About

Updated April, 2021

Yup, it’s that time again . . . time for an update to my “About” page (previous updates are retained below, starting at the “The Old About “).

My name is Emilio J. D’Alise. I’m in my 68^th year of life as I write this. I am a retired engineer, happily married. I dabble in writing fiction and opinion pieces, and one of my hobbies is photography.

I think I have a fairly good sense of humor and am a nice guy, but then, who doesn’t. I’m told I’m opinionated, but then, who isn’t.

That’s a nice overview, and now onto particulars . . .

Political views. I have opinions about many things, some of which are deemed “political” by people who seem more interested in using said issues for personal gains, be they financial gains, or perceived gains in relevance and self-importance.

This best summarizes my current view of politics:

I don’t understand anyone who buys into either of the major political parties as representing the “people”. At best, they represent special interest groups, but mostly, they represent themselves and very narrow self-serving views.

I’m especially saddened by how easily people can be manipulated using lies and fear-tactics, and especially vexing is the hate being fostered by “news” agencies, pundits, celebrities, and politicians, all posing as champions to this or that cause while in fact, they are myopic rubes at best, and calculating callous sociopaths at worst. I lean toward the latter.

But make no mistake . . . it’s NOT politicians, pundits, or celebrities I hold to blame.

Never have so many claimed to hold moral superiority over others and done so while wallowing in a morass of hypocrisy and lies born out of a self-serving and myopic belief that a nebulous ill-defined end justifies the means. Idiots!

. . . which brings me to . . .

Religious Views. I do not believe in gods. I do not believe in mystical forces. I do not believe in a universal intelligence. I hold no belief in anything which violates what we know about the real world and I’ve lost all respect for anyone who doesn’t constantly challenge their beliefs, especially when those beliefs feed their desire to limit other people’s freedoms.

Yes, there is a lot we don’t know, but not knowing something doesn’t give anyone the right to make up bat-shit crazy stuff and claim it’s “knowledge”.

History will judge harshly on those willfully denying the truth of evidence for the comfort of lies.

Let me go a step further . . . I view religion as the single most dire threat to any progress we may make as a species. I don’t say this lightly, and it’s especially true in this country where a depressing number of people hold beliefs that in any other context would be classified as deranged.

My charitable view is that people just haven’t thought much (or at all) about the tenets of their chosen religion, or follow a particular religion for the social aspects without deep investment in the doctrine.

My less-than-charitable view is that religious people are willfully ignorant, and for that, there is no excuse.

The Disperser Name. Disperser came about from our 2007 trip to Yellowstone. A wolf walked not 20 feet from me, and at the time I wasn’t sure (couldn’t believe) it was a wolf because I wasn’t aware they traveled alone.

Once home, I came across this definition:

Disperser – A wolf that leaves the pack and strikes out on its own. Some of these “lone wolves” have no social territory, and they live on the fringes of established packs or in the areas where several territories come together. Their single status may make them vulnerable to malnutrition and to attacks by other wolves.

I chose it as my blog name both because of the description, and because the other meaning of Disperser is to spread widely or disseminate, and that’s what my original aim is with the blog.

I wanted to spread my views, opinions, observations, photographs I like, and the fiction I write. Of course, the “widely” part is not entirely accurate; on a good day (and when I have a new post), this blog gets about ten unique visitors, most of them people who, within the limits of Internet contact, I consider friends. A few stragglers come and go, but rarely linger.

This Blog (you should read the FAQs for more information). As I write this, there are a tad over 1,750 subscribers to this blog.

That sounds like a lot of subscribers, but the majority are businesses, people who subscribed thinking I’d subscribe to their blog, and people trying to sell something or other.

Less than ten readers regularly interact with the blog, and that’s fine. I would go as far as saying I consider them friends. I had a few more, but in the last four years, they succumbed to disease or old age, or both. I considered them friends, and I miss their presence, wisdom, good nature, and humor.

I subscribe to only a few blogs. If I subscribe to your blog, know I will read it, not just browse it. When I tire of it, I will unsubscribe.

If I subscribe to your blog, I don’t expect you to subscribe to mine. If you subscribe to my blog, don’t expect me to subscribe to yours.

I read anything on your blog about thanking this or that god, invoking magical thinking, or mentioning anything I consider irrational and anti-science, I will avoid all contact. If I deem you closed to intellectual self-challenge, consider me gone.

This is for my protection. While not prone to depression, I don’t want exposure to such people, and there’s zero benefit for me in attempting to educate, enlighten, or push anyone toward rational thinking. I tried it for more than forty years now, and I’ve grown weary of it.

Note: I’ve had instances when, while subscribed to a blog, my comments have offended and/or angered the owners of the blogs. Sometimes it’s my humor, but sometimes it’s something I say in response to a post (particularly, if I disagree with something I read). I accept responsibility for — and deeply regret — such instances as I’m often drawn into a false sense of security regarding my real or virtual relationship with others. My intent is never to anger anyone. It may be of little comfort, but know that it stems from a sense of respect and consideration. When I read something that I deem should merit a response, I’ll either engage or unsubscribe, and the choice is driven by what I think about the person. Meaning, if I don’t care about the person, I wouldn’t comment. Heck, I wouldn’t be subscribed in the first place. These days, I try very hard to remember people are not looking for discussion and I will likely unsubscribe instead of engaging.

Note 2: I subscribe to a few people who hold beliefs different than my own. As long as they don’t try to push them on others or encroach into my life, I have no problem with whatever comfort they get from their beliefs.

The above does not apply if you comment on my posts. I’ve lost whatever patience I had, and while I won’t be nasty, I will be blunt. If you hold beliefs not anchored in reason and rationality and not backed by research or supported by logic and you express them on my blog, you will be called on it. Present a sound argument, and I will listen because I love to be proven wrong. You read correctly; prove me wrong and I will thank you for it because you’ll have made me a better person and improved my life. By all means, feel free to babble on about an unsupported belief but be aware of the consequences.

I say all that, and it sounds antagonistic . . . no; it’s just a fair warning; I’m old, I have little patience, and I am frank with my opinions. Some people don’t like that. If you are one of them, stay away.

For my part, I’m actively culling my subscriptions based on the above criteria.

Life in general. I have a good life and I’m at the stage where I want to live the remainder of it spending time with my wife and living in a constant state of amazement and wonder.

I am not blind to the problems of the world, the suffering of literally billions, and to the gathering darkness (I don’t think within my lifetime things will get better; the opposite, actually). I give to charity, I help others when I can, I keep up with world events, and cast my small voice hither and fro to join other voices in opposition of bad stuff, and in support of good stuff.

But, make no mistake: my personal commitment has shifted to my and Melisa’s physical and emotional welfare. It’s always been true that either or both of our lives could literally end tomorrow, but we’re now at an age where that is more of a reality, and I aim to live what time I have left in a manner that will not cause me to have regrets later on, and to leave the small portion of the world I can influence better off for me having been here. Or at least no worse off.

< < < < < < < < < < o o o o > > > > > > > > > >

The Old-Old “About”

Updated July 11, 2019

Another update to my “About” page (the two previous updates are retained below, starting at the “The Old About “).

My name is Emilio J. D’Alise. I’m in my 66^th year of life as I write this. I am a retired engineer, happily married. I dabble in writing fiction and opinion pieces, and one of my hobbies is photography. I think I have a fairly good sense of humor and am a nice guy, but then, who doesn’t. I’m told I’m opinionated, but then, who isn’t.

That’s a nice overview, and now onto particulars . . .

Political views.
I have a strong opinion about the importance of individual freedom constrained by social responsibilities and no longer believe the two major parties of this country are even remotely close to representing any of my views. As I write this, we are suffering yet another presidential election, and it dismays me to no end that anyone believes the people running are the best we can aspire to in a leader of this country.

Since the last election, the country has literally been carved out into two slices and woe is onto anyone not subscribing to one or the other fanatical views.

Frankly, I’ve lost all hope that this so-called American Experiment can survive the twin onslaught of willful ignorance and cognitive dearth that seems to have gripped the majority of the population. Never have so many claimed to hold moral superiority over others and done so while wallowing in a morass of hypocrisy and lies born out of a self-serving myopic belief that the end justifies the means. And the sad part? They don’t even know what the end entails. Idiots!

I’ve lost all respect for anyone who doesn’t constantly challenge their beliefs, especially when those beliefs feed their desire to limit other people’s freedoms.

We came so close to elevating intellect and rationality and reason and critical thinking as virtues worth nurturing . . . only to see them ridiculed and eschewed for the sake of momentary gains in perceived relevance. History will judge harshly on those willfully denying the truth of evidence for the comfort of lies.

The Disperser Name. Disperser came about from our 2007 trip to Yellowstone. The wolf pictured on the header walked not 20 feet from me, and at the time I wasn’t sure (couldn’t believe) it was a wolf because I wasn’t aware they traveled alone. Once home, I came across this definition:

That sounded familiar to me . . . it should because it’s an accurate description of my place in society. I chose it as my blog name both because of the description, and because the other meaning of Disperser is to spread widely or disseminate, and that’s what my original aim is with the blog.

I wanted to spread my views, opinions, observations, photographs I like, and the fiction I write. Of course, the “widely” part is not entirely accurate; on a good day, this blog gets about ten unique visitors, most of them people who, within the limits of Internet contact, I consider friends. A few stragglers come and go, but few linger.

This Blog. I currently have around 1,500 subscribers, but I subscribe to only a few blogs. If I subscribe to your blog, know I intend to read it, not just browse it. When I tire of it, I will unsubscribe.

If I subscribe to your blog, I don’t expect you to subscribe to mine. If you subscribe to my blog, don’t expect me to subscribe to yours.

With no exceptions, if I check out your blog and I see anything about thanking this or that god, invoking magical thinking, or mentioning anything I consider irrational and anti-science, I will avoid all contact. If I’m following you and find you closed to intellectual self-challenge, consider me gone.

This is for my protection. While not prone to depression, I no longer want exposure to people whose main objective is to not be challenged and especially not challenged by facts. There is zero benefit for me to attempt to educate, enlighten, or push anyone toward rational thinking. I tried it for more than forty years now, and I’ve grown weary of it.

Now, the above does not apply if you comment on my posts. I’ve lost whatever patience I had, and while I won’t be nasty, I will be blunt. If you hold beliefs not anchored in reason and rationality and not backed by research or supported by logic and you express them on my blog, you will be called on it. Present a sound argument, and I will listen because I love to be proven wrong. You heard correctly; prove me wrong and I will thank you for it because you’ll have made me a better person and improved my life. By all means, feel free to babble on about an unsupported belief but be aware of the consequences.

Life in general. I have a good life and I know it. I want to live the remainder of my life spending time with my wife and living in a constant state of amazement and wonder.

I am not blind to the problems of the world, the suffering of literally billions, and to the gathering darkness. I give to charity, I help others, I keep up with world events, and cast my small voice hither and fro to join other voices in opposition of bad stuff, and in support of good stuff.

But, make no mistake: my personal commitment has shifted to my own self and to my wife. I don’t know how much longer we have. Either or both of our lives could literally end tomorrow, and I aim to live what time I have left in a manner that will not cause me to have regrets later on, and to leave the small portion of the world I can influence better off for me having been here. Or at least no worse off.

< < < < < < < < < < o o o o > > > > > > > > > >

The Old-Old “About”

Updated March 1, 2016

I thought it time I should update my “About” page (the old write-up is retained below, starting at the “The Old About “).

My name is Emilio J. D’Alise. I’m in my 63^rd year of life as I write this. I am a retired engineer, happily married. I dabble in writing fiction and opinion pieces, and one of my hobbies is photography. I think I have a fairly good sense of humor and am a nice guy, but then, who doesn’t. I’m told I’m opinionated, but then, who isn’t.

That’s a nice overview, and now onto particulars . . .

Political views. Whatever illusion I had that we live in a country where our individual voices can be heard and make a difference has been beaten out of me in the past ten years or so.

I have a strong opinion about the importance of individual freedom constrained by social responsibilities and no longer believe the two major parties of this country are even remotely close to representing any of my views. As I write this, we are in the middle of yet another presidential election, and it dismays me to no end that anyone believes the people running are the best we can aspire to in a leader of this country.

I’m also tired of hearing the phrase “lesser of two evils” as a reason to vote for one person versus the other. We don’t accept that in any other part of our lives:

Well, let me see . . . you can either eat Broccoli or Cauliflower. What about pasta? No, no, your only choices are Broccoli or Cauliflower.

We resign ourselves to the farce of an illusory choice, and it’s never been more obvious than the current farce of a Presidential Race.

As for individual issues, please interpret “the importance of individual freedom constrained by social responsibilities” as a good guideline in deciding where I stand on hot or even tepid issues.

I am very close to losing all respect for anyone who does not constantly challenge their beliefs, especially when those beliefs feeds their desire to limit other people’s freedoms.

Whatever reasons you find within yourself for not following a religion different than your own, know those are the same reason I don’t follow yours.

The Disperser Name. Disperser came about from our 2007 trip to Yellowstone. The wolf pictured on the header walked not 20 feet from me, and at the time I wasn’t sure (couldn’t believe) it was a wolf because I wasn’t aware they traveled alone. Once home, I came across this definition:

That sounded familiar to me . . . it should because it’s an accurate description of my place in society. I chose it as my blog name both because of the description, and because the other meaning of Disperser is to spread widely, or disseminate, and that’s what my original aim is with the blog.

This Blog. I currently have around 900 subscribers, but I subscribe to only a few blogs. If I subscribe to your blog, know I intend to read it, not just browse it. When I tire of it, I will unsubscribe.

If I subscribe to your blog, I don’t expect you to subscribe to mine. If you subscribe to my blog, don’t expect me to subscribe to yours.

With very few exceptions, if I check out your blog and I see anything about thanking this or that god, invoking magical thinking, or mentioning anything I consider irrational and anti-science, I will, within reason, avoid all contact. I say ‘within reason’ but it’s a certainty, especially these days.

This is to protect you, not me. Meaning, you probably don’t want me challenging your cherished beliefs. Besides, contrary to what I once thought, there is zero benefit for me to attempt to educate, enlighten, or push anyone toward rational thinking. I tried it for more than forty years now, and I’ve grown weary of it.

Now, the above does not apply if you comment on my posts. Other than in extraordinary circumstances, I won’t be nasty, but I will be blunt. If you hold beliefs not anchored in reason and rationality and you express them on my blog, prepare to defend them because they will be challenged.

Life in general. I have a good life and I know it. I want to live the remaining of my life trying for the most part to enjoy it. Broadly speaking this means spending time with my wife and living in a constant state of amazement and wonder.

< < < < < < < < < < o o o o > > > > > > > > > >

The Old-Old-Old “About”

The following is the short bio I wrote for Slice of SciFi (I am listed as a reporter, but mostly I write opinion pieces).

My interests are as eclectic as they are numerous. Racquetball, photography, reading, shooting, traveling, eating, and writing are activities I enjoy, all the while stressing a lack of expertise in any particular one.

A refugee of the auto industry, I now live in sunny Colorado. Currently making little use of my engineering degree, I often wonder what might have been had I listened to the English professor who, in 1976, strongly suggested I switch my major from Engineering to English. Showing a remarkable lack of foresight, I opted to continue on the path to becoming a pretty good, but uninspired, Mechanical Engineer. But for that one decision, I could today be a little known writer, working for little money, and struggling to get some recognition.

That’s a nice generic description, but I figure I should add a little more about me and this blog because, you know, so many people care.

The name. Disperser came about from our trip to Yellowstone a few years ago. The wolf pictured on the header walked not 20 feet from me, and at the time I was not sure it was a wolf because I was not aware they traveled alone. I then came across this definition:

This sounded familiar to me . . . it should because it’s an accurate description of my place in society. I chose it as my blog name both because of the description, and because the other meaning of Disperser is to spread widely, or disseminate, and that’s what my aim is with the blog. I want to spread my views, opinions, observations, photographs I like, and the fiction I write. Of course, the “widely” part is not entirely accurate; I count on one hand the people who read my stuff.

Political views. I would say I am in the middle, but I am not. On some things I am to the right, on some things I am to the left. And even that is not accurate.

For instance, just because I hold the view I should be able to own and carry a gun does not mean I am in the camp of typical guns proponents. It does mean I am not a fan of anti-gun activists.

Abortion and gay marriage are not issues affecting me, so I don’t have strong feeling about the subjects themselves. I do have strong feelings regarding people seeking to curtail or deny others the freedom of personal choice, so those two topics peripherally fall inside the circle of things I care about.

In general my political views have a libertarian slant. I am of the strong belief government should play a minimal role in the lives of people, especially since the majority of politicians appear and act as if they have been corrupted by the power they hold, and seduced by the easy money (meaning: bribes) associated with catering to special interest groups and corporations.

I have no illusion about either of the major party serving my needs or interests, and the smaller parties are often bat-shit crazies organized around simplistic and unrealistic agendas. I vote based on what I believe will be least harmful to things I am interested in.

I was born into a Catholic family. Around the age of 8 I started to ask questions about stuff that even at that tender age contradicted what I knew about the world. I was told I was too young to understand, and eventually I would understand. Eventually I did, but not the way they thought. By 14 I told my parents I did not want to go to mass, confession, or have communion. I remember them not being happy (my uncle, recently deceased, was a priest all his life). At the time I did not know about atheism, skepticism, and all them other isms.

Through my teens there were still times I wanted to believe in something, so beginning in my late teens and into my twenties I look into other religions, beliefs, etc. I am kind when I say I found them lacking. Back then I firmly believed people should educate themselves about their own religion and about competing religious views. I believed if they did, they would soon realize the emperor indeed has no clothes. I was naive. People resist challenges to their beliefs, even becoming more entrenched as problems with their belief system are pointed out to them.

These days my concern goes back to that personal choice and freedom thing. Unfortunately religion is at the base of nearly every attack on personal freedom. So religion and I are often at odds.

I think people can believe, worship, and live to whatever cockamamie creation story, wacked-out god, and spiritual force they choose. The moment they start to actively pursue a course aimed at having others conform to their self-determined rules, is the moment I raise my voice in opposition.

This, of course, is a simplistic summary. Individual issues are a lot more complex than can be examined here, but in general if one person seeks to infringe on the rights of another based on religious beliefs, they are greatly diminished in my eyes.

And if a person refuses to constantly challenge what they believe in, I have little respect for them. As one might imagine, I have few friends.

Life in general. I am 58 years of age as I write this. I am tired. I want to live the remaining of my life trying for the most part to enjoy it. Broadly speaking this means spending time with my wife and living in a constant state of amazement and wonder.

I am not blind to the problems of the world, the suffering of literally billions, and to the gathering darkness. I give to charity, I help others, I keep up with what is happening, and cast my small voice hither and fro to join other voices in opposition of bad stuff, and support of good stuff.

But my personal commitment is slowly shifting to my own self and to my wife. I don’t know how much longer we have. Either or both of our lives could literally end tomorrow, and I aim to live what time I have left in a manner that will not cause me to have regrets later on, and so as to leave the small portion of the world I can influence better off for me having been here. Or at least no worse off.

82Comments

Add yours

1

Christopher Gallaga on 16April2010 at 8:55 AM
Reply

…and perhaps wishing you had been an engineer.

LikeLiked by 2 people
- 2
  
  David B Pittard on 28October2020 at 10:05 AM
  Reply
  
  I turned aside from a career in English literature after beginning the PhD program, and for lack of real passion for another career became a lawyer, but always dabbling in the creative arts including photography, which is how I came to find a link to you. I find many similarities in our perspectives with my brief visit and will return to discover more on your blog. I would like to send you an email before posting something that would perhaps clutter your posts and responses in a way that you would prefer approving beforehand, so if you don’t mind allowing that, let me know.
  
  LikeLike
- 3
  
  disperser on 28October2020 at 11:21 AM
  Reply
  
  David, I’ll assume you’re addressing to me as opposed to Christopher (you replied to his comment).
  
  In answer to your question, I don’t pre-approve anything because I prefer everyone sees comments, good or bad; they define who the person is.
  
  I’m assuming you mean commenting on a post because you shouldn’t be able to create a post on my blog. If you are asking to do a guest post, that’s not likely to happen. If you have a post of yours you want to share, put it in the comments and I’ll apply my guidelines as to whether I’ll let the link stand or not.
  
  If I deem a comment is distasteful (child porn, advocating violence, selling broccoli) I typically don’t delete it, but I probably would replace it with gibberish and a summary (in my words) of what it says.
  
  Comments that advertise for something (anything) get the link switched to a video of “Never Gonna Give You Up” or outright deleted.
  
  By the way, the FAQ has general guidelines for commenting.
  
  So, in answer to your question, if you want to drop a comment on any of my posts, go ahead. If you want to email me about something you’d rather not discuss on a comment thread, go ahead and I’ll probably apply the same rules I do for comments.
  
  LikeLike
4

disperser on 17April2010 at 10:00 AM
Reply

I’ve never met anyone who wished they had been an engineer.

Sure, they admire the traits . . . clarity of vision, flawless reasoning, kindness, ruthlessness, facility with weapons, writing flair, and subtle humor, but when it comes to actually working as an engineer . . . look how the engineer is portrayed in The Big Bang Theory.

LikeLiked by 1 person
5

BoundforAdventure on 4February2012 at 4:48 AM
Reply

Hi there! I love following your blog. can’t seem to find an email address for you- so do you mind dropping me an email when you get a chance? I would love to have you guest blog on Bound for Adventure. Thanks!!

LikeLiked by 1 person
6

96arley on 8February2012 at 1:12 PM
Reply

I’ve enjoyed your about section and look forward to more of your commentary on your life. I fall in line with many of your opinions (aside from spirituality) and am certainly of the accord that we as people, regardless of race, religion, orientation, ethnic background, culture or political affiliation, have no right to impose our own beliefs and personal decisions upon another who’s actions do not impose upon our own rights. Thanks for visiting and commenting and keep up the fantastic work here!

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 7
  
  disperser on 8February2012 at 8:34 PM
  Reply
  
  Thanks for stopping by.
  
  LikeLike
8

m5son (mike) on 8February2012 at 3:50 PM
Reply

I totally get you. Since we both live in Colorado, let me know when you want to go shooting.

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 9
  
  disperser on 8February2012 at 8:40 PM
  Reply
  
  Who do you want to shoot?
  
  Seriously, where do you shoot? I’ve been waiting for a decent shooting range near me. People here go off on public lands and shoot, but I am a bit nervous about doing that since along with conscientious shooters there are always jackasses who are reckless.
  
  Mind you, I’m not nervous about being shot; I’m worried I won’t be able to control my urge to clean up the gene pool.
  
  Fort Carson is supposed to be adding a public shooting range, and I am looking forward to that.
  
  I live in Monument. Where’s do you live? (no addresses, please; just general area)
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
10

Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat on 23February2012 at 5:17 PM
Reply

I wanted to let you know that we nominated you for the Versatile Blogger award. Please follow this path to view our post
http://throughmylens365.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/versatile-blogger/

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 11
  
  disperser on 23February2012 at 5:38 PM
  Reply
  
  While I appreciate the sentiment behind the nomination, and acknowledge the sincerity of your opinion, I respectfully decline the nomination.
  
  Some time back I became aware of these nominations and wrote a post specifically related to these types of awards. The post is linked at the bottom of each of my subsequent blog posts with the intent of avoiding this particular occurrence.
  
  (https://disperser.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/blogger-awards-2/)
  
  Understand it is not my intention to minimize the recognition you received, for I have seen your work and can easily understand and concur with you being nominated (and I predict you will get more).
  
  But much like being Freshly Pressed, these awards are counter to my own peculiar way of looking at the world, and the way I want the world to interact with me.
  
  That said, first and foremost I sincerely hope you will not feel hurt by me declining your generous nomination, and second I hope you will not be resentful because of it.
  
  Thank you.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
12

disperser on 23February2012 at 6:01 PM
Reply

* * * * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * * * *
Dear Visitor:
If you are considering nominating me for any of the currently popular “Blogger Awards” (recognized by the requirement the winner nominates X-number of other bloggers), please refrain from doing so since I will decline the nomination. I appreciate your desire to recognize my work, but I would much prefer a personalized note from you to that effect. Thank You.

https://disperser.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/blogger-awards-2/

* * * * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * * * *

LikeLiked by 4 people
13

seekraz on 12May2012 at 9:16 PM
Reply

Emilio – I just read your post about removing the “like” button and comment field from your posts…it’s interesting and I respect your opinion, fully, while having a different one. Personally, I often hit the like button simply as a means of telling you that I was there…seekraz came to visit. Yes, we write and post our photos for ourselves, as you say, but if they were truly for ourselves, they’d be in a journal on our computer or on our book shelf and not out here for the world to view. So…if we’re going to share it, shouldn’t we let people tell us they visited or liked whatever they saw? Shouldn’t we let them tell us what they think about it all? No, we don’t have to get stuck on or eager for their praise, but if we’re going to put it out here for the world, shouldn’t we allow some feedback more than clicking a stupid star on the top of the screen that doesn’t say who visited? We’ve spawned this community, seems like we should interact a bit if we’re going to be here. Anyway, those are my thoughts. I’ve enjoyed visiting with you, here and on my site. I’d like to be able to tell you that I stopped-by sometimes and even that I like what you’re throwing out here. I enjoy your biting wit…I further enjoy knowing that I’m in like-company in regard to your disbelief in gods and supernatural hogwash…don’t find too many people willing to say as much. Will see you around…. Scott

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 14
  
  disperser on 12May2012 at 11:09 PM
  Reply
  
  Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
  
  First, I should say that anyone with a WordPress account can still hit “like” on all the posts. It’s up in the header when you are logged in (next to “follow” of “following”). There is no tally on the post, but I get an e-mail notice for each like. I found that out when I got a few likes after I switched the option off in the post.
  
  And I agree with your assessment of the incongruity between my statement about writing for myself, and having a public blog. Perhaps I should clarify a bit. I do want to make my opinion public, share my fiction, show off my pictures. That is something which gives me pleasure and purpose. I don’t want to force it on anyone, but everyone is free to peruse it, be it because they search it out, or chance upon it. It also forces a certain amount of discipline I might not have if it was strictly a private diary.
  
  And yes, I have struggled with the whole feedback thing. But let me point something out . . . you have posted photos of a number of murals on your blog. You can appreciate them, you share them with others, but you do not know who the artist is. You were happy to share them with others without interaction with the originator.
  
  Don’t get me wrong; I like feedback . . . but that feedback tells me things that sometime I don’t want to hear. It tells me few people ever click on any of the links. Fewer still go to the SmugMug albums associated with the posts. By few I mean I can count them on one hand . . . even if I was a press operator.
  
  Many times I get likes on my posts within the first few seconds of them having gone up. It takes me five to ten minutes to read some of my posts, and I am familiar with them. I don’t know what the people are liking.
  
  There is a conflict within me, you see. Those kinds of things affect me somewhat . . . I am willing to put in multiple hours on each post, and I can stand back, look at it, and say “Yes; that turned out well.” But it deflates me a bit when no one looks at even half the work I did. I lose some of the incentive to keep putting forth that kind of effort. In a way, I rather just know I had visitors (the daily view count), and not know if they just glanced at the stuff or actually sat down to digest it. Just like the murals, it’s enough to know someone’s gaze washed over them. But when I get comments saying how much people liked the posts, and then I don’t see the corresponding interaction, it makes me wonder what exactly they liked.
  
  Earlier in the year I had committed to daily posts. I thought I did a pretty good job, but it took both a lot of time, and sometime I had to rush stuff. According to conventional wisdom, to ramp up viewership, to get more hits, and to have lots of followers I should return to that model. But I prefer what I do.
  
  The problem with what I do is that sometime it can be daunting. Few people have the time to really read and immerse themselves in the kind of posts I write. You mention that occasionally you hit “like” just to let me know you were there. That sort of takes on the same taint that “friend” has in FaceBook. There is a dilution to the meaning of the word.
  
  I would be nice to have some other way, some other metric that said who came to visit. To that end, the subscription (or following) of a blog is a statement of approval. I know I am selective as to the blogs I follow, and I don’t follow everyone who follows me. In part it’s because there is no time to look at everything, but also because some blogs, while good, do not overlap my interests. I am happy to assume people who follow me find sufficient reason to do so. I don’t know for sure . . . maybe they just like to receive lots of e-mail notices.
  
  I’m writing a book here . . . probably because I am still unsure of my actions. I don’t want to cut people off, but I’ve not worked out a good way to shape the interaction. There’s the e-mail thing, but that is usually too personal (and time-consuming).
  
  I’ll see how this goes for a bit, and then maybe I will switch on the comments again.
  
  Thanks for the feedback.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  - 15
    
    Paula on 14November2013 at 10:48 AM
    Reply
    
    Just to let you know that I was here and read this. I am mostly interested in photo and travel blogs so I will not be here very often. I think that people in general are very quick on the like button as on facebook, which I avoid, and that its relevance can’t be taken seriously. Your blogger friends can leave another kind of trace of their visit if they are interested.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    - 16
      
      disperser on 14November2013 at 12:49 PM
      
      I understand. Only 80% of my stuff is photography, and only 5-8% is travel. Certainly not enough to merit frequent visits.
      
      Yes, that’s snarkiness. But I understand; I don’t have a focused blog, and some people are put off by it.
      
      Luckily, I too blog mostly for myself and a very small core group.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    - 17
      
      Paula on 14November2013 at 12:53 PM
      
      Hey, you honest guy 🙂 I am not criticising your blog in any way, I am or trying to be pretty honest and am saying that I will not be able to commit to reading your novel every time, cause of my being distracted, but I would very much like to stay in contact for occasional visits. I am not the type to subscribe to nonsensical like clicking on every post which would not be much work. I was tempted to comment on your butterfly, but thought you would be peeved if I only comment on the pic without reading the article. If it is ok, I will gladly comment on your pictures, Emilio. Keep well, Paula
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    - 18
      
      disperser on 14November2013 at 1:38 PM
      
      Wasn’t meant to guilt you into looking at my blog. I seldom do just photos as I usually mix with commentary.
      
      As a rule, it takes a while to read most of my posts (even the non-writing ones), and the comment about the ‘core group’ was not a crack. Word Perfect even has the tag “wplongform’ for people who both post lengthy items, and people who like to read longer stuff.
      
      Most of the photography blogs feature one or two photos at a time, whereas I tend to have between ten and thirty.
      
      I am, thus, perfectly aware the majority of people will be put off by the amount of attention required to go through a typical post.
      
      As for reading . . . again, I think reading is becoming a lost art. In a fast-paced world long stories are usually ignored.
      
      In part, that’s why I do Photo and the Flash, for example, http://bit.ly/1gOM4mr, and the writing prompts, for example: http://bit.ly/1gOMgly.
      
      By the way, you might like that last one (very short).
      
      But, do not feel like you have to look at those, or if you do, that you have to comment on those. This has already gone longer than anticipated, so I’m going to stop with this comment.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
- 19
  
  SoundEagle 🦅ೋღஜஇ on 18March2018 at 5:39 PM
  Reply
  
  Hello Emilio and seekraz,
  
  I would like to refer to Emilio’s statements addressed to seekraz:
  
  But let me point something out . . . you have posted photos of a number of murals on your blog. You can appreciate them, you share them with others, but you do not know who the artist is. You were happy to share them with others without interaction with the originator.
  
  And also seekraz’s statements addressed to Emilio:
  
  And with my posting pictures of murals without ever giving that feedback to the artists, another good point in context, but to clarify, especially on the more elaborate works, I have sought those artists on every occasion that I have gone to photograph the murals…there are often people in that alley-way and I have asked about the artists without fail, upon every visit. I haven’t left a card or anything for them to contact me, have not pursued them, but my posting of their work is a testimony of my appreciation for it.
  
  It is quite true that most people sharing arts on their blogs do so with little or no commentaries on what they share other than the photographic inclusion of those arts in their posts. It would take a great deal of care and effort to actually know an artist and their oeuvres, and then to interact with the artist and to write about such matters. In that regard, I would like to believe that I have done any artist justice in my endeavours, a complex example of which can be seen at https://soundeagle.wordpress.com/2013/01/06/soundeagle-in-john-clinocks-art-rat-cafe/
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
20

seekraz on 14May2012 at 10:27 PM
Reply

Hello again, Emilio –

Thank you, too, for your thoughtful and complete response. I do appreciate the time you’ve taken to explain yourself…which you certainly didn’t have to do.

I am aware of the “like” button up on the top frame of the WordPress screen…kind of impersonal, but I suppose it still serves a purpose…”someone” liked the post.

I agree with the feedback being a positive reinforcer, encouraging us to be diligent in our writing or photography, whatever, whereas if we were doing it strictly for ourselves, we might not adhere to our discipline of posting regularly, etc. The feedback is very encouraging, makes us be more critical of what we’re putting out there. Good point.

And with my posting pictures of murals without ever giving that feedback to the artists, another good point in context, but to clarify, especially on the more elaborate works, I have sought those artists on every occasion that I have gone to photograph the murals…there are often people in that alley-way and I have asked about the artists without fail, upon every visit. I haven’t left a card or anything for them to contact me, have not pursued them, but my posting of their work is a testimony of my appreciation for it. But still, point taken; I can appreciate your work without telling you that I do…but given the nature of our community here in this blog-realm, I would like to be able to tell you what I like about your work…and strangely, I would like for you to know that it was me hitting the “like” button…who knows why…maybe for a connection, I don’t know. Anyway…I understand your position on the matter.

Regarding your comment about someone liking your post within seconds of you hitting the “publish” button when you know that it takes at least 10 minutes or more to actually read it, I agree…that does diminish the value of the “like” as feedback…actually makes it meaningless…which touches on my comment of hitting the “like” button to let you know I was there…which was an incomplete statement on my part…if I didn’t like the post, I wouldn’t have hit the “like” button to tell you I was there…I hit the “like” button to tell you that I was there, even though I’m not leaving a comment to tell you “what” I liked, which has more of the essence of real feedback.

That’s probably enough on the topic. I enjoy reading your posts and noting the details of some of your photos…enjoy your world-view…and follow your blog. So whether I can tell you exactly what I like about each post, or even that it’s me “liking” the thing, I’ll be there reading.

Thanks for listening/reading. Scott

LikeLiked by 1 person
21

Jerry on 28June2012 at 3:05 PM
Reply

Hey Emilio, it’s Jerry, your former Hartwick employee :o). I stumbled across your blog as I was googling stuff on the colorado fires. I knew you were living in the Colorado Springs area so I was concerned how close the fires are to you. Your impressive photos answered my questions. From what I can tell, looks like a bit too close !! Anyway, stay safe and say hi to the missus. Will be following your blog regularly now. Jerry

LikeLiked by 2 people
- 22
  
  disperser on 28June2012 at 3:41 PM
  Reply
  
  Jerry! Nice to hear from you.
  
  And yes, the fires are a bit close, although today it’s a little less bleak than yesterday.
  
  Hope you are doing well for yourself, and I’ll pass your greetings on to Melisa. Thanks.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
23

CMSmith on 30June2012 at 10:21 AM
Reply

We have a lot in common, you and I. I had a short (3-1/2 years) career in chemical engineering, followed by a lot of years at home raising our children. Now I write. If I would have started with the writing, I probably could have done that a bit through the “home with kids” years and been much further ahead today.

Although I want to believe in a compassionate God, I agree that it is wrong and dangerous to allow anyone to impose their ideas of a code of action based on their religious beliefs. We agree on this. I just find it easier to believe in a creator than to imagine how all the beauty, variety, engineering, strength, and intricacies of nature could have occurred perchance. I just don’t buy it.

I also would like to believe that it all doesn’t end here. Belief is a choice.

I’ll subscribe to you on my Google Reader. So you can know there is one more person listening.

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 24
  
  disperser on 30June2012 at 11:04 AM
  Reply
  
  Thanks for subscribing.
  
  As for belief . . . I agree it is a choice (one we make in all sorts of areas beside religion).
  
  However, believers present Faith (belief without an underlying basis of evidence or even logic) as a virtue.
  
  I would see it as a flaw in myself.
  
  I’ve never found a way to proceed past that, especially since it can then spill over into non-spiritual matters (i.e. Big Foot, UFOs, ghosts, fortune telling, ESP, etc).
  
  All of those are also choices.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - 25
    
    CMSmith on 30June2012 at 12:13 PM
    Reply
    
    You don’t believe in Big Foot? That may be where we have to part ways. Next you’ll probably tell me there is no Loch Ness Monster.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    - 26
      
      disperser on 30June2012 at 1:02 PM
      
      No, no . . . we got us pictures of Nessie. I’m cool with that.
      
      LikeLike
27

Eddy Winko on 20January2013 at 11:55 PM
Reply

Great bio, I look forward to reading more of your blog.

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 28
  
  disperser on 21January2013 at 10:09 AM
  Reply
  
  Well, thanks . . . I aim to entertain, amuse, and possibly provide respite from the weight of the world..
  
  Why Poland?
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - 29
    
    Eddy Winko on 21January2013 at 10:27 AM
    Reply
    
    The love of a beautiful woman and cheap land! The only way we could afford to follow our dream.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    - 30
      
      disperser on 21January2013 at 10:32 AM
      
      I am very glad it was not the other way around.
      
      I’ll follow because I am interested in people moving to other countries for better opportunities to live the way they want . . . or can afford. Something we are looking into as well, but at this stage is still in the exploratory stage.
      
      Although Poland is not one of the countries I would have considered.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    - 31
      
      Eddy Winko on 21January2013 at 10:40 AM
      
      I was careful when typing it!
      Poland has a lot to offer, except the English language 🙂
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
32

araneus1 on 9May2013 at 7:11 PM
Reply

“Did not intend disrespect . . . I worked for the auto industry for 26 years, and there was a period when the cat suffered from many quality problems (as did many brands – profit before quality will do that).

Can’t speak to it now . . . not my market.”
No disrespect detected.
Fortunately, most of the problems from the ‘British Leyland’ era have long since been sorted using more modern parts.
Anyone who was alive back then knows about the problems.
This cat was from 1985……… right in the middle of all that.
The guys who looked after it for me were very good at their job (and very expensive).
Unfortunately they, and this car, are no more but my current Jag has an interesting history and came with it’s own specialist mechanics who are amazing (father and two sons) and VERY expensive. Money is becoming a bit of a problem at my house so each year I get closer to having to let her go, but you never know what might turn up. I’ve always been a lucky person so maybe there is still some luck left in the tank. When I say luck I mean it……….. quick example. The car in the photo was hit on the side on a freeway doing 100kph, by a new driver who lost control of her car. Amazingly my whole family was in the car at the time (This is very rare) We spun into a concrete retaining wall at full speed. We all survived with only bruises and stained ligaments. The car was bent so badly that it could not be repaired. It saved our lives without any of the modern safety equipment. Broke my heart to see her all banged up like that but it was good to see my family all get out of that car. Photos and a Jaguar name plate are all I have left of her.
Actually I still have the steering wheel in my current car.
Sorry to be so long winded.
Terry

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 33
  
  disperser on 9May2013 at 7:54 PM
  Reply
  
  No problem. Nice to hear the story.
  
  LikeLike
34

ShimonZ on 4July2013 at 1:30 PM
Reply

I was commented on a post, and waited to hear what sort of reaction I would get. And so far I haven’t received any, but had the opportunity to read other reactions. Among them was a comment from you. I liked it… Enough to come over and check out who you are. I haven’t read much of your blog yet. But so far, I can see that we have much in common, and differences too. I look forward to getting to know you better. I’m quite a bit older than you. Worked as an engineer for a while, but did other things in life as well. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to work in engineering, because I found it fascinating work. In fact, I enjoyed every sort of work I did in life. I live in a different country, and am part of a rather different culture from your own. I am a religious man, and had the same questions when I was eight that you had. Many of the answers, I found within myself. But I don’t think for a moment that the answers that satisfied me would necessarily satisfy anyone else. Still, sometimes, I’m willing to share them.

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 35
  
  disperser on 4July2013 at 1:40 PM
  Reply
  
  I too, have seen your footprints in other blogs, and you are right, we are different both in little things and big things. And I too found the answers within myself, but they were obviously not the same answers you gathered.
  
  Amazingly, I also live in a different country and culture than your own, and one that is constantly changing. Yes, a bit of humor with perhaps a touch of something else (another big aspect of who I am).
  
  I hope you can find much here to entertain you, but you might want to avoid the opinion pieces.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - 36
    
    ShimonZ on 4July2013 at 1:56 PM
    Reply
    
    If I won’t be able to enjoy the opinion pieces, I will probably stop following you after a short time. I don’t expect people to have the same opinion as me, and I enjoy listening to other’s opinions as long as they show depth and a working mind.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    - 37
      
      disperser on 4July2013 at 2:08 PM
      
      Fair enough.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
- 38
  
  SoundEagle 🦅ೋღஜஇ on 18March2018 at 5:34 PM
  Reply
  
  Hi Emilio and ShimonZ,
  
  I read your comments with some interests as all three of us had been engineers, though ShimonZ had not revealed himself to be an engineer in his “About” page, as far as I know.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
39

I am J on 5February2014 at 10:51 AM
Reply

Wow. Much of what you’ve written, I’ve believed for most of my life.

I, too, live in sunny Colorado. I literally raised “hell” with Sister Mary Charlene when she hit me with a ruler for asking, “If God is everywhere, where is hell?” I was 10 years old and discovered then that hell isn’t a place…it’s in people’s minds and actions. Anything that can’t be questioned, just can’t be the truth, in my world at least. Thus ended my religious journey. Note I say “religious.” Spiritual is a whole different matter.

My husband and I don’t have too many more years to enjoy life ourselves so it’s time to cut the crap, get real, and LIVE. I think that’s why I like your blog and your “live this day my way kind of philosophy.”

I know I won’t always agree with you, but I’ll always respect your opinion because Sister Mary Charlene taught me that much by her total respect for mine! That being said, I’ll definitely be visiting your blog often.

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 40
  
  disperser on 5February2014 at 12:42 PM
  Reply
  
  Here’s something that might trigger a discussion . . .
  https://disperser.wordpress.com/2012/06/12/religious-spiritual-or-something-else/
  
  LikeLike
41

I am J on 5February2014 at 10:52 AM
Reply

I wish there was an “edit” button. I meant to say I’ll always respect your opinion because Sister Mary Charlene taught me that much by her total disrespect for mine.”

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 42
  
  disperser on 5February2014 at 12:39 PM
  Reply
  
  Done. A free service offered by an anal-type who also occasionally would like to fix errors.
  
  LikeLike
43

PiedType on 30August2014 at 11:16 PM
Reply

Loved your header the minute I saw it, and envy that experience in Yellowstone. Is it normal for the wolves to get that close to humans? I’ve written a fair amount about wolves, but didn’t think even the ones who were used to humans would get so close.

I’m a fellow Coloradan, living in Thornton. I, too, have some views on the left, some on the right, and am an unaffiliated voter. I, too, tried telling my parents I didn’t want to go to church (Presbyterian) anymore. Didn’t get very far with that. Quit going when I went off to college.

Oh well, just stopped by to say “hi.”

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 44
  
  disperser on 30August2014 at 11:27 PM
  Reply
  
  I don’t think the packs get that close (if they ever do, it means they are hungry and we are in trouble).
  
  I had never heard of dispersers wolves (not affiliated with a pac) until that day, and I was surprised it walked that close. So surprised that at first I thought it was a coyote. It didn’t seem overly concerned about the people snapping away with their cameras, but it wasn’t friendly or curious, either. It just continued on its path.
  
  . . . and ‘hi’ back.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - 45
    
    PiedType on 30August2014 at 11:29 PM
    Reply
    
    🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
- 46
  
  disperser on 30August2014 at 11:30 PM
  Reply
  
  By the way, I’ve looked at a few of your posts, and because of this:
  https://disperser.wordpress.com/2014/06/12/if-im-following-you-read-this/
  
  I may or may not be able to like or leave comments. I’ll be looking more tomorrow.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
- 47
  
  disperser on 31August2014 at 12:03 AM
  Reply
  
  Hmm . . . not sure about subscribing to your blog; we have some fundamental differences, and you’ve already stated my position is untenable, so that does not leave much room in way of common ground.
  
  Plus, you know, most of your commenters call me names, think me of diminished mental capacity, and are happy to lay the blame for complicated social issues at my doorstep.
  
  In my younger days I would gladly taken up the task of educating others . . . now I just shake my head and move on.
  
  This is also a fair warning that you might come across stuff you won’t like much on my blog (mostly from the past – although occasionally I get needled into commenting on things that affect me).
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - 48
    
    PiedType on 31August2014 at 12:30 AM
    Reply
    
    Everyone has a variety of opinions on a variety of things. And it’s unlikely any two people will agree on everything. I try to keep things civil in my comments section and don’t tolerate personal, ad hominem attacks. Polite differences of opinion are encouraged. After all, minds might be changed. Anyway, you’re welcome if you wish to visit. Here, it’s your house. Your rules. If I don’t like something, I can always leave. No harm done.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  - 49
    
    disperser on 31August2014 at 12:56 PM
    Reply
    
    I’m not concerned about civility of others (I’m fairly thick-skinned). The point I was trying to make is that in the topics discussed in the posts I looked at (and comments) there seems to be a reached consensus the other side (people who might differ in opinion, people like me) are wrong. Period. No. Redeeming. Qualities.
    
    My nature is such that I seldom let stuff slide, so I would be inclined to (respectfully) engage. However, I would be doing so with the knowledge that 1) people’s minds were closed to differing opinions, and 2) expressing my opinions would be useless since I would be considered to have no inherent basis in rationality, and hence anything I say would hold no sway with anyone.
    
    That to me seems a recipe for frustration.
    
    As for what I allow on my blog, I welcome all opinions. Here’s a few examples if at all interested.
    https://disperser.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/why-we-have-no-discourse/
    https://disperser.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/violence-and-other-stuff/
    https://disperser.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/its-like-looking-in-a-mirror/
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
50

john zande on 14October2014 at 6:09 PM
Reply

On board

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 51
  
  disperser on 14October2014 at 6:50 PM
  Reply
  
  OK
  
  LikeLike
52

the dune mouse on 10March2015 at 6:01 PM
Reply

great to meet you and thanks for your follow. I too write or am aspiring to write!! I will be perusing your blog as well!!

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 53
  
  disperser on 10March2015 at 6:22 PM
  Reply
  
  Don’t feel like you have to follow back (unless, of course, you want to). I liked your artistic approach to photography, something I seldom do.
  
  Hope you enjoy looking around.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
54

petspeopleandlife on 11April2015 at 8:59 PM
Reply

I like your candid views. I agree with many of the things that you believe. I also hope that you and your wife have many years of decent health. You sound like a good person. Here’s hoping that you will be the receiver of good karma, that is, if you believe in positive forces in life.

Regards,
yvonne

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 55
  
  disperser on 1May2015 at 5:46 PM
  Reply
  
  Thank you, and no, I don’t believe in Karma . . . if I did I would live the most selfish life I could and let my next incarnation pay the price.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  - 56
    
    petspeopleandlife on 1May2015 at 10:55 PM
    Reply
    
    Well it seems that I have goofed all the way around, I had forgotten that I had commented on your blog about a month or so ago. And, then I commented tonight and made some idiot comments about not knowing if you are male or not. I have been in a rush all day and dragging my backside due to fatigue and now I’d better stop while I’m hopefully ahead. 🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  - 57
    
    disperser on 1May2015 at 11:24 PM
    Reply
    
    Not a big deal – – I was off-Internet for a month; I could have altered my gender. Apparently, it’s a popular thing to do these days.
    
    By the way, I noticed you followed me back. Please don’t do so just because I followed you. Before following, you should maybe read a sample of what I post and make sure you have some interest in it. Some people find me caustic (worse than sarcastic, I hear.)
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
58

thejeremynix on 3May2015 at 3:09 PM
Reply

Your about page is one of the best I’ve read! Thanks for being a follower of my blog, and for dispensing such sound advice in my comment section. I am full of gratitude for your wise words and sound advice, which you provided to me unsolicited. I now consider you a “virtual” friend!

Also, I love your blog title.

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 59
  
  disperser on 3May2015 at 3:43 PM
  Reply
  
  Thank you.
  
  As for the advice, just remember people are not entitled to comment on your blog; instead, you allow them the privilege as long as they are civil and respectful. Cross that line, and you should have no qualms about editing them out.
  
  Remember also it’s never a good idea to hand people the power to hurt you (in the form of being hurt by their criticism). It gives them a legitimacy they do not deserve. Best to immediately realize they are of no consequence or value to your life, and move on.
  
  I have my own special way of dealing with such pests (for example, my exchange with “Rocky” in the comments for this post: https://dispersertracks.com/2012/03/07/opinion-holocaust-deniers-petitions-and-censorship) but that takes time and effort, and you have to enjoy it if you chose to respond that way.
  
  I was off the internet for a month, so I have your posts from last month to catch up with, and I plan to.
  
  Thanks for dropping by.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
60

LDG luciledegodoy on 27August2015 at 3:30 PM
Reply

Well, I like every word here. I had already liked your style and your way of thinking. It was even better to acknowledge that I was right to like your blog, when reading your about page.
It has been a pleasure to read your words and appreciate your photography and covers.
Coming here is a pleasure because it is a place where brains are used, and your thoughts make me think too. Besides, you are an artists too. Additionally, I am a former corporate executive turned consultant (for the time being) and related to your corporate experience, although I am not an engineer…
It feels good to have met you. Cheers!

LikeLiked by 1 person
- 61
  
  disperser on 27August2015 at 4:27 PM
  Reply
  
  Thanks; I appreciate the implied compliment and good to know there are still people out there who use their brains.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
62

disperser on 27August2015 at 3:32 PM
Reply

* * * S T O P * * * S T O P * * * S T O P * * * S T O P * * *
Dear reader/visitor:
If you are considering nominating me for any “Blogger Awards” (recognized by the requirement the winner nominates X-number of other bloggers), please refrain from doing so since I will decline the nomination. I appreciate your desire to recognize my work, but I would much prefer a personalized note from you to that effect. Thank You.

https://disperser.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/blogger-awards-2/

* * * * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * * * *

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- 63
  
  thejeremynix on 3May2015 at 3:09 PM
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  I’m with you on this one!
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
64

Professor Taboo on 3November2015 at 2:16 PM
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Thought I’d hop over Disperser and see what all the fuss was about, and quickly browse this page as I only have/had a couple of minutes. 😉

Thank you kindly for visiting my corner of the cyber-world! Best wishes to you Sir!
assuming/guessing you are a Sir! 😛

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- 65
  
  disperser on 3November2015 at 2:26 PM
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  Fuss? What fuss? There is fuss? How come I’m not privy to the fuss?
  
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  - 66
    
    Professor Taboo on 3November2015 at 2:28 PM
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    LMAO!!! Hang around me more and you’ll get plenty! 😉
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  - 67
    
    disperser on 3November2015 at 2:31 PM
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    I subscribed, but don’t know how much I’ll want to contribute. Deep discussions, as I mentioned, typically damage my calm.
    
    As for fuss, I get a fair amount because of my views on Guns, Religion, and Politics.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
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Lisa on 15September2016 at 4:59 PM
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Just commenting to say hi. I am glad I found your blog. I found it while searching for Udvar Hazy pictures to replace the blurry ones of my own that I deleted. Udvar is in my back yard. Colorado Springs used to hold my backyard. It looks like you found a good fit in choosing to live in Colorado.

You, at 63, remind me so much of my dad at that age. I am only ten years your junior now and was considerably younger then. He was an engineer too but favored writing and photography as more.

I just had to say hi because I miss him so and when reading your blog I hear it in my head in my dad’s voice.

I wish you the best.

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- 69
  
  disperser on 15September2016 at 9:54 PM
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  Thank you. That’s a big mantle for anyone to wear. I had said follow, as in “steps”, but mantle is more fitting.
  
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Emilio on 10September2017 at 10:51 AM
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Emilio you’re not a nice guy. Nihilism never leads to “nice” people. You’re failed little company was a failure because of your flawed nihilistic character and the tendency for birds of a feather to gravitate together. You’re a lost soulless cur and that is what you will be remembered as. You’re life’s work and legacy is nothing more than rusty metal.

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- 71
  
  disperser on 12September2017 at 6:41 PM
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  First, let me congratulate you on your eloquence and writing ability. A bit repetitive in places, but it serves to drive the point home, so bravo on that.
  
  Second, being soulless is a point of pride with me, so thank you for that as well.
  
  Finally, until now, I was not aware I had a legacy, so my final thank you is for informing me otherwise.
  
  I am a bit disappointed you chose to not use your real name. That, to me, always points to someone who is not comfortable with themselves and who lacks conviction in their opinions.
  
  I suppose there’s also a bit of a cowardly aspect to anonymity, but hesitate to assume that here.
  
  Whatever your story, I’m glad that I made enough of an impact in your life to last fully 13 years since I decided to close my little company. I might quibble with the failure part since a number of employees were kept employed and ushered to careers that continue to this day. I suppose that’s a matter of personal viewpoint, and I shall grant you yours.
  
  Thanks again for your feedback.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - 72
    
    SoundEagle 🦅ೋღஜஇ on 18March2018 at 3:16 PM
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    It is somewhat uncanny that the anonymous commenter here (also the most recent commenter before the publication of my current comment) has the same first name as yours, assuming that it is even a real first name.
    
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  - 73
    
    disperser on 18March2018 at 3:35 PM
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    That is not their real name.
    I have the email address they used, but that too appears masked.
    
    Still, they do appear quite taken with me. I often have that effect on people but few bother to acknowledge it.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
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Blog Maintenance – July 2018 | Disperser Tracks on 8July2018 at 11:33 PM
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[…] About […]

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75

Project 313 – Post No. 089 | Disperser Tracks on 11July2018 at 12:01 AM
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[…] About […]

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76

calmkate on 13May2020 at 9:32 PM
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I came here via your comment on Carolyn’s post about anxiety … your mindset/attitude resonated deeply. Reading the above it continues to resonate … nice to meet you!

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- 77
  
  disperser on 13May2020 at 10:00 PM
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  Thank you, calmkate. I’ve seen you in a few blogs we follow in common.
  
  I have perused your blog before and drop by occasionally (when I remember by virtue of reading a comment you’ve left).
  
  Poetry is something I seldom comment on (Colonialist occasionally drew a comment, but only because I “knew” him).
  
  My blog is not as focused (the fancy word is eclectic), which could be good or bad . . . meaning, it’s a bit like the weather. If you don’t like something, wait and something different is likely to pop in.
  
  Sadly, though, no poetry. I’m one of them simpletons who prefer linear prose. Nice to meet you too.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  - 78
    
    calmkate on 13May2020 at 11:02 PM
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    Your photography is gifted and sounds like you’re more a science, figures man but the no BS attitude is impressive … take care!
    
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    - 79
      
      disperser on 13May2020 at 11:36 PM
      
      Oh, I don’t know. . . I think I can BS with the best of them. After all, I write fiction; how hard can it be?
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
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mvschulze on 22February2022 at 9:42 AM
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Have enjoyed, and will continue to follow your “take” – perhaps partly because your viewpoints are many times similar to mine, and I suppose I also find a neat form of enlightenment through your perspectives. M 🙂

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- 81
  
  disperser on 22February2022 at 10:15 AM
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  Thank you, mvschulze. Nut, if you ever notice me going “off the rail” let me know. At my age, you never know when the mind will start to drift.
  
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disperser on 22February2022 at 10:15 AM
Reply

* * * S T O P * * * S T O P * * * S T O P * * * S T O P * * *
Dear reader/visitor:
If you are considering nominating me for any “Blogger Awards” (recognized by the requirement the winner nominates X-number of other bloggers), please refrain from doing so since I will decline the nomination. I appreciate your desire to recognize my work, but I would much prefer a personalized note from you to that effect. Thank You.

https://disperser.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/blogger-awards-2/

* * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * * * * S T O P * * *

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