Well, At Least We’ve Moved Past ThighGate

They did a song once called "Lord of the Thighs." Best I could come up with.

I had intended for my post yesterday to be a one-and-done about CPAC. However, it’s generated a touch of heat; Stacy McCain, the Lonely Conservative, Thoughts and Rantings and That Mr. G Guy have all linked to and commented on it, plus a couple of beloved friends have chimed in. So, thought I’d address a few items that have arisen as a result.

1. Yes, I know and accept that life isn’t fair. Sometimes you don’t get what you deserve (which in eternity’s case is something for which we should all be grateful), sometimes you lose when you should win, sometimes those who as best you can tell are less deserving get the prize you seek. You suck it up and deal. At least you’d better, or you’ll tear yourself apart from the inside.
    
   That said, there are going to be moments when this stubborn insistence on being human we all share cries out, “Oh, come ON!” in response to a loss or string of losses. Hopefully such moments strengthen your resolve to not quit and work harder for what you’re trying to achieve. I believe this entire episode, for me, is one of those moments. Hopefully the fire is being fueled for the right reasons.

 

2. No, I am not jealous of Ed Morrissey. Nor do I believe it’s his obligation to help me in any fashion, although the notion that the blogosphere should be a genuine community effort where everyone helps each other as best they can has plenty of merit. My issue with him is that from a time well before he joined HotAir and he was “just” a blogger at Captains Quarters, every time I’d write him about anything — a question, a comment, a request to read something I’d written — he never responded. I’d send him a tweet, same response. Namely, a total lack thereof. Others say he’s always been generous to them with his time and support. Great for them. That’s not been my experience.

 

3. In regard to the bloggers overcrowding situation at CPAC, as I commented on Stacy’s blog:
    
   Another possible solution, however distasteful it may be, is setting standards for blogging credentials. Your blog must have X number of visitors per month for Y number of months. If not, you must have letters of recommendation from three unaffiliated bloggers who do meet the traffic requirements in order to be placed in a pool from which random names are drawn for the remaining spots, if any.Yes, this is an institutionalized two-tier system and entirely contrary to the blogging spirit. But lack of room is lack of room. If I don’t make it because I don’t meet the requirements, so be it.

   And let’s be honest. Given a choice between having an Ed Morrissey in the house or me, Eddie gets the nod every time. That’s just the way it is no matter how much I dislike the deal.

   Either don’t credential as many bloggers, or find better facilities for them. That’s not class warfare. That’s basic good business sense.

 

4. Finally:I blog because I believe I have something to say, something that deserves an audience. I’m not looking for fame or fortune (not that I’d mind the latter, but let’s be real). I’m looking to speak plain truth about things that are important to me and I want to share with as many people as possible: faith, politics, etc. I’m looking to hear from people and interact with them. I’m looking to promote people and words that have a positive impact. I’m looking to build community. In short, I blog because I love blogging.
    
   If Morrissey and others don’t think what I have to say is worth promoting, so be it. I’m always working on improving, and I do what I do because it’s what is on my heart, not to curry favors with bloggers who enjoy far bigger audiences than I. What rankles is when Morrissey and others are just plain rude. And ignoring people is rude. Yes, I understand busy. I also understand that if you’re too busy… yes.

That’s all. For now, anyway.

ADDENDUM: Thanks to That Mr. G Guy’s Blog for the link.