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I Spend Too Much Time on Ricochet. I Should Leave. But I Can’t Seem to Do So.
I recently got my 300th post up on the Main Feed. I think that’s more than anybody who’s not a contributor, although I’m sure I’m probably missing somebody. Please jump in and correct me, if you know someone else who also can’t seem find anything better to do with their time, like me. I’m going to struggle to catch up with Susan Quinn and Clifford Brown, since their teams of researchers, editors, and writers seem to work around the clock. But I’m proud of what I’ve contributed to the conversation here. Well, most of it. Sorry about the rest.
I joined Ricochet seven years ago, but I didn’t write my first post until four years ago. I’ve had a wonderful time. This really is a great community, and I’ve learned so, so much from my group of friends here. And I’ll stop arguing with you, briefly – just long enough to say ‘Thank You!’ for all I’ve learned here. I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge, in such a collegial and friendly manner. Well, most of the time. Pretty much.
My membership fee came due last week. I thought about stepping aside for a while. I spend too much time on Ricochet. Maybe get a…um, you know…whatchacallit…oh yeah – a hobby. I’ve heard those are fun.
And for a couple days, I had decided to hang up my laptop, and wander off for a while. I walked away from Ricochet. I figured it was time.
But then I had a bad day at work, and I needed to clear my head. Booze is not a good way to do that. I don’t like television. I live in a suburb now, so I can’t walk in the woods. So I sat down at my laptop, and started tapping away. It forces me to focus on something other than my troubles, and is a good way to clear my head. As good as I’ve found so far, anyway.
So I guess I’m back. I sent in my membership fee, and I’ll get a hobby later, I suppose.
One thing about Ricochet that gets too little attention is that the best articles often have nothing to do with politics or current events. Since I suspect you’re probably as sick of politics as I am right now, down below I’ll link to some happy stuff I’ve written over the years, that might cheer you up, as it did me. Just to take a break for the steady drumbeat of negativity these days…
And once again, thanks everyone for helping me learn about the world, and helping me cope with life. I look forward to continuing our journey together.
Yours,
Dr. Bastiat
This essay from a couple years ago won Ricochet’s weekly competition, “Best essay on the topic of Tinder, Spanish, genderqueers, and Victor Borge.” Or at least, it should have.
This is one of the few articles I’ve posted that I really like. In it, I wonder if the fans of Thoreau have actually read Thoreau: Shallow Thoughts on Walden Pond.
This one isn’t comedy, but it’s a nice story, that reminds us of the importance of human kindness in difficult times: A Small Act of Kindness.
And lastly, a quick reminder on what’s really important in life, despite all the craziness: Little Girls are Magic.
Thanks for hanging out with me, everyone. I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief respite of happiness and community.
We now return to our regularly scheduled squabbling about unpleasant things…
Published in General
I also spend too much time on Ricochet. At least your offerings are far more valuable and edifying!
446 posts. Though not at all as interesting as yours.
I’m at 298 posts that have been promoted to the Main Feed. Reminds me of the; “Headlines to Breadlines” phrase, or 298 promotions, and all I got was this lousy t-shirt.
All in all compared to some websites I would say Ricochet is what Harpers, or the New Yorker once was, or should be today. A wide range of essays that contain life stories, story telling, personal loss, and personal triumphs. All that, and politics as well. Members, with a few exceptions that can disagree with one another without malice.
Don’t you dare leave or quit posting.
This IS your hobby, Dr B! So glad you’re here. I always read your posts eagerly.
Congrats @drbastiat! Keep posting!
I’m at 461 total. 300 on the main feed.
You and I will have to have a “500” party together!
I’m glad you’re sticking around.
I’m glad you decided to stick around. I love your insight on all things whether your posts make the main feed or not. Just like with Susan, I had to follow you so I wouldn’t miss a post because I rarely go to the main feed.
Doctor’s orders. (We’re ordering the doctor to stay.)
You have a hobby – writing stuff. The rest of us get to enjoy the product of your hobby at least as much as we would admire a restored car at the local car show, or a painting or sculpture at the community art show. If you got paid for your writing it would be a profession.
Your “columns” are invaluable to me and everyone else on Ricochet. Your perspective is from the trenches of life–your family and your medical practice. It’s what they call in the business world a “360-degree view.” It is unique to you. Our society has evolved to such a high level of specialization with its attendant isolation that very few of us see what you see.
I am really grateful you write for Ricochet. But I am sure you are destined for greater things as a writer. Writing is something you have to do all the time to get really good at. You have mastered the time issue all writers face: where to slip it into an already busy day and evening. Now that you have put that piece in, your future as a writer is yours to create.
I think your British counterpart is Theodore Dalrymple, but his columns–though I have learned from and enjoyed every one I’ve ever read–are very centered in England, and they are sometimes too deep and too long to be as widely disseminated as I often wish they were. They are always interesting, but it would be nice to have an American counterpart.
But until you are discovered by a journal with a greater audience reach than Ricochet has, I will continue to enjoy and look forward to all of your “columns.” :-) Thank you.
Know that your writing is appreciated. By me, at least.
It is better than polluting Facebook with your politics, but not as good as organizing and being active in politics. I enjoy your posts. They are better than anything coming from Nat. Review and other out-dated grifter sites.
Lol. I ain’t driving to Hilton Head for it.
I’m glad you’re back, Doc.
Don’t scare me like that again!
I love ya, Doc, and I don’t even know ya. As long as you are enjoying yourself, please keep on helping us to enjoy Ricochet. I feel privileged even though our association is anonymous, to exchange thoughts with you and I am looking forward to reading some of the posts you linked to here.
Doc, have you ever written a post that didn’t make the Main Feed?
If he ever posted upon the 2020 election fraud, that certainly would never have been promoted to the Main Feed.
Oh, in the middle, I was very sad. Now I’m glad. I enjoy your posts and the generated comments.
Don’t go…
From a purely selfish point of view, please don’t stop writing.
There are some people at ricochet from whom one can learn a lot. You’re one them Dr. I haven’t read all your posts, but the ones I have read were well worth the time.
Don’t leave, we know where you live. We’ll come for you.
I think ricochet is good for the soul. It offers friendships, fun, information, a chance to vent, and a place to exercise our brain as we write and post. Someone leaving ricochet is like losing a friend. If it helps us make it through these times, it is time well spent. We all know what it does for each of us. We don’t know what it does for others but since they too spend time here reading what we wrote, it is because it fills a void in their lives, or provides a little joy, or entertains.
Glad you’re sticking around, and am looking forward to reading more of your contributions to Ricochet. FWIW, I have never written a post that’s been promoted to the main feed. Then again, that may be because I’ve NEVER written a post.🤔
Nor have I, though I did consider posting something from 1969. My philosophy professor gave us handouts of the commencement speech from his graduation in 1955. I read it every few years just to see how my thoughts about it might have changed. It’s an interesting historical artifact.
Dr, Bastiat, not long after I joined Ricochet I wrote a post, something like, “Is there a Cure for Addiction to Ricochet?” I spent a lot of time here, and felt it was too much time. Everyone responded with humor and kindness, but basically most of them said, “What’s the problem?” I finally reached the point of telling myself that as long as I have other activities in my life, as limited as they might be, and I’m not neglecting anyone or any responsibilities, I’m going to enjoy my time here.
You have been a blessing to the site from the time you started to post. You writing is thoughtful, sensitive, at times funny and always enlightening. I’m a little envious, but I so admire what you contribute that I simply enjoy what you have to say. Thank you for being here. Thank you for staying.
Perhaps someone will develop a vaccine to purge the urge.
Perhaps not.