Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Carry on Blogging

Me thinking aloud! Its the time of year perhaps. There's always this big space in late Dec/early Jan when little of interest seems to happen. Of course, it could be that my disconnection with Welsh politics, following my ejection from the National Assembly 20 months ago is reaching a stage when I've nothing worthwhile to say. All I seem to be doing is commenting on the big UK story of the day. A lot of other bloggers do that a lot quicker, and better than I do. And there seem to be so many subject areas which have become 'out of bounds' - anything to do with the Welsh Conservatives Party, anything remotely sexually suggestive (which is the basis of much that amuses me) and family stuff (because we are such a very private lot). Whatever, I'm questioning whether I should keep this blog going - certainly on a daily basis. Also, I've noticed that comments are changing - more looking to score a point (against me or Lembit), and fewer wanting to engage with what I'm trying to say.

The only reason I blog is because I quite like writing. To be honest, I do it for me. So if I start to question whether I should, I could be reaching the time to stop. And there are so many books that I want to read. And there's the not inconsiderable matter of a General Election coming up. I reckon that we're in with a chance of winning Montgomeryshire, so I really do have to give it my best shot - which involves writing press releases etc. on a daily basis. But I'm going to Cardiff on Thursday, where I'm hoping to catch up on where the devolution process is at. That might inspire me. Anyway, I'll carry on with a post a day on national issues - a bit boring but it helps me think through my opinions. And there will always be something relating to that most wonderful of human emotions, love, which I will want to include. This blog wishes Basil the noisy cock and his lovely Bonnet a long and happy life together.

16 comments:

Che Grav-ara said...

hope you don't jack it in Glyn. I feel like there’s a bit of a downward spiral of late on the Welsh blogsphere with good bloggers like Ordovicius, Normal mouth, Amlwch to Magor, Ceredig etc leaving and others not blogging enough to suggest they are still about. Although good that DJE and Marcus have returned.

You do have a unique voice, albeit one I very often disagree with. To be honest I think I enjoy commenting on blogs I disagree with most, especially when the response is well thought out.

Having said that I think to blog with your hands tied on Tory issues does take away from the legitimacy of the blog and no doubt constrains you. Hopefully elected or not after the election you will be free of the party line shackles and if you leave or even just post irregularly you return with vigour!

Anonymous said...

Will be a shame if you decide to stop blogging, I find your posts interesting, even if I don't always agree with your opinions.
Blogs and Twitter etc must be a good way for politicians to communicate these days so maybe you should keep it up Glyn.

Anonymous said...

Glyn- Please dont stop. Your blog is a daily panacea to the general cr@p many of us have to endure. Every now and again you come up with a "golden pill" to lift a mans (or womans) spirit.
I personally thoroughly enjoy my "daily dose" and would dearly miss it! (your blog that is!!! Ooooo err Matron!)

Andy Lloyd said...

Glyn,

I hope you opt to carry on, I for one enjoy the blog's mix of Montgomeryshire news and perspectives on the national stories of the day. Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Don't go Glyn. You provide an interesting perspective and are still playing an important role in leading welsh conservative thinking on the devolution experiment. Clearly you ned to focus more as the election approaches, but with some self discipline i feel this blog could be a real asset.
Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

If you'd stop going on about devolution, it would help. Welsh politics is becoming very inward looking and devolution is fairly irrelevant when there are such huge world issues to worry about.

You're a good writer, but I do wish you would expand your horizons a little.

Anonymous said...

Is this the bit where we're meant to plead with you to stay?

Glyn Davies said...

Che - its not 'the party line' that constrains - but the very high level of sensitivity that has taken over politics.

All - I'm not retiring from blogging altogether. Its just that I don't have much distinctive to say about Welsh politics. Probably carry on with a post a day on national or very local issues, when I'm home - but since I blog late evening, its usually going to be way behind other bloggers.

Anon 3 - But it was my perspective on the changing politics of Wales that I wanted to be at the heart of this blog. Just as its how Wales is governed that would be at the heart of my interest if I were to be elected an MP.

Anon 4 - Thanks for helping me make my point about some of those who comment.

Anonymous said...

Just as its how Wales is governed that would be at the heart of my interest if I were to be elected an MP.

So you'd be just as parochial as an MP. Can't you leave that stupid Assembly behind?

Glyn Davies said...

Anon - I just do not understand attitudes such as yours. Wales is governed from Cardiff, Westminster and Brussels. Any Welsh MP who attaches importance to the stability of the United Kingdom is bound to take a close interest in the operation and process of devolution. How on earth can my interest in this aspect be dismissed as parochial?

Anonymous said...

Because they have buggered up Wales and are pretty overwhelmingly second rate. Just look at the conduct of the so-called Conservative group just before Christmas. Ferrets in a sack. A disgrace to the party and to Wales. We need to scrap the whole nonsense before it does any more damage.

Glyn Davies said...

Anon - Thats an entirely reasonable viewpoint, but I just do not think it is going to happen. I believe that the National Assembly is here to stay, new powers are being transferred to it all the time under the current Act, and it seems to me irresponsible of anyone who wants to be involved in Government not to be committed to ensuring it works as well as possible.

Heledd Fychan said...

I hope you carry on blogging. It's interesting to hear your views and comments, and though I don't always agree, your blog is extremely readable and enjoyable.

Anonymous said...

You HAVE to keep on blogging Glyn. Your blog is the only Tory one worth reading. And it gives you a high profile in the run up to the election, which is vital. Also, since the County Times pushes out so much propaganda about the present MP, your blog proves to be an all-important mouthpiece. It redresses the balance. And it's a lovely mix of local, national and personal. carry on blogging!

Anonymous said...

In the words of that famous song: "Baby don't go, pretty baby please don't go" or some such words.

Anonymous said...

I among many, it seems, would be very sorry if you stopped blogging. I don't always comment, but pretty much read your blog every day. I don't read a daily paper, but do like the CT, so your blogs keep me up to date and informed on local issues.

So in reply to one of your Anon bloggers - yes please, I beg you to stay!