When I started blogging some 5 years ago (yes, before I’ve even heard the word ‘blog’)… I did it mostly for myself. To write anything and everything that I think about and experience. To record things that I find interesting.
But, the more readers I get, the more I find myself writing for them (yes, you ;-))… rather than myself.
Not that I’m being a coward or a people pleaser. I just tend to think for an audience when I know I’ve got one.
It’s the same when I engage in creative writing, crafts, painting, performing… I feel different when I know I’m not on my own in the process and the product.
Then, it becomes challenging. At times, even taxing.
When this incident came to my attention, I thought about how much power we give others when we allow them in to our lives. Or, in this case, our blogs.
What about you? What compels you to blog? How much input do you try to get from your readers/audience? Do you even try at all?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Reclusivegirl 09.12.05 at 5:10 am
I orginally began blogging because I enjoy writing. I use to be able to put down my feelings about anything and got into some pretty deep stuff. Now that so many people around here read it, I feel I have to censor myself more. I hate it. I need to get out of that rut and get back to my old school style of blogging…. that is a hobby, not a job. I shouldn’t have to sugar coat things for the world should I?
[Reply]
Enviroman 09.13.05 at 2:27 am
Shai said: “Shai Coggins is a writer, artist, published author, professional blogger, ……”
Does professional here means doing it for a living? How does one blog for a living?
Enviroman Says
[Reply]
Shai Coggins 09.16.05 at 12:39 pm
Reclusivegirl: No, you don’t have to if you don’t want to.
Enviroman: In my case, professional means I’m getting PAID to (and make money through) blog. How? There are many ways and there are already several articles written about this topic. I even have a whole series dedicated to profit blogging.
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