The following post, which was originally published to webeldotnet over three years ago, gives some insight into the purpose and design of this website. I think now, as readership increases and my own personal interaction with friends and family decreases, would be a good time to bring these issues up again and re-clarify what this thing is all about.

The webeldotnet Philosophy
March 19th, 2003

I have noticed an interesting phenomenon: Whenever I have a lot of things to say, I’m usually too busy to get online and post them. Conversely, whenever I have enough time to post something on webeldotnet, I don’t have anything to say. Thus, this website is pretty much full of useless miscellaneous information. I guess that’s ok, and it somewhat caters to a really fun group of people. But I’ve noticed that whenever I publish something remotely substantial or thought-provoking, it tends to attract much better interaction and much more interesting comments. Good thing I’m not doing this for the crowd, eh?

Actually, that brings up an issue I’d like to mention: the philosophy behind this blog. I think it’s pretty important to explicitly state why my website is out here and organized the way it is. Believe it or not, there is a rhyme and a reason behind it. If that philosophy is unstated, however, it can definately lead to problems … even in real life (I’ve experienced that a little lately). I want my purpose to be clear. So here goes:

1. webeldotnet is an organic expression through an emerging medium. It seeks to change and grow as a reflection of its creator (that’s me!). Because of this, all sorts of content may arise … random thoughts, deep introspections, surreal graphics, hilarious photos, moments of truth, communications with the Giver of Life, links to other interesting websites, and situational ironies. It’s dynamic. It’s organic.

2. Moreover, comments, links, and interaction on webeldotnet are just like a patchwork quilt; they usually point to a larger community, a collection of other people (just like me … I’m a collaborative work by the people around me). You are an important part of this, whether you contribute or just eavesdrop (there’s nothing wrong with that).
3. Interestingly, this website seeks to take advantage of the medium of cyberspace by connecting people, spanning global issues, and connecting worlds that would otherwise remain compartmentalized. I have been blessed to know and understand a variety of different worldviews and lifestyles, and those people deserve to be enriched by each other. A blog, at its best, is simply a conversation.
4. In some respects, webeldotnet is a unique opportunity to generalize (to learn something outside the learning environment). For instance, I can reinforce items that I teach in my classroom by the things that I post here and the ways that I post those things. I can also gain accountability for my thoughts and actions by being completely honest and transparent here (a type of generalization for myself). Additionally, this website allows other people (campers, family, friends, students, etc) to give input and interact where they would not otherwise get the opportunity.
5. Finally, this is a humble pursuit. It is not a priority of mine nor does it claim to be complete or without fault. webeldotnet is merely a reservoir of glances into my heart, mind, and soul (and consequently a glance into those of the people around me).

So that’s it. It’s not a comprehensive or exhaustive philosophy, but hopefully it’s a little clarifying and perhaps even thought-provoking. Has it provoked any thoughts?

Posted to webeldotnet on Thursday, July 13th, 2006 at 1:15 pm EST in webeldotnet (comment feed). If you refer to this post on your blog, please trackback. Thanks!