Monday, June 23, 2008

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.

31 comments:

Lori said...

Okay, so I know we don't even know each other, but you are hilarious. And, isn't that another reason to blog, to meet total strangers?
As far as your question, I started to blog to record the dailies of my child so when I actually get around to scrapbooking, I have some sort of record of what she has done. I went private so I could complain about people at work and now they can't log on anymore!

Stac said...

this is nate.

Now we're all gonna be curious to know what you've sent in our directions without having the balls to call us out on it and/or name us specifically. Wimp. :)

Stac said...

oh, and we blog cause Stac started doing it to keep her parents up on us and Zoee when we got married and moved them down to Vegas.

Jerolyn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jerolyn said...

OH CRAP~ I just accidentally deleted my 1st comment. I was going to copy it, delete it, and re-post it because.....I AM A BLOG SNOB and I needed to change the wording in my first comment because it didn't sound right but now my comment is gone. DANG IT ...how will I sleep tonight knowing it's out there... somewhere... in the blogosphere?

Beth said...

Well, I blog because it's fun. Fun to read and I don't think it's right to take and not give. I wonder most of the time if anyone cares, because really, most everyone that reads my blog knows what's going on in my life anyway. But, I think that people have a voice and want to be heard. Sometimes in the crazy, zany world, it's hard to feel like you're listened to.

Dylan Todd said...

I blog because if I just started talking out loud to no one in particular about random nonsense like I do on the Internet, I'd be locked up posthaste.

So, basically, I blog so I won't be institutionalized.

Josh said...

I enjoy writing and blogging lets me do that while keeping friends and family informed.

Tiffany said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tiffany said...

I choose to blog about the Fun, Happy and Exciting things in our life to remind me that amongst my day trials, frustrations, fighting kids, not always perfect marriage, and messy house I do have a lot of fun and enjoy my life.

The Muehlendorfs said...

Blogging is all about the comments and the amount of comments is a good indication of how many people will be at your funeral. I mean, that's what I'm in it for.

The Rowles said...

I blog so I don't feel guilty about not scrap booking. I had to give up when I got two kids behind. I love being able to check in with everyone and see how their life is (real or not). I get all giddy when I come across a new blog of someone we know. I am not a blog snob (I don't have the skills to be) I have an editor who is though (Chet). I will also admit I like the comments just see what people think. However I am over the fact that my blog just might not be the first blog that people check;)

Nan said...

Now that you've made me think about it, I don't know why I blog. So I'm done. I'll just be a lurker:)

annilee said...

I started blogging for my family who is out of state. But I will admit I have became quite a blog stalker. There is just something interesting about other peoples lives. Kind of like reality T.V.! But yours is one of my favorites, because you are a natural story teller! Good Job!

Tristen said...

I blog because I like to think that I am sort of journaling. I wish I said much more of my inner feelings but usually I will just kind of indirectly say things that are bothering me. I am not a good writer but I try to just write about my life with my two kids and husband so when I print it I have a record of my life at this crazy point. Hope that makes some sense.

Angela said...

I am a journal blogger. Someday I would like to be more than that but I don't think I'm a good enough writer to make that leap. Also, I worry about offending someone with my opinions, so for now I am strictly a journal blogger.

Doty6strong said...

I have to say ditto to your mom and annilee's comments. It's a great way to keep family posted on the happening in our life. I do hold back a lot though because it is out there for the world to see. I'm a people pleaser and it's a pain in my butt! Gotta tell you your blog was the focus of many conversations at girls camp this week :)

chris jenkins said...

not sure why i blog some days to be honest. i was not blessed with writing talent nor a witty sense of humor. i started blogging because it was a good way to network with other scrapbookers as well as share the goings on with my family. however, i think since i've been doing it, it has been kind of therapy, a place to vent, and just tell things like it is or a platform to think out loud. i think out loud a lot. i have a lot on my mind sometimes and it is just good to put some of it out there i guess.

Troy and Nancee Tegeder said...

I blog because it is more fun than journaling and I like comments. (: BTW - Hope you had a fantabulous birthday!!!

MollyE said...

Well mostly I blog because I am just hoping one day I will see a comment from my old pal Sarah. Ha, ha but seriously, I just love this bloggin thing because it has reconnected me to so many friends and family members that are far away. Blog on!

familyof4 said...

I like to blog to keep some type of journal. I found a website that can upload my blog and make it into a book!..www.blurb.com! I'm able to keep in touch with family/friends that I don't see very often. I feel like I haven't missed much.

Anyway, I know we didn't know each other that well, but I sure do think you are SO funny. I LOVE reading your blog. I don't check it everyday, so when I read it I get to catch up and get a good laugh!

The RealFatman said...

I Blog to release. Sometimes I put in there some insecurities and some times I vent and sometimes I share some good music. I guess I better go blog now since I have been slacking!!

Jeannie said...

Hey-Just wanted to thank you for picking up Kyla's pictures.

I started my blog because my two sisters-in-law kept bugging me to do it (mostly to share pictures). The ironic thing is I don't think they even look at it. Oh well. My in laws love it so they can see pictures of the kids (that's why my blog is more on the Pollyanna side).

Taralee said...

Happy late Birthday!!! Mine was on the 17th. I didn't know our bdays were so close.

I blog because I want to remember stuff and I have a pretty bad memory :) I'm like you in the fact that I'm a talker! I really wish I were better at writing but I'm not so I've gotten over it. People (or blog snobs haha) just have to hold their breath through my blog. Oh well, it's way fun and I love keeping in touch with people near and far.

I went private. Email me if you want to be invited. urkissable@yahoo.com

BTW I love your blog. You remind me a lot of ME, kinda funny! You just do a TON better at writing about it. LUCKY!!

Jen Rose said...

Girl...you are hillarious. I blog cause I forget what I did yesterday. So, at least I can look back and remember I accomplished things at one point. :) I like to lurk too. I think it's the reality show mentality of me. Sick I know.

chanel said...

I blog cause Im cool.

And I read because you are seriously one of the dang funniest people ever! CONFESSION TIME: I was up until, um, you actually came to Erin's to say hi, totally scared of you. I KNOW I AM CRAZY! But you have always been this super confident, beautiful, popular, witty, smart girl that just blew me away. I don't think I ever talked word one to you in high school, I was such a dork, anyway as if this doesn't sound totally dorky. But you and Erin are two of the BIGGEST blog blessings ever- I seriously feel I should have been born into your family- NEVER have I met more REAL (and FUN!!!) people and I JUST LOVE YOU! I love that you say what you're thinking and I think I need to be on your call list for the posts that don't make it.

You may not feel creative or whatever but hello! Your posts are some of the best! I can't tell you HOW MANY TIMES I have refrenced your blog about the VT message in the past week!

This is a long comment sorry- and whatever you don't care about comments????? I pretty much live for them. I love that (cyber) connection with people.

and sorry my blog is one you probably can't stand cause I ain't no english major.

xoxox

Jenn S. said...

Happy Birthday!

Girl, you have accomplished a lot in 31 years - just imagine what you'll have done on your 93rd B-day, Wowzers.

I blog because I like the creative outlet, I like showing off pictures of my cute family and as of now it's my only form of journaling - so it's my way of keeping up on what we're doing.

Plus, I'm *totally* a comment whore. Love comments.

xoxox

Marylin said...

Ok so I will get to why I blog in just a moment but I have to say first that I haven't forgotten about the pics yet I have just been a scatter brain lately so I will be getting to it very soon, I can feel it :). So the reason I started blogging was because some friends of mine that did said I should check it out and since I was tired of some of the other sites to keep up with my friends I decided what the heck! It has been a good way for me to keep up on family and friends that are far away and I love it when I find long lost friends through the channels of blog world. I also must say that I have always known that the world is small but man it is crazy how small it becomes when you start blogging!! On the more selfish side I love to write and while I am not about to publish a book, it is a great release for me, and it makes me feel that maybe out there someone gives a crud, even if they live in Africa!

John Petersen said...

I blog because you inspired me to. I also love to see what friends and family are up to, so I feel like I should reciprocate.

Tausha said...

ok chicky-I blog for a realease. What I say is real. I don't usually sugar cote things and I offend people-then I am really sorry. The only way that I would be offending them is if they are offended at me swearing at my children. I don't bring up politics, religion of any of those things. I just feel confident enough in my own opinion that I don't need to hear others!
I also like to include random thoughts like-my B_I_L totally reminds me of Handy Manny. He is that nice and he kind of looks like him.
So-I blog for a release and i blog to meet new people!!
So-yea-i got to meet you!
You need to blog again already! I know that you have a bunch od kids, and you are nursing and it has been the 6 week mark with Briggs-but we miss you!!

Carrie Johanson said...

Thanks for keeping a blog! You have a cute family, and it is super fun that you have links to family and friends. I spent more time than I should have at work catching up on some old Villa Bonita-ites! -Carrie Johanson