The Sunday Roast

Time To Crave This Blogger's Attention

This week's interview is with Craver,
who writes the blog Craver VII.

The first of the standard weekly questions: Why do you blog?

Can I tell you how I reacted when I first heard about blogging? I was repulsed by the notion of an egomaniac going on and on about himself and then expecting other people to read it.

I like to think of blogging this way. Imagine that the editor of a widely circulated magazine wanted to publish your articles ... anything you want to say, anytime you feel like talking. You can use your own photos, stock images, or stick with plain text if you like. Blogger fulfills that fantasy, plus it adds a social dimension. Now I’m hooked.

What’s the story behind your blog name?

It’s an anagram of my real name. (It’s easy to figure out, but please don’t use my real name on the internet.) Initially, a computerized jumbling of the letters offered “Rev Vicar I,” but that was way too pompous, so I kept searching.

I chose “Craver VII,” because there are a number of things that I am passionate about. The seven things I “crave” are listed at the header of my page. Hence, "Craver" and Roman numeral seven.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

Between the money and the fame, it’s hard to say. Plus, it’s a good outlet for this hypocritical egomaniac (see question #1). I like shrinking the globe (see photograph above) by engaging in continuing dialogue with people from different parts of the planet. It might be another person who believes the same things I do, or someone whose world view is very, very different. There is a sense of satisfaction that comes from connecting with people.

As a bonus, occasionally, I get to say something that strikes someone as funny or profound. People have emailed me to ask that I pray for or with them. That is a great privilege that I do not take lightly.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Grace and truth. That is to say, maintain civility; try not to judge people's intentions, and be honest. It’s very easy to say something that you wish you hadn’t. Cyberspace doesn’t filter out the pain and consequences of poisonous verbiage. And be careful that you don’t compromise integrity and respect by trying to fool your readers.

What is the most significant blog post you’ve ever read?

I literally wept when Charity Singleton announced that she had cancer. As a result, I began praying regularly for her.

What is the most significant blog post you’ve ever written?

I don’t know. Seriously. On the one hand, a glib, perfunctory scribble might get an amazing response, but when I work hard to pen something moving, the whole world goes on vacation from blogging. A friend told me this weekend that he liked treacher-ice. Brief and light. Yeah, I like stuff like that. For something more profound, how about Fervent and focused?

Today's Sunday Roast with Craver VII is the ninth in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.