Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. I read each comment with interest, and took the time to do some long term planning. As you can probably tell from the title of this post, I’ve decided to, “keep on bloggin!” I love my country, I love writing about foreign affairs, and Heaven help me, I love the everyday adventure of breaking the rules.
It’s been interesting to hear some of the rules that other bloggers use. When I started, I decided to keep my mouth shut about anything I touch in an official capacity (not difficult, since neither the country I’m in nor my ongoing assignment is a hotspot). I think that will probably continue to be my guide.
I generally try to suggest new policies rather than criticize current ones, admittedly a fine line. I’m not a journalist, so I don’t feel any obligation towards journalistic integrity, but I do consider myself a generally good guy, so I don’t plan on lying or misrepresenting anything. Raving agreement comes off as propaganda, so hopefully my occasional disagreement will only underscore the vast majority with which I do agree.
The idea of not mentioning that I’m a Foreign Service Officer is interesting, but it isn’t one I can fully get behind. If I am going to consider myself a generally good guy, I can’t take money from the US government every two weeks and not recognize that that has to create some bias. (I’m looking at you pharmaceutical testers!) I feel like I should disclose that bias.
Anyway, it’s been a great three months. I’ve enjoyed interacting with you. I’ve got some big things planned for the next twoish months (that’s right, I only plan twoish months in advance). I’m looking at a site redesign, maybe a contest, and trying to think up a new how-to series. I enjoyed the feedback from the last post, so please feel free to make suggestions. Thanks for reading!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
While reading this post, somewhere in the background, I could here Vera Lane singing.
I’m glad to hear you are continuing your blog. It’s quite a nice read along with being thought-provoking. Also, fyi, just found out I passed the FSOT, so now the QEP. Thanks again for your FSOT section - I doubt I would have passed the essay without reading that section!
Great! Keep on blogging. Maybe you don’t have to keep your status as an FSO secret, but it doesn’t have to be constantly stated and emphasized.
Thank you for considering my advice.
@mw - I admit it, I’m a little proud of the title.
@Brooks - Congratulations! Best of luck with the QEP. I’m happy I could help.
@Mark - Thank you for the suggestion, and you make a good point. We’ll see how things turn out.
I, for one, am glad to hear it.
And now, I’ll go back to reading quietly.
I’m glad you have decided to continue blogging. I definitely enjoy your posts!