Giving each other awards for the most beautiful, the most creative blogs seems to be an act of kindness. It was invented out of enthusiasm and the pleasure of participation. But why not just read and comment? It may be an educative intention. People will make nicer blogs in order to be honored with a medal. We are so used to medals that we don't think twice about motivation.
The greatest motivation for blogging is blogging. It is a new kind of communication, it has been replacing the rural garden fence. Soap operas on TV are another garden fence, you see the same faces every day, a limited number of them, so you can remember the details, and you learn a limited number of new facts every day. Just as it is in village life. The chat in the shop.
I can't chat in the supermarket. And I wouldn't. I found a new democratic peer-to-peer communication with nice people who love similar crafts as I do.
Now, what happens if someone starts giving awards?
She/(rather not)he has founded a jury. Or started being a jury. I'm on top, I can judge other people.
Of course, this is a good intention! Being praised is a great feeling, you know you have done something good. We all need that, and we are ready to admire the work of others. That's alright.
Well, this can be done in the comments. It's nice, it's rewarding, it's peer-to-peer.
It's enough.
- Creating awards can raise the feeling: "She's got one, but not me. Why not me?"
- It gives a blog something of kid's play. But many of us are professional artists, we should have a blog with a more or less serious appearance.
- whereas in our blogs we can define ourselves, we get a label through this award which defines us.
- praises slow down. Critis increase the speed. This will be explained.
I'm spreading comments, mostly praising, sometimes critical, but if I do, I hope to inspire, nothing else.
There are no critical awards. This is impossible. You can give a positive award or a negative one. "Worst Blog Award" -- could you think of that? Everyone must be shocked by this idea.
But there's nothing in between. Awards are extremes.
Scientists found out that praises sometimes decrease the level of performance. Some snooker players make their worst mistakes within the minute after being successful in a very difficult task. Probably they say to themselves: "Well done" -- and bang. Mistake in an easy task.
We need critical remarks. I want them.
And this is why I created this award.
I'm rude and mean. I'm not giving it to anyone. You have to steal it and put it on your blog if you want to. Is it protected by copyright? Nope.
