Webster's daily blog

I still find it a bit strange to receive an email from a blogger (or other person) out of the blue, containing information about his or her project. I have read posts on several blogs attacking this practice, but I don't mind so long as the person is a real person and is not trying to sell something, or tell me about something I could have no conceivable interest in. I guess my tolerance arises from from the perspective of someone who is paid to receive hundreds (sometimes) and certainly tens of emails a day from people I've never encountered before, almost all of which require some action or work from me.

Such emails in my "off duty" Petrona persona are relatively rare, but one recent example is from a Josh Wallaert, telling me about his blog Webster's daily. At this blog, a lovely shade of deep blue, Josh posts one "found poem" every day from the first edition of Webster's American Dictionary (1828).

The example he sent in his email message: Hope [n.] A sloping plain between ridges of mountains. [Not in use.]

I didn't post about Webster's Daily straight away upon receipt of Josh's message because I wanted to check it out for a few days to see if it really is a "daily", and it is. What's more, it is a really nice blog (I've put a bit more information about it on the continuation sheet to this post). I have subscribed, and hope you will take a look.

Dave Lull, in the unlikely event you don't know about Webster's Daily already, I think you will like it. Let me know if you would like me to add it to the Librarian's Place blogroll.

The "premise" of Webster's Daily: An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. The origin, affinities and primary signification of English words, as far as they have been ascertained. II. The genuine orthography and pronunciation of words, according to general usage, or to just principles of analogy. III. Accurate and discriminating definitions, with numerous authorities and illustrations. To which are Prefixed, An Introductory Dissertation on the Origin, History, and Connection of the Languages of Western Asia and of Europe, and a Concise Grammar of the English Language, By Noah Webster, LL.D. In Two Volumes.

Josh Wallaert is a poet and documentary film maker. You can see examples of his work via his blog, and also sign up there for "word of the day" by email. He also posts details of his readings at Webster's Daily.

Comments

[Dave Lull]

Mr Wallaert's blog would make a nice addition to the blogroll at Librarian's Place.

BTW, I first heard about Webster's Daily from 'Homemade Dictionary,' a blog posting by Patrick Kurp, who also received one of Mr Wallaert's e-mails:

http://evidenceanecdotal.blogspot.com/2006/11/homemade-dictionary.html

Thanks for the reminder.

[Maxine]

Done! JW sent me a nice email to thank me for the post as well, and says he thinks LP looks of interest. Nice person.