When I started blogging, it was because I had been inspired to “write down” what I was doing. Just as a way of keeping a personal record.
I just wanted to start … something.
At the same time, I discovered that I was actually having to “think” more about things. I found this really inspiring.
A post at the end of last year, by Bjørn Furuknap, led me to question this. In his post, Bjorn stated that if a blogger was offering no real value, then he/she would be better off doing nothing. (I wrote a post about this)
if a blogger was offering no real value, then he/she would be better off doing nothing
To be honest, Bjorn’s post (as well as an older post by Laurence Hart), made me think seriously about the posts I write.
On the one hand, I didn’t want my posts to fall into the “might as well just shut up” category, but I still wanted to use them as a way that I could record my thoughts, or offer tips, or advice.
In fact, this conflict would often prevent me from actually writing anything.
I would start, but then doubt would enter my mind as I tried to work out whether the post was indeed too much of the “just shut up” type.
Seth Godin’s Thoughts on Blogging
Thanks to a tweet, I was lead to a small video in which Seth Godin, and Tom Peters, talks about blogging.
Seth commented that a blog is free, and it doesn’t matter if nobody reads it. What matters is the humility that comes from writing it – the “thinking” about it.
What matters is the humility that comes from writing it – the “thinking” about it.
Wow – when I heard these words, it really brought me back to my original “purpose” for writing.
It’s something I mention in that earlier post – I blog so that I am forced to THINK about things.
Have a look at the video, and let me know … what are your thoughts on blogging?
Want to learn more?
Below is a selection of resources that I personally feel are relevant to this blog post, and will allow you to get more in-depth knowledge. I do earn a commission if you purchase any of these, and for that I am grateful. Thank you. (Important Disclosure)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More...
Hi Mark,
There are three main reasons I write blog posts:
1) Gives me a clear focus that allows me to summarise and articulate my perspective on different topics of ECM. I find that the process of writing a blog (which can be quite time consuming) allows to figure out in my own mind how I would summarise a key topic (as per your post, it forces me to think through things). Even if nobody ever read my blog, I would still find it a useful experience.
2) Enables me to get a different perspective on what I write about from other people (peer feedback)… which is really valuable in itself, but also tends to inspire me to think of other angles and perspectives that I wouldn’t have thought of had it not been for the feedback from others.
3) Provides a channel to build connections/network with other people that share common interests, something that will become increasingly important in the new social media enabled world.
Regards,
Adrian
Hi Adrian
Appreciate your input.
Your reasons resonate closely with mine. I hope to connect to people that have the same interests.
However, I’ve got to admit that every now and then I find something that I just want to share with others. Even though, this might include something humorous, I try to keep it within the context of the blog.
Cheers
– Mark