del.icio.us darling!

I really enjoyed setting up the del.icio.us page as well as viewing everyone else's pages. I think it really tapped into the discussion we had a bit ago about composing one's "self" through a blog or facebook page. The picking and choosing specific websites can emulate a persons "self" merely by the kinds of websites they tag on their del.isio.us page. I thought it was interesting to see how the class took the specific assignment of picking some websites pertaining to what we have learned in class, and turned their pages into a personal bulletin board of websites they find not only pertain to the class but also illustrate a part of their own identity as well.

Personally, I put some websites on my page that pertained to music, literature, and trashy celebrity gossip; all subjects I find stimulating (some more than others). However, I did find a website that advertised the "art of Zen blogging" that I found really interesting. It is basically a book that takes the art of Zen Buddhism and applies it to blogging. Here are some of the rules it explains:

"1. Get Over Your “Self”

Buddhists believe that suffering begins with our perception that we are separate and distinct from the rest of reality. In other words, our own egos make us miserable.

In blogging, the publisher / reader mindset can also cause you unnecessary pain. The key to successful blogging is an alignment of interests between writer and reader. It’s that sweet spot where what’s good for your readers matches what’s good for you.

Don’t focus on having a great blog. Focus on producing a blog that’s great for your readers."

"2. Free Your Mind

Zen is all about seeing deeply into the nature of things by direct experience. Blogging that gets noticed and linked to is all about seeing existing information from a unique perspective and writing with a fresh angle.

Zen encourages meditation, and great blogging requires contemplative thought. If you’re truly going to get into lateral thinking mode, you’ve got to step away from the keyboard and think. Stop surfing, twittering, and reading RSS feeds and go for a walk.

Albert Einstein figured out that time is relative while on a stroll with a friend. Go do something else and a killer angle for your next blog post may just pop into your head."

"3.It’s Up to You

While still steeped in Buddhist philosophy, Zen is more concerned with attaining wisdom through doing, in that daily life and mundane tasks will teach you more than any sacred text could. In this way, blogging and Zen are closely aligned—simply showing up and keeping at it will teach you more than anyone else can.

Zen encourages practitioners to learn from teachers and other students to better understand how to attain truth through direct experience. The blogging community offers a similar environment, but the final breakthrough will always occur in your own mind and be the result of your own actions. You’ve got to accept responsibility for your own success."

~Zen and the Art of Remarkable Blogging : by Brian Clark

http://www.copyblogger.com/zen-and-the-art-of-remarkable-blogging/

Does your blog exude the characteristics of the Zen truth and widsom? Do you take note of your audience? Do you write from a fresh angle? Do you accept the responsibility to produce a successful blog? If so, then you are on the road to an insightful and truthful blog! (according to the book at least!).