I used to blog a lot, and so did a number of other people I know. In fact, I formed friendships with people over blogs, some of whom I never met face to face. I've blamed my lack of blogging the last couple years on a changed career path and, well, the fact that I've got 3 kids. But I think the other reason so many of us don't blog as much is the emergence of Facebook and Twitter. Prior to that, blogging was social media. And I think that was generally better.
The new social media certainly allows us to stay connected to people we don't see very often, if only in little chunks at a time, and that's a great thing. But there's only so much you can convey or share in 140 characters. That's sound byte communication. It's hard to really develop an idea or communicate much of substance. Blogging lets you do that. And the ability to write and share at greater length, to tell stories or share substantive thoughts from time to time, fosters better relationships and better interaction. At least I think so. I also think it's interesting how the proliferation of media options and the increasing influence of and access to media actually serves to water it down, to shorten the attention span, to really hinder our ability to communicate well. It all becomes so much noise.
So I'm trying to resurrect the blog. Besides, I just really enjoy writing (though it was nice to have people reading back in the day!). I totally understand the idea that a blog needs to have some focus, some kind of niche, to really become noteworthy. Not sure if I'm willing to narrow my focus, though I'm open to suggestions. I'm even considering killing my other blog, Great Pursuit, and integrating everything into one place in order to not dilute the amount of content I put out (because, after all, I still have the job and the three kids...). I'd be interested in any feedback on that idea. I don't think I'm going to abandon Facebook and Twitter, though I've thought about it. Not yet anyway.
5 comments:
Very interesting post. You raise the same question I have been asking myself. Unfortunately, at this time, I don't have any more of an answer than you do...
I'm still reading, and look forward to more writing from you. I agree with your assessments about Facebook and Twitter. While I think they have value, they're also a huge time suck. We have to be careful about how we use them.
Thanks, Tim. For what it's worth, you were the primary figure in my mind in that second sentence. What do you think about the idea of killing the other blog and dumping everything in one place... versus aiming for greater focus?
I'm not sure how to advise you regarding your question. On the one hand, it seems like all the "experts" suggest keeping your focus as tight as possible. That's all fine and good, but I know that I'd have problems doing that and limiting myself to only one area.
I guess it depends upon what your goals are. Are you wanting the blog to be an outlet primarily for you, or to benefit a certain audience?
If it's the former, I guess I'd tell you to do what you want to. If it's easier for you to have everything in one place, go right ahead, and don't give too much attention to those who advise otherwise.
If it's the latter, then there probably is some wisdom in keeping your focus narrow, so that your readers don't have to wade through a bunch of material that don't really concern them.
.. "doesn't" really concern them
Sheesh, I sound like an idiot.
Post a Comment