Why do I blog. Why do I spend so much time sitting here at the computer staring a monitor that is filled with the fingerprints of tiny people. Why do I surf the net and engage in 21st century voyeurism.
The very simple reason is that I derive a tremendous sense of joy and satisfaction from using words to express my thoughts. I have a great love for the language and I appreciate those people who can use words to construct a mental image. I appreciate their ability and craftmanship and wonder how it is they can take my mind and send it on a journey out of my body and into another world.
For surely it is a bit escapist to sit at the keyboard and scroll down the pages and read about the lives and trials of others. And in a different way I find it comforting. I am part of a community of bloggers, a part of the overall blogosphere and at the same time I am also part of many other groups within the blogosphere.
I am able to reach out and click someone. I can see that there are others who are facing the same challenges I face or have already overcome them. I take strength in their words and I offer my own.
Here at the keyboard I commune with others and speak about my life. I offer my insecurities and my beliefs. I open my mind and try to learn about the world around me. I am always searching and seeking for new things to learn. I am an educational hedonist.
I have many refuges. There are places I seek during times of trouble and uncertainty. There are physical locations that feed and nurture my soul, places in Ojai and the Los Padres National Forest. There are areas around Malibu and beaches in Hawaii.
Around Jerusalem, in the Negev and near Joshua Tree. On top of Yosemite Falls and elsewhere. These are places that I seek because I find them to be relaxing. They help me find myself and reconnect.
The problem, the challenge is that often I cannot get to these places as easily as I can get to the keyboard. So I compromise and sit here where I share my thoughts. I offer my joy and release my pain.
I post and comment and speak, but I rarely read my work again, at least not in its entirety. I refer back to it because I know that it relates to current work, but I tend to post and pretend that it never existed because I am rarely satisfied with it.
But this is too important to ignore and too important to waste time by trying to be something I am not. This is where I show my humanity, my good and my bad, my strengths and my weaknesses.
This is where I blog.
Now how about you. Why do you blog?
 I blog for the same reason you do: Because I derive a tremendous sense of joy and satisfaction from using words to express my thoughts. But I’m not nearly as good at it in person as I am on paper. So, I write instead.Â
I also blog because I’m a mom now and I like to chronicle certain memories I have of my daughter and my family exactly as they manifested in my mind so that I can one day look back on them and smile. And I like to think my daughter might one day want to read about her childhood through my eyes.Â
And finally, I blog because it’s way to get my writing “out there” in the hopes that people will take notice of it and I can one day call myself a “professional.” I’m a small fish in a vast sea of writers, but I figure it’s a start.Â
@twitter-234367120:disqus  The blog serves an excellent place to chronicle your thoughts and memories about life. It is one of the reasons that I have kept this place going for so long.
I look back at old posts and remember what my 10 year old was like at 5. It is great.
FWIW, the blog has generated more than a few business opportunities so it is not far fetched to think that it can lead to something more than as a place to keep a journal.
 I blog for the same reason you do: Because I derive a tremendous sense of joy and satisfaction from using words to express my thoughts. But I’m not nearly as good at it in person as I am on paper. So, I write instead.Â
I also blog because I’m a mom now and I like to chronicle certain memories I have of my daughter and my family exactly as they manifested in my mind so that I can one day look back on them and smile. And I like to think my daughter might one day want to read about her childhood through my eyes.Â
And finally, I blog because it’s way to get my writing “out there” in the hopes that people will take notice of it and I can one day call myself a “professional.” I’m a small fish in a vast sea of writers, but I figure it’s a start.Â
@twitter-234367120:disqus  The blog serves an excellent place to chronicle your thoughts and memories about life. It is one of the reasons that I have kept this place going for so long.
I look back at old posts and remember what my 10 year old was like at 5. It is great.
FWIW, the blog has generated more than a few business opportunities so it is not far fetched to think that it can lead to something more than as a place to keep a journal.
Wow Jack, reading your opening it’s like “I could have written that.” I like WRITING, love the written word and an eloquent turn of phrase, be it writing or speeches or TV dialogue. I like different words and how a simple word choice, changing one ‘synonym’ to a slightly better word can reshape a sentence, give it a whole other meaning.
Why I blog now? So many reasons. First, on the professional side it’s business, a way of marketing and branding and networking. Second, even if I don’t get clients this way, I am making myself a better professional per @johnfalchetto:disqus comment. I learn, I grow, I get smarter reading and writing out here.
Lastly, I like writing, crafting words that I think will encourage, motivate, amuse others. And the feedback is so addictive. Would that I could escape back to Hawaii, at least there are other places I like to go like cruises and Disney. One of my escapes has been the online world, some forums and BBS and it’s the feedback, the exchange of ideas. You write something: low and behold people read it and may agree with you! like what you wrote! think you’re funny! Or a blithering idiot or woefully unprofessional, which is less cool but part of it.
Been on a motivation and interest kick of late, but a big reason I like blogging is, as like speaks to like, I get to read and chat up with others who like or are interested in the various topics that I am. And just enjoy some good writing. FWIW.
@davinabrewer:disqus The love and enjoyment of the power of words is significant. I am quite appreciative to have found you and others who appreciate writing the way that I do.
And not to be repetitive, but the connections- they make this into something more than just an online diary. They make it into something magical.
Wow Jack, reading your opening it’s like “I could have written that.” I like WRITING, love the written word and an eloquent turn of phrase, be it writing or speeches or TV dialogue. I like different words and how a simple word choice, changing one ‘synonym’ to a slightly better word can reshape a sentence, give it a whole other meaning.
Why I blog now? So many reasons. First, on the professional side it’s business, a way of marketing and branding and networking. Second, even if I don’t get clients this way, I am making myself a better professional per @johnfalchetto:disqus comment. I learn, I grow, I get smarter reading and writing out here.
Lastly, I like writing, crafting words that I think will encourage, motivate, amuse others. And the feedback is so addictive. Would that I could escape back to Hawaii, at least there are other places I like to go like cruises and Disney. One of my escapes has been the online world, some forums and BBS and it’s the feedback, the exchange of ideas. You write something: low and behold people read it and may agree with you! like what you wrote! think you’re funny! Or a blithering idiot or woefully unprofessional, which is less cool but part of it.
Been on a motivation and interest kick of late, but a big reason I like blogging is, as like speaks to like, I get to read and chat up with others who like or are interested in the various topics that I am. And just enjoy some good writing. FWIW.
@davinabrewer:disqus The love and enjoyment of the power of words is significant. I am quite appreciative to have found you and others who appreciate writing the way that I do.
And not to be repetitive, but the connections- they make this into something more than just an online diary. They make it into something magical.
I haven’t read the other comments yet, but I’m sure they’ve all praised you for another insightful post, just as I’m about to do.
Because I tend to ramble, I will try and succinctly say that I blog because I love words. Although they often escape me and I wish those of others were my own at times, the reward of finding a way to express myself greatly outweighs the frustrations…I think 😉
But I’ve also come to realize that I’m slightly dependent on the connections. I have made connections with people through blogging that I have been unable to make in “real” time. It has opened me up to the possibility of exposing my vulnerabilities for the sake of relationships and learning, that it’s not a weakness to not have the answers or even care about some questions.
Finally, I blog because I am constantly amazed at the other talented writers out there, and with each post I write, I hope to move one step closer to feeling that way about myself.
@eb70a25664e8cf627c97ba0fe4a64cb0:disqus Rambling is ok with me. I think that you have touched upon many of the reasons that I and so many others like blogging. Those connections are often far more significant than people realize.
I haven’t read the other comments yet, but I’m sure they’ve all praised you for another insightful post, just as I’m about to do.
Because I tend to ramble, I will try and succinctly say that I blog because I love words. Although they often escape me and I wish those of others were my own at times, the reward of finding a way to express myself greatly outweighs the frustrations…I think 😉
But I’ve also come to realize that I’m slightly dependent on the connections. I have made connections with people through blogging that I have been unable to make in “real” time. It has opened me up to the possibility of exposing my vulnerabilities for the sake of relationships and learning, that it’s not a weakness to not have the answers or even care about some questions.
Finally, I blog because I am constantly amazed at the other talented writers out there, and with each post I write, I hope to move one step closer to feeling that way about myself.
@eb70a25664e8cf627c97ba0fe4a64cb0:disqus Rambling is ok with me. I think that you have touched upon many of the reasons that I and so many others like blogging. Those connections are often far more significant than people realize.
I don’t, so far. I enjoy the unquiet workings of an audacious and agile mind like yours and my urge is satisfied. For a little while.
Nothing wrong with that.
I don’t, so far. I enjoy the unquiet workings of an audacious and agile mind like yours and my urge is satisfied. For a little while.
Nothing wrong with that.
@faryna:disqus Sometimes I wish that I could stop asking questions and just accept things for what they are. It might make life a little bit easier. I like your line about what our words reveal. There is much truth in that.
@twitter-82923382:disqus Hi Lori, I think that the connection between people is among the most powerful influences upon writers/ bloggers. There is something special, unique and nice about being able to do so with so many interesting people that we might not otherwise encounter.
I think that you have a great idea for marketing your book.
Well. I don’t blog but I love reading blogs. So I would definitely like to say what I think why bloggers blog. I apologize if the writer does not want me to have my comment here. But would not you like to know the view of your readers? So, here it is.
I think people blog to create their online presence. They want that the readers should have knowledge about their products and services.This helps them to spread a kind of awareness about their business. A description of it is always useful. A broader is more welcome by readers who are really interested in your business. This was from a business point of view. The blogger may be having a business and might be using his blogging skills to promote it.
There is another point of view that’s a personal one because the blogger himself is a human being. Blogging gives them the opportunity to express their thoughts. The interaction through blogging gives them to look at their business at a different angle. An addition or a deduction to their business strategy may possibly come out a result of that.
@KamakshiSri:disqus I am always interested in what the readers have to say. It is part of the great contradiction of my blog- I write for me first and then for you.
Anyway I think that you are correct about blogging providing an online presence and an opportunity to better understand who they are and why they do what they do be it personal or professional in nature.
Well. I don’t blog but I love reading blogs. So I would definitely like to say what I think why bloggers blog. I apologize if the writer does not want me to have my comment here. But would not you like to know the view of your readers? So, here it is.
I think people blog to create their online presence. They want that the readers should have knowledge about their products and services.This helps them to spread a kind of awareness about their business. A description of it is always useful. A broader is more welcome by readers who are really interested in your business. This was from a business point of view. The blogger may be having a business and might be using his blogging skills to promote it.
There is another point of view that’s a personal one because the blogger himself is a human being. Blogging gives them the opportunity to express their thoughts. The interaction through blogging gives them to look at their business at a different angle. An addition or a deduction to their business strategy may possibly come out a result of that.
@KamakshiSri:disqus I am always interested in what the readers have to say. It is part of the great contradiction of my blog- I write for me first and then for you.
Anyway I think that you are correct about blogging providing an online presence and an opportunity to better understand who they are and why they do what they do be it personal or professional in nature.
Hi Jack!
Why do I blog? First, I hear why you blog.”
sit here where I share my thoughts. I offer my joy and release my pain.” I love this: ”
I am able to reach out and click someone” LOL Clever update of a successful ad campaign (
http://danoday.com/blog/2010/11/att-ad-campaign-commercial/
)
I blog for the loving of writing, to gather a readership for when I publish my books (first one coming soon), and to connect with people. It took me a while to realize it but I was blogging all over my contact list for my business, in every second email! So I guess I had one foot in when I jumped all the way.
The surprising bonus is connecting with other writers! I’m not one for going to readings, and joining writers groups, it’s just not where I am. But I love stumbling upon a great writer here in the Blogosphere!
Have a good one Jack!
Lori
@twitter-82923382:disqus Hi Lori, I think that the connection between people is among the most powerful influences upon writers/ bloggers. There is something special, unique and nice about being able to do so with so many interesting people that we might not otherwise encounter.
I think that you have a great idea for marketing your book.
I blog for myself. Ok I try to justify it by saying it’s good for business to build a brand online, a community, etc..
At the end of the day, we have to be honest with ourselves. If we truly write content which matters, we do it for ourselves.
Writing is probably the best way to develop our thoughts and by doing this we really get to the heart of the matter, who we really are.
So by blogging I’m actually finding out who I really am, or at least trying 🙂
@johnfalchetto:disqus I am biased but I agree with you. The only way for most of us to last for any length of time in this game is to write for ourselves and to love what we are doing.
It is not always easy and there is some fear/uncertainty in putting pen to paper and displaying who we really are.
I blog for myself. Ok I try to justify it by saying it’s good for business to build a brand online, a community, etc..
At the end of the day, we have to be honest with ourselves. If we truly write content which matters, we do it for ourselves.
Writing is probably the best way to develop our thoughts and by doing this we really get to the heart of the matter, who we really are.
So by blogging I’m actually finding out who I really am, or at least trying 🙂
@johnfalchetto:disqus I am biased but I agree with you. The only way for most of us to last for any length of time in this game is to write for ourselves and to love what we are doing.
It is not always easy and there is some fear/uncertainty in putting pen to paper and displaying who we really are.
Words have a way of bringing clarity to our confusion – especially our own confusion about ourselves. Our words reveal our wisdom and our foolishness, our pride and our fears, our good and our bad, and so much more. They can do all that and more in a blog – depending, of course, on how much courage, honesty and humility we bring to the blog. It provides an opportunity to know ourselves and others, to share ourselves with the world, and, yes, also to connect with others.
It is a smart thing to ask of ourselves why we do things. I noticed that you do this often, Jack. You ask yourself why you blog every so often, and by doing so, you keep what you are doing, honest and worthwhile. As much as you can. [grin] And I can appreciate and honor that.
There’s a reason why your voice stands above others. And this is part of that reason.
Keep it up, Jack.
Stan
Recently at my blog poast: Fan Art for my novel about the endtimes http://stanfaryna.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/819/
@faryna:disqus Sometimes I wish that I could stop asking questions and just accept things for what they are. It might make life a little bit easier. I like your line about what our words reveal. There is much truth in that.
Until December, I spent my entire career in corporate marketing communications environments. I love marketing, so I was always happy with the work I was doing. But I always had ideas and thoughts that I was holding on to. For me, blogging is about self-expression. I put my thoughts into words and feel tremendous satisfaction, even when I write about something just for fun.
@marianneworley:disqus I think that it is a wonderful reason to blog. It is a bit part of why I do it. This allows for the chance to learn more about ourselves and there is value in that.
Right!!!
Until December, I spent my entire career in corporate marketing communications environments. I love marketing, so I was always happy with the work I was doing. But I always had ideas and thoughts that I was holding on to. For me, blogging is about self-expression. I put my thoughts into words and feel tremendous satisfaction, even when I write about something just for fun.
@marianneworley:disqus I think that it is a wonderful reason to blog. It is a bit part of why I do it. This allows for the chance to learn more about ourselves and there is value in that.
Right!!!
Another awesome post .. I see a lot of segways here. First and foremost, I blog because I love to write but that’s merely the easy answer. I love meeting like-minded people via my blof, which is what makes the blogosphere community so exciting! In some ways, it’s an adventure in self-discovery and mutual growth. The ubiquitous blog is truly one of the few pure forms of communication and creativity out there. To me, the best blogs provide an authentic experience, which means the passions of authors and creative engineers is evident throught their collective works.
You mentioned going back to read past blogs. I actually do that often, especially now. I find I end up going back to refine previous works and, for the really good stuff, I actually find myself intrigued. After all, if you read your previous blog entries years later as opposed to months later, it certainly elicits more of an emotional response.
It’s particularly fun to see how interests and styles c change over the years, both for yourself and the online community. I always write about what makes me most passionate at the time but I also enjoy researching to see what engages my audience most. This is a rare scenario where you can be selfish and selfless at the same time. You feed your need and the needs of others at the same time.
Now that I’ve taken my blogging from hobby to profession, I almost feel like launching any other kind of site is waste. I feel a blog should be part of any web site where community is at the center.
@26a757b74161dc4785efe1def9423ecb:disqus I love your name- very cool. You are right about the pleasure that you can gain from reading old blog posts. There is something fun about taking a look back at the past.
Although sometimes it makes me cringe to see how bad some of the early posts were. That process of finding my voice took a while and it really shows.
I am with you regarding the love for writing and the joy of meeting new people.
Blogging takes you to real communities.
Another awesome post .. I see a lot of segways here. First and foremost, I blog because I love to write but that’s merely the easy answer. I love meeting like-minded people via my blof, which is what makes the blogosphere community so exciting! In some ways, it’s an adventure in self-discovery and mutual growth. The ubiquitous blog is truly one of the few pure forms of communication and creativity out there. To me, the best blogs provide an authentic experience, which means the passions of authors and creative engineers is evident throught their collective works.
You mentioned going back to read past blogs. I actually do that often, especially now. I find I end up going back to refine previous works and, for the really good stuff, I actually find myself intrigued. After all, if you read your previous blog entries years later as opposed to months later, it certainly elicits more of an emotional response.
It’s particularly fun to see how interests and styles c change over the years, both for yourself and the online community. I always write about what makes me most passionate at the time but I also enjoy researching to see what engages my audience most. This is a rare scenario where you can be selfish and selfless at the same time. You feed your need and the needs of others at the same time.
Now that I’ve taken my blogging from hobby to profession, I almost feel like launching any other kind of site is waste. I feel a blog should be part of any web site where community is at the center.
@26a757b74161dc4785efe1def9423ecb:disqus I love your name- very cool. You are right about the pleasure that you can gain from reading old blog posts. There is something fun about taking a look back at the past.
Although sometimes it makes me cringe to see how bad some of the early posts were. That process of finding my voice took a while and it really shows.
I am with you regarding the love for writing and the joy of meeting new people.
Blogging takes you to real communities.