When I look at the hobby of blogging, I realize it has taught me a lot about writing, coding and social networking, but it’s more than that.
Today’s Lesson
When we start blogging, we usually have some sort of agenda. Maybe it’s to make some extra cash, practice our writing skills, share what we’ve learned in the real world or to promote our business.
In some cases a blog can work real well to accomplish those goals, but in the process we can also learn unexpected lessons.
For example, I learned people aren’t all that different online than they are in the real world. Kindness knows no boundaries. In fact, online it’s almost like others give us more time, more consideration and really listen to what we’re saying.
Online we’re not labeled because of our personality traits or habits. Our race. age or educational history don’t matter, nor does our appearance or financial status.
We learn friendship happens without physically meeting each other, and moral support means more than a literal pat on the back.
If we read blogs written by those who have “been there”, we can learn from their mistakes and make better choices in our own life.
If we’re undecided or need help making a major decision, we can throw it “out there” and get dozens of unbiased opinions to aid in our decision process; opinions from people who don’t have a hidden agenda.
Blogging can also help us to become more open-minded and see the bigger picture by reading the comments of those with opposing views.
Although having a blog can bring us closer to the goals we intended for it, what we learn in the process is priceless.
What say you?
Today’s Assignment
What has having a blog and being online taught you?
Have you had a life changing or memorable experience that wouldn’t have happened had you never blogged or spent time online?
Care to share?
~Barbara
One of the great benefits of the blogging world is a giant step into realizing the connectedness that we have in life. Your comments about the depth of the friendships, the degree of our giving, the delight of all shared – these happen without us knowing a thing about one another.
Biases be gone! We’re bloggers! 🙂
One of the gifts I receive from blogging, besides new and incredibly valuable friendships, is the opportunity to feel I have something to give. I’m still feeling my way with this concept, but even in my newness, I have contributed where I believe I have something to offer. That is such a joy.
Hi Amy,
That’s a great gift, isn’t it? – to feel we have something to give and to have it received with gratitude. It really doesn’t get much better than that. 🙂
I actually consider my best friend to be 1 of my online friends who I haven’t met in real life (even though we live like a hr apart, LOL). He’s my mentor, and we share our joys and problems together. I confide with him stuff I don’t even tell my real life friends about.
Hi Henway,
That’s awesome; to meet someone online, never (yet) meet them, and to have them become a best friend in whom you can confide.
P.S. I hope you get to meet in the real world real soon.
Hi Barbara! Oh great topic! I love the on-line presence everyone brings – well some more than others – but to me it brings out our human-ness. Indeed, no age, race, religion etc. How utterly refreshing! It’s been a fabulous adventure meeting so many wonderful people and it has helped me become more human too! I’d recommend blogging to anyone! Over come shyness and just go for it!
hugs,
suZen
p.s. I was painfully shy as child – yeah, I know, hard to believe!
Hi Suzen,
Haha! No, I would have never guessed you were shy.
You’re right. Blogging does bring out our human-ness and can get those who are introverted out of their shells. Although the process can be slow, once we’ve revealed who we are, we may become better individuals in the real world, too.
((hugs))
I used to scrutinize each of my blog thoroughly before publishing it on the web. When I started to receive not so favorable comments then, I used to get irritated. But slowly i realised that every individual has contrasting nature because of varied reasons, hence they think and react differently. This acceptance actually helped me in introspecting my own thought process a bit diversely.
Hi Jennifer,
Isn’t that wonderful how that works? Our first response to a negative comments can be to become defensive, however when others expose “more of the picture” to us, we realize it’s not always cut and dry.
When blogging, we forget that we have it in our hands to build friendships without physically meeting our readers. Most of the time, we only think of them as potential consumers, not friends.
Hi MicroSourcing,
That’s true. If we go into blogging to only make some cash, it’s easy to forget there’s a human being on the other side of the sale. Truth be told, I think if we take the time to cultivate those relationships, we’re more apt to sell more as their trust in us increases.
Hi Barbara,
Blogging has taught me that many times your behavior online causes ripple effects. What we say (or neglect to say) bounces off others and continues.
I also like how blogging is so unexpected. Usually you’ll get a comment on a point that you didn’t really focus on while the points that you did focus on were unnoticed.
As bloggers I think we are lifetime learners and will continue to gain valuable lessons from it. I don’t think they’ll ever be a time in which one knows everything about blogging. That’s what makes it an adventure. Have a good weekend Barbara!
Thank you John,
That’s a good point. Even though we “think” we’re getting our message across about “xyz”, our visitors are sometimes reading between the lines and bring up another aspect of the topic.
Yes. Whatever we share has the capability of being repeated many times over. Even though we may never know it, the impact of our words can be gigantic.
Dear Barbara:
What a lovely topic to discuss. Blogging has enabled me to be consistent and patient. Consistent in my posting and patient with the internet network. In the initial stages of my blogging, I used to log in several times a day to check if there were any comments but gradually I learnt to stay still. Ah, and the wonderful people I have virtually met through my blog are amazing. I have learnt and unlearnt so many things in the process. Some bloggers have become friends and we interact apart from the medium of blogs as well. Knowing them has added many dimensions to my life and knowledge.
Now, I can go on and on about this but let me pause here.
Joy always,
Susan
Thank you Susan,
I know exactly what you’re saying. Those early days of blogging can drive us crazy. 🙂
That’s true. With blogging we often meet others whom we end up being friends with off the blog. That’s priceless, isn’t it?
Coming back on the friendship, I’ve made “friends” with 4 distinct people on another blog of mine and we created a mailing list (just for the four of us) where we share tips and tricks on what’s working well in the SEO arena. We plan to meet later this year IRL to share more stuff and “see” each others for the first time… can’t wait!
Hi Leo,
How exciting. I’ll bet when the four of you meet, there won’t be a dull moment.
I like your idea of collaborating with your friends on a topic you all have an interest in. That’s a great way to not only build a bond but to help others not make the same mistakes you may have.
Great topic, Barbara! Online work, teleclasses and blogging have brought me deep happiness. Some of my closest friends are people I’ve never met. I’ve always felt that when you get to know someone through their writing (longer pieces) over a long time, you become very aware of that person’s essence. It shines in the silences between the words and resonates in ways we can’t control or shape. I’m almost scared to meet my phone and online friends in case the real me is a disappointment!
Thank you Janice,
You said that beautifully, “…person’s essence. It shines in the silences between the words and resonates in ways we can’t control or shape.” That’s very true.
P.S. I KNOW anyone who meets you will not be disappointed. I’ve never met you but your essence tells me you’re a genuine sweetheart. 🙂
Hey Barbara,
I like the topic ‘What has blogging taught us’? When I started my blog I wanted to call it ‘Serendipity’ because I thought I would get a pleasant surprise out of it.
I learned quickly that there are 100s of blogs named that.
Luckily, my sister baptised me Julie Bulie when I was a kid so I
had a back up name for my blog. I don’t think I have enough time here to write what I have learned since it is a continual process.
For certain though I have found the blogging community to be one of the most helpful supportive groups I have belonged to.
Thanks as always,
Julie
You’re welcome Julie,
I agree. The blogging community is extremely supportive, giving and kind. It’s not often we find that in real world, and to find it online, where we’ll probably never meet others in real life, is probably one of the biggest surprises a blogger will have.
High B
Taught me that blogging is about belonging to a community.
Taught me that writing is not easy.
Taught me that there are no easy ways to get your blog noticed.
Taught me that blogging can take a lot of your time, if you’re not careful.
Taught me that bloggers are always willing to share their secrets.
Taught me that there aren’t any secrets.
Taught me that even if you aren’t a blogger… WordPress is fantastic.
Looks as though blogging has taught me rather a lot.
High K, 🙂
You’re right on point with your observations. I like the one about secrets. Even though some bloggers act as though they know the secret to “whatever” (with regard to blogging), all it takes is a quick search on Google and other bloggers are sharing it all.
Yes. You have learned a lot.
Hi Barbara – I don’t know where to start. I’ve learned so much since I began blogging, and I’ve made some valuable connections and friends, including you. I never expected to benefit in those ways when I started out.
It’s so lonely working from home, but I can connect with online friends at any time of day. Also, as you say online friends are happy to offer valuable advice and they don’t have a vested interest. And it is easy to reach out to them when they have problems and offer honest advice, or a sympathetic ear.
As you said, the comments section is so valuable too. When I began blogging, I had some crazy ideas about business, and didn’t have any life balance at all. Interacting with others in my own comments section, and elsewhere has taught me different.
Hi Cath,
I consider you a friend, too. We go WAY back, don’t we? Good memories. 🙂
You’re right. Being online gives us the opportunity to connect with others any time of the day or night, and when we’re in need of advice or even moral support, we’re bound to find a fellow blogger who’ll be there for us.
I was hoping when I started blogging to find people who wanted to read what I had to say and would continue a conversation. I had my fingers crossed and eyes heavenward that writing a blog would help me do that and it has and I even can add up some new friendships along the way.
I did not know it would be (so much work and such a steep learning curve for me) how fun it would be!
Hi Patricia,
The friendships we make along the way are great, aren’t they?
And yes. Learning blogging can be a challenge, but when we look back from where we came, we realize it’s been a fun ride.
I wouldn’t have found my sister.
I wouldn’t have built a Kingdom with her..
I wouldn’t have found my voice..
I would pry be in a funny farm now…
Had I not found blogging. I have made many wonderful friends online that I have never met face to face.. but when my husband passed away.. they were the ones on the phone…. when it was overwhelming.. they were the ones on the phone…and when I recovered.. there they were, still my friends..
I doubt I would have the wonderful fun filled life I have now, had I not started blogging so many years ago.. so many blogs ago…
Hi Queen,
Our online friends are awesome, aren’t they? Like you said, they’re there through thick and thin and support us even though we may never meet. It goes to show, friendships can be born and blossom without physically meeting each other.
Blogging about a certain topic has its own advantages. Through comments, we are made aware of the diversities of the topic. I have always enjoyed this intercommunication of so many online readers around the world. This aspect makes it more inspiring for me to write another blog!
Hi Chris,
You’re right. When we blog, based on the comments of others, our eyes can be opened to the diversity of a topic as well as its many aspects.
I started blogging because I thought what I think and what I say matters. But soon I learned that my opinion is not the only angle on a certain issue, or story or whatever. And I thank my readers and commenters for teaching me to always look at the both sides of the coin. Thanks for the real awesome post.
You’re welcome Mint Hill,
Blogs are great for that, aren’t they? Even though we may think we’ve looked at a topic from all angles, via comments or other blogs, we find there’s even more to the subject than meets the eye. Having that disclosed to us is a wonderful way to not only open our minds but to teach us not to be judgmental.
Hi Barbara,
Blogging is Power.
I never really paid any attention to blogging. Until, I had a problem with changing an address on a cell phone shipment from virginmobile.com. The support person was giving me a couldn’t care less attitude so I asked for her supervisor. When he started in with “I’m sorry there is nothing I can do” line. I asked him for his name and said: “Richard, its up to you what I’m going to tell all my blogging buddies “about the great guy that helped me out at virginmobile.com when he didn’t have to” or “the total jerk who probably wouldnp’t lift a finger for his dying mother even if his job depended on it.” Its up to you, what do you want? Amazingly, all of a sudden he found a way to help me me out. Just with the threat of being blogged about. Since then I blog every chance I get.
Hi Daniel,
You’ve raised a good point. If someone thinks we might blog about an experience, they’re more apt to give us better service. Maybe company executives should use that concept as part of their training. i.e. “If you knew someone would be blogging about the service (or product) you’re providing, how will that affect how you handle the clients/customers?”
I guess my answer would be yes – since my blog has enabled a career change!
Hi Vered,
Isn’t that great how that happened. I’ll bet five years ago you would have never guessed you’d be a “blogger for hire”. Good job!
Yes, it’s a very valuable lesson learned, Barbara. Thanks very much once again!
You’re welcome, Mint Hill
You make some very good points.
One of the things I value most about blogging is “meeting” people I would not otherwise have met – especially from other countries. These people have provided me with insights I never considered and, simultaneously, seem to share my perspective in ways that friends who are geographically close don’t.
Thank you Linda,
That’s so true. It really doesn’t matter where we are geographically, there are others from all over the world who can teach and support us. Chances are, without a blog, we wouldn’t have some of the experiences or meet the people that we do.
The main lesson that blogging has taught (and is still teaching me) is that it’s the best and the most practical source of real information and ideas. I want to say that reading manuals and books on various topics can be boring and far from reality. While blogging you deal with professionals who don’t care (maybe) about theory but rely more on practice. Thus the knowledge they share is very practical.
Hi Anna,
You’ve raised a good point. If we can learn from someone who has actually “done it”, how they share the information will probably be more of a joy to read than a “dry” textbook or manual. Plus, they often share what pitfalls to avoid, as well.
Hi Barbara, what a great post! I doubt I would ever had visited the USA in quite the same way as I did last year had I not been a blogger. The connections I have made online with other people has been the biggest development for me.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Thank you Mandy,
I’ll bet your trip to the States was fun. You didn’t say if you met up with any blogging buddies, but if you did, that had to have been a thrilling experience, as well.
Completely agree. The blogosphere is a compassionate place – maybe because there are so many people to choose from, we manage to find the kind of people we click with.
Hi Indian Homemaker,
We do, don’t we? In real life we may not find like minded people, butlas you mentioned, with the blogosphere being so big, we’re bound to meet others whom we will befriend.
Hi Barbara.
I couldn’t help but notice the play on words — “a literal pat on the back.” Where blogging is concerned that is true. There are a lot of appreciative folk and those who are willing to step beyond the blogging world and connect further. I’ve made what I feel are valuable connections from blogging.
What I’ve learned is that offline, if something hits a nerve you don’t have as much time to assert yourself before reacting or responding. You have to think on your feet, where as, lol, with the online world you think on your seat 🙂 With the online world you at least have more of a chance to take a minute to collect your thoughts before pounding out your retort on the keyboard.
However… with the online world, it is easier to misunderstand something and not find out the truth, whereas in the offline world you have more to go on with vocal tone, facial expressions, and gestures, and more chance to avoid making assumptions.
You’re funny Davina,
“Think on your feet vs think on your seat.” Good one. 🙂
You’re right about how we can react slower online, or…not react at all, in some cases. Whereas offline, sometimes we’re pressured to come up with an answer fast.
And yes. When we’re typing a blog post or comment, what we say can be misconstrued. If we’re just joking around we can always throw in a smiley face, however some may still not find it funny.
Blogging has really helped me to make connections with people from all over the world. I would not have met many of these people otherwise.
It’s also opened me up to being more imaginative and resourceful when I see other people doing innovative things with their blogs.
Hi Richard,
Blogging sure is a great eye-opener, isn’t it? I think sometimes we forget to take our blinders off, but with blogging we get to see or hear so many viewpoints, we can’t help but become more open minded.
I’m continually amazed at the amount of talent which is displayed on blogs.
I like Daniel’s comment as consumer conflict is something we can all relate to. I just never thought about the use of blogging as leverage when talking with a customer service rep.! Good idea! Also, since I’m new to all this, my learning curve is on the way up – I started because I was attracted to an introvert’s blog that gave me comfort and sent me out searching for more. Thanks to many people I’ve found a new world and lots of ideas to ponder. Blogging might even help me learn to write better!
Hi Susan,
Welcome to the blogoshpere.
One thing you’ll find with blogging is many bloggers are also introverts and their blogs have become their outlets. And yes, blogging does teach us how to write better, but the real benefit comes from the community of fellow bloggers you’ll meet.
I agree that you can be friends with other bloggers without really meeting them personally. Would you believe that I invited a blogger friend to my wedding? Too bad he wasn’t able to come because he’s halfway around the world.
I learned that blogging is what you want it to be. It’s not that surprising anymore to see how blogs are being used nowadays.
Oh, and I learned that you can now blog without a blog. 😉
Hi Foundations,
That’s true. Friendships can develop online almost as easy as they do offline.
🙂 Yes. You can blog without a blog.
Like what you stated, we gain new relationships. We may meet our readers from a closer location and we can also build online relationships with people far from us. It’s like we write what we know, express our sentiments and yet have people who can relate to what we go through. Constant communication can be very significant to our growing process. 🙂
Hi Emily,
Isn’t blogging fun? Yes. Communication is important when building relationships online, just as it is offline. Fortunately when we’re online, there are no boundaries and it’s easy to make friends from near or afar.
The best part of blogging is receiving comments! In real life people hesitate to verdict you on what you have written, coz it might hurt/offend you. In the virtual world people like/criticize/share views on your blog nonchalantly. This is what I love the most!
Hi Emiley,
Comments are great, aren’t they. Not only do others share their views on our blogs, but by doing so, we get to learn more about them as well (by clicking on their link).
I’ve learned that how I treat individuals online will guarantee or destroy the success with whatever site/product I’m running. If I’m giving; I receive in return. It’s just how it’s always worked for me. I appreciate the time others give me – and hope to give time in return.
Hi Christian,
You’re right. When we show others we care, they reciprocate. Like you, I believe it’s karma. “What goes around, comes around”.
Hi barbara, Thanks for al the good information and reactions. Can you tell us how much time it takes a week to write a good blog, or how much time do you blog every week?
You’re welcome Madeira,
I wish there was a simple answer to your question. Depending on how often you post, how long your posts are, and how much time you take working behind the scenes, will determine how much time blogging takes.
That said, some bloggers only spend a few hours a week on their blogs, whereas for others it’s like a second full time job.
Blogging flung my thoughts right across seven seas. Usually very sure about myself, this time around I was caught up with so many apprehensions and fear. But to my delight many comments had a ‘alike’ nature to it. Of course there were many stupid negative comments to deter me from writing more. But that’s alright, now I want to write more.
Hi James,
That’s true. Blogging sends our thoughts and opinions around the world. Like you said, when we receive comments from like minded individuals, it brings us joy. As for the negative ones, they’re entitled to their opinions too, but hopefully their words don’t affect our love of writing/sharing/blogging.
Hi Barbara .. I’m catching up .. I agree with the others .. invaluable relationships, and learning – we can get support both for ourselves in our situations and from the technical side through self-learning via reading blogs .. both of these thoughts apply here with you.
The opportunities are huge .. the challenge is to act, as well as read and learn .. “less consumption – more creation” .. good motto for the year ahead.
Cheers – hope you’re well and the snow has abated and not caused you too many problems .. have a great year – Hilary
Hi Hilary,
Like you, I’ve been trying to catch up, too. 🙂
I agree. The opportunities blogging gives us is huge. It just becomes a matter of setting priorities and like your said, “…more creation”.
P.S. We had two measurable snowfalls this past week. Although we don’t complain because it means work for us, it sure messes with my sleep pattern. *yawn*
Hi Barbara .. oh oh – graveyard shift again .. is that why you’re up. Someone else mentioned it had just started snowing again .. and the north of England and particularly Scotland have had snow .. so it hasn’t completely gone this side of the pond – – – down here though fortunately we’re just damp!!
Cheers – sleep tight when you get there! Hilary
Teleclasses, Online work and Blogging have brought me happiness. I totally agree with you. Thanks Barbara for the great post.
You’re welcome John,
Good point. Teleclasses, online work and blogging are things we wouldn’t be able to do without the internet. It sure changes how we live, doesn’t it?
We learn friendship happens without physically meeting each other. Truth be told I’ve connected with some folks online in such good ways that they ar always ready to help me out and so am I. Through helping them out I’ve even been able to learn more about myself 😉
Hi Udegbunam Chukwudi,
Isn’t that the greatest? How we meet people online and via those connections we not only become better people, but make life long friendships along the way.
I think that experience is much more valuable than any book I have ever read. Get out there and see it first hand for the best results 🙂
Hi Christopher,
That’s true. Unless we experience all there is to being online, we’ll never know nor understand what others are talking about.
Hi,
Indeed these are all great things. I have recently started my blog and have learnt a lot over the last couple of months. There is so much more to learn still. Thanks for the info.