So I’ve been challenged by Chris over at the Martial Development blog to do a sort of self-roast by listing three shortcomings. He’s listed his, and he’s challenging others to do likewise. Why, I have no idea. Something about self-criticism being good for personal growth, I think. Haha.
Here goes:
1. I have a bad temper
I try not to, but I lose my patience too quickly sometimes. If I see someone doing something I consider ignorant (which is all the time!), I’ll quickly point it out. If things don’t get done quickly, or the way I think they should be done, you’ll hear about right quick. Hey, at least I don’t leave people hanging or guessing what I’m thinking. 
2. I can be bitchy.
I don’t like admitting this one, but I can complain a fair bit when I’m tired or cranky. Where’s my bottle, dammit! Funny how men go from needing a baby bottle to needing a beer bottle, isn’t it?
3. I’m shy.
Wow, I can’t believe I just admitted that. I’ve never allowed myself to say this, ever. In general, I don’t like social situations where I don’t know anyone at all. I’m usually polite, but I find it difficult to just walk up to people I don’t know and start talking. I prefer the company of people that I am closer to.
So I see one benefit of this exercise already — readers can get to know us bloggers a bit better.
Anyone else want to confess three shortcomings? Come on, it’s good for the soul. Or so Chris says.
8 responses so far ↓
1 taijiquestion // Nov 22, 2007 at 10:47 am
You took Chris at his word and were thoughtful and honest, not sparing yourself. I went and read his leadoff self-criticism and wasn’t too impressed, it reads like self-praise rather.
He’s invited others to criticize him further, but I can’t top a recent comment on this here blog… that has gone unanswered.
Since it’s a little impolitic for me write what I have, I’ll toss in a couple of my own flaws: I have the temerity to blog about martial arts though my personal experience is pretty scant; I tend to run off at the mouth if I’m not careful; I am a procrastinator (though hell-on-wheels when and if I do get off my ass finally).
Shy Dave Chesser? Wouldn’t have guessed that one! Your honesty has always been a strength of Formosa Neijia.
2 cmc // Nov 22, 2007 at 11:53 pm
Chris tries to increase the number of visitors by all kinds of means.
You run a quality blog; even if I don’t agree with every post, but that’s no problem.
3 wujimon // Nov 23, 2007 at 9:39 pm
TJQ?:
The point of this exercise to to write a blog post on your own blog and then link back to the original poster who tagged you. This is one of those ‘memes’ or ‘carnivals’ used in the blogosphere to increase inbound links, thereby raising one’s google juice
However, I do agree with your comment that Dave’s points are sincere and it’s great of him to admit this
4 Dave Chesser // Nov 23, 2007 at 9:47 pm
If his Google juice means that much to Chris, then so be it. But thanks to wuji for pointing it out.
5 taijiquestion // Nov 23, 2007 at 11:45 pm
OK, I get it now about the format and its purpose. I thought maybe Chris had invented the “carnival” thing. He does seem quite smart.
But in this case it seems to continue the trend of bare your soul/spill your guts/what’s your flaw/how were you bullied. And the ringmaster calls the dance, but does not participate. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, anyone?
6 Chris @ Martial Development // Nov 24, 2007 at 6:27 am
LOL @ “by any means”.
I do read and comment on dozens of MA blogs–because I am interested in the topic.
If a large percentage of my comments seem negative, it is only because I rarely reply to signal my complete agreement. I am interested in discussion, and “Good post dude!” does not move a discussion forward.
Pardon my scientific bent; obviously, it hasn’t gone over well. Except when I admit it, and then it becomes “self-praise”.
Even if I disagree with the message, I don’t attack the messenger. Because if I did that–making insinuations on another blogger’s character and motivations–then I would lose my self-respect and show my ignorance of wu de.
7 taijiquestion // Nov 25, 2007 at 1:36 am
FWIW, if I have been needlessly rude, then I apologize to all concerned.
8 Buddy // Nov 27, 2007 at 8:21 am
I’ve always found your posts and tone irritating and argumentative, Chris. I read Dave when I can, but yours is a pass.
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