Why blog???

So, I've been thinking a bit about why people blog. Why do we take time to set up these web pages and throw out information or thoughts or pictures out into the wide world? Some people are private and some people aren't; some share music; some only share recipes or use the blogs for business purposes. And so, in thinking about it all, I've decided why I blog, but I'm curious why some of y'all blog . . . and why the rest of you that I KNOW are reading don't blog???

I blog because I like to talk (yes, about myself and my family.) I would like to have uber-intelligent things to share about my life, but right now I don't feel like there's a lot of depth going on over her, so I try to keep it real. I'm not very good about sensoring. In fact, I've called my sister or cousin on a couple posts to find out if it's a bit much to post publicly. Luckily, they've talked me down or everyone would've been treated to a few extra doosies. Here are some of my other thoughts on blogging. The English teacher in me REALLY appreciates the writing outlet, but I don't feel like my blog has to be all creative and grammatically correct. HOWEVER, I have stumbled across some blogs that are really hard to understand because they are poorly written and I have to remind myself NOT to be a blog-snob. Are you a blog snob? I really don't care about how many comments I get, or even if people comment at all, BUT I do get a kick out of seeing how many people have checked my blog each week when sitemeter sends me a report. And when people have those little maps with the red dots on them to show where people live and someone in Africa has found their site, I am a little intrigued. I haven't set out to blog a post that will inspire others. I don't think I have that power and I don't seek that talent. However, I do hope when I share about my life that people will be able to relate. I use my blog as MY outlet. I don't worry about offending people (not that I set out to offend or anything, but it's just that it's MY blog and so I am writing how I feel.) I assume people will want to read about me, but I'm not offended if people don't and just scroll to find a story about how naughty my kids are or whatever.

And what about my reading of blogs? Oh, it's pert-near reality TV on it's fun factor to me. For the people I am kinda friends with, or haven't really been close to for some time, or the complete strangers I have lurked upon, I am enough of a voyeur that I like to look into thier lives. Granted it's usually only the parts they want to share with THE ENTIRE WORLD, and some may present a different reality on their blog than the real deal, but I still get a kick out of it. And reading my close friends' blogs helps me to feel like a better friend because I totally know what's going on with them {Right Moana!?}. Sometimes, when I read peoples' blogs that I know (especially my families' posts), I wonder if they're being passive aggressive and telling me things they can't tell me to my face. Why would I think that? I think I am guilty of a post or two like that. I think I am able to say things to people through my blog that I don't care to say in person. But again, I get to do that on my blog. Another part of my release.

So, why DO you blog or why DON'T you blog. If you do blog, are you a Pollyanna or Debbie Downer? Is it peer pressure? a release? C'mon out of that blog world and fess up. I'm totally curious. And I have my theories, so I am curious if my perception is right. And I was totally lying earlier, I do want some comments.