Inkblot Earth Evolution
Inkblot Earth has now been active and online for nearly 6 months. In that time, I’ve written 162 posts and had 204 comments — my thanks to everyone so far, it’s always encouraging and fun when people take an interest.
I began blogging for several reasons and had no intention to make Inkblot Earth a specific type of blog. Sure, I knew from the start that it would be science, technology and aesthetically oriented — but beyond that I made no effort to stick to a certain domain of topic. As such, Inkblot Earth has remained somewhat of a sandbox of various things I’ve found interesting.
However, I recently had a look through the archives to examine how I’d evolved as a blogger. I noticed a very distinct trend in the choice of topics I’d been covering: Artificial intelligence and robotics related entries have been making more frequent appearances.
This shouldn’t come as much as a surprise to those that have been reading my entries, as you’ll know that this is my field of study and research. But to be honest I neither did it intentionally nor expected it to any extent. I’m interested in a lot of things aside from AI — and thought Inkblot Earth would rather be an outlet for those things.
So what’s brewing, where am I going with this?
It’s simple enough, I’m thinking about opening a new blog with my personal interests and work as the centrifugal content guide. That would probably include something along the lines of:
- Artificial and Natural Intelligence, Living Systems
- Artificial and Natural Creativity, Imagination
- Emergence & Complex Systems
- Related News & Research
- Productivity
- Related Semi-personal Affairs
- The Aesthetic and Artistic Aspects of the Above (an important aspect of everything)
In most aspects, the new blog would be similar to Inkblot Earth; A general writing style — I already have a serious venue for writing (conferences, books, etc.), so the blog is for the lighter side of things. A vent for serious-AI-entertainment, a Sex and the City Column for AI — if you will. Visualizations, aesthetics, high-level discussions on interesting ideas (and Fight Club humor…).
The difference would mostly be the more defined focus, and perhaps a little more light on my personal projects (I tend to be overly secretive when it comes to disclosing my ideas and research). I’d also be putting up some static content, ie. it’d contain more information, pictures and other goodies (this has been lacking here due to TypePad’s limited support).
But if it’s not that different, why open a new blog — rather than just continue this trend I’ve identified on Inkblot Earth? I feel it’s a good idea to get a fresh start — especially for someone who hasn’t been blogging for that long and is still ‘finding his groove’. It often breathes new life into what you’re doing and helps you get rid of bad habits.
What would happen to Inkblot Earth? I don’t know. Perhaps a venue for all the things I want to rant about that wouldn’t fit the new blog’s theme. This idea is still in its initial stages, and if you have any thoughts on this matter — I appreciate your input. Do you for example, come to Inkblot Earth for AI related entries - or something else? Do you think this change would be good … or evil?
Best,
-Hrafn
(h.thorisson XatX gmail.com)
[Note: This post's links have been modified since I left Typepad]
5 Comments, Comment or Ping
John Pozadzides
Hrafn,
Although I find your AI stories interesting they are not the primary reason I read your blog. I’m more interested in everything else you post about.
If your intention is to actually register a domain name and start a blog using Wordpress, etc. then I say go for it. I would have actually recommended that from day one in fact.
However, if you don’t intend to go that far then I have to question why you’d want to start another site entirely? A blog is a living work of literature. Just take this one wherever you want it to go!
John
PS - I hate typepad…
May 1st, 2007
Sterling Camden
Many times I’ve wondered why I keep Chip’s Quips and Chip’s Tips separate. But in the end, I’m glad they are. Having a defined focus for one blog gives it real purpose, and then it’s good to have another blog to use for everything else. I think it’s a good idea, and I would subscribe to both.
May 1st, 2007
John Fitzsimmons
I think you should do what makes sense to you to do. I like the AI topics and find you a valuable source for that type of information. However, I also like your writing, thinking, and reflections on whatever topics you choose. So I’m not sure if you need another blog. I’d probably end up subscribing to both.
It’s your call. But whatever you do, I think it’s a good idea to get your own domain name and move over to WordPress. It will be a freeing experience.
May 1st, 2007
KuiperCliff
As someone who is on a similar trajectory to your good self, time-wise at least, I’ve been having similar thoughts. I often think I cover too broad an area for a single blog, for example.
John F. is right - whatever makes sense. I, for one, would welcome you delving into, and disclosing more of, your research - the ‘harder’ side of your interests, if you like. You could easily do both on Inkblot Earth, but if you reckon your interests are better served by setting up a new blog, then go for it - I’ll still be reading!
May 1st, 2007
hthth
John,
Thanks for your input. Yeah, the launch of a new blog would involve a domain name and proper hosting. When I started blogging I was unsure of whether I was cut out for it, but these past 6months have been a great “trial period”, and I’d like to turn it into a more serious operation.
I’m especially intrigued by the idea of having a bit of mixed media going on. Some static pages, information, pictures, videos, etc. in addition to regular entries.
Lately I seem to be running more often into some issues with Typepad, at least in the sense that it cripples my options.
Camden,
that’s exactly what I was thinking. It sounds like a clearer way to manage things and it’s good to hear that it’s working out for you.
John F,
Thanks for your compliments. At this point in my blogging history, I’ve never had such a clear idea of how I could present and focus a blog with a specific topic, so it makes sense to me to take it to the next level — with a more powerful platform (like Wordpress), hosting and a dedicated domain name.
KuiperCliff,
I feel the same way, and especially for the past few weeks. I’m intrigued, I must say. Although, to present some feedback, I think you pull off your broad approach quite nicely.
With regards to what feels right to me (and your comments on which entries interest you), I think it’s a good idea — esp. if I’d keep Inkblot still running. I imagine it might have similar effect as making sure you don’t plant trees to close together. Might give each blog more of a chance to flourish.
Thanks for the comments and compliments guys, greatly appreciated. I’ll probably be posting more on this idea soon.
May 2nd, 2007
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