Why we should all quit Twitter

— 12.29.2019 03:33 PM

I did, for a few weeks in the Fall. Didn’t miss it. Didn’t look at it. Only came back because the account had been hacked and needed fixing.

I’ve got about 42,000 followers, and a lot of them seemed to be okay that I was back. Some people said nasty things, which I enjoy retweeting or – if they’re really awful – putting on Facebook and this web site.

That said, read this. The points he makes sounded really, really – really – familiar to me.

Comments are open. I’d be interested in what you think (as always).

I still read Twitter — its utility as a news source is unparalleled — but I don’t participate in it at all. And yes, I miss it. I miss presenting my work to readers. I miss presenting my magazine’s work to readers. I miss getting off the one-liners that amuse me and seemed to amuse others.

If I could find a way to participate simply by tweeting out articles and gnomish would-be witticisms, I would. But I can’t see how I would be able to avoid sinking back into the mire.

There’s a reason Twitter has ­defined this decade’s communications. It’s the most interactive ­medium the world has ever known, and it’s great fun.

But Twitter has an oversoul now, and the oversoul is poisonous. It ­rewards bad rhetorical behavior, it privileges outrage of any sort over reason of all sorts, and it encourages us to misunderstand each other. It’s the devil on our shoulder.

Or, at least, it was the devil on mine.


Comments (6)

Holiday greetings

— 12.29.2019 09:49 AM

You’d think the trolls would’ve figured out, by now, that their hatred and invective makes me stronger. Not the reverse.

But, I must say, this one is in a category all of its own.


Comments (2)

Theresa Sheridan

— 12.28.2019 02:02 PM

I am so sad to learn of the passing of one of my greatest friends at Bishop Carroll High School and beyond, Theresa Sheridan. We lost her on Christmas Day after a long struggle with diabetes.

Theresa was part of our drama/music gang, and she was extraordinarily talented – and always unfailingly kind to everyone. Over the years, she supported me through the loss of my Dad, separation, and life’s challenges.

I am just gutted that she is gone. I can’t believe a heart that big could just stop beating.


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Merry Christmas

— 12.24.2019 05:23 PM

I just got out of mass at a little church in Brighton – we Irish Catholics can’t help ourselves – and I just wanted to wish all of you a merry Christmas.

For me, it has been a bit of a challenging year. Among other things, I’ve become reacquainted with betrayal. I don’t recommend it.

But 2020, and the new decade, are going to be a great finale. And I want to sincerely thank all of you – including the many folks reading these words who I’ve never had the honor to meet face-to-face – a heartfelt thank you. Your support and your kindness helped a lot. A lot.

So, a merry Christmas – and a happy Hanukkah – to you and yours. You are all awesome and me and my kids – and Joey and Roxy – wish you the very best.




Comments (10)

2020 New Year’s Levee

— 12.24.2019 08:53 AM

It’s been a crappy year. You all know why. And all of you have been pretty amazing to me.

So, I’m going to have a New Year’s Day levee thing at my place in the County to thank you. Drop on by, try out some of the excellent local wines and beers, say hi.

If you are going to be in or around the County on New Year’s Day, let me know at wkinsella@gmail.com and I will get you the deets.

And thank you.


Comments (2)