Let's face it. We're the strange ones. The odd balls out. The geeks. You may be a science geek, or a political geek, or a gamer, but you and I share on trait in common: we know what a blog is. Or even worse, you might have one of your own.

I'm not talking about the seizure-inducing monstrosity known as a myspace profile, but instead a repository where we can think our opinions matter. And if not.... a platform to scream into the web's aether.

So why do I blog? What drives me? What are the fundamental positions I value so highly I feel compelled to write about them? I'll list them in short (but no particular) order:

1. I'm a blue-collar 21 year old factory worker. I'm a college dropout statistic that proves the value of the almighty dollar and the middle class's often lack thereof. It shouldn't seem surprising that I would therefore consider myself if not a liberal at least a liberally minded moderate. I hold no love of either conservative or liberal extremists, and am equally willing to call them on their crap.

2. I'm also an atheist. I was raised as a Roman Catholic in every sense of the tradition like a good little Wisconsinite, but for as long as I've understood the scientific method I have been an unbeliever and I won't hesitate to point out the flaws in today's religious logic. If the rules of your god and/or your house of worship harm others don't expect everyone to turn a blind eye.

3. Which brings us to the next reason. I believe completely in the power of scientific inquiry and advancement to better the world. Science and industry have done more to advance humanity than religion could ever claim, and we're not even close to done yet. Attacks against science (often religious in motivation) need to be countered, and not just by professional scientists. Yes they are the experts, but sometimes the opinions of a peer of the masses (which I consider myself to be) can break through where the experts would unfortunately just be ignored.

And 4. I'm a computer gamer with a fascination for all things technological. One of my favorite pastimes is rummaging around inside my computer installing the latest widget or dothingy, so expect a fair number of tech posts.

So why do I blog? Because I have an opinion. Like, love it, hate it. It doesn't really make a difference to me, but I've got a voice to add to the fray.

This entry was posted by Damien, on Thursday, September 21, 2006. You can leave your response.