Is My Blog Me Or Am I My Blog?

What is the correlation between shame and narcissism?

I like to think of myself as a generally smart guy even when it comes to how-the-Internet-works sorts of things. That was, until I started this blog. Through blogging I have this friend that exposes my profound lack of knowledge of Internet jargon. He's always saying things like OMGWTFBBQ! which makes me feel old and too tired to be anywhere near the BlogoSphere.

So I'm not feeling smart today, and I try to stoke the flame of narcissism by seeing who is linking to my blog. It just so happens I'm the 640 millionth InterWebian™ that's learned I can do this through Technorati. I see a few of the usual suspects (see friend-o-jargon above) and one completely unexpected blog, The Intent of Content, that has my blog gloriously exalted under My Online Addictions. So I take a read, all sorts of deep well-written thoughts on gaming intricacies right up my alley. My narcissistic heartbeat is aflutter...OMGWTFBBQ!

Then the shame sets in, wondering why I give a shit about some stranger who is addicted to my blog. What is wrong with me that this matters? I tell my kids to consider the source when they are complimented or insulted so they don't get a big head or suffer pointlessly by evaluating others' relevance. Why am I ignoring my own advice? Then I take my advice (which tastes like one of the yucky vitamins - I need to remember that).

Back to my well-worn ass-groove on the couch-of-indifference-and-apathy I return, satisfied that I'm tuned into the BlogoSphere just enough to stay young and making sure that I'm not buying a bit of it.