The Frontal Cortex

CSPAN

Posted by Jonah Lehrer on April 17, 2008
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One of the odd things about blogs, at least for me, is that they encourage a really informal and oddly intimate relationship between the writer and reader. I feel like I really know my favorite bloggers, in a way that I would never presume to know my favorite novelists or newspaper columnists or magazine writers. Partly, I imagine, it’s the informal voice of the blogosphere, and partly it’s the enticing mix of idiosyncratic personal information and opinionated commentary that defines the bloggy format. A blog, at least for me, is the writing genre that most closely approximates a friendly conversation.

Of course, I occasionally remember that I’ve never actually met Jason Kottke, or Matthew Yglesias, or Tyler Cowen, or Jessica Crispin, or the snarky asshole who writes The Superficial. They are all utter strangers. So to help collapse that fourth wall dividing blogger and reader I thought I’d link to a CSPAN video of me talking about, well, myself and my book. (Self-promotion is always so awkward…) The video isn’t particularly insightful – I try to summarize the wisdom of Gertrude Stein in 45 incoherent seconds – but it will give you a sense of what I look like when I talk, in case you, dear reader, are remotely interested.

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Comments

  1. #1 Coturnix
    April 17, 2008

    The single most important part of blogging is the beer one has when meeting other bloggers (and readers/commenters) in the real life.

  2. #2 Green Valley
    April 17, 2008

    This article is has an interesting perspective about blogging and bloggers.

  3. #3 OftenWrongTed
    April 17, 2008

    You answered the interviewers questions directly and in a friendly manner: Had you been on a job interview you’d have scored. As it was you probably sold some more copies of your fine book. Congratulations.

  4. #4 Your relative
    April 18, 2008

    I love you. I’m related to you so please take this advice with all the seriousness you can muster. Please do not refer to a “blogosphere” or turn blog into an adjective as in “bloggy” lest you become Tracy Ullman’s characterization of Arianna Huffington who ends each post with “blogs and kisses.”

    Uggg I think I just vomited a little in my mouth.

  5. #5 The Superficial Writer
    April 18, 2008

    Somebody really smart likes my stuff?! Quick where’s my camera? If you ever want to write a chapter about boobies and their impact on the cerebral cortex, I’m willing to collaborate. On the condition that afterwards we try to make a working lightsaber using government grant money. Just tell them you’re inventing a new kind of hooker. The dough will come rolling in.

    But, seriously, thanks for being a fan, Jonah. I’ll definitely pick up a copy of your book and try to pretend I understand a single word. Fortunately, I’m really good at stroking my chin while nodding and saying “Hmm, yes, of course.”

    The Superficial Writer.