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Today is the first installment of an unscientific study that is sure to rock the blogging world.
Today’s Question
Why do you blog?
Life forced me to take an extended break from regular blogging and reading blogs and it got me thinking about it’s mysterious appeal. While not attending to the care and feeding of my blog, I’ve had scads more time to attend to more pressing matters. Blogging is a time vacuum. But I miss it. How odd.
These questions were inspired by an off-blog email sent to me from Unfettered BS (a delightful read). She read about my dad’s health problems and sent a note to say she was thinking of me and wanted me to know she cared. One of the things she asked was “Why did you start blogging?” Hmmm . . . good question.
Really. I am curious.
Why did you start blogging?
Why to you keep blogging?
What do you want out of blogging?
What do you get out of blogging?
Why do I blog? How kind of you to ask.
I started a blog because my daughter nagged me. She was a terrier at my ankle. She said, “Mom, you are a great writer, you need to blog about your book and writing, and people will love what you have to say.”
I ignored her for two years.
Who the hell would want to read my drivel? But, my daughter is a sweet and relentless tormentor. So, last January, I thought what the heck. Let’s give this a try.
I’ll never forget my first non-family comment. I about fell over. My reply to Linda was “How did you find me? And why?”
At first, I blogged because my daughter is in contention for Best in Show in the bulldog category at the Westminster dog show. (No, honey. I am not calling you a dog.)
Next, I blogged because as a writer who wants to be published, I was told I should build my mysterious “platform.”
And finally, I now blog because I have met the most amazing, smart, and funny people ever! I care about them and they seem to care about me. I’ve talked about this before, but I have blogging friends I consider REAL friends. Who knew that would happen? I know it has happened to you too. But, did you expect it?
I also enjoy blogging because it keeps me at the craft of writing. I think I am a better writer because of it. This quote sums it up for me. “The desire to write grows with writing.” ~ Desiderius Erasmus
I thought about doing a poll, but I want to hear your words, and not confine you to canned responses.
Again, I ask . . .
Why did you start blogging?
Why to you keep blogging?
What do you want out of blogging?
What do you get out of blogging?
I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.
That is me in front of my blog. (Photo credit: digitalrob70)
Robin Coyle 
Oh, dear. So many questions. I started blogging because I recognized it as a way to provide fresh content to my web site so that Google would come by regularly and index me. It worked. I keep it up because it still works. Of course, I also enjoy writing and reading, so blogging is like sliced bread to me.
Why did you want Google to index you. What does that mean?
Google juice. It means that if someone typed something into a search, like “Russel Ray,” I would show up, preferably on the first page, preferably as the very first search return on that first page. Go ahead. Try it now. Go go google.com and type Russel Ray in the search box, hit enter, and see what you get.
Top o’ the listings. Did you know you are also a lawyer in Virginia?
Yep. I’m also an economist, although dead, as well as a country singer in Texas. Back when I started blogging, those three had the top ten pages of search returns. I’ve done my job.
Good for you. Sorry you are a dead economist tho.
I never would never climb into the ranks of Paul Krugman, Milton Friedman, John Maynard Keynes, and Paul Samuelson, so I died.
Oooh, let’s see. I started blogging in July because I was ‘encouraged’ by friends to get off Facebook. No, I’m kidding. Well, half kidding. My Facebook friends did encourage me to blog because they thought I had something to share beyond the few FB friends I hadn’t deleted. (I secretly hate Facebook). Gosh, that sounds lame. Anyway,I share my 7, very raw years of recovery from PTSD, major depression, and addiction because I can’t stand the thought of someone suffering the way I did and thinking they’re all alone and beyond hope. I spent 35 years of my life keeping everything inside and blogging allows me to share all my pent-up truth and opinions and I love that no one can shut me up. I especially love that the people who connect with me really want to connect. We don’t have to. We want to. And there’s something sacred about blogging friendships because of that fact. It’s a choice. No one’s forcing anyone to remain a ‘follower’. Relationships are based on deep things, shared experiences, and hallowed lessons that take courage to open up about. I don’t dabble in the shallow waters. The mutual encouragement, especially in the space I’m in, is so powerful that I find myself in tears most days. The ahas! The ‘keep it ups’, the ‘have you trieds’, and the ‘thata girls’ have become the life blood of blogging for me. My blogging friends have become my real friends, and that’s part of why I continue to share my personal and sometimes embarrassing story. Every day I meet a new friend who’s either a little further along than I, or a little behind where I am, and together we make up this thing called friendship. And we’re changed because of it.
A new reason why I continue blogging is because my mom was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and I’ve decided to write about this painful journey, too. My mom and I have had a very strained relationship wrought with emotional distance and caverns of pain, but somehow God has found a way to bless us with a special closeness over the past 6 weeks. I dreamed this would be possible, and certainly not through facing her mortality. As I face regrets over lost time and incredible fears about how little time I might have left with her, I find joy in today with her. My blog friends are connecting with their mothers and experiencing healing because of the lessons of my pain. And to me, that makes it all worth it. I continue to get exactly what I’ve wanted out of blogging: A real, honest exchange of life’s lessons with spiritually minded people who have overcome the most hellish childhoods, gone through the most harrowing challenges, and have come through the other side with the kind of compassion, depth, wisdom, and love that rivals Mother Teresa.
Thanks for your kind invitation and opportunity to share in your comments. I look forward to reading more of your writing. I think you have such a wonderful gift.
Wow . . . you have been through hell and back and I’m so glad you found blogging to help you sort it all out and as a safe, creative place to share your world. You are right . . . people can learn from the lessons you’ve learned. I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I can relate with the idea of limited time with her. My folks are 89-years-old and their health is failing. It is strange to be looking at the end with them.
I find blogging friends more supportive than in-person friends. It is odd, really. However, I embrace the friendships made and hope I have found a new friend in you. Your comment is beautifully written and sums up what I feel too about the support network.
P.S. I secretly hate FaceBook too. I know all the cool kids are doing it but it doesn’t capture my attention.
Thanks so much for your kind response. Yes, you’ve found a new blog friend in me. 🙂
You must have a blog full of wisdom to share about your journey with your parents. It’s tough to face our parents’ mortality. I suppose we never know when we’re going to die, but somehow old age or a terminal prognosis brings it right in front of us…
blessings to you and your family.
Wisdom to share about my journey with my folks? I don’t think so. Just when we think we have a plan with how to manage their failing health, some new ugly issue raises its head. Their failings have taken us by surprise. They were so healthy until just a few months ago. This stinks with a capital “S.” But, thank goodness for my sisters are we are in lock-step on this.
Thank you, new friend. Thank you.
Robin, I’m so sorry your parents’ health has declined so. It is such a terrible thing to watch our parents age and succumb to illness, pain, and the down-side of the aging process. I’m so glad you and your sisters are ‘in lock-step’ as you put it. That makes all the difference in the world. I suppose that’s the kind of wisdom I’m referring to.
Going through my mom’s brain cancer and my dad’s heart-valve replacement surgery 1 1/2 years ago has not only given me a sweeter and deeper experience with them, but it has given me the gift of presence and extreme gratitude for what IS, not what could be, forgiveness, dealing with hidden resentments, keeping short accounts with people I love, seeing that my mom did, in fact, give me all she could, and it has pretty much made me a better, more compassionate person. I would never have signed up for this experience, but it does come with its gifts. Sometimes it’s hard to find the beauty in the valley of suffering and uncertainty, but others can see it more clearly and it can often times spare them part of the hurt and regret in their own relationships.
I’m thinking about you and your parents. Many, many blessings to you.
You, my friend, are a beautiful writer.
You are right about hidden gifts while working through my folks health crisis. I’ve spent tons of time with my dad, we’ve shared tears, laughter, and just sat holding hands. He has opened up to me in ways he never did. I know he loved me, but he says it a lot more often now. With my mom, I get glimpses of her old self and each time I do, I carry it in my heart.
Oh, you’re making me cry. I love those moments you described having with your dad. They are precious, and I often wonder why my mom and I never had them before. Well, actually, I do know why. We had a very strained relationship full of hurt and resentment.
But facing her mortality has cleared away all the stuff that never should have mattered in the first place, and it covers everything else with grace. Those pure, spiritual moments are quite beautiful.
Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to me, especially coming from YOU.
Keep pressing on, friend. 🙂
I think it is time for a group hug. You keep pressing on too, my friend. I will no longer call my blogging friends “virtual friends.” They, including you, are REAL friends.
Catching up on your blog Robin. Missed you. I started blogging because I wanted to have a place for my paintings – not that they are so terribly evident in my blogging as it turns out. I had no idea WHAT I was going to blog about but it was going to be my last go at trying to have a web presence for my art – two previous website failures – one webmaster who absconded with my site name and left me dangling with no access to my site and another that crashed twice in short order and me clueless as to fixing the problem. Thus I arrived at WordPress. I CERtainly did not expect to make friends that really feel like friends. The first ‘like’ I got was WOW – you’d a thought it was my first kiss. My first follower was … well. 😉 I continue to blog because I am learning from and stimulated by other bloggers, it has brought me back to writing, and it is improving my writing. The drawback is that it is SO addictive – a time vacuum as you aptly said – not ‘decreed’,” authoritatively iterated” or “declared positively” – just ‘said’ – see, I’ve been learning from you.
That is hysterical. Thank goodness you didn’t “decree” this comment.
I think 100% of the people who chimed in here started blogging for one reason but KEEP blogging because of the community. Your analogy of the first ‘like’ being like a first kiss is brilliant. I love my blogging friends. How odd to love people you’ve never met and probably won’t ever meet.
Missed you too Lynne. I don’t think I’ve seen a post from you lately. Have I?
No posts lately – I’ve been visiting daughter 3 out in Medicine Hat Alberta – but I’ll be up later today. Glad I made you smile 🙂
You don’t let grass grow under your feet!
I do best with questions in lists, so:
Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because I had a stroke in May 2010 and by Feb 2012 had gone back to work and was forced to quit due to medical problems from the stroke. I wanted to keep busy and saw this as a way to do it.
Why to you keep blogging?
I keep blogging because it has turned into a sort of life-style for me. I can no longer imagine a world where I get up and do not do the blogging exercises everyday: check the follows, check the comments, respond, write the next day’s post…
What do you want out of blogging?
I simply want to reach out to people and know that they, on some level, accept my point of view and even find it helpful or uplifting in some way. I also want it to help with my writing and my work of, eventually, writing a novel.
What do you get out of blogging?
I do get the acceptance of people and know that I help, at least, some and make others smile and/or think. It has helped my writing. I am now published (well, I have sold) in the short story market, have my novel idea (no pun intended), and feel the joy of keeping busy doing something that is helpful and uplifting to others.
Scott
We are of like mind then. I love lists. I live for lists. My lists have lists.
Interesting comment about it being a “life-style.” I guess it is when you embrace blogging and do it “right.” It takes time, effort, and energy. Fortunately, the benefits are worth it. At least when you hit target.
I love that blogging is a fit for you and your forced retirement. It is a lovely creative outlet and I think my writing is better for it. Stop laughing. Really, I think it helped me find my voice.
Not laughing – I understand.
Then we are “kindredspirits.”
Ah, such a welcome response!
‘Tis fun!! I always get a little smile on my face when we have a comment on the blog, I love hearing from people, especially ones on the other side of the world. It’s quite amazing when you think about it!! 😀
I’ve had hits from the craziest places . . . no, no, no, I’m not referring to Ireland. I mean places like Zambia, Saudi Arabia, and Iceland.
“Tis fun!
I’d read about needing an online presence, but kept putting it all off. At my first writing group meeting, they blogged and said how much they enjoyed it. I decided to give it a go and had NO IDEA what I was doing, still don’t 🙂
I posted my first few blogs and was surprised anyone visited and took time to comment or click like, wondered how they’d found me. (I really didn’t have a clue how things worked on WordPress)
I want to have my novels published and still see blogging as an important part of the process. I’ve learned so much on the craft of writing from reading other people’s blogs (yours included), found so many great books I’ve bought and read thanks to blogging, and so many great people supporting me along my journey.
There is a great community spirit amongst bloggers. I love it!
Ha! I think you absolutely know what you are doing here on WordPress. Look at the following you have!
My to-be-read book pile is double what it was before blogging. Every time I read a good review of a book, I race to buy it. I really must control myself. I’m going to be 90-years-old before I get through all the books patiently waiting for me.
What a lovely community we have. I wonder if people who blog about politics or raising chickens feel the same way.
Hahaha. I wonder how many people do blog about raising chickens?!? I almost want to search and find out. I bet they offer good advice. The politics one probably not as much fun and loads more arguments probably.
My niece recently started raising chickens and consults chicken blogs! There are hundreds.
Wow, who knew? 🙂
It was in my contract!
My publisher insisted I blog, to drum up a little publicity… I didn’t know what the heck I was doing and hated it in the beginning. But then something happened, I started making friends and I was hooked. After seven months of blogging, I’m trying to cut back…
I’m going to school two days a week for an advanced writing class – in Norwegian (its so hard) my house needs a thorough cleaning and my family needs a little attention.
You know what I’m talking about…
Do you think blogging has driven sales of your book? I remember hating blogging at first too . . . until people started interacting with me. Then it was addicting for me too.
Good for you for taking the advanced writing class. Didn’t you learn Norwegian fairly recently? Wow. I’m impressed. I couldn’t take an advanced writing class in my native language, let alone one I just learned.
Wait . . . you mean families need attention? Is that why they are all complaining?
Ha, yeah, I worked six hours a day reading and writing posts and maybe sold twenty books (through the blog) But blogging is addictive…
I learned to talk Norwegian about 18 years ago and I make out pretty good talking and reading. But writing is difficult, so I’m trying to do something about it because it looks like I’m stuck here 🙂
Fantastic, witty post, as always Robin. Thank you and bravo to your daughter for encouraging you do this! 🙂
I started blogging… hmm, why was that again? My friend had spoken about the pastime for ages and I didn’t think it was going to be for me, but I thought maybe I should try and promote my writing.
I keep blogging because I enjoy it and because I’ve met a fantastic bunch of people who I really enjoy interacting with.
Although I aspire to be a published writer, I don’t really use my blog in order to share tips or segments of writing. I really just impart my randomness!
What I get out of blogging? A great sense of community, camaraderie and enjoyment. 🙂
Thanks Katy! You are the BEST cheerleader!
The sense of community in the world-o-bloggers was a delightful surprise. Who knew? I’ve made some fantastic friends (you). I will speak for all bloggers here . . . we love your randomness.
How is school going?
Yay, I can cheer! I always thought my large chest and lack of co-ordination might hold me back! 😉
Thank you, Robin! It really is a wonderful, hugely supportive community! 😀
I’m really enjoying the course. Right now, I’m feeling creative and as you’ll know yourself, it’s a marvellous feeling! 😀 Long may it last!!!
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I started my blog because I wanted to promote an online healing course that I’ve written and published, and I thought it would be a great idea to supplement the info on course for my students. Little did I know that it would be a huge creative outlet where I could write regularly, publish my art and photography and meet amazing people. I love my friends here and I love meeting new people who are rapidly becoming friends. My students from the course do read my blog and many follow, but I’m mostly if not entirely writing it for me. And I’ve dipped my toe into the world of poetry and love it! I was totally shocked when WordPress picked my poem about blogging for an FP and Editor’s pick.
Well, I for one am NOT surprised your poem was Fresh Pressed and an Editor’s pick!
Blogging is a great place for personal creativity and reading blogs is a great place to appreciate others’ creativity. I’ve learned so much from my fellow bloggers.
I’m so glad we found each other!
Me too!
Hi Robin! I’ve been writing this week and had to let the blogging go, so I could concentrate in an effort to get the ball rolling. I started my blog for only one reason – to chronicle my writing journey. I keep blogging because it’s fun and like a party with friends most days (and I still chronicle the writing journey). I wanted to get my name and Susan Hunter’s name out there – that’s what I wanted out of blogging. What I get out of blogging is a little of that – but a lot more. Friendships especially. And that those friendships are all around the world is mind boggling to me at times. Thanks for asking. Glad you’re back! 🙂
Hey Maddie . . . It is great to be back. However, I am still going to be around in spits and spurts. My dad had a heart attack.
Good for you for concentrating on your writing. You can’t do everything. The friendships (you) I’ve formed were an unexpected delight. And, the chance to practice writing, learn from others, laugh, and sometimes cry with others is a blessing.
Oh, Robin, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. That just gives me such a heavy heart. We’ll continue to pray for him – and your entire family.
Hey Maddie . . . I probably shouldn’t have been so dramatic. It was a mild heart attack, but they did an angiogram and one of his arteries was 90% blocked. They put a stent in and he should be out of the hospital tomorrow. Bummer of a setback because he was making great progress.
Your post had me thinking on a lot of levels…so I am glad I stumbled across your blog tonight. Oooh, I sound like a stalker:) I started blogging/writing by accident. True story…long one, but true. What really struck me about your words is the time it takes to keep it up. Sometimes it comes so easily…other times when I know I need to post something it stresses me out. It really could be a full time job. It has also taught me to relax about my writing and just let the words come.
J
All stalkers welcome!
I’d love to hear how you accidentally starting blogging. I have a vision of you tripping on your rug near your laptop, hitting the WordPress website with your forehead, and in a daze you log on and start typing. So, I’d like to know!
Blogging takes so much time. So much. That is, if you are a considerate reader and commenter on blogs. A lot of people whiz by and don’t take the time to say anything. Rather rude, don’t you think? Also, coming up with the idea for a blog post, finding images, proofing, and agonizing over making it perfect takes time! Good for you for finding a way to relax with your writing.
Thanks for stopping by here . . . and not whizzing by!
Blogging is the cheapest form of therapy known to Man. Besides. I don’t drink, whore around or use drugs, so what choice do I have?
Ha! I’m sure your wife appreciates your anti-whoring around policy.
I sure hope so!
I often ask myself that question, but I believe it is to keep a toe in some writing of somekind, because without it, I was doing very little.
Blogging is a good way to practice the craft of writing and learn from other writers. I missed writing while I was away. I feel a little rusty!
I started, purely to keep a record of my writing journey. I’ve been journalling for years, but didn’t want me journals full up with my “writing” ramblings. But, if you ask me WHY I blog, as in now? It’s because of the community side of things. I love chatting to my readers, and I’ve learnt so much from their blogs too. It’s wonderful 🙂
Xx
The blogging community is wonderful. At least, the community we are in. I’m not sure what it is like for people who blog about controversial subjects. I wouldn’t want to step on that hornet’s nest. How long have you been blogging?
I used to send out amusing emails to people and they kept asking me if I could add a friend to the list. My son nagged me for a couple of years to start a blog and I finally gave in.
I have never looked back. I feel blogging was made just for me.
I keep blogging because I love to write and because it gets me to write every day and because it’s addictive and because there are so many lovely people out there that I don’t want to let them down by disappearing.
I love the interaction more than anything, virtual and real. And I have learned so much about other cultures by reading about their daily lives. For example: did you know that it is a British myth that all Americans are loud and confident? 🙂
Blogging IS made for you. You make it look easy.
I too love the blogging family I found. Such lovely people who share a pieces of themselves on their blog. Ella Dee calls is a WordPress community garden. I love the imagery of that.
Oh, and we Americans are loud. Not so sure about the confident part.
WELL NOW I’M CONFUSED 🙂
I started because my kids forced me into it 😉 Now I’m an addict!
I actually never realised what a great community this is. I’ve found so many ‘friends’ that make me laugh (and sometimes cry) every day.
I’m so glad you’re back, Robin, and I really hope the family is doing well 😀
Hiya Dianne!
I”m curious . . . Why did your kids want you to blog?
Ella Dee calls it “A WordPress community garden.” I like the imagery. That is how it feels to me too.
Dad had a mild heart attack two days ago. They are doing an angiogram tomorrow. So, I may be back here for only a moment. Poor guy has been through a mill.
Oh dear – I’m so sorry, Robin – what a nightmare! 😦
My kids thought it would be good to blog to give me the opportunity to mix with other authors (I’m a bit of a hermit) 😉
You a hermit? I find that hard to believe.
LOL – I think I write too much to get out and enjoy myself 😀
Nice post. Glad you are back to what you enjoy and are so good at!
Aw . . .shucks.
Ah, that mystical platform that we all need to get published was the hook. Lately, I’ve been trying to spend more time working on my WIP and my blogging posts have suffered. But I still view others posts and comment. Subconsciously, the blog family helps to bolster a lack of confidence. I too feel like many of those who read and comment of my blog are my friends and whether they know it or not, I am their friend and all that goes with it. 🙂
I learned at the Writers Digest conference that in order for a platform to be noticed by an agent or publishing house, the number of followers needs to be enormous . . . like 10,000+. My dreams were dashed. However, I am thrilled with small number of followers I have. I consider them my friends too, whether they like it or not.
When I’m ready to publish, I guess I’ll run a promo where I will send everyone who follows my blog $1.00. On second thought, that will probably offset any profits. 🙂
Since I follow you, where’s my dollar?
Not ready to publish…yet.
I guess we all have your daughter to thank for getting you here! I started blogging to build this mysterious platform too, but it soon became something I enjoy. It’s always fun reading posts by others and interacting with them. I just like to get my thoughts out there. 😀
The theme here is clear . . . people keep blogging because of the interaction with other bloggers. Platform-schmatform be damned.
Robin, I don’t think I can say it any better than all the above, but I’ve noticed on Freshly Pressed Editor’s Picks, Cathy gets a mention, and she says it all so well ~ see her great poem about the blogosphere here: http://largeself.com/2012/10/22/ode-to-the-blogosphere/
I darted over there for a peek. Fantastic poem. She really captures the essence of why we are here and why we keep coming back. Thanks for sending me her way. Wow. What a response she has received!
I blog simply because I must. I have too much information stored inside me and it’s all a jamble (my word for disorganized thoughts) Once I get them on the screen and rearranged it helps me better understand why I act and react to life’s experiences and conundrums.
Putting all this out there in public on a blog allows me to see if I am alone or not on matters I feel are important. How pleasing it is to discover that … I am not alone.
May I use your word “jamble?” I love it. I’m also a fan of the word “conundrum.”
Blogging does give us a nice, safe place to talk and think about life, writing, and our fellow man.
I guess I started because I was trying to find a place to be creative. I love my job, but I don’t really produce something that people get to enjoy…unless you count keeping people alive.
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about the art of writing. I’m thrilled that people actually read what I write. It motivates me to be better at what I do, for them and for me.
I’m starting to think of writing as a performance art…but that’s another long bit. Stop making me think about writing, Robin, I’ve got to go to the “get paid thing” in the morning.
Welcome back, my friend. Glad things are a little more settled. (?)
I count keeping people alive as a valuable product. For that, we thank you.
I know what you mean about blogging as a motivator for being a better writer. I would hate to have someone take the time to come here and be bored . . . or not find something of value.
I’m interested to learn more on your thoughts about writing as performance art. I like the concept.
Things were settling down, sorta. My dad had a mild heart attack two days ago. They are doing an angiogram tomorrow. As Bette Davis said, “Old age is no place for sissies.”
Like you, I started blogging because that’s what I was supposed to do with a book coming out. But also like you, I discovered it was so much more. 🙂
Do you feel like your blog has promoted your book?
Most definitely. But it requires a lot of time, as you know, which takes time from writing.
I started blogging because I wanted to write every day. I kept blogging because of the amazing feedback, the unexpected friendships formed and the interesting stuff I read from other bloggers. I love it!
Writing everyday is a lovely routine. While my dad has been sick, I got out of the routine and I feel the void.
The theme in the comments here is the joy of the unexpected friendships and support. It is a wonderful thing.
Nice to hear from you Robin, that your life is returning to noamal 🙂 I thought about his myself recently, so your post is timely… I like to process my thoughts via a keyboard! To do so I was utilising OneWord and Scribd, but when a friend did a WordPress course, curious, I Googled it, followed the start up instructions and woo hoo, just short of 12 months later I have 3 blogs (words, images & places), and am still here, happy in the corner of the WordPress community garden. I like the people I ‘meet’ via blogging and unlike my real life neighbours & work colleagues I get to choose who I spend time with. My world and consideration of it has never been broader – it doesn’t matter where we are geographically, we are connected by a common platform. Initially I blogged to share my view of the world, snippets of my very ordinary day-to-day work, inner city life and the odd excursion elsewhere but in the next few years I hope to undertake a tree-change plus travel, and anticipate the blogs will follow those adventures. Not least I blog so I can continue share the worlds of the wonderful bloggers who have opened them up to me 🙂
I didn’t know you have three blogs! What are your other two? Oh wait, maybe I do know. I remember asking you about your gravatar being your mini face.
Good point about spending “time” with people you choose to spend time with. I’ve learned, laughed, and cried with my fellow bloggers. I love your term “WordPress community garden.” That describes this place perfectly!
I started blogging because my parents got tired of reading my stuff. 😉
Also, like you, I heard that it’s really wonderfully nice to have a platform.
I said I would never start a blog, but I did… and now I keep writing in it because I have met lovely online (fake? ; ) friends and enjoy interacting about writing with people who also like talking about writing and life. How nice to have people who might want to read something I’ve written!
I hope one day to be able to introduce my published novel to my blogging friends. And until then, I enjoy having an ongoing reason to keep my bum in the chair.
We read what you write because you are good at it! So when will we see your novel?
I think Vanessa Chapman was the one who did a blog post asking, “Are blog friends “real” friends and do you think you would be friends if you met in person?” I consider you my “real” friend whether you like it or not!
Yay! Thanks, Robin. I’m totally ready to come out and drink wine and laze around with your “real” friends. Someday, maybe! Until then… Words With Friends. ; )
And you are killing me at Words with Friends. Killing me I tell you!
Like you I started because all the advice says that’s what new writers need to do, even though I didn’t think anyone would read my posts.
But I keep blogging because I love the community I’ve found and the support and friendship of other writers and bloggers.
I’d still like to reach that potential audience for my novels, but that’s a slow process for me (given what I usually post about). That’s okay because the books aren’t ready yet. 😉
But currently I get a lot of enjoyment and learn so much from the writers I’ve met here in the blogosphere!
I’ve learned a ton from other bloggers too. And, they have made me laugh a lot. I am truly impressed with the quality of the writing on blogs and the valuable or thought-provoking information people share. Weird to feel like you know someone you’ve never met!
I learned how to use WordPress through a non-profit organization who wanted me to post events and announcements on their blog. I had started writing family memories several years ago and decided that I could use a blog to record some of the memories I had already written down and to add more. (My daughter encouraged this too!)
I did not know what to expect but just figured I would have a written record of our family history. I did not anticipate the comments and the multitudes of bloggers who have now become friends. I did not even anticipate reading other blogs when I started. I didn’t know about the interaction of bloggers and everything it entails.
I keep blogging because I have a lot more stories to tell. I keep blogging because the more I read, the more ideas I get, and the more bloggers with similar and diverse interests I discover.
I had no idea what I was getting into! I thought facebook was a time vacuum…. not even close to blogging!
I couldnt stop now.. I have too many friends that I check on daily or weekly and I have too many ideas to blog about!
Isn’t it fun when something you write moves people to respond? Isn’t it odd when you write a masterpiece, no one responds? Not that I’ve written masterpieces, but you know what I mean.
The interaction, camaraderie, and support is lovely in this world of fast-paced drive-thru friendships. We may be virtual, but we are friends! It is addicting. Facebook isn’t for me. I can’t get into it. You and I may be the only people on the planet . . . but it doesn’t feel the same as the connections made with blog friends.
Hello there Robin!
I started my blog to fool around with the WordPress platform for a friend and then well i started to screw around with posting. I am not quite sure what it is I am doing but I am having fun and I cannot seem to stop. It feeds a creative part of me AND I have met quite a few wonderful people(you). the support and friendships are amazing. I find that it has become a part of my daily routine. It does fester a bit though.
What I do is pretty darn silly, sometimes I think I should quit. I am amazed at the community of online poetry — and the feedback it provides– who knew!
Shoot, shoot, shoot. I meant to say in this post that your off-blog question to me over the summer inspired this post. You asked me how I started blogging and why I blog. I shall fix that oversight pronto!
Writing lovely poetry is NOT pretty darn silly. Shame on you.
Now that blogging has been out of my routine for two months (!), it is hard to get back into the routine. I am still pulled multiple directions. Things are calming down, but the holidays are upon us! I may not be normal (define normal) until January.
How are your mother-in-law and husband doing?
We are all slowly getting around to being normal but with the Holidays comes a whole new set of emotions. Sigh… I think we are just tired but you know all about that.
Daughter passed her test and was officially fitted for her dress blues… sigh. Officially a cadet. How is your A doing?
Good to see you posting though!
Well congratulations to your daughter! She must love hitting the milestone. I know . . . as her mother it is hard. But when there is so much passion and love of all things military, what can we do but support them.
My A is doing well. She has a four-day weekend and comes home tomorrow! We haven’t seen her since the first of July. Guess what she wants for her first home cooked meal? Since I can’t hear your answer, I’ll tell you. My world famous meatloaf. The ultimate comfort food.
Great to be back! At least sorta back!
Enjoy your visit and isn’t it awesome when they want us to cook 😉 makes me feel so good. Sigh .. yes my A is loving everything. I am proud but a bit unnerved. Now I want meatloaf.. mmm
Come on over. Dinner will be at six. Wine is chilling.
oh please with this darn weather I would give anything to be warm and dry. Don’t tease me.. ha
Okay . . . updated my post with a mention of you sweetie!
You did not have to add me to the post woman! (but thanks)
Welcome! I can’t believe I forgot to do it. OMG . . . Am I turning into my mom?
Heya Robin! I started a blog because my writer’s group told me that I needed it to promote my upcoming, and now published, memoir anthology. They also told me I needed to social network on all of the sites (fb, twitter, linkedin, etc). So, I reluctantly started to blog when my anthology came out last Christmas. I didn’t like fb or any of the other social networks, so little did I know how much I’d LOVE blogging. It’s much more personal. I became obsessed with blogging and reading blogs and even wrote a blog about my obsession with blogs. I’ve tried to have a happy medium of writing and blogging, but I’m not so sure I’ve reached it yet. Promoting my anthology hasn’t worked so well, but blogging has done good things for my soul. I’m so glad you decided to take your daughter’s advice, because this blogging thing brought us together. 🙂
I too got on Facebook and Twitter the same time I started blogging. I can’t connect with it. I know millions of people do it, but I can’t get in the groove. Twitter sounds like a secret language all the cool kids speak, and can’t be bothered to teach nerdy me. Facebook feels like voyeurism. I should make more of an effort. I guess.
Do you think your blog helped promote your anthology?
No, not really. I was supposed promote on all of the social networks and just couldn’t keep up with it all. BTW, good descriptions of those two social sites. I feel the same.
Plus . . . how much time of one’s day can one devote to social media? I mean, really?
I originally started blogging just to get some thoughts down on the creative writing process. It was more stream of consciousness back then, ranging from things like metal songs to fashion inspirations. Later, I used it as a way to connect with other writers and bloggers and develop my readership which has become a very rewarding experience. There is nothing like having the support from fellow writers around the world. 🙂
Bloggers, especially blogger who are writers are so supportive of other writers. It is a nice, safe, welcoming community of smart and talented people!
So very true. 🙂
I blog to stop the voices in my head! lol Also because I need to tell my father’s story and like you others thought a blog would be a great platform. I have to believe it is true.
That made me laugh out loud! Voices in your head.
The blog is a great way to share your dad’s story. Have you considered putting in book form? Or writing a fictional account of his story? I think it would be great!
Ah but I am not a writer! lol Maybe someday it will become a book.
Here we go again with the “but I’m not a writer” nonsense. Need I point you back to that video, you ding-a-ling. You ARE a writer.
hahahah we have done this dance before, I know! lol
Seriously, Fancy-Pants-Nancy. You are a writer.
Thanks Robin! That really means a lot to me!
To be honest I started blogging to be discovered, but since I can’t even get freshly pressed, those hopes have waned
I blog because it keeps me writing, and I love the community and friends like you that I have found in the blog world
At the writers conference they talked about the number of followers needed to get yourself noticed. The number was staggering. In the thousands. So much for building a platform by blogging, right?
I’ve said this before, but I liken the blogging family to a GIGANTIC tiny community. I love the support and friendships.
Welcome back, Robin — I missed you!
I started my blog for an unreal reason — I thought I could give people information about Diabetes. I quickly learned that I didn’t know enough myself to reach that goal. Instead, I began to write about my feelings, my experiences, and some of the resources that helped me figure out what I do know. This process is very helpful — I’ve learned all kinds of things about myself. I have no intention of stopping, but I have learned to slow down. At first, I was posting five or six times a day, every day. I stopped flat, and then came back with an easier goal. I’m not as intense, but still having a blast. Finally, I wanted to find a community, and I have found so much more than that: Friends that I never thought I’d find, and a new family of bloggy sisters and brothers who have taken me in like a family member. I love the blogosphere, and I love that I can write every day, and get a little feedback each time.
Thanks Judith! I’ve missed being around and seeing your smiling face. I think I am back on track now. I think.
I was doing a blog post once a day (more or less) and discovered it was too much for me, and too much for readers who get a million blog post notifications each day. It has taken the pressure off. I love the feedback too. And the friends . . . oh the friends are a delight.
😎
Hey there Robin~ Because you asked-
I started blogging to kill time. I have so much free time at my job that I was starting to lose my mind and become depressed. I have always been silly and have always loved to write. I thought it would be a good creative outlet for me.
Why do I continue to blog? Because I love it! I have so much fun writing, reading, commenting and meeting new friends. It has given me a lot of confidence in not just my writing, but myself as a whole-those things were missing in my life for a very long time. While my new husband is wonderful and thinks I’m the greatest thing since sliced bread, he can only encourage my creative side. He can’t make it do the work.
His continued support and cheerleading, along with the positive feedback of “real writers” keep me wanting to continue.
I didn’t know what to expect, but I certainly didn’t expect what has happened. Freshly Pressed, tons of followers and readers and comments, and now a guest blog spot! I may just have enough confidence and writing under my belt to write a book after all-a life long dream.
I also didn’t know I would become so dedicated to my blog. I agonize over most posts before I publish. Just the right words, just the right pictures, just the right caption. And I can’t stop reading my posts after publishing. Always finding an error, a typo, something I could have done better. Oy! Poor husband talks about being a Blog Widower.
It is starting to feel like a job, and truthfully, I would love to do this as a job someday. I actually saw a want ad for a small company in our area that was looking for someone to write and promote their blog and their products. I would love to have enough confidence and expertise to apply for and land a job like that one day.
Yes I have made friends through this. Many. You among them. Some I Twitter with all day, some I email back and forth with, and one poor soul even had the misfortune to play Words With Friends with me. I found that I was so busy blogging, reading, tweeting and being a newlywed who’s trying to keep a house so spotless I can sell it that I didn’t have time to play with her.
Whew! Ok, I’m shutting up now.
This is the best comment ever! Thanks for taking the time to share. You are an excellent writer and by all means should pursue your dream of writing a book. And the job about writing and maintaining a blog for that company . . . GO FOR IT!! (Yes, I was yelling.) What do you mean “enough confidence and expertise to apply for it?” YOU ARE PERFECT! (Yes, I was yelling again.) Remember, you are Ms. Freshly Pressed after two days of blogging. Remember how jealous I am!?
I too agonize over each blog post and hate it when I find a typo or lame-o sentence in something I posted. Others, including you missy, make it look so easy.
When I become a millionaire, which is likely to happen next week, I’m flying all my blog friends to California and hosting a party. What fun we would have!
You can’t get off that easy with Words With Friends. I challenge you to another game so you can humiliate me further.
I SEE THAT! – And yes I’m yelling. Is there a reason you played the word “CHEAT” for your first turn?
Ha ha! Let the letters fall where they may!
DAMMIT~ yes, still yelling at you. 😉
CRAP!!!! ALL I GOT IS VOWELS!
Oh, you poor thing, you. Let’s see what you can come up with. Wait a minute . . . the letter C is not a vowel!
that was the only non vowel I got. What do they call those? constipators? See? I is a good riter
Yes you is.
I started because I wanted to start having a serious go at being a writer, and I knew that blogging would get me into the habit of writing something regularly, I also knew about the importance of having an online presence if you want publishers etc to take you seriously.
What has kept me going with it is what we have commented on before – the lovely supportive community of other bloggers! If I wasn’t getting the comments on my blog and the interactions with others on their blogs then I’m sure I wouldn’t still be blogging now, over a year later.
What I want out of it, and what I get out of it, are both of the above the above points, and I’m happy to keep going with more of all that!
Yup . . . the comments and interaction with other bloggers is rewarding. If we all were talking into the void, what would be the fun of that?
When I look at my early blog posts, I can see I’ve grown as a writer. It wasn’t bad before, but I’ve learned so much by practicing writing and reading other writers. Getting a reaction from people about what you’ve written is a rush!
I started blogging because I was told by the experts in writing that I HAD to if I was to gain a following. I keep blogging because I can’t keep my mind or my mouth shut. 🙂 I’m not sure what I want out of blogging. I suppose it’s to meet people from around the globe who share similar thoughts and goals. it’s amazing how different and alike we are, no matter our walk in life. Blogging sometimes fulfills me, sometimes it pushes me beyond my limits. Most of the time it keeps me regimented and sticking to a schedule. I may not write on a manuscript, but I am writing. Maybe someone, somewhere, likes what I have to say and we connect. I have many blog friends too, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
Meeting like-minded people who like to share their wisdom, wit, and humanity is a benefit of blogging that took me by surprise. I like that it keeps me at the keyboard . . . either writing a blog post or writing comments. Plus, I am a cheerleader and I like to encourage those who are brave enough to write, put themselves out in the world, and have an opinion they want to share.
Blog friends are the best!
I was surprised at the community feel and friendship of the blog arena. Started as just a place to park writing I felt like doing – and a place find interesting things to read by interesting people.
Been quite a journey – and fun