When people put their Amazon (or other) wish list on their blog, does anybody ever actually buy them something? Anybody outside of family and friends?
A wish list seems a strangely shameless, exhibitionistic thing to parade in front of strangers. I don't quite get "Donate to this blog," either. I guess it's like busking: writing out on the sidewalk with your turned-up cap at your feet for coins.
- amba
About a year ago, I started an Amazon Wish List for myself when I realized it was a convenient method to keep track of books and music I'd like to have, but aren't at the top of my list.
It didn't occur to me then that it was public or that other people would even think to search it out until one of the items arrived on my doorstep from a friend in thanks for a favor I'd done.
She suggested I put it on my blog so others could easily find it in such situations. I rejected that at first for pretty much the same reasons you have above, but I've since changed my mind.
Friends and relatives - especially those who live far away and we don't see regularly - often want to send a gift and don't have a clue what to choose. This way everyone's happy: They know they're selecting something I want and I don't get something that bores me.
Now, sometimes, I think I just like that colorful little design item to brighten up my page halfway down the side...
Posted by: Ronni Bennett | April 12, 2005 at 05:07 AM
While I too find such items odd, I cannot pin-point why. What makes such items any more "strangely, shameful, exhibitionistic" than the blog itself?
Posted by: Samples | April 12, 2005 at 12:10 PM
Hmmm. Ronni, you might talk me into it. I guess it's a manifestation of the split personality of so many blogs - the way we're sometimes talking to the world and sometimes to friends and family, while the world can eavesdrop.
Samples, you've got a point.
Posted by: amba | April 13, 2005 at 07:25 PM
True. It is strange, in a way, to post a wish list on your blog. But at least it's honest!
What's "donate to this blog"? I've never seen that before, but it sounds like an interesting idea. Is it a link to make a deposit to the blogger's checking account?
Posted by: Matt | April 13, 2005 at 08:43 PM