I don't edit comments on this blog. They are published immediately, untouched. I like the comments, they help me feel like I'm part of a growing insurgence of people who want to read about the City of St. Louis....people who choose St. Louis as the place to live, work and play. A group that wants to elevate the city to new heights not seen since the post war days. A group that wants to be proud to call the city home, or part of a region that no longer looks down on itself and feels inferior. This is great city, you just need to brag about it's assets, experience it and perpetuate it. You need to speak out against the things that make St. Louis less of a destination place and more generic.
Anyhow, I like the comments functionality on blogger.com. And of course, I like writing for an audience. I guess it's an ego thing. For whatever reason, it's easier to think of an audience (no matter how small) as I try to formulate thoughts and present personal opinions or ideas related to St. Louis to an anonymous group of people. It somehow motivates me to keep writing; which is my ultimate goal of blogging. Keep...on...writing. For me, it's an escape from the mundane.
I've gotten some thought provoking comments on here as of late. So, in an attempt to spur more comments and/or interaction, I vow today to thoughtfully respond to each and every comment posted to the blog. I average about 2 comments per post, so this shouldm't be just too overwhelming a task.
So now's your chance to goad me into an argument, call me an ass or simply create a dialog. Alloisious Babblingon III, where you been?
Thanks for reading.
Your blog is very good and I do check it everyday for updates. It is nice to read posts from someone who is as big of an advocate for the city as I am. I actually stumbled upon your blog while house hunting this past spring.
ReplyDeleteI was looking all over the city and county and just randomly googled neighborhoods and came across your blog somehow. It was nice to see a blog devoted entirely to the good and the bad of the city. Of course I found no such blog or website for the county areas I was looking. I also found numerous other blogs and websites devoted to the city and it really opened my eyes. It seems that a lot of city people view city living as a big part of who they are versus suburbanites viewing where they live as simply another choice. For them an area only needs to be safe and have good schools and they are sold. I'm not saying that's wrong, but that isn't me by a long shot. Of course I am not talking about the whole St. Louis area outside the city, since I also like Maplewood, U.City and Webster Groves among others.
Anyway...when I found the house I live in now (in Northampton) I liked the city but wasn't really sure on it yet. But my girlfriend and I loved the house so much we went for it, and I hoped the area would be good enough. It wasn't long before the house was great but the city is what really made me happy about moving. I don't even know really how to explain it but the city just feels "right". It is full of history, quirks, individualism, beauty, diversity, and a sense of renewal. I realize its faults too, but the positives far outweigh the negatives to me.
Sorry for the long rant, all I really meant to say was keep up the good work. Blogs like this one go a far way in helping this city revitalize itself. Take it from me - a former south county guy turned happy south sider :).
^Joseph, you made my day. I'm not being trite, I mean it. I am a city lover, maybe even a delusional city lover to a fault. But if this site can be a conduit to some of the more enlightening, revealing and academic sources of city info (urbanreviewstl, ecology of absence, urban workshop, etc) than I've done my small part toward advancing the city as the place to live in this region.
ReplyDeleteViva la city!
Mark, just wanted to let you know that I check in on your blog periodically and really enjoy reading and thinking through city issues with you. My wife and I live in Tower Grove East and desire to see the city flourish as you do. I am encouraged by your blog. Thanks!
ReplyDelete^TGE is a great neighborhood. There's a lot of rehab activity going on!
ReplyDeleteDear Mr. Grothe, I take great offense to you accusing me of pot stirring. I, my friend, am a go along to get along sort of fellow. But below the surface of your disclosing comment, I think, is a yearning to be mentored.
ReplyDeleteWith great thought given to the commitment this would incur, I have decided to assume this challenge. I will be the muse that takes you to the next level of hyporbol with St.Louis City Talk. Taking you literally under my wing and feeding you exclusively the semi undigested contents of my stomach. Then one day, probably in the night just before dawn, I will toss you out of your second story bedroom window. And you will be free.