I Will Not Be Silent On April 30th
There is a movement underfoot to encourage bloggers to hold off from blogging for one day in memory/honor of those who were slain by a gunman at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 
State University (Virginia Tech) this past Monday. Immediately, I began to read on several blogs that I regularly follow that people will be using April 30, 2007, for that day of observation. A web site called OneDayBlogSilence.Com was created in a bid to bolster that effort.
I’ve decided not to participate in this particular tribute, but I am not about to list endless excuses as to why I won’t join in (or, in this case refrain).
However, what I will ask is a question to anyone who cares to answer it: is this something that you want to do or are you going along with the masses and holding back from blogging because it is “the thing” to do?
Think about it. I could add more points to support my position, but this article isn’t about that. Rather, is your holding off from blogging something that comes from within or from without?
General | Matthew C. Keegan, 19 Apr 07
By Lillie Ammann, April 19, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
I’m joining in because I see it as my small way to contribute to a positive response to this terrible event.
Several years ago, I wrote a book about a workplace violence incident that left two dead and one seriously injured. I learned from that experience that the people involved want to talk for catharsis.
But sometimes in times of grief and pain, just having someone to sit with you in silence is a solace. There are no words anyone can say that will stop the hurting. Although I don’t know any of the people involved in this tragedy, I’m participating in the day of silence to sit quietly and share the pain of those who were affected.
And I will be remembering not only the victims at Virginia Tech but the victims of tragedies around the world: genocide, abortion, war, terror, workplace and school violence, crime on the street, drugs and alcohol … everyone who dies or suffers needlessly.
As tragic as the Virginia Tech shootings were, other events equally tragic occur around the world every day. For me, this occasion is a time to remember them all.
By Deborah, April 19, 2007 @ 7:46 pm
Hey Matt,
I will only be participating in the sense that I’m going to publish the widget Steli created for it, but I will NOT be silent.
I will be honoring the dead in my own way by writing for them, as well as all others that have fallen victim to violence, and those that have lost loved ones in an emotional plea.
Silence doesn’t accomplish anything; taking action does.
I’m not doing this to ‘follow the masses’, I’m merely attempting to make an impact on someone that might read it. If I reach even one person to take action, then it was worth it.
By Brian J. hong, April 19, 2007 @ 7:52 pm
Regardless of whether or not someone chooses to stop blogging (or stay silent) for one day in order honor those slain for “popularity” [whether or not it is indeed the "popular" thing is a different argument] or out of genuine desire is irrelevant. I don’t think that’s something we can ever know or should feel the need to police.
By Shannon, April 20, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
That is a tough one and definitely a personal decision for each person to make.
The Virginia Tech shooting was definitely a tragedy and I totally agree with Lillie, violence is something that happens every second of every minute of everyday. A day of silence is just a way to let the victims know that they are being thought of, some people do not know how to show that they care and this is just one way to get the message out, in a massive way.
I think one way or another that the victims appreciate all thoughts and prayers.
To Your Success!
Shannon Q.
P.S. I wondered if you guys have read these FREE reports yet. It talks about the DISASTER on the web 2.0 technology. You can download it at:
http://HenryGoldSecret.com
(Wild Stuff. No Affiliate link either!)
By Matt Keegan, April 21, 2007 @ 9:10 am
Thank you everyone for your responses. Admittedly, I am not sure what I will be doing besides praying for the families of the injured and the slain.
My wife and I also feel burdened for the Cho family as they try to come to grips with the knowledge that their son and brother was a mass murderer.
There is plenty of pain to go around.