The Looming Challenges of 2013
Eating Plants has been active for about 18 months. Throughout that time I have struggled to find a “voice” for this blog, provide it with a defining quality that was neither too vague nor overly narrow. At this point, I honestly do not think I’ve been able to do that. Which is fine. Instead, I’ve floated around (sometimes flailed), taking whatever vegan-related issue was on my mind and posting my thoughts on it. Sometimes this approach works, sometimes it does not. Still, there’s a lot of room for improvement.
So, I have multiple goals for this blog in 2013. One, I’d like to post everyday. For whatever reason, I find this to be an important quest, and something that readers deserve: consistency.
Two, with respect to the concern expressed in the opening paragraph, I’d like the blog as a whole to achieve greater clarity of focus. My sense is that I’m happiest when writing about Big Ideas and Big Picture topics that bear on the broad subject of vegan ethics. As you know by now, I’m no philosopher, but I’m drawn to the questions they explore. Insofar as a blog is a personal process of discovery, I may venture out of my comfort zone a bit and write more about ethics. You may have to bear with me.
Third, I have several promises to keep—for example, I still need to put out that PDF of the ten most common objections to veganism and how to respond; I also vowed to do a post comparing Karl Marx and Michael Pollan. Be assured that these tasks are still on the stove, if a bit far back on the burner. Time. That’s all it’s about.
I think a lot about how to manage/improve the comments section. I’ve only had to ban two readers—and it was because they were, in their ongoing battle with each other, sucking all the air out of my posts. Unless there are threats or undue profanity, I never block or trash comments. Frankly, I’m happy to have comments at all (I think). I suppose I’m really an agnostic on the matter.
But I will say this: in an ideal Eating Plants world, I’d write, readers would comment, and productive dialogue would ensue, civility would prevail, and we would all learn from each other about all matters vegan. This scenario actually happens a lot here, and I’m genuinely grateful when it does. For now, nothing will change with respect to comments. I just encourage all readers to contribute in the spirit of furthering our insight and knowledge rather than scoring points, tossing off insults, or having a rant. As always, I appreciate those who include their full identity when they comment. This just seems more upstanding to me than using a moniker. Just my two cents.
In any case, these are my wayward thoughts as 2012 comes to a close. I appreciate my readership very much and am thankful for all you contribute to this blog. Be well.
JM
I’m grateful for your blog, James. Expect in me a faithful reader (and occasional comment-leaver) in the coming year.
Peace.
Hello James…. I was talking to someone recently about your blog, and mentioned (and got agreement with) the fact that what makes your blog interesting is that it isn’t just about this or that, and it takes a different approach on all kinds of things. I wouldn’t change a thing, personally. Also, speaking honestly: not sure about the daily postings. I myself like seeing your posts a couple of times(ish) a week — for me, that’s enough (amidst the sea of cyber info we all wade through these days). All my 2 cents… in any event, please keep posting — it’s always appreciated. And happy 2013.
Wondering if a broad consideration of vegan ethics will include discussion of subjects such as: zoos, the ivory and rhino horn trade, animal experimentation, etc. – in other words issues not directly related to animals as food, but that encompass other ways in which animals are commodified and suffer.
In my own evolution as a vegan, I have come to view all of these issues as inseparable from one another.
Also, I would love to know what you (and other readers) are reading – what books have been really valuable in extending and clarifying your thinking.
All of that said, I am thrilled you will be writing on a daily basis and look forward to your thoughts in the new year.
Many thanks.
It is a pleasure and privilege to read all your comments and I look forward to each and every one. Perhaps one could discuss how one who is sympathetic to veganism because of the ethical and moral repugnance one feels at the killing of animals can approach friends and relatives who are not so inclined without alienating them . I want to share the horrors that I witness in reading and video sources so as to enlighten them and find myself always sharing with the ‘converted’ and not informing those who should learn of what we know. Most of my friends are like-minded but not all and I wish to expand their horizons which is vital if we are to expand our numbers and spread the reality of the hell of which we are so very aware. Thank you!
your blog helps me to think deeply about vital issues, allows me to articulate my own thoughts in a more precise manner (making me a better advocate) and brings me great joy knowing you are out in the world doing this important work . thank you for the time and energy invested in this blog and all the compassionate seeds you plant in the world. your fan, lisa
Those are worthy goals that benefit us all… Thank you for sharing your insights and providing a safe ground to discuss differing views. Best in 2013!
I echo the sentiments above, especially Lisa’s comment — that your writing helps others articulate and frame the issues in a more persuasive and coherent way. You’ve done that for me, without question. I’m grateful for the time, effort and thoughtful analyses applied here … so much so that I consistently check for new posts, and my Safari browser now lists “Eating Plants” as a top site, owing to my daily clicks. Thank you, James, for your lucid and compassionate perspective. Wishing you and yours a beautiful start to 2013~!
Hi James, Happy New Year! Was introduced to your blogs via Bill and Lou and our ongoing hope to have Bill retire to sanctuary free from the slaughter-happy GMC college. I am now a fan and look forward to your ebook on Bill & Lou. We must discuss and share, but let’s follow this through to a happy ending for Bill, the oxen that remains with the college that killed his 11 year old brother.
Thank You.