no penny necessary

I have mixed feelings about blogs--mostly because the internet gives people the illusion that its safe to blurt out deepest feelings and express what, under normal circumstances, ought not be expressed. Its always tempting to throw out random comments about what we love or what we hate with less thought to who might be affected by our outburst than what we might have if we were standing face to face with . . . anyone. And yet, it offers a creative outlet and provides an audience, size often unknown, for the secret poet, lyricist, actor, or hopeless romantic inside of all of us. As more Jane's and Joe's find their voice online, one phrase all of us ought to remember is "cautious restraint." Editorials are quickly replacing good journalism and the reporting of verifiable fact. Opinions are a dime a dozen, and too many people believe everything they read. So if you happen to be online finding your voice, please remember not to lose your mind.