I've been blogging since before blogging was a word.
In 2000, or what I called Y2KC, I started a “column” called Irreverent Irrelevance – it was exactly what it sounds like. I sent it out to my email list, and some people re-sent, or forwarded it. That's how it got around. I actually met a good deal of people that way. People seem(ed) to like my writing style, if not what I had to express.
So, here I am; moving into a new community and I have to introduce myself to the neighbors – so to speak. Introducing myself is a good exercise. It's an exercise in humility, creativity – and it compels me to assess myself, yet again.
I find myself wanting to begin with what I'm not. I am not what I do, however what I've done has shaped who I've become.
“I'm an ordinary guy living in extraordinary times,” is usually how I start the ball rolling. This allows me to deflect the conversation from myself if necessary. I've done a variety of things. So many that it's difficult to connect myself to a single profession. Normally I will describe the occupation I enjoy doing and talking about the most, regardless of its status. I can, or could, talk in great detail on the strategies of cleaning the showers in the fitness facility in which I once… cleaned showers.
I've earned money as a photographer and a fitness trainer. I've lost money as an independent magazine publisher. I've deejayed and webcast(ed) (before You Tube et al) and written columns for weekly newspapers for peanuts, exposure, experience and/or a tab at the bar… not necessarily in that order.
But these aren't who I am. The closest description I can think of would be Genre Gypsy, as I have traveled from one interest to next as they have beckoned me into their midsts.
Personality-wise – according to those popular online tests (and even a book or two) I am a Dominant Introvert; which as I understand it, is the type of person who seems like an extrovert as long as they are dominating the situation, but once the party or session is over, retreats to their sanctuary to recharge. This is why I've done so well at the DJ and group fitness gigs. I am not a fan of crowds. I am not a fan of “teams” (as in office teams, etc.) In addition to describing myself as a Genre Gypsy, I am also a self-styled Anti-social Loner, (although sometimes I can appear to be a social butterfly.)
I'm not sure why I'm here, nor do I know how long I'll be here. I enjoy learning and gathering information and I need to learn more about vanishing into cyberspace, slipping through society's cracks and possibly feeding and sheltering myself via barter or crypto-currency. So, I'm expecting it to be somewhat of an adventure.
And that, Steemers, is yours truly – at least this version.