Why We Do It: Murderati at One Year

[Pari Noskin Taichert]

A couple of weeks ago, I wanted to cry. I'd just learned that two valued members of Murderati planned to leave. This made me so sad.

After almost a year of hard work, I started to question blogging.

Believe me, it takes mucho energy to come up with engaging topics, to write and rewrite, to commit to this process whether or not the blog is busy that day. It's also a challenge to participate in a group endeavor; democracy isn't for wimps.

Yet week after week, we continue composing posts that disappear into the blogosphere. We work through disagreements in order to bring all of our voices to seen and unseen readers. We support each other.

What's the return on this investment? Anyone who thinks it'll translate into hefty book sales, or contracts granted, is deluded.

So why do we do it?

Today, when you read this, I'll probably be in my kitchen making chicken soup (the picture to the left is of the first batch of matzoh balls I made last Sunday), stirring the brisket, testing the meringues, placing roasted eggs on the Seder plates. I've been preparing for this traditional celebration for a little more than a week -- menu-planning, cooking, cleaning, de-cluttering, struggling to find the right balance between religious observance and social commentary for our family and 15 guests.

Why do I do it?

Would you belive the reasons for blogging and having a large Seder are the same?

I do it to share, to nurture a sense of community, to participate in a larger conversation about the world.

I do it for love . . .

Frankly, I think all of us at Murderati do. (Hey, guys, correct me if I'm wrong.)

This week and next, you'll meet our newest Murderati members. I'm delighted to announce the updated schedule. Please join me in welcoming:

Ken Bruen -- He'll alternate Tuesday posts with Louise Ure.

Robert Gregory Browne and J.D. Rhoades -- They'll alternate Wednesday posts.

Toni Causey --She'll be one of our main guest bloggers, just like Naomi Hirahara.

Our first year passed in the blink of an eye. I'm humbled and grateful for the many fine people who've participated here -- both as writers and readers (including lurkers). Our second year promises to be at least as thought-provoking.

It's been such an honor to share our world with you. I hope you'll continue sharing yours with all of us.

Thank you,

Pari

[Laura Benedict]

I've met a lot of lovely, funny folks through Murderati, Pari. Including you! It's a wonderful, eccentric look at the business and a great way to peek into the minds of other writers. Nicely done. I look forward to hearing from the new folks!

[Daniel Hatadi]

I'm another self-confessed Murderati fan. Happy Birthday to all of you!

[Brian Thornton]

My hat is off to those of you who blog, Pari. I don't blog for a number of reasons, not least of which is that I don't have the time to do it regularly, I don't think I'd have anything worth posting regularly, and I don't think that my opinions are so important that other people can live without them.

Murderati does good work. I don't read many blogs, but I check yours out regularly.

All the Best-

Brian

[Pari Noskin Taichert]

heh heh heh, I copied this directly from Murderati and the colors are sure a PITA. Sorry to all who might read it.