A Long Time Coming

Hi friends.

I am so glad you've arrived at what I like to call my literary playground.

As the title of my blog implies ~ the thoughts, opinions and concepts discussed here are completely random. I am likely to discuss faith, my spectacular shoe collection, a hot local restaurant and the comings and goings of my family in a single week.

I've had this blog since 2004, and I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting new internet friends and reacquainting with old friends along the way. As you can see by my stat counter at the bottom of the page, I've enjoyed a healthy dose of random traffic over the years (137,258 unique page loads at the time of this writing!)

That said, I think it's time we go over some blog etiquette. Whether we are sharing a meal together or enjoying a phone conversation - manners are extremely important to me (I keep one of Emily Post's books in my powder room). I expect to be treated with respect and kindness at all times, including on da blog.

So here are some ground rules to follow as you meander through my site and all the other blogs on the WWW.

First and foremost - #1 Don't steal my stuff. I am not God's gift to the written word, but I'd like to think I can successfully string together a few sentences from time to time. All of the posts on this blog are considered intellectual property, with me being the soul creator and owner. If you want to use a bit of it, ask. That's why I provided my email address below my pic. If you ask nicely, you're more likely to get a nice answer.

Now that we got that bit out of the way...

#2 If you're going to leave a comment - make sure it's a well crafted idea that contributes to the general idea of the post. It doesn't have to sound like a Shakespearian sonnet, but I'd like to think you put some thought into it, after all - I spend quite a bit of time mulling over my ideas and editing them before you get to read them. I expect the same from my readers.

Also pertaining to comments: #3 Please don't use my blog as a forum to pimp your own page, your business, your event, your art etc. If you really want some recognition, re-read Rule #2. Be witty. Be insightful. Be open. Maybe I'll like what you have to say, maybe I won't. Either way, chances are I'll take notice and check out your page.

I am so grateful for any occasion when someone thinks enough of my blog to put a link on their own page. That said, #4 just because you link to me - that doesn't guarantee I'll link back. I actually am quite discriminating about the links I include in my sidebar. All of the featured blogs offer either excellent writing, intelligent insight about the world around us, or unique content about my hometown. I don't throw up links willy nilly, so don't be hurt if I don't include you.

Finally #5 Please respect my private life. Three years ago I discovered my former employer and my father had both started reading my blog. That's when I started toning down the content on my pages. These days, I don't talk about my personal relationships or my workplace. That's just bad business (on both accounts). Please keep in mind I am a real person with real problems who may or may not reveal to you the full story. Just because you read my pages - it does not mean you know me. I am happy to continue email correspondence with my blog readers, but I likely do not want to meet you face-to-face. As you can gather, I have a pretty busy life socially and professionally and do not use my blog to enhance either aspect.

Thanks again for checking out my blog! I hope I make you laugh, think, and feel along the way, and I hope you do the same for me.

Cheers,
KtG

PS: Please check out the following blog posts for more reference on blogging etiquette

The Ward-O-Matic
Cafe Mama
Cadence 90