Since we started this blog in December of 2013, I’ve mentioned repeatedly that my desire is to build a strong community. It has become our very own little family. My hope is this is a mutually beneficial relationship. I trust you get something out of it, and I most certainly derive strong benefit on a daily basis.
I try to to preserve energy to write the posts, so I can’t always dive too deeply in the comments section. I try to display my gratitude and answer questions where I can, but at minimum, I read every one. Yesterday, one in particular caught my eye. It’s below:
From BeesMakeHoney:
Kap –
One thing that prevents me from commenting is that you so seldom carry on your discussions in the comments sections.
I too enjoy and seek out debate and intellectual stimulation on a broad range of topics, but I cringe when I see comment responses from you like ” Thanks – stay strong”.
Maybe you don’t find our comments meriting additional discussion? (and of course, not all do)
Curious is all – no ill will intended.
Figured I’d use the reply as today’s post.
BMH,
First, thank you. I appreciate the push.
I deliberately don’t answer comments elaborately as a general principle. My choice has zero to do with the merit of the comments; I read most with delight. Many times, the comments inspire future posts or further reflection. However, this is a question of intellectual bandwidth. I won’t walk you through my day job and the time limitations it creates. We all have them. I spend 30 minutes a day writing posts (give or take). Our community responds with such breadth and depth, if I were to take time to respond to each substantively, I’d never get anything else done.
I write because I love words. I write as an outlet. I write to give back. And I write to grow. Your feedback helps.
However, in this case, It’s also misguided. It lacks trust. That’s okay. Trust that I have limited ability to engage here. Trust that I’m not judging your comments.
And please come back and share your brilliance and bravery. Betting you’re brimming with both.
Peace,
Kap
Ed H says
Kap, I used to comment a lot here, but like you, my demands have shifted. I often don’t get to read until a week or two later. You and the community are inspirational… not because of your lifestyles, but because you choose to share. I was already converted to clean eating and being fitness aware before I started reading in May of 14, but you’ve given me a great resource to better achieve the goal. A couple months back I finally kicked into my best gear by giving up wheat. I lost 10 lbs in 10 days (accidentally, kinda) and am eating four eggs four breakfast, tons of GF beef, veggies galore and of course sweet potatoes for snacks.
It’s amazing the after effects. I sleep 2 to 3 hours a night less (5 or 6, sometimes less), My focus is high, my libido…won’t go there, but you get the point. At 50 I’m ready for the rest of my life.
Ed H says
I forgot to add, running sprints routinely (10 sets of 40 yds) with my 8 yr old kiddos, along with some moderate 5x5s, though I still need to kick those up a notch. I never would have started the sprints w/o your guidance and my daughter recently finished 2nd in her age group (10 and under, pretty good for 8) in a local 5k… I’m sure the sprints aided. Sincerely thanks for being an inspiration and a great resource.
Stephanie St Amour says
Ed,
Hearing this is tremendous. Congratulations on making so much progress and keep sharing your journey. We’re all in it with you.
Chris says
Bees where are you? You got yourself a whole post! Thanks for this Kap, stay strong.
BeesMakeHoney says
Can I confess to being somewhat horrified at being called out for that comment?
I do understand Kap’s reasoning. I was just selfishly looking for more in-depth discussion and that post seemed the perfect opportunity to jump in.
I will continue to read, and maybe solicit discussion from the rest of the community here.
Thanks for the response Kap. Now go take on the day.
Stephanie St Amour says
Don’t be horrified. It was a great springboard for an important discussion to have. I think we would all like the chance to have more in depth discussions, unfortunately, sometimes “real life” gets in the way.
Kevin says
NOT ENOUGH ALLITERATION
Brian says
I’m not being a smart ass, I am coming from a place of ignorance. Now that you’re no longer playing, what is your day job? Is your foundation still running?
Stephanie St Amour says
Gabe is the Director, Player Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers
bill says
Many of Kap’s post speak to us in a deeply personal way, and it’s easy to imagine we’re kicking back on the beach contemplating life while enjoying a cold one. It’s kind of my daily moment of zen. I think we all appreciate the opportunity to share this moment with this incredibly diverse community. thanks buddy.
That B says
I wonder if he will comment on the comments about commentary on comments though?
bill says
No comment.
John Lofflin says
As a newspaper editor, I always insisted the readers would have the last word in the letters-to-the-editor space. That was important because the rest of the newspaper belonged to us but the readers needed to express themselves without our comments. The problem with comments about comments is that it establishes a wheel and hub kind of conversation. Everything flows from the wheel along the spokes to the hub where Mr. Kappler sits, then travels back along the spokes to the wheel. Real conversations among community members will be less likely to happen in that model. So, despite the fact I enjoy seeing him in response, he’s following a sound strategy, in my opinion. I think contributing and hosting these strong mind ideas is quite enough.
bill says
Reminds me of Mike Meyers line from an SNL skit, ‘Feel free to talk amongst yourselves”
Amber says
“coffee talk” 🙂
un homme avec un sens de hummor est un homme que je peux tomber en amour avec!
Capnsparrow says
I must say that your day job is the single most important thing that caused me to read this blog Kap. I am way older than you and am just now dealing with adult onset diabetes. I was actually one of those kids back in the early 70s that Coach Calloway (a scout for the Reds) came to my parents house and told us all about how hard it would be for me to make it to the big leagues and how if I put in the work there was no reason that I wouldn’t be able to make it there. I had other ideas though and chose to wreck my knee doing them though. Now I find yer nutrition articles and ideas very helpful for changing my dietary needs in a changing world Thanks
Hollie Hamilton says
I have always appreciated your honesty, It’s nice to know that when we write something someone is reading it. I have never been inspired by something you said in the comments but in your posts, I look forward to further inspiration.