This crazy little thing called Blogging
Bloggers. We’re becoming not so much an elite group of people, but in this blogging age you might discover your Grandma blogs. Or at least your Mother in law, which could actually scare the hell out of you to be honest, but hey, that’s the price of honesty. So why do we do it? What drives and motivates people to blog, share their personal stories or just rant on about a particular interest? I recently read two short articles from fellow bloggers asking this very question, one from Sugar Filled Emotions and the other at Blondish.net and it got me thinking about the reasons I started my blog in the first place.
And then there was me was born out of sheer curiosity to be honest. A friend of mine back in the States blogged and I simply loved reading up on her musings on life and kids in general. Then it hit me, I wonder if I could do that? I had no idea if I could even write to be fair and it seemed clear to me that it didn’t really matter, it was free therapy. Who the hell doesn’t want free therapy?! So I signed up for my free account, got myself a swinging template and off I went into the big bad world of blogging.
And I loved it. And I discovered a little thing about myself that I never knew existed – I loved writing.
I have one of those obsessional minds that can sit and ponder things for hours on end, getting lost in a million thoughts over and over, finally I had a place to let them loose and run riot over the screens of whoever wanted to listen. Not that I expected anyone to actually listen but as it happened, there were some who did. There was even an entire community of people who were doing just the same as me, blogging about life, writing a bit of everything and nothing at all. I was hooked.
In the new year I was in awe of some of the more professional bloggers, so to speak and decided to take my blog to the next level. Not exactly Pro, but certainly up there along the lines of more than just a personal blog, opening myself up to things like reviews, giveaways and maybe even a little advertising. These things have yet to bear fruit, but I wanted to see where they would take me. Not to make a million from the blog, but because I wanted my writing to take more form and shape in the future. Every little thing adds up to a bigger picture. The end goal is to actually call myself a writer one day, even if just a broke one. You never know, stranger things have been known to happen. [Que Elvis]
So what’s this blogging buzz all about? A place to vent? Share feelings? Educate others? Or is it simply something fun to do, like a hobby, to fill a void in this little game we call life? I think the reasons for each of us are different, which is the beauty of it all really. It seems there are so many of us out there willing to open our lives and thoughts to potentially thousands of others, at the end of the day so many people just want to be heard.
What of those of you out there who have yet to join the blogging revolution? If you’re just thinking about starting your own blog, here’s just a couple of my own thoughts to help that blog ball rolling.
Don’t blog in fear. The best blogs are the honest ones. It really doesn’t pay to be worried about what your readers will think of you, those who read will read because they want to. Those who don’t will probably just piss off somewhere on a site where the content is more their style. Either way you can’t please everyone, so just please yourself.
Readership takes time. No, you aren’t going to post your blog up on the Internet and get spammed with visitors, people have to know you exist first! Visit other bloggers and leave comments, not JUST to self promote, but to actively get involved with your community. There are so many blogging communities out there, you will find one that fits. Just don’t copy and paste comments, take time to read blogs you are interested in and post personal feedback. We blog to be heard, feedback is invaluable. Do remember to return the love to those who visit you too – visit the blogs of your readers and be amazed.
Blog about what you know. Stuck for ideas? Blog about the things you are passionate about first, don’t just throw yourself into the abyss to write about what you think others might want to read. Blogging from experience and passion makes for easier writing and you’ll find you get right into the swing of things far more quickly. Blog out of your element and it will probably show that you don’t really know what you’re talking about OR it may end up sounding a bit clinical. Which would probably make a fairy fall over in a heart attack and no one wants to be held personally responsible for something like that…. no one. Except fairy haters. Who nobody likes anyway.
It’s really not that personal. Spammers, haters, people who disagree with you or flame. Honestly, they have issues of their own and really the internet can simply be a place where people say what they haven’t got the guts to say to other people in person. If you ever end up getting a flamer, just point, laugh and shrug it off. Whatever you do, don’t lose sleep over it. Not everyone in this world will agree with your opinions or like what you have to say, expect it and find the funny side.
Inspiration is everywhere. All writers get writers block, so hence even the best bloggers get stuck from time to time. Keep a notebook handy for things to jot down when inspiration hits you, or when you find the odd day that you’re stuck. When you visit other bloggers be inspired to expand on their subjects if they genuinely catch your interest. Having a list of random ideas and other bloggers are two ways to never run out of material. And if you are still having the odd day, leave it. Something will come, just don’t force it to happen. Above all, read, read, read. Just don’t spy on your neighbors night and day to find blog material, that’s just creepy.
Above all, just have fun. Because your blog probably does not cure world hunger, there’s no need to get your knickers in a twist about it. I mean you can have a serious tone, but it won’t equal the end of the world if it’s not going so well and it doesn’t mean you’re a big fat loser. It just means if you’re not having fun, you won’t write and if you don’t write, there’s a blog getting lost in cyberspace. Not that a little kid on a deserted island isn’t getting fed….it’s really not that bad.
So tell me why do you blog?
**Photo obtained from this site.
Want some more blogging tips for newbies? Check out Tycoon Blogger’s – Blogging for Beginners
Found you via SITS. I wrote a similar post, too, about blogging…self reflecting as to why I do it, etc. I think we came down to the same bottom line. Be true to yourself and you will find a community of like-minded people and some friendships along the way. The rule for me has been sincerity. Not commenting to get comments, not being gimmicky or doing what everyone else is JUST to get followers. But, being true to who I am and hopefully, finding others who can relate to me and I can relate to them. And the sincere support in both directions has been freeing!
Great post!
hi – just found your blog via a comment you left on pajamas and coffee, and what a great time to find you, this post says it all!
I am new-ish at blogging, and you are right, is creative and freeing and fun and frustrating and all that stuff!
Brahm´s last blog ..The bitch is back… Alexis for Alexis!
I loved this post of yours. It can be really helpful for many bloggers.
Personally I blog because I love writing and it turned out that people like when I am writing, so may be in a way it also nourishes my ego somehow (being honest here).
But thing is that I love when some stranger would mail me and tell that he or she found my post at the right time and they can relate and it helped them in some way.
There is no feeling better than the one when you know that with the power of your words you actually can help people even though in the beginning you only wanted to help yourself.
Lena´s last blog ..10 Big Life Issues and Movies to Help You Deal With Them (from Criminal Movies)
Lena, love the honesty! There’s no shame in saying it nourishes your ego, I think most people like recognition. You are so right though, someone emailing to say they found your post at the right time or something that helped them is amazing. It leaves for some lovely feelings about what you are doing.
Brahm, glad you found me! And through one of my fav blogs too, oh looooovely. Keep up the work on blogging, it’s so rewarding.
K80, being sincere is 100% how I like to roll too, so kudos to you! Finding others who really enjoy your blog is the key, rather than just beefed up numbers. Which sucks to be honest. Someone can have a hundred followers and just two readers. I’d rather have 5 followers, 4 readers! xx
Hi there! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you linked to my post. I am so glad that I was able to provide you with a little inspiration, it does a blogger good.
I really enjoyed what you wrote. I also happen to agree with it. One fun way I found to increase readership was to participate in memes. It keeps things fun, gives me at least one thing to write about every day, and it has been an awesome way to get to know my fellow bloggers.
Melissa Mashburn´s last blog ..My Lack of Self Esteem
I’ve loved to write my whole life, but reached a “crisis of faith” in my literary stuff (just figuring things out not quitting or anything). It also occurred to me that I was wasting too much time playing Mafia Wars (I work from my phone and computer, so I need distraction now and then)I also realized that I love telling people about the movies I love and why. And thus I started blogging.
Brent Allard´s last blog ..Twelve Reasons Why Lee Marvin Kicks Ass in Point Blank
Stopping by from SITS! I started my blog as a way to be accountable to a goal I had set for myself. Now I blog because I realized that I missed writing, and I’m making lots of online friends.
Wendy (The Local Cook)´s last blog ..The Sensual Pleasure of Reading Cookbooks
Blondish.net is one of several blog sites within my own blogging network. Outside, I guest post at a few that teach people. At my own site, I write to teach people about blogging, designing, and resources that might be interesting to use.
It was a huge process. I use to be in web competitions years ago, and when I finally took the step as a professional web designer, and even started blogging, I was just surprised on the people getting the idea to have a blog. Back then, it was chaotic and people had no idea what to focus on.
It takes time. Bloggers are not always perfect at writing. However, I always love to read other sites and appreciate the time taken to share a piece of their life. It does take guts.
Thank you for stopping by.
Nile´s last blog ..DeviantART Rolls Out New Features
A nice little thing on blogging & blogger’s.
Cafe Pasadena´s last blog ..The Writer’s Project
I just found your blog through the Lady Bloggers Society Tea Social, and I’m glad I did! I read your article there yesterday about blogger’s block and I thought you had some great tips. I started blogging to keep my far-off family up-to-date about what was going on with myself, my husband and our kids…but it has become so much more for me. It’s kind of a combination between journaling and community for me. I liked how you said you were doing it so one day you could call yourself a writer. I’m very hesitant to call myself right now…or even admit to others that I aspire to be that. I look forward to reading more of your stiff in the future.
Melissa Brotherton´s last blog ..The Story of Us…
Thanks for stopping by Melissa! Glad you enjoyed the article, I’ll be off to visit you today! xx
I’ve been blogging going on four years now. I blog to build my expert profile, get publicity and leads for new business. Through blogging I’ve gotten nice speaking engagements, the last one was in Prague. I’ve met some great people through blogging and it is my number one marketing vehicle.
Blogging gives me an audience outside my immediate market. I enjoy having clients and contacts around the world. I also write posts for larger blogs and benefit from their audience – to me this tactic is key to benefiting from blogging.
Thanks for stopping by Ed! There are such great blogging communities out there, I also have met some fantastic people through my blogging experiences. On the other hand, I have not yet ventured out into the conference scene, which is something I’d love to do and finally got wind of a conference this summer near me! I’m going to beg, borrow and steal to get there and meet some folks in the flesh.
Guest posting is something I’d love to do more of to be fair and have started with the Lady Bloggers Society. Hoping that gives me a little wider variety in what I write as well as reaching out there to many others I would have missed out on otherwise.
Thanks for sharing your reasons for blogging and great to see you here!
I hate a snubbing DM on twitter last night so really agree with your “it’s not really that personal” comment! I did actually start the day feeling all “bleh” about blogging in general, but now feel much better, thank you. Stopping by from SITS
Quasi Serendipita´s last blog ..Once we watched a lazy world go by
Quasi, I’m so glad the article helped you feel a little better about blogging! It’s hard not to take things personal, as when someone is being an idiot and directing it straight at you, it does feel personal! But honestly, don’t pay attention. Thanks for stopping in x
Stopping by from SITS to say HI! I have made a promise to myself to visit and comment on all blogs posted to spread the love!
Great post! I blog because I LOVE to write and it is a way to satisfy my need to write without always having to devote a whole lot of time to a post . . .
Hi Mesina,
I blog because a) I love to write and b) I’d like to share what I have learnt. I’ve made new friends and opened up a new world.
I like your blog and will be visiting again. Thanks for visiting mine last week and for leaving a comment. See you soon!
gaelikaa´s last blog ..No Place Like Home
Well written. I blog because I keep in touch with friends and family and I ENJOY IT! ?
Stopping by from SITS!
Please stop by!
http://extremepersonalmeasures.blogspot.com/
denise´s last blog ..Saving Money & The Environment
This is the 2nd time I’ve read this particular blog and i just love it! Eventually I have to admit, I do want to take it to the next level, and make a semi-living on my blog. But for now, I’m focusing on content and meeting the sweetest, most awe-inspiring women… like you! Cheers!
Kat´s last blog ..” ‘Cause Baby It’s Cold Out(in)side”
Hey Kat, glad you stopped by again! Yes content is the most important and I’m really not here to make a bazillion bucks. On the other hand, moving the blog up a level just gives me the chance to do more with my writing, although I never expect to make much from it. I’m here to write, it’s the writing that keeps me going. And stop makin’ me blush!!! That’s super sweet of you to say hon, thank you!
Tickled Pink, thanks! Yes blogging keeps me sane, gives me an outlet too AND a network of some amazing people. I wouldn’t have kept going on it otherwise, it’s good therapy! You are so welcome for popping in, it was a pleasure to visit! x
Hey there. Great post. I pretty much blog and talk about whatever floats my boat. I found it a great avenue of expression (does that sound lame or what) so I can stay some what sane with these kiddos running around…or trying to crawl under the baby gate. The more I blog though, the more I love it. I have met some great people and found some great blogs. Thanks for stopping by or I might not have found yours!
Tickled Pink Twice´s last blog ..Writer’s Workshop: Childhood Memory
My favorite is: Don’t blog in fear. I think that is very wise.
I discovered that I love writing too and I had no idea I even liked to write before I started blogging.
Solid post, Mesina and very useful to both newbies and those of us who’ve been blogging for a little bit.
I first started blogging about baby products because I was a newly obsessed mama and couldn’t get enough trawling around for cool stuff. It was great to find an outlet for my new passion as well as my writing.
I launched Babes about Town as I really wanted to provide a service to other parents who often find themselves stuck for what to do, when they’ve got little ones 24-7. I also wanted to take things to the next level with a funky design and slightly more ‘pro’ approach.
It does take time to carve out that niche for yourself but I’m really enjoying building a community and meeting cool peeps (like yourself) along the way.
Babes about Town´s last blog ..Fashion Week at Topshop
I found you through the Lady Bloggers Society and I’m so glad to have stumbled on this. I’m really new to the blogging community but am surprised (in the best way possible!) to find out that my fellow bloggers are so helpful and friendly. It’s really great to connect with other women writers through spoken word and to see what makes us all tick.
I love your first tip. I can’t tell you how terrified I was of blogging and the reaction that I would receive but once I started, those fears quickly left. As long as I’m honest with myself and my readers, I don’t think I have anything else to worry about.
Thank you for a great read!
thanks for stopping by my blog and helping make my SITS feature day special!as a writer, being able to blog is such an amazing an powerful way to connect with others, share your ideas and receive feedback. keep on blogging!
elizabeth patch´s last blog ..Saucy Secrets!
Excellent post, especially the “it’s not personal” part that everyone should understand. I’ve seen so many people stop blogging because of criticism or flames from people they don’t even know, it’s so sad. Hell, I’ve done it… a few years ago. Ok, more than a few, back in zee horrid teen years, but anyway…
The “don’t blog in fear” is an excellent tip as well. People shouldn’t feel the need to censor themselves on their own playground. A blog should be a place where you can vent about anything and everything under the sun that means something to you!
Loving the layout, and you write very smoothly! Came here via SITS and I will definitely be making a trip back here soon.
Jonna´s last blog ..Having fun with latency…
I am blogging because I am losing it. My memory. So I have to record it all down.
valerene matthews, malaysia´s last blog ..The Day after Mother’s Day
Hi!
Found your blog from Seededbuzz and I’d say it appeared to be around at the right time for me
I blog because I want to make a change, and it’s to hold me accountable to go achieve my goals.Nice blog, will be visiting soon again!
Lilian´s last blog ..The First WordCampMY