Canadian Cholito

Not that it matters, since I have a readership of approximately three, but I have decided to keep blogging.

*holds for loud applause*

It’s true. I have let this little project of mine slide to the very bottom of my priority list, but I will not to let it disappear completely. My goal initially was to post 2 – 3 times a week on topics ranging from the state of Canadian TV, to the growth of social media (apparently I’m not alone there). Like the other projects I have left uncompleted, this one become a nagging chore more than a passion. Unlike those other projects, however, this one is begging for attention.

Cholocan, despite my best efforts of procrastination, self-doubt and apathy, keeps looking up at me with digital puppy dog eyes, hoping that I’ll help it grow. So instead of bopping it on the nose with a rolled up newspaper, I’ve decided to listen to its pleas.

I like writing. Well, actually, I like writing when I like what I’ve written. I hate feeling forced to write. I hate writing something I don’t believe in and I really don’t like writing something that I find boring to read (strange thing for a PR professional to say, I know). So when that little voice in my head started saying “so what” after reading a few of my posts, I assumed putting in an effort would be too time-consuming/difficult/expensive/high in calories.

The thing about writing a blog is that, in my experience, you go through this strange sort of identity crisis. Some people refer to this as “finding your voice”. I think of it more as facing your demons, or specifically your inner critic. He’s always there, second-guessing every word choice, paragraph or purposeful grammatical rule breaking. But he doesn’t stop there.

When you finally find the confidence to express yourself and open up to a group of strangers, that little bastard reminds you that you have to maintain your professionalism. You know, digital footprint and all. No point dropping an f-bomb if it’s going to jeopardize your chances of landing your next job. Wait! You can’t say how you REALLY feel about all those social media experts out there. You’ll be ostracized from the imaginary community!

It’s annoying. It’s even worse when you realize that the critic is just you looking for a reason not to try. That goes for anything in life, not just writing.

So as a way of reaching my goals, while telling my inner critic to go fuck himself , I’ve decided to be persistent. I’m going to finish what I’ve started and keep working on Cholocan. I want to nurture this puppy and give it a chance to play, develop a sense of self and, hell, even take a dump on the carpet before I put him to sleep.

Why should you care?

Well, maybe you shouldn’t. I mean, there are so many blogs, Tweets, Diggs and status updates out there that one more writer-wannabe vying for your attention might not be what you need in your life right now. On the other hand, if you can relate in any way to anything I’ve written here, or if you like rooting for the underDOG (last dog reference, I swear!), you should probably check back. I can’t guarantee you’ll fall in love, but for the low, low price of zero, here’s what you’ll get:

• A sexy new redesign for all of you who enjoy a lot of white space
• 2 -3 thought-provoking posts a week that aim to entertain and inform
• Not one word about how I can make you rich with my social media prowess
• Not a single description of what I had for dinner
• A friend.  A real friend. Not one of those gimmicky “online relationships” everyone’s always trying to nurture. I’m talking about a genuine wingman, beers after work, shoulder to cry on, bail you out of jail, back up your lies kind of friend

All I ask is that you give this blog a try, subscribe to the posts and tell everyone you know about this tiny little corner of the internet known as Cholocan.com. I’ll be here, standing at the corner of media and culture.

No animals were harmed in the writing of this post. I kicked my girlfriend’s cat, but that’s about it.