I think it’s important to be real….to be human. Sharing experiences can help paint pictures and get the point across. However, sharing every gory detail of your life certainly doesn’t qualify. Besides, people want to hear more about themselves, not about YOU.

The true meaning of authenticity is to be “true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character”. Being the same person online as you are offline. Couple that truth in who you are with a topic or message that will actually benefit others in their lives and you have the making of a success.

I hope that is where the focus will shift for people in 2010. I won’t hold my breath though.

It is amazing how blogging has impacted society. The idea of Bentham’s ‘Panopticon’ has evolved into a sort of ‘omnopticon,’ with everyone watching everyone and the sense of omniscience being so widespread that we little gods, each watching and judging each miniscule detail of each others’ lives, have no time for our own stories if we fully embrace the possibilities of our new-found powers.

It may not be long until all of us are writing about each other writing. Oh wait.

I say bunk. “Good writing?” “Bad writing?” If people you want to read your stuff are reading it, then the writing is good?

Crowdsourcing has now turned into Crowdpleasing. The Romans had that down — in the colloseum. Trunk’s definition tells us that “reporters” for the National Star produce good writing since their audience reads it.

How about judging writing by whether and how it contributes to the quality of life of those who read it? Try John Gardner’s “On Moral Fiction.” The concepts apply to non-fiction, too.

The apologists for ephemeral crap need only measure how long it takes for the crap to dry up and blow away.

Though we cannot prevent some people to express their foolishness, rest assured that there are consequences for their actions. :-)

I agree that the word has been so watered down, that even I, a truly authentic woman, try not to described myself in that manner. I prefer “genuine” or “real”.

I am also a very transparent person but I don’t tell it all. However, I understand my call in life and I know that God wants me to share my story because it helps others to see that they are not alone. There is someone who gets it!

I totally agree with you about the fluffy statements and all the positive energy. Nothing wrong with being positive but when it overtakes reality then it borders on being toxic to one’s being!

Thank you for sharing in such a truly (you are going to hate this but I am going to say it) authentic manner!