What's This Do?

Trying something new but old but new ...

I have a problem. Well, problems. And while I’d like to assure you that this … whatever this is … won’t just be an enumeration of these problems, I can’t guarantee that that won’t be a part of it.

First Problem: I am utterly addicted to social networking platforms, and have been now for nearly half of my life. There are, I’m sure, merits to these platforms - we certainly wouldn’t be on them all the time simply because they’re there, now would we? - but the amount of time and attention they demand of me (or that I provide to them without being asked) is starting to feel like it outweighs whatever merits there are.

Second Problem: I’m trying to separate myself from one of those platforms owing to its increasing toxicity and the transparent awfulness of its oligarch dork-ass owner by starting up a presence on this platform.

I’m not sure that secretly replacing coffee with Folger’s Crystals is gonna do much for my mental state, but let’s watch.

Third Problem: I am, and have always been, a horrendous journaler. Not that that’s the only use of this platform, but I’ve always accustomed myself to engineering my writing for an audience, which has always injected my attempts at journaling with a germ of performativity, while extracting an element of authenticity, leaving me to feel self-conscious of the words on the page.

So if you’re reading this, know that I’m trying to write with integrity and honesty, but as with all attempts, I will not be entirely successful.

Fourth Problem: This platform is new to me, but not to you. You are already more steeped in its rhythms, its vernacular, its successes and failures than I am. (Could I have done some research before diving in? Yes. Probably. Definitely. Anyway.)

So, since it’s unlikely I’m going to emerge fully formed on this platform, I’m going to run the risk of looking back on posts like this and cringing. Which I guess is what we all do all day every day, so why should this experience be any different?

Fifth Problem: I haven’t entirely made up my mind what to do with this space yet. I suppose I don’t have to have that dialed in just yet, but it feels simultaneously terrifying and adventurous to charge in without a plan in place.

Anyway, I’m an entertainment industry professional (25 years’ experience), a dad (10 years), a husband (16 years), and a dog person (18 years), and I have opinions and advice on ALL of that, so probably I’ll be throwing things at the wall to see what sticks, and I hope you’ll bear with me.

Sixth Problem: I may be losing my job of 13 years this week. Stay tuned!

Seventh Problem: Endings are hard. Bye!