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Friday, January 25, 2013

Why We Blog


Two years later I am no longer questioning why I invest time in a blog, but remain grateful to those followers who talked me into it. You know who you are.

At the time that I started this blog, I had some time off and life was going according to a flexible plan.  I had envisioned a humorous informative science blog with well written posts, thoughts on art, society and possibly a few experiments in creative writing. I ended up with a 15 minute posts, lists and cat video blog. Sometimes, I combined all three to save time. How did that happen?

Life had happened. An unexpected avalanche of simultaneous and most enlightening exercises in crises management, some great news, some bad news and some ugly news just to make this thing called life a well-rounded experience. By the time I ended up with the additional displeasure of dealing with call centers, (can't you see that I am really busy with important things?) my world was coming to an end. Actually, that is overly dramatic; call centers are just really really irritating.

 ***

I work in a highly competitive accomplishment driven environment. It suits my personality. I was dissatisfied about the quality and content of this blog, complained about the time decent posts take to produce and thought of abandoning it altogether and going back to commenting.

The blog remained and became a learning experience. Within just a few months I had met similarly-minded people, which would have taken me years to meet in RL even if we lived in the same area. My personal challenge was to retrain my brain to switch from scientific, lengthy and precise writing to short, goofy, colloquial (and that's okay) posts. The blogosphere is incredibly supportive, fellowers show up at their own convenience, people take blogging breaks when RL takes precedence and everyone understands.

Blogging is much more than communicating with geographically dislocated strangers. We can access this medium instantaneously when we need to and have time for.  15 minutes or 3 hours at a time. The only deadlines and goals are self-imposed. Post 3 times a week or bimonthly. Finish those posts in draft...or not. 

The blog is there regardless of where and when we are. There are not too many things in life that offer this much freedom, control and choice.

19 comments:

  1. I've been wondering why I blog lately. I've gone through my ups and downs with it in the past. The biggest bonus are the people I've "met". Even if I don't always comment, I enjoy reading your blog.

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  2. Very well said sir! I completely agree. I'm so glad I stumbled into the blogosphere, it's been a great place to vent and share.

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    Replies
    1. @Meg, don't we all? Yes, I recall your blogapocalypse a while ago;)
      I think that is what it's about, otherwise we would just be writing to ourselves. Thank you, I appreciate it.

      @Kelli, thank you. It is a great place, isn't it?

      Delete
  3. I don't really know why I blog, but I'm glad I still do after 4 years. I've met a ton of cool people. Some of my regular commenters have come and gone as their lives got busier, and others have stayed around since the beginning. In the end, I write for myself and this is what I need to always remember. It's tough some days, but still rewarding.

    I'm very glad you continue to blog, Ant. It's been a pleasure "meeting" you.

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  4. Plus there might be snacks some day.

    Pearl

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    Replies
    1. @David, I am glad that I stumbled across yours too. I have noticed that some just disappear. It should always be about writing about what you enjoy, but we do post for a friendly audience.

      Pleasure is all mine.

      @Pearl, failing that there are always virtual cookies, even if you don't want them.

      Delete
  5. Goofy is what I do. I don't know how to do anything else. Including my laundry.

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  6. Minnie also does Goofy.
    But, that's a whole 'nother story.

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    Replies
    1. @Al, didn't you just build a house?
      She left Mickey? Noooooo.

      Delete
  7. The was I see it, blogging serves - but is not limited to - at least one essential purpose: Keeping most of us out of the loony bin.

    Can you imagine what would happen if we had to resort to sharing ALL the things we blog about to our friends and families, instead of other bloggers who share our sentiments?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vinny, how do you know we're not in the loony bin and you're just a figment of my imagination, whom I highly regard in the "virtual world"?
      This is the matrix.
      My nurse just brought me my lunch, gotta go.

      Famipocalypse?

      Delete
    2. I've considered that possibility... more times than I care to admit. Not that I'm a figment in your imagination, though. I wonder if everyone and everything I consider "real" isn't just some mental movie I'm stuck inside.

      But what would reality be like? Are there flying cars? Who trapped me in this dream and why? Are you one of them?! Couldn't you guys have cooked up a better hallucination? Where's your supervisor!?!

      Delete
    3. Oh yeah? That is exactly what I would tell myself.

      I think you just provided the evidence that this is reality. Who would leave flying cars behind?

      Delete
  8. I think Vinnie has nailed much of what I was going to say with the first para of his comment.

    Therefore I surrender this attempt at being sensible. I'll try again another time. In the meantime I'll remain grateful that you keep the opportunity to do just that going.........

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    Replies
    1. "to do just that going"?
      Maybe not so sane after all? ;)

      Seriously, it does create a valuable outlet.

      Delete
  9. There you go...blogging more than me again...lol.
    Totally agree with you. If I hadn't stumbled upon this little community of like minded people I don't know where I would be.... Well, probably sitting here scanning cat videos on youtube, but anyway..the sentiment is still there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is this a race? Ready, set, go....
      BOL.
      cat vids, what cat vids?

      Delete

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