Here is Seth Godwin’s blog post from Friday:
In many situations, a leaky roof is worse than no roof at all.
If there’s no roof, we’re not surprised or disappointed if we get hit with some raindrops. But a roof that leaks has raised expectations and then failed to meet them.
Promising us a roof and then breaking that promise might be worse than no roof at all.
His words remind me of the wise decision I made to call my blog: “Borden’s Blather”. In case you didn’t know, the meaning of blather is “long-winded talk with no real substance.”
I’ve never promised my readers that they would ever find anything of substance by reading one of my posts. As a result, if they finish reading one of my posts and think “I’ll never get those two minutes back”, they shouldn’t be surprised or disappointed. That’s what blather is.
On the other hand, if by some miracle a reader enjoys one of my posts, then it’s a pleasant surprise (especially for me).
So yes, rather than set high expectations and disappoint you almost every day, I’ve opted to go the other way. Set no expectations, and deliver on that promise as best I can.
And if you get wet, don’t blame me…
*image from Home Guard Incorporated
Borden's Blather 
It seems you under promise and over deliver as your blog is interesting, insightful and humorous (at times). Definitely more than blather. Great blog!
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Thanks, John. Under promising reduces the pressure… 🙂
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an excellent approach to set the bar low from the beginning, but unfortunately your blog is wonderfully entertaining. in spite of your best efforts.
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Thank you, Beth. I guess I have to try harder… 🙂
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You are a very shrewd, blathering blogger.
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With blathering being the key word…
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Now I know why you call your blog that, but I think us readers never thought of reading in your blog as a wasted time because you make entertain us 🙂
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Thank you, Jessica. I appreciate your kind words!
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You are so funny, Jim. An entertaining post of which I had no expectations at all [grin!]
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Thanks, Robbie. I like to keep expectations low… 🙂
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Great blog!
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Thank you!
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Roof or not, you manage to keep us all dry just the same with your wit, wisdom, and humor. But if at some point, I get hit by a few raindrops, I won’t blame you. You always seem to overdeliver!
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Thank you Brad – it’s the beauty of underpromising 🙂
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I’m new to your blog and so far I like your approach of underpromise and over deliver. I tend to treat life this way, but not many people understand this philosophy 🙂
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I’m still in the underpromise stage… 🙂
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I agree with the other comments, Jim! As humble as your outlook may be, your “blathers” are always entertaining. I make a point to visit your site! 🙂
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Just as well that you didn’t promise us a rose garden, either 😉
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I beg your pardon? 🙂
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Genius!
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Thanks!
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I never mind getting soaking wet. I have enjoyed the journey with you. Your posts share insightful morsels well worth my time. God’s peace!
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Thank you, Richard, for your kind words.
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“I’ve never promised my readers that they would ever find anything of substance by reading one of my posts. ”
Can I use this as the title header for my blog?
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It’s all yours…
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Haha, thanks
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You’ve never promised anything of substance but I always find something interesting and valuable in all your posts!
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Thanks, Pooja!
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My pleasure!
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A ‘blether’ is a good old Scottish word meaning a conversation, a chat, a chin-wag. No negative connotations like ‘blather’. Just thought I’d share that thought for the day….cheers!
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I appreciate the new word, I like the sound of it. I am convinced that the Scottish brogue is the best one in the world…
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Cheers the noo jim!
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There’s another new phrase – cheers the noo. same to you, Peter!
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Haha
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