Wednesday, June 20, 2012

What Drew You To Blogging





I have seen The Question "why do you blog?"  asked around the internet since I first logged on in 2006.

I always felt the question should be "what drew you to blogging?"

As different as we all are online, we share one thing: we were pulled to the internet for our communication, we sought something in addition to our "real lives."

On Friday, August 3, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., I'm excited to be part of a BlogHer Opening Day Panel at BlogHer '12: "Blogging For The Love of It." I can hardly believe I'll be alongside the smart and very readable Bon Stewart of Crib Chronicles, as moderator, and also sitting next to the awesome Dorothy Snarker [pseudonym] of the hugely popular pop culture blog, Dorothy Surrenders.

We will be having an open discussion on Blogging: Where is it going, Where is its future, What is the personal bloggers place in the blogging world? We'll talk about divides among bloggers, should they exist? Are there two different types of bloggers? Can we be both?

I'd love to hear about you: what brought you to blogging? What call did you hear that you planted your stake in this once wild west.

If you're at the BlogHer '12 conference in NYC, please come and say hi. I hope to see you at our panel discussion on opening day; my vision is that you will leave feeling your value, your contribution, your place, in the blogosphere as a personal blogger.




 Personal | Blogging for the Love of It


Event Date: 
August 3, 2012 - 10:30am - 11:45am
Conference Day: 
Day 1
Conference: 
Conference Track: 
The Personal
Some of the loudest voices on the internet tell you that you need to monetize, grow, get PR contacts, and have a stronger media presence. Other loud voices are on either side of a partisan line, engaged in political gamesmanship and one-upmanship. But there are quieter voices in the blogosphere who have been raising their hand lately and reminding us all that they are here, and that their passion and devotion to personal expression is what the blogosphere has thrived on for over a decade: meet the bloggers who blog for the love of it. Blogging provides immeasurable gifts that may never result in quantifiable “success metrics.” Success can mean living a higher quality of life because your blog simply means something to you and others. It makes you and your readers happy, makes you think, makes you feel. Bon Stewart moderates a conversation with Alexandra Rosas, Dorothy Snarker, and a room of bloggers who share the love.


**Leave a comment, won't you? I'd love to present it at the panel.

***And to BlogHer: a HUGE thank you for all that you bring to our lives, especially discussions that matter to us. You are amazing.

57 comments:

  1. I so wish I was going to BlogHer! (though if I did and I met you, you know I won't let go of your leg right?)

    What drew me to blogging - a desire to share, a need almost, to connect with like-minded people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alison, I am so lucky that we found each other.

      You know that.

      Delete
  2. I'm still not sure why I blog, I just know that when I started, it was to be able to leave comments to a couple of friends that blogged and since I wasn't a blogger, my comments were anonymous.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congratulations and I hope to see you there! Still trying to swing the trip with my pocketbook.

    I love this post. And I love that there are so many different answers to the same question.

    I started blogging to be accountable for my goal of finishing my book - a memoir about the ten years I worked in my home town of Waikiki as a stripper.


    Turns out, I hit a nerve - with myself and a couple others. I dig in to the reasons why I was a stripper, my skin disease on my face, drug addiction, and the big one - self worth.

    I learn from my readers all the time, that no matter what path we choose, we are all just trying to find our way.

    There are some amazing human beings out there in the world, and thanks to BLOGS, we are able to connect just a little more.

    xxoo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It has been a pleasure to get to know you, C.

      Delete
  4. For me blogging was a desperate attempt to speak up rather than dying of brain death, to release my voice into the universe, believing someone would listen.

    ReplyDelete
  5. In June of 2009, our twins(then 4) were placed with us out of Foster Care. It was then that I realized that I should start keeping a diary of my children's lives. Because of that, I've made Friends(Yes they are!)all across the world. You just made me realize that the 17th was my 3 year blogiversary. I've been so busy.
    Have fun at BlogHer!
    Your Friend, m.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark, I am grateful to have met you...you are a pleasure to know, your blog is a balm to my soul, your love for your children reinforces how I feel about mine.

      Thank you for starting a blog.

      Delete
  6. Well, as you know, dear friend (but I'll state it here again for those who don't know me yet) I began blogging in the winter of 2010, as my 92 year old father was dying a long, painful, drawn out death and I was the primary caregiving child, taking care of him and my sad, overwhelmed, memory-challenged mother at the same time. On top of this I was also taking care of my then 7 year-old twin boys with special needs (one with ADD, one on the autism spectrum).

    To say I was feeling squashed? An understatement of epic proportions. I needed an outlet, a way for me to answer the question "How are you doing?" without exploding all over the asker. I could just say: “read to blog post” instead. Also I was afraid I was going to seriously implode if I didn’t find an outlet for all the intense thoughts and feelings swirling around in my psyche.

    I had been writing for just myself for some time (pretty much my whole life) but somehow writing for an audience on my blog – even if at first it was just close friends and family – opened up a whole world for me. I found my voice, found a larger audience, found an amazing supportive community of fellow (sister?) bloggers, and now identify myself as a writer. (Now I just have to find someone to PAY me to do this and I will be all set!)

    Thanks for asking!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What we have is priceless, isn't it?

      I will do it forever: for free, losing sleep, the connection is that HUGE in my life.

      Delete
  7. still the wrong question for me...smiles...i started blogging because a friend told me i needed to...so i stumbled around for 6 months, never having read a blog trying it out...what kept me blogging were the people. i never would have thought i would meet the people that i did and have the beautiful relationships i do around the world if you would have asked me when i first got started.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I started writing a blog because I had more to say than seemed fitting for a Facebook status. (Facebook was sort of the gateway social Internet outlet), and I was curious as to whether anyone would be interested and read it. I read other people's blogs because folks like you make me feel more connected and sane!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Um, meaning the connection makes me feel sane...not that I feel sane in comparison! Xoxo

      Delete
  9. I wish I could meet you, as I would love to pick your brain and share a cup of tea/wine for a couple hours of conversation. Alas, that will not be happening this year, which brings me to my point.

    What DREW me to blogging was a need to express myself and be a bit creative. What KEEPS me blogging is that outlet, but also the connections and conversations that come out of it. It's not just putting worlds on the Web and hoping for validation or "likes." It's putting myself out there and meeting people that help keep my crazy head balanced, make me laugh, make me think and share that virtual cup of tea/wine each day.

    It has literally saved me a million times over, and although I'm currently in a bit of a blog blah phase and a little burned out, I know that there's always a great community of people that I can connect with.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly. Having a place to compartmentalize all the crazy. That's how I see it...and it works so wonderfully for me.

      I love your posts, Abby.

      Delete
  10. I started blogging as a way to keep everyone informed of my triplet pregnancy but it has become so much more than that, a lifeline really.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What drew me was the community. I started a blog because people on twitter told me to. I had so much fun meeting great people that I kept going. I'll definitely attend our session and hope I get to meet you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please come and say Hi, Veronica. I'd love to meet you.

      Delete
  12. *your* session. Wasn't strong arming my way in I swear
    :-D

    ReplyDelete
  13. I started blogging over four years ago as my personal therapy after my 4th miscarriage. I had no idea the community that was out there. Sometimes I try too hard though and get caught up in the social media stuff and comparison stuff and start blogging for views...and then it sucks. But when I go back to why I really love blogging then it is fun and wonderful and yes, at times still therapeutic.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I started blogging after loving a creative writing class and wanting to keep at writing. Over the years it's evolved as I understood blogging more.

    ReplyDelete
  15. If I were going to be there, I would be at your session. sniff sniff

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I canNOT even believe you won't be there. It won't seem like BlogHer without you.

      Delete
  16. I'm going to be a BlogHer newbie in August and I am really excited to go to your session! I started blogging because as a new mother I read and relied on the wisdom of other moms on the internet and I wanted to add my voice to the group. I'm a teacher by profession, but a writer at heart and blogging just made sense. See you at BlogHer!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I started blogging while at a job that was crushing my spirit. I fell in love with writing every day and have since left the job and am pursuing writing full time. I was drawn to blogging because it hooked me into my creativity and the creativity of others.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm so excited you're doing this panel. You are fantastic.

    What drew me? The ability to share my thoughts in a surprisingly safe space.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I started my blog in 2008 as just a way to write something, anything, on my own terms. Every now and again I'll get sidetracked and post something that isn't really me (like Tracy says above: chasing those views, clamoring for those likes). When I return to the basic reason I started it: writing, that's when it all falls into place. Sure, it's morphed and grown as I and my family have, but the basic element, the basic core need I have to write -- that'll always be there whether I get 1 view or 6462634452352350.

    I cannot wait for BlogHer. I will find you and I will thank you for every word of encouragement you have ever written to me and everyone else you uplift, Alexandra. And I'm going to stroke Tracy's hair.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I needed to do something creative or I was going to implode. As an old, tired new mom, new to the godforsaken suburbs and without my familiar support network of other oddball artsy type underemployed aging slacker friends, I was bereft. No one spoke my language. Now I do it because I love the immediacy AND because you've all become my new support network of friends. And you all speak (or at least nod along to) my Esperanto.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I stumbled across a old childhood friend's blog and was intrigued and thought, why not give it a shot? As a result I have met the coolest people, and am a veteran of the last 2 BlogHer Conferences! Looking forward to your session!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I started blogging because someone HAD to share the odd culture-shift that is Idaho with the rest of the world.

    Mostly to warn people...

    ReplyDelete
  23. Motherhood can feel a little bit lonely at times, can't it? Sure, there are playdates and partners and girlfriends, but I needed a place to go and unload my thoughts that wasn't my husband's ear or a best friend who has her own worries. Opening up about my miscarriages, anxiety disorder and frustrations as a parent have been cathartic, and have actually brought me closer to old friends and introduced me to new ones that have helped me through some shitty times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HAS been cathartic, and HAS actually bought me closer... Will there be an elementary grammar session at BlogHer as well? ;)

      Delete
  24. I started blogging because I wanted a space of my own.

    It gave me that. It gave me a place to write and be heard and listen to other women who've been where I was then and who were where I wanted to go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. And time, time has become the thing that keeps me from getting to know all the people that come into my life through this blog.

      Two years ago, I was able to visit and become a regular, but as time goes on, and more people come into my circle, the less chance I have to get to everyone.

      I know, no whining on the yacht, right? At least we have this internet thing and at least I'm here.

      Grateful, I am always grateful.

      Delete
  25. --I wish I could go, A!

    What drew me to blogging?

    I adore a platform to say whatever I want to say whenever I want to say it.

    Freedom.

    A place to SCREAM & Weep & Mourn.

    A place to release, let go, connect, connect....

    But mostly, a place to tell my sister's story.

    Xxx Kisses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, my inner chick: how I love the way you keep your sister alive for all of us.

      That's what it feels like for me when I visit you, your sister still lives, there.

      All my love for you....

      Delete
  26. What drew me to blogging was having a place of my own and sharing my story so that other moms could feel like they weren't alone. I gained so much support and encouragement from the ppd community by reading other's blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  27. First of all I'd love to see this, I adore Bon (she was my group leader at Blissdom Canada last year) but alas it won't be in the cards for me to attend this year.

    I began my blog as a journal of recovery and it morphed (intentionally) into mainstream. One way to draw mainstream readers was monetizing but it's a touchy line....one which I'm planning on pulling back from. This summer I'm aiming to write solely for myself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julie, I don't even know what to say about knowing you.

      Thank you.

      Delete
  28. I BLAHg for me but I always have my modest fan base in mind.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I wish I could see you at Blogher!

    I was drawn to blogging for the ability to just be really honest. To reveal little bits of myself that I would be afraid to share otherwise. That certain level of anonymity, the ease of the written word somehow allows you to be vulnerable without feeling the sting of hurt as quickly as when spoken.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It changes us, doesn't it?

      It's because of the acceptance here. So much love. What an amazing group of people that I have met.

      Delete
  30. I was drawn to blogging because I love to write, and I saw it as a means to an end into freelancing. Now I can't imagine *ever* leaving the blogosphere - I had no idea that a very real, vibrant community of friends was waiting to welcome me.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow, your panel sounds amazing - I'm a big fan of Dorothy Snarker and you (of course).

    I found my voice through blogging.

    It opened up a world filled with creativity, passion, authenticity, and like-minded people.

    I'm glad I found it. Or maybe it found me.

    ps: Say hello to Dorothy for me and, from one gay gal to another, thank her for Tank Top Tuesday :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pisspot: you have brought so much light into my life. The light of a kindred spirit and understanding. I love that I know you, and am grateful to the internet for that.

      I love Tank Top Tuesdays, Dorothy's commentary is the best part.

      Delete
  32. I started to blog in response to my teenage daughter. She had just started her own blog, and snarked to me, "Oh, Mom, YOU can't blog." Challenge accepted. Now I continue with my blog as a form of self expression, but she seems to have moved away from blogging, although she is the better writer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had no idea! That would be an interesting post. I have to stop by your blog and see if you have that story up...that would be an interesting read.

      Delete
  33. How I love that you're speaking @ BlogHer! Yay, you! Yay, BlogHer!

    I blog because I love to write. Sort of a warm-up...a weekly exercise, if you will...for the children's books that I plan to write someday. In the meantime, the blog is my real-time portfolio, a virtual calling card.

    The community thing? Just a fringe benefit. I'm truly a loner at heart. xo

    ReplyDelete
  34. I started blogging after I published my first book, as a way to connect with my readers. My book is written in German and my blogs were bilingual in German and English - and it was all about our immigration to Canada. That was in 2010.
    After I got more "active" on Twitter, in 2012, I met some amazing people there, like Jennifer Weinberg and Heidi Cave and that's when I got more into the personal blogging and started my tumblr blog.
    Now I connect with people, reflect, share my thoughts, throw in my two cents and embarrass my husband and children. I can't imagine not blogging anymore now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me, too.

      I can't imagine my life without it, I can't go back to who I was.

      Well said.

      Thank you so much.

      Delete
  35. I blog so car dealer, printing equipment, dental floss promotions are not the only dimension of my writing portfolio. Jealous?

    And to give a voice to the post diaper moms out there.

    And to trash talk crazy sports parents.

    And to praise teenagers as pretty awesome creatures when you don't want to hold a pillow over their sleeping heads.

    And to age gracefully. Or lie about it, hence not updating my profie pic in years!

    BlogHer is a unexplored phenom thus far for me, but your presence there is very enticing and wish I could be there to hear/see/drink!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Like most, I started blogging to give my often stifled voice a platform. That voice that bores my husband to death; that is dying to call bullshit on all the stuffy moms who won't speak to me at the kids' school playground; and the voice that is tired of giving up but also tired of beating myself up when I do. And I sometimes find satisfaction at work if I compose a well-written sentence-despite the incredibly tedious subject matter. This, combined with a vague recollection that I was once witty, made me realize it was at least worth a try.
    Congrats on your success! Wish I could make it!

    ReplyDelete
  37. And you're speaking at BlogHer! You are incredible. It would be such an honor to meet you there; will try my very darndest to attend. I don't want to miss out on this opportunity!!!

    What drew me to blogging? Well, it started from a very difficult breakup and has evolved since then. I never imagined the connections, the sheer joy, and yes, the opportunities that would present themselves to me all because I was getting my thoughts down in my blog. And I wouldn't dream of leaving.

    ReplyDelete
  38. When my first son was in the NICU, I sent out two sets of weekly emails - to family & to the much wider circle of people who were concerned about his well-being. I did that for the 2.5 months of NICU life, and then for the five or six months afterwards...I didn't know it at the time, but it was a blog even though I don't know if that word existed in 2000. Some of those days were dark and long and hard, but writing my way through it reminded me that writing has *always* been how I get through things...But the real blog didn't start until 2008 and I started it only as a kind of writing exercise: I always loved essays and so blog posts became these opportunities for concise (er...sort of concise. concise-ish, let's say) writing exercises. Those were the Sarah Palin days & she provided such lovely blog fodder that I couldn't stop...What started as a simple thing has become something much bigger - in my mind, if not in any sort of actual, you know, STATISTIC. I'm tiny, statistically. God, I'm totally meandering. But these comments are part of - most of - what's great about the interwebs: the conversations, the connections, the communities. It's like the 3 Cs of Blogging. It would be nice if I got the fourth C, too, which would be Cash, but alas, I'm not willing (or smart enough) to figure out the monetizing bit. So I settle for 3 Cs and being able to go to panels where I'll get to hear you talk.

    ReplyDelete

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