What makes a good journal entry?

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What makes a good journal entry?--Al

-- Al Schroeder (al.schroeder@nashville.com), July 08, 2000

Answers

In my simple, uneducated way a good journal entry is like the curtain rising at a good performance where surprises, insights, and exposition of different ways of looking at things will be plentiful. A good journal entry to my mind is not necessarily written in impeccable English, but one which grips your mind and heart - - - - one way or another. Sometimes on reading an entry I say to mysel, "by Golly, that's me !" Other times I am amazed at how people handle super difficult situations. Journal entries are books on the shelves of the electronic library. Each one different. Some good some bad, but all worth sampling. Al's list is a good one, and his journal is a constant example of continuing, "good entries."

-- Denver doug (ionoi@wbtv.net), July 08, 2000.

I certainly couldn't say it any better than Doug did. Bravo!

-- Bev Sykes (basykes@dcn.davis.ca.us), July 08, 2000.

Yup, I have to say Doug really summed it up completely. I can't improve or add anything...

....except that I like to see pictures from the writer's life, as well. I enjoy the visual glimpse into their world as well.

-- Joan Lansberry (gallae@casagrande.com), July 10, 2000.


I have to admit that I enjoy photos in journals too, which is why I try to include them in mine as often as I can)

-- Bev Sykes (basykes@dcn.davis.ca.us), July 10, 2000.

You people are so right - - - and if I ever get the capabilities there will pictures from my site.

I do have some fairly recent paper copies of photos of me that I would be happy to send to anyone who supplies me with an address they are comfortable sending me.

-- Denver doug (ionoi@webtv.net), July 11, 2000.



You know, I'm rather torn on the subject of pictures in journal entries. I've seen them used quite effectively in helping to tell a story. Beverly's entry about the Pride Parade was certainly enhanced by her pictures of the event.

The flip side to this is I have an incredibly active imagination. When I read a journal that supplies no pictures of the author, I find myself conjuring up an image of what I imagine that person to look like. I get used to this image...am familiar with it...and then am normally disappointed to discover a photo of them that looks nothing like I imagined.

Mind you, this isn't a question of "beauty". I do not read the journals that I do based on appearance (real or imagined). It is just that my image better suits the material! Heh.

I am such an oddity for thinking this way....I know that.

If I start reading a journal that readily has a picture of the author available, I'm totally fine with that. But if not, then it is my imagined image of them that I grow more attached to.

Sigh.

I'll shut up now.

Hey Al, maybe you could draw a picture of what you think Doug & I look like.

No really...I'll stop.

Bob www.geocities.com/and_if_I_die

-- Bob (and_if_I_die@hotmail.com), July 11, 2000.


My offer repeated - - - but won't send a paper copy of my photo to Al until he comes up with a picture of the devilish duo.

-- Denver doug (ionoi@webtv.net), July 11, 2000.

I've seen pictures of the distinguished gentleman in Denver. I'm waiting for a picture of you, Bob

-- Bev Sykes (basykes@dcn.davis.ca.us), July 11, 2000.

Posting on a regular basis, truthfulness, willingness to reveal the bad as well as the good. A writer that will explore what they are feeling and thinking. Talk openly about hopes and aspirations, and disappointments. Humor. A writer that can laugh at themselves, too. A writer that can connect with the reader as a average, working bloke trying to make it through just one more day, like the rest of us. Someone that doesn't try to maintain a false image of prosperity, or self-importance. If you self-aggrandize, I shall hit the delete key. In other words, I like writers that keep it real.

-- Planet Earth (imagine@industrial-ideas.com), July 11, 2000.

A picture of the devilish duo? It's under serious consideration...--Al

-- Al Schroeder (aschroeder@comdata.com), July 12, 2000.


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