Many sources have been
reporting the death of blogging, saying that no one reads blogs anymore, blogs
aren’t relevant to readers today, and blogs are now only business tools.
I’ve been keeping my
blog going for a few years now and even though the blogosphere has changed in
that time, I still feel that keeping a blog is valuable. Many people my age
have stopped blogging due to increased obligations or changes in
interests. Some feel that their
interests have changed so much that their current interests and writings no
longer meet the goals of the original blog. Others mention that they have
turned to “micro-blogging” or “photo-blogging.”
Even with this
decrease, there are many benefits of blogging. Blogging helps keep up your
writing skills, which may deteriorate as we get older and aren’t writing as
much for school. It helps keep us in contact with what are friends are doing
and creating. It also gives an extra push on those days when you just don’t
feel like doing anything. I blog for all
of these reasons but most of all I blog because it gives me a very in depth
look at where I was in my life at a given time. I don’t feel that facebook, twitter or
instagram really give much insight into what we are thinking and doing. When I
read a blog post I have written in the past, I remember my thoughts, emotions
and interests at that time. I am also impressed at how many projects I completed.
I definitely like to
see what my friends are up to and what they are thinking. I know there has been
a decrease in the community aspect of blogging. Some of this is due to spam
blockers making it harder for people to comment, but it also has to do with how
people read blogs now. Many people read on their mobile devices which don’t
allow for commenting or make it difficult to comment. Many bloggers hear over
and over again “Oh, I read that post and wanted to comment!” or “I’m still
reading even though I don’t comment so
much!”
Also many people are
busier than ever and there is more and more content vying to be read every day.
Even I find myself culling my reading
list (which I recommend.) There’s only so much time in the day and you can’t
keep up with everything. It only makes sense to cull and only read what is
meaningful to you.
Even with these
changes, there’s still a lot of value in blogging. Blogs are inspirational and “aspirational.”
(You know that made-up word that describes that feeling you get every time you
open pinterest.) J Many bloggers are good role models and looking
at their lives, encourages me too start doing those things I really want to do.
Sometimes they show me some things I
thought would be very hard really isn’t anywhere near as difficult as I thought.
So even though I don’t
blog as much as I used to, I still plan on keeping it up and still love getting
to look at the lives of other bloggers.
I started my blog after a friend encouraged me to start one. She has since closed hers down but I'm still going strong with mine and I'm glad I am.
ReplyDeleteAs you said, it helps keep my writing skills up (I have improved my writing significantly these past couple of years) and I have met some really wonderful people through blogging, with yourself and Jessica being two examples.
I do accept, however, that there will come a time when I will be really busy and will have to cut down on my blogging, but I intend to continue, even at a reduced pace.
I agree that spam spoils the fun for everyone. :(
I agree. I love all of the friends I've met through blogging.
DeleteReading Blogs is a great way for me to take a short break, an escape while still looking productive. Lol
ReplyDeleteIt's like observing someone else's life for a few minutes, isn't it? :)
DeleteThe mainstream media hates bloggers.
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty, I believe they will do what they can to spread the death of blogging rumors and make it seem that blogging is "out".
Me? I will continue because I really enjoy it.
And you should, too!
I think it will come "back" when people get bored of the lack of substance many other outlets are offering right now.
DeleteI love reading your blog, even though I don't comment on everything. Ever since you started it I loved it, and I've always been very proud of the wonderful job you've done with it.
ReplyDeleteI think you should start! :)
DeleteI've slowed down a lot with my blogging. For me, it started out as a creative outlet. And now that I'm taking art classes, that need is being filled. Still, I've made some amazing friends through blogging, and because of that, I don't want to give it up. I'm glad you're still blogging, 'cause you're smart and interesting, and I learn a lot from you.
ReplyDeleteYou can still post the stuff you're working on. :)
DeleteIt's great just to see what you are up to. I am always inspired when I read your posts.