Why Write?

I think this question is really at the heart of why I decided to start this blog: I want to create dialogue.

Talking is as vital for me as water or food. I absolutely love to converse, discuss, debate, and everything in between because I feel like it makes me a more well-rounded person. I want to learn how other people view the world around me, and more importantly, how they see Appalachia.

My goal for this blog is ambitious but straightforward: to create a space where you can find concise, digestible, and unbiased information about West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region. I want to cultivate an environment that encourages meaningful conversation about the best solutions for our state and its people.

What I want to avoid, above all else, is the descent into unproductive arguments. Instead, I hope to foster a community of cooperation and understanding that promotes genuine compromise. I dream of a blog that becomes a 'one-stop shop' for all things Appalachian - exploring the region's beautiful wilderness, diverse culture, and everything that makes these mountains so extraordinary.

More than anything, I'm on a personal journey to understand what it truly means to be an Appalachian. Rather than being just a West Virginian, I want to discover a unified Appalachian identity. It's a concept I've heard about but never fully understood. Through this blog, I hope to unravel that mystery, one conversation at a time.