RE: Content, Popularity and the Ulog Phenomenon...
Two months ago, I posted a summary of the reasons I wanted to use the Steemit blockchain, unknowingly describing the Ulog process. I wanted a way of recording information about ME! Cyberspace is chock full of technical information and it is so pervasive it is hard to find an avenue for self-expression amid the clutter of "how all this works" talk.
The Ulog concept allows both self-expression and a way to communicate with old and new friends across the planet and across time. If you need to wax poetic about the internal operations of the blockchain or how to make the casserole using the secret family recipe, those are two vastly different aspects of your inner self, and each needs a proper outlet.
Ulog is a new, much needed blockchain version of the selfie!
I like that analogy @willymac!
It's funny (and sad) how long the web has resisted the "personal." In the beginning, all the "nerds" who built the idea were resistant; but then "academics" were also considered OK. The web was dragged — kicking and screaming — into the commercial age, and it was slowly agreed that being able to buy goods and services without leaving the house was not such a terrible idea.
As for the "personal," it tends to have been limited. As a blogger, there was a brief period around 2001-07 where "social blogging" was a thing, but Facebook pretty much put an end to that by inventing "smiley culture." If you're going to be "personal," at l;east do it with a few emoticons...
In a sense, Ulogs represent a return to the early 2000's style... and I like that idea.
It is a bit odd that the nerds wanted privacy but fell over themselves sharing their latest discovery/creation, and included a detailed CV to anyone who would take it. A matter of perspective, I suppose.
Another possible reason for reluctance to be personal is the fear of revealing damaging private information. Now that it is clear that anyone collecting data already has it from other sources, maybe people will loosen up on that fear. The more Ulogging happens, the easier it will be for the concept to spread. It seems to me that the time is better now than ever for it to flourish.
I agree that the late 70's and up to the early 00's were a lot looser on the personal level than now. I miss those days!