I've been asking myself this question lately. Why is it, exactly, that I sit down each day and type up a little blurb to post to the vast internet? I've had times when I thought, Hang it, this is a waste of time, and nothing good is coming out of it anyway. But then I made the decision to keep on and dedicate myself to the project. Part of it is, I don't keep a journal so this is the only record of my little life. Another reason I decided to stick with it, is that I wanted to generate a little income. Unfortunately I've since discovered that unless you have 1000's of readers a day, you don't make any money. And I'm okay with that. Because first I wanted to have 1000's of readers a day like, say, Pioneer Woman (whose blog was the first one I followed regularly). But then I realized that PW's readers aren't that important to her. Don't get me wrong, I still love her dearly, but there's no way you can personally read and answer each of your 500+ comments each day. And I really wanted to know that I was touching the lives of people, personally, each day. So for now? I'm happy with my small following and the ones who comment regularly feel like old friends already. I guess a small part of me likes the fact that I'm "published" even in the smallest sense. I loved writing in school and I still do... this is a learning experience for me... the more I blog and read others' blogs, the more I learn. About myself and about the art of writing. And that is why I blog.
I had a couple of moments when I wanted a big following for my blog, but then I realized the pressure of writing interesting things every day would be too much for me to handle! Now I am happy with my friends and family following my blog as a way to keep in touch. :)
ReplyDeleteHi there! This is my first visit to your blog and I just wanted to say: How pretty!! I'll definitely be visiting again.
ReplyDeleteI think most of us wanted a big following when we started out blogging, but... now I know that's not the end all be all!
I first started blogging because my friend did it and she made her blog into a book and I thought "guilt free scrapbooking..." even better, I am faithful, I am doing it and I already weeding out the pictures I like (and taking them faithfully too) and it is a great memory of our family and kiddos growing up. We are also missionaries, so we like to keep our supporters updated... and our families who don't get to see us or the kids growing up.
ReplyDeleteAnd I want to visit Canada someday. My husband is from MN, so I think I can....but I want to hit both coasts... I hear they are gorgeous!
I can relate to the journaling appeal of blogging...I faithfully kept a "dear-diary" from about the age of 11 on, but for some reason it has has gradually been phased out of my routine. I love the speed and forgiveness of typing and being able to illustrate my blurbs with pics! Plus "blog" just rolls off the tounge better than "journal"!
ReplyDeleteAm I a friend? OOH I hope so!! I confess, I do would love to be like Dooce or someone but honestly, the friend thing has been really cool. I've been in this void for a few years ever since my best bud moved away and the best part about the whole blog thing is that she does it too and so we get to chit chat way more and 'do something' together again. So you, the relationships you build on here so makes it worth it to keep up with it!
ReplyDeleteYou came across my BlogHer Ads Headlines today and I clicked over to meetcha - pleasure!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think all of us would love to see our blogs make money somehow, someway, but even when they don't, it's ok. Because blogging, when you stick to it, becomes more about building friendships and community than building a cash cow.
I've been blogging for over a year and I still find myself redefining the why? part of it.
Take care!
you go girl! i don't get to always read up on you every day but when i get a chance, i love hearing wacha up to. wish we could hang out more BUT...you know. i think yer the greatest & i'm glad you've let me into your life! thanx.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I enjoy reading your blog. I am guilty of not always leaving a comment though.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas!