I bumped into an acquaintance a few days ago. Words shared in just a few brief moments continue to reverberate in my head.
Why do people blog?” this acquaintance asked me. “Why would anyone want to read what I have to say? Why would anyone care what I think? What’s the point of it?
I’m not into it ….. I’m just not into it …..” was mumbled as this acquaintance walked away.
I found myself speechless. I just didn’t know what to say. The disparaging tone that accompanied the words said conjured up defensive feelings within me. I felt like I needed to defend why I blog. But I couldn’t get it out. I just couldn’t respond. I wandered off ….. deep in thought.
So why blog? My thought out response runs something like this:
- Blogs are a source of infinite information about a wide range of topics. Blogs with an awe inspiring, extensive list of subjects, are constantly being added to the blogosphere: science, maths, education, sport, hobbies, recreation, music, environment ….. The list goes on and on……
- Blogs can take on an almost limitless format. They can be reflective, informative, personal, educational, opinionated, technical, experimental ….. The depth and range of blog formats is both exciting and inspiring.
- For me, blogging is a way to think and reflect on new experiences, new discoveries, new thoughts.
- By sharing my thoughts, my knowledge and my discoveries, I’m able to link up with others who have similar interests.
- As I read the blog posts of others, my knowledge is expanded. As others read my blog posts, I’d like to hope that their knowledge expands too. In this way, blog posts add to an ever growing pool of knowledge and thought on any given topic.
- Blogging invites and encourages others to comment. The comments of others add to this collective pool of thought and knowledge. These virtual discussions in turn inspire further blogging.
- When we comment on each other’s blog posts, links are forged and virtual ‘friendships’ flourish. Without realizing it, Personal Learning Networks are being developed. When just recently I met up with some of these virtual ‘friends’ we felt like we’d known each other for years. That warm, fuzzy feeling of friendship is great to experience.
- Blogging provides an outlet for me to express my passions, my beliefs, my opinions and my experiences on issues that matter to me. I share them because I feel so passionate, because I think others are interested in my words and because I know that my thoughts contribute to our collective pool of knowledge and experience.
- Blogging is inspiring, motivating and empowering. Being able to link up with others who share similar interests and knowledge is encouraging. Feedback from readers develops confidence and a desire to continue blogging.
- Blogging, I’ve discovered is addictive. The more I write, the more I want to write. The more I read, the more I want to read. I’ve deduced that this inner urge is what lifelong learning is all about.
My acquaintance must be missing out on something, because my life is definitely richer for being a member of the Blogosphere!
I like meeting new people. Some of those people are bad but many are good and I’ve made some real world friends through blogging. Other than that, it gives me an outlet to write about what ever I want to write about whenever I feel like writing about it. =D
I agree ….. being able to write about whatever we like is one of the most powerful elements of blogging. Knowing that others are interested in what we have to say is a real bonus!
Thanks for this post Bev. I love to share – it’s what we do as TLs and is why I choose to blog. When my paid blog was closed, it was like having my arm cut off so didn’t take long to get a personal one going. Yes, it is addictive, and the blog can be a hungry beast, but the rewards are great, Some people think it’s about ego. Far from it. Their loss if they don’t get it
Well said! I recollect the ‘sad’ time your paid blog closed down. I was so impressed with your rapid response by starting up your own! Yes – sharing is something that TLs do constantly. There isn’t a blog post I read that I don’t learn something from. Sharing and giving to each other is great!
Good on you, Bev! You always have something interesting to say and make us think about … enriches our world.
Thanks Anna! For those of us blogging, it’s such a joy to get a response back and even nicer to get one so kind as this. I look forward to reading your blog on a regular basis when you get it up and running!!!
Great summary Bev
The reflective nature of blogging is what appeals to me most – the process of blogging involves so much thought – deciding on subject, audience, style, mode, content (audio visuals etc). Will someone else want to read this? Does that matter?
Thanks
Celia Coffa (a blogging buddy)
Thanks Celia. As one of my blogging buddies from way back (hec – was it only 18 months ago!) I value your comments so much. While I agree with you that the reflective nature of blogging is very appealing, valuable and one I enjoy, I discovered when I started up my second blog – BevsBookBlog – that the nature of the blog determines the gains achieved from the experience of blogging. I’d be interested to hear from others, who have more than one blog on the go, whether they agree.
Yes 18 months and so much has happened !
I suppose the benefits depend on the purpose of the blog and that can be very varied. My personal blog is a reflective professional one, but I can see there are many purposes and therefore many benefits. Our school community has embraced class blogging and they have created wonderful feedback, affirmation and connections. It is ALL good imho.
I’m yet to delve into blogging with students and am in awe of what you and staff at your school have created and achieved.
I agree with every point on your list!
Thanks Edna. Value your opinion.