December 31, 2011
My Biggest Blogging Mistake of 2011,
viz the Trend Pioneered at Patterico's Pantaloons
Over at my erstwhile blog -- I mean the blog at which I used to guest blog, erstwhilishly -- the mononymous Karl has invented a wonderful new means of self-criticism: He urges all bloggers and mainscream journalists to "audit their own work":
I think it is a healthy development that more bloggers are taking the slow news period at year’s end to audit their own work. It is a practice that ought to be adopted more by those in the establishment media who are actually paid for the opinions and predictions. Thus, it seemed only fair that I promote the trend by auditing my own 2011 blogging.
After laying the ground rules, Karl's post rises in crimson crescendo to the climax, where Karl finally reveals "My biggest blogging error in 2011." ("My" in this case means his, Karl's; Karl makes no attempt to elucidate my, Dafydd's, biggest blogging error.) He concludes:
In sum, my biggest blogging error in 2011 was failing to recognize how easy it is to make the basic mistakes of punditry -- straight-line projections and letting one's personal preference color one's analysis -- even when consciously trying to avoid them. These are lessons establishment pundits could take to heart without auditing their work each year -- but it helps.
I think this a wonderful trend or fashion, and I will do my gol-durndest to support it. Thus, taking a deep breath, here it is -- my pledge to you, gentle readers.
I hereby vow, without misdirection, non-sequitur, or weasely equivocation, that I shall follow the progress of Karl, as he audits his own posts in search of the worst, with great and abiding interest.
There! Never let it be said that an ab Hugh was incapable of introspection -- anent other people's gaffes. (Or would that be extrospection?)
Hatched by Dafydd on this day, December 31, 2011, at the time of 9:00 PM
Comments
The following hissed in response by: GW
Dafydd, your humility and bravery is boundless. To quote another paragon of introspection, "Courage."
While it is interesting to read back and see how often I've been right (a fair amount) versus how often I've been wrong (there are a few cringe-worthy posts that only intellectual honesty keeps me from deleting), Karl seems to be taking this to a level not seen outside the Catholic confessional. Do have fun tracking his progress.
The above hissed in response by: GW ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://biglizards.net/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
at December 31, 2011 10:25 PM
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