Everyone has their own reasons for joining the blog world.
The Creative Blogger- This is the type of person that has some serious writing talent. Blogging has become such a great way to use those creative skills. Some may choose to do it for an audience, others choose to do it for themselves. I certainly do not consider myself a creative blogger but I am lucky enough to have a select few on my reading list who are truly creative writers. Their writing often provokes deep emotions and thought. Some may inspire you to step back and look at a topic or situation in a new light. Others are just plain entertaining.
The Social Network Blogger- Social networking has been big for awhile now. It has changed the way we connect and communicate with one another. In some ways, it has improved our communication, in others I feel it has truly damaged how we treat one another (that's a whole other blog topic). Blogging has become another way to network. For example, one blog that I LOVE to read is a family's adventure in raising a family with two adopted children. While I find much inspiration and entertainment in her posts; from my perspective, the main reason she blogs is to network with other adopted moms. Almost using blogging as a resource to reach out and gather feedback and ideas from others or provide that same support for someone else.
The Memoir Blogger- This one is pretty self explanatory and pretty common. Taking a moment to sit down and reflect on the things that happen in our lives, then produce them in a blog is a great way to keep memories that are near and dear to hearts. Being able to share experiences with others and reflect on how lives have evolved over time. This is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends.
The Opinionated Blogger- Bring on the soap box. Some people blog because they feel strongly about a certain topic. Politics, social issues, and general awareness are a few directions people may choose to follow. The opinionated blogger may focus mostly on what is happening in the world rather than focusing on their own personal experiences.
The Look at My Life, Isn't it Wonderful--Blogger- Many of us (I use "us" because I know I have fallen into this category myself before) write to keep a memoir. However, There is a fine line between sharing experiences, and just being obnoxiously braggy. There are times where events are so overwhelmingly exciting, that blogging is such a great way to express that excitement. But to the readers, sometimes it is hard to stomach reading another blog about how fantastic your life is--or how fantastic you would like to pretend your life is. I'm not guiltless in this. It is sometimes hard to share the experiences that are real and difficult. It is hard to share the experiences that may show that you are human and make mistakes. And it is great to share the victories in life. It is such a fine line in the blog world and sometimes we inevitably fall into this trap.
The Passive-Aggressive Blogger- As I mentioned above, social networking has changed the way we communicate. Before the internet, when people had a problem with a person they either told that person or kept their mouth shut. Now, with social networking, people have an outlet to express being ticked at someone and vent without actually having to be face that person. Middle schoolers, high schoolers, and even some adults fall into this trap often. Writing is a great way to vent and organize thoughts, but some people use it as a weapon. The written word can cut deep. Reading hateful thoughts and comments over and over again, while knowing the rest of the world is reading and anticipating your pain. The passive-aggressive blogger is not to be confused with the venting blogger as I outline below. I think the main thing that divides the two are intent. Passive-aggressive bloggers write with the intent to hurt. The intent to cut deep. The intent to seek revenge. The intent to "get at" that person without actually having the backbone to express it to their face. It is sad, but it happens.
The Venting Blogger- Life is not always easy. Life can be overwhelming. Life can be simply unfair. Writing is a fantastic outlet and can even be resourceful when used appropriately and not maliciously. Like going to an old friend for advice, the venters can go to the blog world for advice.
The "Uncensored" Blogger- These are often may favorite types of blogs to read. Nothing is off limits. These bloggers tell their life how it is without worrying what others may think. I recently came across a blog where a young lady posted her labor and delivery..uncensored. It was amazing, educational, and very entertaining. It takes guts, but when done tastefully can lead to amazing opportunities.
So I outlined a few of the reasons people blog. I know there are far more types of blogger--but from my experience and the blogs I choose to read, this is what I have observed. Most bloggers do not just fit into one category. The reason for all of this is because lately, I've been trying to determine...why do I blog....
Not like, why do I bother blogging. But why do I do it. Why is this something I enjoy doing each day. Well one of the first reasons I determined is because I love to write. I am not amazing at it. I'll never be able to write a book--and my grammar is far from perfect. But I enjoy writing. But then I thought about it more. If it is JUST about the writing, then I probably wouldn't post it for the world to read. So there is something about having readers that I enjoy. And that is where I get stuck.
When I first set out to blog, I wanted to be an uncensored blogger. Not crude and rude, just uncensored about my life. I don't lead a very exciting life, but I was determined to write and to be honest and genuine about my experiences and opinions. Somewhere along the road- I have gotten far from that. I'm bored reading my own blog. How much can I go on and on and on about pregnancy. Dear Readers, guess what I am still pregnant. I went to the doctor-and surprise, there is still a baby in there. Wow, really? Who would have guessed. I have moved so far away from sharing my true feelings and insights as I had hoped to do.
One of the reasons is for my family's privacy. My business, is not just my business. It is also my husband's. He doesn't mind that I blog, but I don't think he loves it. He is not into social networking. He hasn't had a Facebook for years. His theory is, if someone want to get a hold of him--they will know his number and make the effort to call. Other than that, he doesn't care to share his experiences, thoughts, and opinions with others. That is just not his style. I wish he would at times because I think he is the most hilarious person I have ever met. He is always making me laugh and I know that if he were to blog or Facebook, people would really enjoy him. But then again, I count myself lucky because I get to enjoy all of that to myself. I don't have to share him with the world. Anyways, my point is, Ian is a private person and when I blog I try to respect that.
Also when I'm writing, I'm aware that this gets directly emailed to my mother, grandpa and other family members. Now, I try to live by the standard that I don't do or say anything I wouldn't want my mom to know about, but there is still a bit of respect in the back of my mind for them. I would never want to bring embarrassment to my family. So sometimes, that hinders my "uncensored-ness".
So I am stuck somewhere in the middle between being true to myself and doing what I enjoy--and worrying about the people I love. Sometimes I wonder, is it selfish for me to blog? It is such an amazing outlet for me. My thoughts are always a million miles per hour and sometimes it's nice to sit down and work them out knowing that my thoughts will still be "heard". But I am driving MYSELF crazy with the lack of quality in my own blog lately. It has about as much flavor and excitement as milk toast.
So, at this point, I would like to rededicate myself to striving to write a more interesting "uncensored" blog. If you don't like it, don't read it. But I am getting to the point, if I write one more boring pregnancy post, I might start pulling my own hair out. I can't promise that I'm done talking about pregnancy all together, because let's face it--2 and a half weeks away from my due date--it's kinda a big deal, but I will try to keep it more interesting and more "true" to my life....uncensored.
The Creative Blogger- This is the type of person that has some serious writing talent. Blogging has become such a great way to use those creative skills. Some may choose to do it for an audience, others choose to do it for themselves. I certainly do not consider myself a creative blogger but I am lucky enough to have a select few on my reading list who are truly creative writers. Their writing often provokes deep emotions and thought. Some may inspire you to step back and look at a topic or situation in a new light. Others are just plain entertaining.
The Social Network Blogger- Social networking has been big for awhile now. It has changed the way we connect and communicate with one another. In some ways, it has improved our communication, in others I feel it has truly damaged how we treat one another (that's a whole other blog topic). Blogging has become another way to network. For example, one blog that I LOVE to read is a family's adventure in raising a family with two adopted children. While I find much inspiration and entertainment in her posts; from my perspective, the main reason she blogs is to network with other adopted moms. Almost using blogging as a resource to reach out and gather feedback and ideas from others or provide that same support for someone else.
The Memoir Blogger- This one is pretty self explanatory and pretty common. Taking a moment to sit down and reflect on the things that happen in our lives, then produce them in a blog is a great way to keep memories that are near and dear to hearts. Being able to share experiences with others and reflect on how lives have evolved over time. This is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends.
The Opinionated Blogger- Bring on the soap box. Some people blog because they feel strongly about a certain topic. Politics, social issues, and general awareness are a few directions people may choose to follow. The opinionated blogger may focus mostly on what is happening in the world rather than focusing on their own personal experiences.
The Look at My Life, Isn't it Wonderful--Blogger- Many of us (I use "us" because I know I have fallen into this category myself before) write to keep a memoir. However, There is a fine line between sharing experiences, and just being obnoxiously braggy. There are times where events are so overwhelmingly exciting, that blogging is such a great way to express that excitement. But to the readers, sometimes it is hard to stomach reading another blog about how fantastic your life is--or how fantastic you would like to pretend your life is. I'm not guiltless in this. It is sometimes hard to share the experiences that are real and difficult. It is hard to share the experiences that may show that you are human and make mistakes. And it is great to share the victories in life. It is such a fine line in the blog world and sometimes we inevitably fall into this trap.
The Passive-Aggressive Blogger- As I mentioned above, social networking has changed the way we communicate. Before the internet, when people had a problem with a person they either told that person or kept their mouth shut. Now, with social networking, people have an outlet to express being ticked at someone and vent without actually having to be face that person. Middle schoolers, high schoolers, and even some adults fall into this trap often. Writing is a great way to vent and organize thoughts, but some people use it as a weapon. The written word can cut deep. Reading hateful thoughts and comments over and over again, while knowing the rest of the world is reading and anticipating your pain. The passive-aggressive blogger is not to be confused with the venting blogger as I outline below. I think the main thing that divides the two are intent. Passive-aggressive bloggers write with the intent to hurt. The intent to cut deep. The intent to seek revenge. The intent to "get at" that person without actually having the backbone to express it to their face. It is sad, but it happens.
The Venting Blogger- Life is not always easy. Life can be overwhelming. Life can be simply unfair. Writing is a fantastic outlet and can even be resourceful when used appropriately and not maliciously. Like going to an old friend for advice, the venters can go to the blog world for advice.
The "Uncensored" Blogger- These are often may favorite types of blogs to read. Nothing is off limits. These bloggers tell their life how it is without worrying what others may think. I recently came across a blog where a young lady posted her labor and delivery..uncensored. It was amazing, educational, and very entertaining. It takes guts, but when done tastefully can lead to amazing opportunities.
So I outlined a few of the reasons people blog. I know there are far more types of blogger--but from my experience and the blogs I choose to read, this is what I have observed. Most bloggers do not just fit into one category. The reason for all of this is because lately, I've been trying to determine...why do I blog....
Not like, why do I bother blogging. But why do I do it. Why is this something I enjoy doing each day. Well one of the first reasons I determined is because I love to write. I am not amazing at it. I'll never be able to write a book--and my grammar is far from perfect. But I enjoy writing. But then I thought about it more. If it is JUST about the writing, then I probably wouldn't post it for the world to read. So there is something about having readers that I enjoy. And that is where I get stuck.
When I first set out to blog, I wanted to be an uncensored blogger. Not crude and rude, just uncensored about my life. I don't lead a very exciting life, but I was determined to write and to be honest and genuine about my experiences and opinions. Somewhere along the road- I have gotten far from that. I'm bored reading my own blog. How much can I go on and on and on about pregnancy. Dear Readers, guess what I am still pregnant. I went to the doctor-and surprise, there is still a baby in there. Wow, really? Who would have guessed. I have moved so far away from sharing my true feelings and insights as I had hoped to do.
One of the reasons is for my family's privacy. My business, is not just my business. It is also my husband's. He doesn't mind that I blog, but I don't think he loves it. He is not into social networking. He hasn't had a Facebook for years. His theory is, if someone want to get a hold of him--they will know his number and make the effort to call. Other than that, he doesn't care to share his experiences, thoughts, and opinions with others. That is just not his style. I wish he would at times because I think he is the most hilarious person I have ever met. He is always making me laugh and I know that if he were to blog or Facebook, people would really enjoy him. But then again, I count myself lucky because I get to enjoy all of that to myself. I don't have to share him with the world. Anyways, my point is, Ian is a private person and when I blog I try to respect that.
Also when I'm writing, I'm aware that this gets directly emailed to my mother, grandpa and other family members. Now, I try to live by the standard that I don't do or say anything I wouldn't want my mom to know about, but there is still a bit of respect in the back of my mind for them. I would never want to bring embarrassment to my family. So sometimes, that hinders my "uncensored-ness".
So I am stuck somewhere in the middle between being true to myself and doing what I enjoy--and worrying about the people I love. Sometimes I wonder, is it selfish for me to blog? It is such an amazing outlet for me. My thoughts are always a million miles per hour and sometimes it's nice to sit down and work them out knowing that my thoughts will still be "heard". But I am driving MYSELF crazy with the lack of quality in my own blog lately. It has about as much flavor and excitement as milk toast.
So, at this point, I would like to rededicate myself to striving to write a more interesting "uncensored" blog. If you don't like it, don't read it. But I am getting to the point, if I write one more boring pregnancy post, I might start pulling my own hair out. I can't promise that I'm done talking about pregnancy all together, because let's face it--2 and a half weeks away from my due date--it's kinda a big deal, but I will try to keep it more interesting and more "true" to my life....uncensored.
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