The meaning of life... (on the blogosphere)

The other day I was talking with a friend about blogging and what it has meant to me. Despite only writing for 5 weeks now, this blog has come to be a source of comfort and has given me an outlet for my thoughts that I never imagined I could have.

I came to realize that blogging is much more personal that I first realized. It is also very cathartic. Yet, due to the very personal nature of the words, the author of any blog leaves themselves exposed, in way. It is a double-sided sword as the vulnerability can be very liberating and at the same time it can cause trepidation in future postings.

I can only speak for myself when it comes to blogging. Nevertheless, I think it can apply to others who decide to walk this path as well.

The conversation I mentioned previously came about as a result of a request for suggestions for this person's own blog. I felt this would be disingenuous to his audience as it wouldn't be HIS blog but rather a reproduction of someone else's idea.

Below are some of my observations from that very chat:
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*sigh* never mind
if i think of anything that you can do weekly...
then it wont really be YOUR blog...
blogs have to be more... organic...
a reflection of who YOU are...
you know?
YOU need to create a uniqueness to your blog
it needs to be for (and from) your brain...
and don't fear experimentation
try something out and if it doesn't work for you... then move on to something else
if you work too hard to try and make a poignant statement... it usually falls flat
NO
you DON'T need a concept...
that's what I'm trying to say...
the "concept" should just be the natural evolution and maturation of the blog itself
otherwise, the novelty wears off and what was deemed cute and innovative simply becomes a gimmick
the blog needs to have an identity...
but it also needs to be "born" out of the writing effort
not something a friend suggested... or b/c you have a weekly deadline to post...
I established a self-designated weekly deadline b/c for me it's cathartic
not b/c I'm trying to FORCE myself to write
even tho I may bitch about writing and trying to get something in weekly... it's more b/c I have so much to say and don't feel everything I want to say needs to be out there for everyone to read
so the stress is in how to limit myself but stay true to the nature of the blog...
THAT is my struggle
but, again, your blog has to be a reflection of you
cuz otherwise... it's just work
and I don't volunteer my time for bullshit

you see how you WANTED to write...
that's how it should be
the desire to write should come naturally.. and it should be something you WANT to do
(it also shouldn't be a DIARY unless you're a masochist and WANT to bare your soul to everyone)
for me... the general theme (and purpose) of my blog is to have a repository for random thoughts that occur to me...
I chose that specifically b/c I didn't want to pigeonhole myself into one topic...
I wanted to have the freedom to write about goddamn near anything
but with a purpose... to get things off my chest or to simply put my thoughts to paper (digital shapeless paper... lol)

I try and put my best foot forward
in terms of my writing style... not necessarily in content... lol
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And ladies and gents, in many ways, this... this is the essence of what I am doing here. If you want to continue on this wild ride with me, then stay tuned as there are several things I am working on for me (and I suppose in some ways for you as well). Expect a handful of entries between now and the new year.

With that, I shall leave you for now, until next time faithful reader...

Playlist #2 (The Ultimate Salsa) + your comments/suggestions are welcome

This week's playlist is my attempt at creating the quintessential Salsa playlist. The "Ultimate Salsa" list, if you will. The idea came from a thought I had recently: What songs would I play for someone who is listening to Salsa for the first time? This list attempts to answer that very question.

There are plenty of GREAT songs that can be cited... but there are a select few that truly define the genre. The songs that are universally known, immediately recognizable. Some get people off their butts whether it's at a club, a bar, or a house party while others are lyrical masterpieces paired with magical music set to the rhythm of the clave. Feel free to comment and add other selections to the list.
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Ultimate SALSA playlist:
(Updated 12/9/08 - 1:10PM)
Oscar De Leon - Lloraras
Joe Arroyo - Rebelion
Fruko y Sus Tesos - El Preso
Gran Combo - Brujeria
Frankie Ruiz - Mirandote
Hector Lavoe - El Cantante
Willie Colon - El Gran Varon
Africando - Yay Boy
Adolescent's Orquesta - Anhelo
Grupo Niche - Una Aventura
Marc Anthony & La India - Vivir Lo Nuestro
Johnny Rivera & Rey Sepulveda - No Vale La Pena
Tito Gomez & Tito Rojas - Dejala
Sonora Carruseles - Micaela
Justo Betancourt - Pa' Bravo Yo
Eddie Santiago - Lluvia
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Honorable mentions:
Frankie Ruiz - La Rueda
Willie Colon - Gitana
Orquesta Guayacan - Cali Pachanguero
Larry Harlow - Se Me Perdio La Cartera
Puerto Rican Power - Paginas De Amor
Hector Tricoche - Un Lobo Domesticado
Grupo Niche - Sin Sentimientos
Grupo Niche - Buenaventura y Caney
Tito Rojas - Lo Que Te Queda
Willie Colon & Hector Lavoe - La Murga
Adolescent's Orquesta - Arrepentida
Adolescent's Orquesta - Persona Ideal
Angel Canales - Lejos De Ti
Mickey Taveras - Quiereme
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On a side note::

I'm suffering from a case of writer's block... and though I have a lot to write about... I want to take some time before I get into what's been happening lately. Not that *I* need the time as much as others seem to need it. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then the info will come as big news. If know then... well, you know. hahahah.

Until next time, faithful reader...