Picking a Blog Name, Part Five
The old movie mogul Samuel Goldwyn is reputed to have snarled at a screenwriter, “If ya wanna send a message, use Western Union!” And yet so many of the greatest storytellers (novelists, filmmakers, playwrights) do send messages.
The key, I think, is that their messages don’t “sit” on their stories like rodeo riders atop bucking broncos; they move with them, are, in fact, inseparable from them. What would Les Miserables be without its message? Or To Kill a Mockingbird? Or even Toy Story? 
Not only can stories deliver a message, they are the best way to deliver a message. Because in a well told story listeners not only hear but experience the message. And experience, as the saying goes, is the best teacher.
So this blog site’s subtitle is The Power of Story.
But power to do what?
Power to change. Our beliefs. Our commitments. Our actions. Like any powerful tool, Story can be used for good or for bad. Hitler used it in his book Mein Kampf to speak lies into people’s lives, lies that led to the deaths of millions.
In this blog, I propose to use the power of story to speak truth into people’s lives (including my own), truth that brings life and purpose, rather than pointlessness.
This site was originally going to be called Don’t Read This, You’ll Only Encourage Him, but maybe I should have called it Read This, It May Encourage You!
Nah.
Nice message, but too corny.
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i love this, Mitch….(i know, you’re stunned. That’s the last thing you expect to hear from me).
i’m so Glad you write.
One year in, and you are definitely doing that which you set out to do.
Thank you.
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Thank you, dear Matilda, for the encouragement!
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I only just started following your blog and I like your posts a lot! (I’m still trying to figure out a name for the blog I started in July (it’s my 4th)…
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Ah, yes, it’s an epic journey finding the perfect blog name, isn’t it? They say it’s all about zeroing in on your specialty, but some of us are more quirky generalist than laser-like specialist!
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Reblogged this on Mitch Teemley and commented:
I concluded my self introduction with this little post when my blog was new last year. Hello (again), world.
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Thank you for your stories, Mitch, that do indeed encourage change. Each post contributes to stronger beliefs, deeper commitments, and inspired actions. (And then there’s the humor, contributing immensely to the well-being of our souls!) Please write on!
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Well…since you ask. ;>) Thank you, Nancy–back atcha!
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I really like the way you use humor to deliver your message, Mitch. Nicely done. 🙂
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Thank you, TC!
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You’re welcome, Mitch. 🙂
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“Power to change. Our beliefs. Our commitments. Our actions. Like any powerful tool, Story can be used for good or for bad. Hitler used it in his book Mein Kampf to speak lies into people’s lives, lies that led to the deaths of millions.”
I believe that Change comes about as as consequence of influential factors presented in whatever purposeful way suits the objective. Hitlers little book was relatively unknown apart from a few diehard extremists until he actually mounted the public soapbox.
It does demonstrate however, how far one persons extremist views can be taken given the right
environment, just a few supportives and a common lack of cohesiveness.
Just my opinion.
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Hitler did, indeed, place a megaphone to the lies in that little book when he mounted the public soapbox.
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