I Hate Blogs (But it Seems that Odes have Fallen out of Favor)

I like to think that my friends are poignant.  I like to think that they’re innovative and clever and funny.  And oh so many of them are.  But let’s face it, that’s not why I read their status updates and away messages.  Setting aside for a minute, the fact that 90% of the people on my contact list aren’t even those that I would consider “friends” so much as they are former classmates, colleagues and that guy who tried to buy my crockpot on craigslist, I don’t turn to gchat or facebook to bask in the glory of my wonderful, challenging, hilarious friends.  I don’t do it because I’m seeking catharsis or the next big thing.  I do it because I’m at work and I’m looking for a distraction.  Some of you don’t use the away message, and many of you don’t see the need to regularly update.  Some of you use the away message only for utilitarian purposes, drawing people to your business website or the crockpot that you’re selling on craigslist.  But to those of you who put up away messages that lead to a break in my day via interesting links, funny interactions captured on screen, or an instant need to vent due to acute irritation, this blog is for you and for the workday relief you’ve brought to me in glorious, ten minute intervals.