On writing

I hate writing. Which sounds crazy, since I do so much of it. But it's tedious and it's hard. Right now, I'm thinking about all the LJ posts I want to make -- actual essays with actual smart content. But the effort of getting them out of my head and through my fingers and onto the page often seems like more than I have the energy to deal with.

Writing is an interface between my brain and yours. But it's an interface that's half-developed on the fly and the data is filtered at both ends, without a firm set of specs to make sure we both have the same filter. I suppose, in part, that's good. If we could perfectly communicate with each other, I bet we would generate less ideas.

And the interface becomes an object in and of itself. Though that's something I try to minimize in my writing. I'd rather you just notice what I say, rather than the words I say it in. It's difficult.

Now I'm stuck on what to write next, to make this post feel finished. But I'll be late for work if I take any longer, so this will have to do.

Kiva: Charitable Microloans

Now this is cool. Kiva allows you to make a microloan to small businesses in the developing world. Currently, they are working with businesses in Uganda.

You sign up on Kiva's site, choose a business, then pay in your loan amount through PayPal.

This is a charitable loan -- you will not receive interest on it. (Kiva does charge the borrower interest in order to recoup their operating costs.) When the money is repaid, you can take it back, or lend it to another business. You'll receive email updates about the business you lent to. And $25, which is probably just a week's worth of milk chai for some of us, will make a big difference to an entrepreneur.

Kiva seem to be experiencing some activity! When I first went to their site, I found a business that I thought I would like to support. But I wanted to do more research on Kiva first and, anyhow, pay day isn't until Monday. And now, an hour later, that business has met its $300 loan amount already.

Do your own research before giving or lending money to any organization. I only just heard about Kiva this afternoon, so this is not an endorsement from me, just some info.

Fanfiction.net

Best out of context quote: “Buchou… you came,” Ryoma finally managed, swallowing hard.

Quote that made me laugh like a loon: Tachibana An: Wow, I never knew you were all gay.


Oh, and AO released PoT 154-155.