to add. Or at least make someone smile, which I have gained the biggest appreciation for as a way to contribute.

Butt plug?! Bring it on!

I am a self absorbed attention whore. I would have the adoration of as many people as possible to boost my already globally expanding ego. Once I have enough followers, I will vanish into obscurity, leaving them hopeless and betrayed. Just like Miley....damn her forever for leaving twitter.

I write to vent, to confess, reflect, reconsider and review. Also to hone my communication skills. Mine is selfish. It is for me and me alone. It does not matter who may or may not read/like my post.

Yes, blogging can take a lot of time, or as little as you want. But no one's getting either rich or famous here, and everyone who thinks it's a competition is in the wrong game. I am here for two reasons:

1. The opportunity to be read makes me write.
2. I can name at least six people who post here who are among the best writers I've ever read. I'm not talking about the people with interesting stories to tell and interesting things to say; there are lots of them here, too. I'm talking about the best writers, period.

Welcome the the lunchroom, THT.

Take the "…who blog…" out of your title...and it still makes great sense and would be just as accurate.

Live with it. We are all self-absorbed. Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa and Albert Schweitzer were self-absorbed.

PS: "Butt plug" in your headline? You're going places on OS.

The fact that this post has gotten the most interest/comments of any of my posts thus far confirms my hypothesis. I think.

Isn't everyone something of an attention whore? And if not, why not? Why feel bad about believing that you have something to say, something you want to share with the world, even if in your own mind it is mindless drivel? Most people's minds are filled with meaningless drivel, and some of us want to share that meaningless drivel (such as my recent play list post LOL) as a way to find common ground with people, share experiences and exchange ideas.

And, sometimes, in that sea of meaningless drivel, there will rise some meaning to something you say that will touch someone in a way that neither you, nor the person reading can ever expect, and that will put meaning to your so-called meaningless drivel, because you may not always be the best judge of what others find meaningful