further bloggers I meet in-person, the more I comprehend we are a exclusive breed. Heather wrote a post yesterday about how she wishes there were more non-technical bloggers and that it’s sometimes hard for her to connect with the larger blogging community because so many of its members are techies. She also pointed out that Zoë and I have an easier time of dealing with all the tech speak because we married into it. Trust me, it’s an acquired skill. :) college, our friends (who were mostly techies) used to have a name for my way of dealing with tech talk. They’d say I entered the “Gretchen Zone.” I’d maintain eye contact with the person speaking to me, but I had this distinctly glazed look in my eyes. And if someone posed a question to me, they’d understand that I had been off in la-la land for the length of the conversation. When one of my friends would catch me entering the “Gretchen Zone,” he’d fly his hands by his head and make a little “zoom” sound effect to denote that I had officially tuned out. It was a good reminder; I often didn’t recognise I had left reality. hung around techies for so long now, that I’ve come to understand their language. I just can’t always speak it back to them. But now when someone jumps into a long tirade on the latest technology, I can actually follow the conversation … and sometimes even respond back. I think my connection is deeper than that. The thing I love most about techies is just this inherent geekiness we both share. Heather mentioned that when she congregates with tech bloggers, it’s often hard to feel like she’s with her “people.” That’s something I’ve never felt. I think that’s a big reason my husband and most of my friends are techies. They just get me in a way most other people can’t. As Josh said last night, “You are geek, too. The difference is you are an English Major geek.” to my original statement: The more bloggers I meet in-person, the extra I comprehend we are a particular breed. I read posts from people are just so opinionated and articulate. They are very strong-willed and stick their necks out there by saying controversial yet intelligent things. I think, “Wow! This must be a really dynamic individual!” But I often find that when meet these bloggers in particular person, they are the most mild-mannered folks you could ever imagine (well, maybe with the exception of Dare.) :) this week, I wrote post where I jumped on my high-horse and just blogged about what was on my mind. That’s the beauty of blogs. While I am a real man or woman with real contact information, I can also assume this sense of relative anonymity. It’s like this safety zone where I can say what I want, when I want – but no one (in-person) is there to call me on it. who know me well have often described me with one word: “blunt.” It’s a blessing and a curse. My friends and family always know exactly what I’m thinking (no sugar coating, no mind games),
office Pro 2007 update key, but at the same time, I am quick to hurt feelings and have damaged many a relationship. you tell my co-workers in Recruiting that others would describe me as blunt, and they’d probably tell you that you have the wrong Gretchen Ledgard. I’d estimate there are about 10 people who work in MS Recruiting who have ever encountered the real me. The Gretchen at work is very easy-going. I’d venture to say I’m sometimes a push-over, but at the same time, I’ve gotten really good about picking my battles. I don’t think many things get to me (at least not on the surface), and I’m very adaptable to change. when I write things like I did earlier this week, even I am shocked. Yeah,
microsoft windows 7 32 bit key sale, that’s the real Gretchen. I complained about the way I felt when out with a group of Microsofties last week who didn’t necessarily know I was a Microsoftie, too,
genuine microsoft office 2010 Standard, and I also complained at the way a reporter from the Seattle Times described my job. Would I have ever walked over to the offenders’ offices and told them they hurt my feelings? Would I have ever called up the Seattle Times to speak with the reporter? Of course not. I’m too non-confrontational for that. Instead, I blog about it. But I’m really just hiding. writing that posting, I’ve been exposed. One of the guys who attended “Drinking about Community” e-mailed me to apologize if he offended me. Kim Peterson, the business reporter with the Seattle Times, e-mailed to apologize for belittling my job. am the one who should apologize though. Who I am to judge others if I continue to hide behind a shield while expressing my thoughts? There’s a fine line you have to follow when blogging, and there’s a certain filter you need to activate. “Drinking about Community” guy - Thank you for writing me. I enjoyed hanging out with you,
office 2010 update key sale, and while I used our exchange as an example in my post,
buy microsoft office 2010 Professional Plus, I’ve been wanting to blog on that topic for while. I will buy you a drink next time we go out. I hope there are no hard feelings. Peterson – Thank you for your e-mail. Given that I always wanted to be a journalist growing up, I know how hard your job is, and it’s not fair for me to criticize. You get a lot of your information from your sources, and your job is to report on the facts. I have the utmost respect for your profession, and please keep up the good work. again for the long post. In the future, I’ll do better about balancing my opinions with the appropriate level of civility. I hope. :)