February 06, 2009
Tone? A question for the readership.
Anyone who has read what I write in print about defense policy knows that it's pretty bland and serious. (Examples are here and here and here.) The way I blog, by contrast, is lighter and more smart-asserific. Blogging since I revealed my identity, though, has left me in a quandary. I would prefer to keep my style, but readers are -- not without some justification -- starting to hold me responsible for not just what I say but how I say it. You would not believe the emails I get accusing me of being flippant or not "serious" enough about "serious" subjects. And I want to respond, Well, yes. If you want serious, go somewhere else. This blog started as a joke and is meant to be light -- and not a serious treatment of the issues.
Any ideas how I can communicate that? Should there be a disclaimer at the top of this blog? Am I trying to have my cake and eat it too? Because, in all seriousness, if this blog starts to cost me in terms of esteem, job prospects, etc., I'll shut it down tomorrow. I know that must sound really silly, but it's a valid concern for a graduate student with little income and no health insurance. What do you guys think?
Oh, and where in DC can I watch the Six Nations tomorrow?