By Arcanix
The concept of a blog as an inconsequential public diary is fast becoming obsolete. Rather it is the latest frontier for the swift conveyance of ideas to a receptive audience. It is frequently the preferred “second voice” for the discerning modern writer. In the fascinating case of Roger Ebert, the weblog format represents his primary voice.
Ebert is, unquestionably, the most famous film critic on the planet. He represents the surviving half of the successful film review TV show, Siskel & Ebert. In 2006 severe complications from routine surgery to his cancer stricken jaw left him disfigured, unable to eat and, most distressingly, unable to speak. Such an affliction is unthinkable for any scholar accustomed to the vocal transmission of his craft.
An ordinary 63 year old man suddenly beset by such an astonishing hindrance might be inclined to throw in the towel. Ebert, however, being in possession of a stout heart and, more importantly, an insatiable enthusiasm for film, feverishly reapplied himself to his primary profession: writing. A Pulitzer Prize winner, his film reviews are syndicated to over 200 newspapers worldwide. More profound, though, than his prolific output of traditional published work is his blog. Here is an example of someone who injects his very being into each entry.
Ebert’s loyal followers eagerly absorb his varied musings on film (obviously), politics, industry issues and personal developments. There is enthusiastic dialog between Ebert and his readers following each post. Though meaningful debate may be tempered by reverence, this aspect of blogging, “commenting”, is a microcosm of the immediacy provided by the internet. This is the drawcard for Ebert. His thoughts flow lucidly onto the computer screen, bypassing his decayed larynx, direct to a receptive and responsive audience.
Seeing him now, one can’t help but be reminded of Stephen Hawking. The computerized voice supplement is clumsy and rudimentary. His sentences are abbreviated and bare as his fingers frantically try to keep up with his thoughts on the keyboard in real time. The medium of weblog is his true voice now. Reading his elegant prose it becomes abundantly clear that his wit, insight and zeal for critical writing are undiminished.
He has been labelled an inspiring figure by cancer survivors. This praise is not undeserved. Consider this extract from a blog entry criticizing the right wing commentator, Glenn Beck, on his radical views on church doctrine: “I was on the brink of picking up the phone and asking Francis Cardinal George if he was down on this whole social justice thing, but then I recalled that I no longer use the telephone.”[1] Ebert’s sense of humour here is potent. He has accepted his affliction; moreover, he has embraced it. This new, online incarnation has taken the place of the old flesh and blood writer, and it is a fearsome, virile beast indeed.
As an aspiring blogger, I find plenty of inspiration to be had in considering Roger Ebert’s example. The weblog is a powerful tool in the hands of a professional writer. Though we may be struck down physically, as long as we have mental fortitude and the will to write, our contribution to the world will have lost none of its potential.
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