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During Friday’s impromptu Liquid Lunch, Matt Davis and I discussed the perils of blogging. Until then, I hadn’t really thought about why I blog other than I am addicted to it.
So, here is what I have learned from over a year of writing consistently here on sharedidiz:
Blogging is an idea playground: When you take the time to write out your thoughts for the world to see, it helps you test theories and flush out ideas that are noodling around in your brain. It allows you to stand back and think about the bigger picture that gets clouded by day to day work in your shop.
Blogging builds relationships: You get to know fascinating and passionate people you would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet. The written word has a lot of power and you can form life enriching relationships with people you rarely ever see in person.
Blogging is both scary and comforting at the same time: You put yourself out there in a very naked way which can be both thrilling and scary. More often than not, you find that people share the same feelings you do. And then you learn more about yourself through that process.
Blogging provides a unique education and opens doors: You discover real meaning in your work so it has purpose well beyond the walls of your office. And you suddenly hold yourself accountable to the thoughts you put in public view and to the people who read them. Then doors open more easily and opportunities come your way that no fancy schmancy degree could ever provide.
Blogging provides immeasurable rewards: You treasure the comments and emails you receive and find yourself in disbelief that anyone would actually take the time to read your words. This just fuels the addiction to this thing called blogging and propels you to write just one more time.
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Kelley,
I love this post and just asked myself “Why do I blog?”
It’s become this amazing creative outlet for me. In fact, as I write my second book it’s kind of the testing ground for some of my ideas. Writing can be a very lonely place, and you’re right, scary and comforting at the same time.
Just last week the CU Skeptic had a guest blogger, Bill Grizack. http://cuskeptic.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/guest-post-credit-union-outsider/
I was the first one to comment. I was pretty proud of my contribution but always get a little nervous when I hit the send button. But I did. Then the conversation continued and most people – well, let’s just say everyone – did not see it as I did. They picked at the stats and attacked the writer. Even my hero Jim Blaine commented. Of course his opinion was short, sweet, to the point and brilliant. I love him.
Anyway – if this had been a conversation, say in a bar, the story would be impossible to re-tell. You’d likely end the attempt with “Well, you had to be there.” But a blog conversation you ARE there. There’s nothing quite like it.
I’ve had people ask me, “How do you find the time to blog?” I always want to reply with, “How do you find the time to think?” Blogs make me think.
Rock on Kelley – love your blog-think-ink.
Denise – You always leave the best comments. Funny, but I failed to mention in my post about the people that I look up to most that inspire me to write. And you top that list.
I get the same question all the time. Where do you find the time to write? We’re all busy people, but we make time for the things important to us. But I think I’ll now borrow your response. Blogging makes me think.
And leaving the first comment on CU Skeptic’s latest post…all I’ll say is…that took balls!
; )
Kelley,
You said balls.
hehehehe…
Beavis.