Why I Read
In taking a break from all the technical details of setting up this blog, I started to ponder the current “Quote of the Moment,” All media exist to invest our lives with artificial perceptions and arbitrary values. -Marshall McLuhan
While the following doesn’t explain why media exists, it got me thinking that as I have been creating this blog, I have on more than one occasion considered possible reader perceptions as to what I read. Especially those readers I know. I imagine thoughts going to places such as, “She reads that crap? Why?” I have to admit, I have the occasional urge to pad my reading list with material that might be considered universally appropriate or impressive, but can assure you that I will take every effort not to do this. I will attempt to keep “artificial perceptions and arbitrary values” out of this and what you get is really what I read as arbitrarily valuable or not it may be. Yeah, this has nothing to do with the quote, but sent me off on a thread. So go ahead and judge me, but when it comes down to it, I read first and foremost for entertainment- at the moment.
I wonder if the Kindle will change this? Will this blog affect what I read because now I am thinking about reading more critically? Will reading for entertainment give way to reading for scholarship? Will I actually go to a library and do research as I did as a student? I’ll let you know!
Maybe tomorrow I’ll tackle the quote, maybe not.
Today’s Reading List
- Seattle Times, entire March 14th edition (PRINT): with breakfast
- Seattle Post Intelligencer, March 14th, Section A only (PRINT): at the dentist office
- Martha Stewart Living, re-browsed February 2008 issue (PRINT): with lunch
Figured I might as well add when I read.
Approximate reading time: 2 hours
