The 22nd year of being Ryan Hartley, documented.

Before the body of many publications there appears a Foreword or Author’s Note, the point of which is to apologise for ensuing article. This is that foreword. It is here to excuse/justify/explain what is to follow. It is here to absolve me of any blame that could be attributed my way, to protect my from any criticism or charges of self-absorption. I have a friend who used to say “Justification is the only sin.” Contained within that (hugely theologically inaccurate ) statement is a universal truth: when we feel we are doing something inappropriate we immediately feel the need to qualify it, to provide reasons for our actions. To me the act of revealing feelings or opinions in printed format remains in the back of my mind, somewhat distasteful. My upbringing and cultural orientation says: “Keep it to yourself”; the constant self-doubt says “No one cares”.

That’s ok.

Primarily this is an exercise undertaken purely for its benefit to me as an outlet and an area to practice the all too uncommon skill of writing. If there are things that were better left unpublicised, then I’m sorry, but for the most part I assume that you’re reading these because you a) enjoy reading stuff I write, b) are unhealthily interested in my private life or c) have nothing to do. Any way you take it the choice to read it is yours and the choice to write it is mine. Let’s leave it at that.

Ok, not leaving it at that let’s just say a couple of things. Sometimes I write things purely because I find them funny. Good luck distinguishing those from real opinions. Sometimes the posts will be of a personal nature, other times of a more investigative bent. Again, good luck distinguishing.

Otherwise, this is it: the only apology I will make. From here on in it is what it is…