In the early days of this blog – that’s more than four years ago – I wrote this post giving a short explanation of why I was starting it. I should like my regular readers to check it out: once more, even if they have read it already sometime back.
Since then a lot of water has flowed under the bridge. This blog has willy-nilly become fairly interactive: many followers (growing every month), lots of visits, and a considerable sprinkling of sensible and interesting comments on almost every post. The same goes for the other blog too. That’s all very satisfying – and may the numbers keep increasing – but one thing that has been bothering me is that, contrary to what I had really wanted, these blogs are mostly about what I am thinking about various things, and people reacting to my thoughts. At the same time, lots of folks still come to me – if not in person then over the phone, or via email – for counsel on just about everything under the sun (see that link above again), people of all ages from teenagers to those who want help (not tuition) for their own children. I can’t attend to everybody at much length these days, and I get tired more easily too, tired of answering the same sort of questions again and again.
So do you think it would be a good idea to start up an all-new blog where the ‘posts’ will be questions from people (who might choose to remain anonymous, though I’d want to know a few things like age, gender and current occupation), while I answer their queries in the form of comments? One thing that many readers are sure to discover is that as more and more posts keep coming in, their own questions are getting answered, even though I never talked to them directly (many people don’t know whom to ask, or simply feel too hesitant to air their problems: and I have found through long experience that people who think their troubles are unique actually share them with lots of others!) The queries, I suppose, could be sent to me by email … but these and other details can be worked out gradually, if and when the new blog has been launched.
I shall wait keenly for responses to this post. And, for this once, even anonymous comments will be posted, as long as they say something relevant and meaningful.
P.S.: Nov. 01: Comments on this post are now closed.
15 comments:
Dear Sir,
Who takes the trouble or has the time to counsel or advise or comfort anyone with such patience? Your idea is a wonderful and if you decide to go ahead with it, I wish you all the very best for this new blog.
Regards,
Vaishnavi
Shuru kore faelo , Suvroda.
BR
Anirban
Great idea Suvro, please give it a serious thought and your best shot.
the Blogger framework though, as you have correctly figured out through your research and groundwork, is not suitable for an effort like this.
A forum framework would be more suitable for something like this. The question or request for advice would have to be initiated by any member directly through a post. Answers/advice would come from the expert only. There could be scope of other members "adding their 2 cents" or simply asking more related questions in the same thread.
Over time this would become a valuable Knowledge Base.
cheers,
Subhasis
Sir, the idea of starting a new blog and its purpose is really wonderful.
Thumbs Up to the whole idea!
Respected Sir,
Warm regards. It is a fantastic idea that you have mooted in this blog-post. However, I would like to say something...it is just a suggestion, Sir..I wouldn't dare to advise you on this issue..still..here goes..People invariably ask rhetorical questions..in a trite fashion. They actually want to hear the answers they have fashioned for themselves..they want to open up...but don't seek to really understand..they judge you..before they judge your response...that might hurt,Sir...I am sure you will catch my drift. All the same, its a great idea.
Yours obediently,
Debarshi.
Dear SIR ,
This is truly a good idea..please do give it more thought . It would be wonderful..!!
With regards ,
Shameek.
Mr. debarshi is right. You can always administer the questions. And things will be upright if you let some of your readers answer the questions. Maybe you could administer the answers too. That would prevent Ambiguous questions and answers as well.
Would really like to see how this goes.
It is a wonderful idea...very time intensive though.
More strength to your elbow.
Dear Sir,
Its a very wonderful idea sir. Its good to know that you care about people so much. It really amazes me- that how do you find time to do all that , besides tuition, counseling and so on. Hats off to you!
Sir,
This is a noble initiative and I am sure a huge number of readers will be benefited from this en devour of yours.Your experience and wisdom will be an invaluable gift to the readers.
I agree with Mr.Harman..more strength to your elbows.
I will be waiting eagerly for your new blog.
Regards,
Anupam Banerjee.
Hmm... not many people seem to be interested.
I think its a great idea! However, it would help if you specify a little about the kind of questions that you will entertain. Questions can be extremely diverse.
regards,
Asima
free consulting, counseling, advice, mentoring, guidance in the critical aspects of life. there's a dire need but how many people do you think would be honest and vocal about the need of it?
as far as those in need of help, most of them won't come open and clean about the fact that they need it. this would reflect on their reaction to the suggestion of this endeavor.
and for those that provide such services for compensation and livelihood - well, you will definitely not find a whole lot of good wishes there either!
cheers
Dear Sir,
This sounds like a great idea and I believe that a lot of people would benefit from it.
Regards,
~Mayuri
Perhaps something like 'Ask Prabhu' of India Today.
Common people ask common questions too often and they are bound to be repetitive. You may consider creating a database of FAQ from your past collection.
It would be immense help to the needy.
Thumps up to your project!
With best wishes,
kallol mitra
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