LUKE: Your overconfidence is your weakness.
PALPATINE: Your faith in your friends is yours.
Return of the Jedi, 1983

I've been blogging for several months now. I began because I got tired of leaving long answers on other fan blogs so I decided beginning my own would be a better idea. My first efforts were kind of lame (I even changed the name of my blog at one point) but I think I've improved (I hope I have). I enjoy myself most if I provide a story-like experience with a true beginning, middle, and end to my narrative. If I pose a question, it's only after I've explained myself at length why I'm left with such a question. Ultimately, they are all just small chapters out of my life with varying shades of 'STAR-WARSiness' but I find them fun to think about, publish, and respond to. It's fun and I receive a great deal of enjoyment out of them, which helps even on a not-so-nice day.

What I hadn't counted on in all this time was the level to which I've come to depend on this step into the virtual public square. Sure, I love comments as much as the next fan but I'm not sure that's why I continue to do it. In fact, many of my most recent blogs (as well as the ones I like the most) have very little to do with Star Wars itself, generating comments equally devoid of 'force-sensitive' answers. I find I can only delve that deeply into Star Wars lore for so long before I get tired of the subjects that come up again and again. A break is required before resuming further exploration of Mace's lightsaber or a Clone's humanity, generally speaking. So, I've waded back to the shallower end for now, but I'm sure I'll return to more appropriate subjects soon. Having said that, I continue to blog. Why?

Last week, I was taking a flight back from a trip where I attended some training classes. I was traveling with some co-workers whom I get along with but am not particularly fond of for a variety of reasons. The plane was packed and stuffy as usual and filled with moderately successful people all elbowing for precious space in which to shelve their carry-on within the overhead compartments. I shuffled to my window seat, tucked the only bag I had underneath the seat in front of me, and quickly pulled out my DVD player. The air conditioner wasn't working properly and the over-head lighting wouldn't function as we sat on the tarmac for up to 30-minutes both ways because of problems. I kept my eyes glued to my video player each time hoping I could somehow block it all out. I felt completely out of sorts as I usually do when traveling alone (meaning without my wife).

As I muse on most of these flights when I'm not with her, I wondered if it might be nice to talk to someone who had some similar interests with which to pass a few short hours. I can't stand talking with commuters about the business of being or working in business (yawn). I find the conversations annoying, elitist, and just plain dumb in several instances. They only make me wish harder for someone with interests in subjects I'm more inclined towards. The thought that popped into my head took me a little by surprise. I believe it actually made me smile despite my current discomfort (and sweaty clothes). I thought of the Star Wars blogs. More specifically, I thought of the Star Wars bloggers I visit most frequently and those who regularly visit my own blog. I thought about it a moment longer and found the idea not as preposterous as it first appeared, given I would likely never see, visit, go to lunch, or even view a Star Wars movie with any of you. Yet I still found a comfort in thinking about 'the blogs' and the connection it's given me to its 'bloggers'.

It was also during this trip that it occurred to me that I hadn't notified anyone on 'the blogs' that I would be out of town for a few days. What a silly thought, right? If they published anything on Star Wars.com, I might not be able to comment right away. Immediately afterwards, I thought of how stupid that sounded. How's this for a blog title: Kenobi-Fan: Out of Office - Hold All My Calls (comments disabled). I mean, really, who cares if Kenobi-fan has left the building for a few days or a week or a month? And I'm not saying you should care either. In fact, you probably don't. Still, I didn't want anyone I normally visit to think I was ignoring them should they post something. I think we all depend on comments we get from each other and that's fine in my book. I'm not a fan of 'fishing' for comments but I think we all like them and want them (even the VIPs). Why else would you post anything on a blog site with comments enabled? If it were just about notification, why allow for comments in the first place? Blogging is fun precisely because like-minded fans have an opportunity to engage each other over something substantial. I think that's a big deal.

I realize all of this is slightly strange. You don't really know me and I don't really know you after all the blogging is said and done (or written and done or typed and done). Some of us actually think we look and talk like our avatars...just kidding! Still, it's fun to converse without the baggage of trying to impress complete strangers with anything other than a few simple words about one's ideas or questions about subjects we are all familiar with. I can't say I have a desire to be anything more to any of you beyond what I provide here - I don't really. Your blogs and comments fill a void and I'm satisfied with that. It's enough. I don't say that as a limiting factor just that it works and if it ain't broke, don't fix it. On occasion someone actually emails me directly. The first time this happened, I was a little stunned. Why email me at all? I haven't given you my name, my occupation, or anything of any real content outside of a few personal blurbs about my life. Still, I found it truly flattering where it's occurred and I've tried to be as sincere as I could where I could even though I remain as anonymous as I do here. I wouldn't publish an email address if I didn't want anyone to know it.

I've taken these paragraphs to say, simply or not, thanks for conversing with me. You don't have to and I understand that. We are all busy trying to gain a little more attention for our submissions and trying to read and comment on every single blog is darn near impossible. It's crazy to even try. I also realize my blogs can be a bit long-winded (like this one) and not as entertaining or informative as some others, though I do try to provide some enjoyment. I certainly hope you've found some. Though some may consider us a 'pitiful little band', I find the Star Wars blogging community to be an enjoyable one (whether or not it includes Star Wars subjects, Firefly, Star Trek, Galactica or something else entirely) and hope to continue to be a part of it for as long as I can.

THANKS - you've all (well most of you) have treated me well and I just thought you would like to know.

P.S. For the future, if I don't comment on your blog and you would like me to do so please feel free to 'nudge me' with a reminder; I don't mind at all. I've either missed it, or I'm actually working, or I'm taking yet another flight with a bunch of self-absorbed know-nothing yahoos (ok, that might be a bit harsh) who think Obi-Wan Kenobi is the name for some kind of sushi. Maybe it is - but not on my blog!

Enjoy!