Vague Outlines

^A backlit scene can make an intriguing blurry image which renders the subjects into obscure silhouettes possibly reminiscent of a scene of the aliens' arrival in a sci-fi movie.

If ambition has a birthplace*, the Internet is its address. Even writing a regular blog can open the author up to some opportunities. If you're a regular blogger, the invitation to write on Blogcritics, which carries a great deal of weight with Technorati, has probably not skipped you. Before its official launch, I was invited and admitted too. Application is now extended to all at the site. Surely the prospective authors need to go through some screening before admission. *"Birthplace" is a word invented by -- guess who -- Shakespeare.

At one point, I fancied being a part of it. Well, worldwide exposure for free is simply tempting. But – and this is a big BUT - I can't quite see the vague logic.

At present, there are reportedly about 2,000 authors writing for the site. This is not a lot of them by any measure as the invitation was worldwide.

To be brought into the fold, the candidates are asked to comply with some conditions bewildering to me.

An author is required to publish his (/her; same below) post on Blogcritics before posting the same on his own blog (Why?).

Once a post is published on Blogcritics, the company owning the site is entitled to use the materials given in the post.

But if there is any legal matters arising from the post, the author alone has to bear the consequences and indemnify all the parties concerned (What the!).

The authors are also encouraged to participate in writing and commenting on posts, and to click the ads! ("Great" idea!)

When I read on the terms and conditions in pre-launch the application, it sounds like a free lunch in the making. But it is not me to be served it.

^Hong Kong at night is always aglow with a motley array of colours ideal for defocusing an image.

It doesn't add up. The confirmation for registration was left uncompleted at last. That said, the worldwide exposure on a sizeable site is still tempting. Well, my poison may be your meat. Check the site out and see if it suits to be the address of your ambition's birthplace.