Writing for Deaf Eyes and Mute Fingers
It has been just over two years since starting this web journal (a.k.a. blog). I write about several different topics but mostly its about nature and what I have learned from it through the lens of my camera and refined through the spiritual filter of my faith and I pass on those lessons and share my photos to those who invest the time to read what I have written and look at what I have photographed.
However recently this seems to have become a frustrating endeavor for the more I write the less response I seem to receive. Even more frustrating and confusing is that as I gather statistics on who visits and from where, it would make me believe that what I write is being seen and read by thousands of people. However rarely do I even read a comment about what I write.
I am beginning to think that those who visit have deaf eyes and cannot ‘hear’ what I have to say or that they have mute fingers and cannot write to ‘voice’ their opinions. On the other hand it might be that what I have to say is uninteresting, banal or just plain rubbish. Or it could be that my photos are boring, uninspired or just plain rubbish. But I would never know as no one ever tells me so one way or the other.
In any case I will keep writing and sharing my photos. I write from the heart and my photos are a reflection of what I see and love in the world. So I was just wondering what it would be like if those who visited left me some feedback so that I knew I was not screaming into a vacuum. Because screaming into a vacuum is not an especially fulfilling feeling.
Peace.
Timothy Gray on 21 Dec 2010 at 2:19 pm #
I understand it can be frustrating when it seems you are “working in a vacuum.” I can assure that the impact you make is far lager than you realize.
I can ramble on indefinitely about how your writings and photography make a difference…. at least to me… As well,I have received many compliments on your behalf on a photograph or a musing you posted. A few have even used what you said in their sermons.
Be well, keep in touch.
Ambiyaa on 21 Dec 2010 at 4:51 pm #
Organic Photography is unique in its name, its great to have an individual to take their time out for the service of others. A capture of a picture represents a moment,glimpse, feeling that can be interpreted in so many ways. A great inspiration.
Leslie on 24 Dec 2010 at 2:35 pm #
The images and words you share with the world are treasures, and I have always been very glad I found your site. I subscribe to many similar blogs and am inspired every day by what I see and read. If I do not comment, it’s because I’m not sure what to say or I simply do not have the time; I am often behind simply in the reading. But do not let my silence discourage you; I am certainly listening and enjoying.
Youssef Ismail on 24 Dec 2010 at 2:47 pm #
Lesile,
Thank you for your reply, it means very much to me and it gives me the encouragement to keep going. We will never know the value of our contributions to the world except in two cases, one when those who have benefited let you know and the second is the day when we meet our Creator. Again thank you.
Anjeza Ceco on 30 Dec 2010 at 2:09 pm #
Assalamu alaikum Youssef.
May Allah reward you immensely for your beautiful work which not only is very inspirational but also makes you reflect. It makes you reflect about God’s marvellous creation and by so doing, increases one’s faith and longing to meet the One, who has created all this beauty.
May Allah increase you in rank ameen.
with duaa and much appreciation
Anjeza
Derrald on 12 Jan 2011 at 1:19 pm #
I recently went through this frustration on my website and stopped posting for a while. I received a couple of notes from people and realized that perhaps it was being received more than I thought. Besides, I realized it was good therapy for me and helped me work through my art and ideas.
Youssef Ismail on 12 Jan 2011 at 5:12 pm #
Thanks for the encouraging words Derrald. I don’t think I will stop posting and I hope my words do get through to some however few they may be. Take care and thanks again for the visit and comment.