Originally posted at the Independent Bloggers’ Alliance
This comment by wu ming got me thinking about something. It’s not that I begrudge top bloggers their success, it’s just that a bit of humility and graciousness can go a long way. The truth is, some people, in addition to whatever talent and effort they employ, really do get some lucky breaks. And I think the right thing to do when you get one of those lucky breaks is to use that opportunity to do some good, especially for the people who often have no voice. And I don’t mean “little bloggers”, but the people we often try to stand up for, even if it’s not profitable, popular, or convenient.
So, with apologies to the author(s) of the Gospel of Matthew…
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; receive your reward, the kingdom prepared for you with big comfy chairs, high speed internet. And free maid service, delivery of groceries, and state-of-the-art spam blockers.
For I was a “z-list” blogger and you linked to my essay, I was an unknown in blogtopia, and you blogrolled me anyway. When I wrote stories about Darfur, election integrity, and racial and gender inequality, you said these were important issues, and helped them get the exposure they needed and deserved.
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘OMG! When did we link to your essay or blogroll you? We’re sure we would remember doing that! And for that matter, when did we help you draw attention to those sorts of stories?
The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these bloggers, you did for me.’
Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into an eternity with Michelle Malkin, Ann Coulter, and Bill O’Reilly. And using a computer that crashes a dozen times a day. On a dialup connection.
For I was an unknown blogger and you ignored me. I was a “C-list blogger” and you said you wanted to shoot me in the face. I posted about the issues I considered most important, you refused to give them airtime. And then you called me “fraudster” and “dirty hippy”.
They also will answer, “WTF? When did we call you names or bury those stories, or say we wanted to go all Cheney on you?”
He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these bloggers, you did not do for me.’
