I surf around finding people who talk about this blog just to see what they are saying and the amount of reach the blog has. One silly criticism that is occasionally delivered about the blog, really one of the few negative things that gets said, is that homeless people could never read the blog.
If you are homeless, and you read the blog, please post a comment. Tell me anything you are willing to about the way you are living. How do you get access to the internet?
If you are not homeless, as I believe most of my audience lives indoors, tell me something about what draws you to the blog.
BTW: I don't allow anonymous comments, because it is hard to separate one writer from another without a handle. If you don't have a blog on blogger, registration is free and easy, and you are not obliged to write a blog to do it.
Wardriving: The act of driving around the city locating and logging onto wireless internet networks.
ReplyDeleteThere's no question that I am reaching my target audience, Mike. Much more than the currently homeless, who have frequently worked out how they are going to live, I am trying to enlighten the people about homeless issues and prepare them for possibilities.
ReplyDeleteWriting this blog is one of the most rewarding projects I've ever begun. Marriage and fatherhood leave it in the dust, but aside from that...
What makes you believe the homeless are not experienced bloggers? You've just provided a link to a homeless blogger. I know of half a dozen more.
ReplyDeleteHello Sir:
ReplyDeleteI also am not homeless. I am more akin to what an earlier commenter suggested a nomad... actually... perhaps I am an ex-nomad. For a long period roughtly 35 years ago, I did not own a home or apartment and purposefully drifted around the country to see what was available to see. This wanderlust is still strong within my soul but the responsibilities I now hold prevent all but a few hours of wanderlust at any one time.
Your blog is a part of my reading routine to attain that "zen" like feeling of freedom. Thank you.
PipeTobacco
http://frumpyprofessor.blogspot.com
Mike... I didn't mean to be hostile. Please pardon me. As you say, vocal inflection is missing.
ReplyDeleteI am not yet homeless, but the possibility is always there as the previous comemnter states.
ReplyDeleteI've been in a position where for several months I have moved from friend to friend to friends of friends - anywhere with available couch space, until I was finally able to get a council flat (In the uk we have a 'points' system, whereby the local authority can place people in living accomodation - if they are unemployed then housing benefit will pay the rent until they get a job and can support themselves) I never wish to be in that position again as it is one of the most demoralising experiences i'd ever had - I just wish I had seen your blog back then, I think it would have helped me see my situation in a whole new light and given me the boost to see that I could do more things for myself than I thought was possible. As it is - had I been a man in the same situation, I doubt I would have been helped quite as much as I was - theres a lot to be said for having breasts!
I am not currently homeless. I was drawn to this blog because I HAVE been homeless twice in the past: once, as a teenager who was thrown out by an alcoholic dad, and another time as a wife and mother of two who lost her home to a fire. I enjoy your insights, and I think your blog has a positive impact. I plan to include it on my blog's BLOGS OF THE YEAR list, which I am working on now. It will soon be up at: www.zenpretzeltrick.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteIn any case, I think you're doing a great job...and for what it's worth, I used to get access to computers at the local library when I was homeless.
I've never been homeless but I find this blog very, very interesting... it gives me an insight into what to me is an extremely alternative lifestyle, although I do understand that sometimes homelessness is not through choice but because of circumstances. I do think, however, that the sort of homeless lifestyle that's been described here can only really work in western countries... the homeless in India (where I'm from) are hardly ever even literate, never mind computer-savvy!
ReplyDeleteI've added a link to your blog on MY blog , because I want my friends to read it as well. Good work!
I was homeless twice. Once as a teen runaway and once later as a pregnant 21 year old. I am 37 now and have a reasonably stable homelife which includes living in my own home with my son and my significant other.
ReplyDeleteBeing homeless is never far from my mind though. You never know what life will bring or if you will be able to land on your feet.
I hope more people are able to read this blog and feel compassion for those who have fallen on hard times. Too many in todays society would rather not "see" people in need. Perhaps this blog will open some eyes.
I am not homeless now, however, I have been in the past. One of the things that I did on a regular basis was go to the library and use their computers... it made me feel more connected. At the time (this was several years ago now), blogs weren't "The Big Thing" yet... but I still read a few.
ReplyDeleteMike, this blog is a thing of wonder. Have I told you that? Yes I have, but I'll say it again, you are one amazing man. YO! How do you INSERT links in your comments??? I may be a bit in love now! You're my hero! As for bloglines, oy, I seem to lack the gene, can't figure my way around it.
ReplyDeleteAs for No names bcs they are society's label (I'm getting it wrong, sorry, but it's the last commenter), no offense but you're dead wrong, this tickles my curdled Anthropoblood, there's a post here some day, hopefully soon. So thanks for that.
(oh, Mike, the underscore in my URL has been changed to a hyphen, so it now reads
www.lioness-pride.blogspot.com, the underscore was giving people grief.)
I am not homeless but I know that the possibility of being homeless is not quite as far fetched as some think. I agree that your blog is wonderful and I have also added it to my rolling blog list!
ReplyDeleteI am a life long sofa surfer due to a horrible childhood and a pathetic family. I read because I never know when the sofa's will tun out... I would rather not be on the streets as I am disabled but if it happens I am damn well going to be prepared!
ReplyDeleteIm homeless. Modern technology however has now made the internet readily available at coffee shops, libraries, some restaurants, hotels, and the big one, mobile phones. With how cheap mobile plans have become it is quite affordable and very feasible to always have the internet on hand.
ReplyDeleteI found this blog while looking for a truck stop where i can shower. Its still reaching people. Thank you and God bless you.
ReplyDelete