I have days when I LOVE blogging, days when I don’t feel like blogging and days when I ask myself why I continue to blog.
I also have days when I wonder what I did with my time before I started blogging.
Today’s Lesson
We all have our reasons why we started our blog, and we all have our reasons why we continue.
The things I like about blogging are:
- The blogging/writing process.
- Sharing what I’ve learned.
- Hearing/reading your thoughts and opinions.
- Coding and design.
- Interaction with others.
- Visiting other blogs and admiring the variety of themes and layouts.
- Learning more about other bloggers via their posts and comments
- Blogging exercises my brain and expands my knowledge base.
- The potential a blog has to increase our exposure for business endeavors.
- Blogs give us the ability to earn a passive income.
The things I like about blogging are also the things that keep me motivated to continue on.
What about you?
Today’s Assignment
What keeps you blogging?
Have you ever wanted to quit?
Care to share?
~Barbara
A while ago I was blogging from passion, and I was writing a lot. With the time passing by I became more and more busy with other stuff and now I have less than half the time I had before. And I use this time to blog for a niche which could bring me affiliate revenue.
Hi Laptorpuri,
That’s a good point. With most of us only having so many hours to blog, we need to use that time in the manner that will benefit us the most.
I like it because it lets me share what I know and/or experience, and connect with other bloggers.
In other words, a sharing connection. *ahem*
Hi Kelvin,
Yes. Blogging is great for sharing and connecting. And…it lets us connect with others from all over the world. Sweet, hey?
I blog because I like writing, I like sharing what is going on in my life and my thoughts about what is going on in the world. I also like finding recipes for people (and me) to try.
Hi Jo,
Mmmmm. Recipes. Those are always a hit. What a great combination – you get to enjoy writing and entice your readers with food. 🙂
P.S. I just clicked over to your blog. The mayonnaise biscuits look scrumptious, and appear to be super simple to make.
Sharing my photos and other stuff — plus much of what you listed.
Hi Mike,
I like the photos you share, and the work you’re doing on the Civil War is fascinating, too. Blogs make for the perfect place to share, don’t they?
Sometimes love of writing, sometimes sharing my observations, sometimes self-gratification and sometimes plain blogging for the sake of blogging.
Hope that suffices, dear Barbara.
Hope you’ve been well and happy.
Joy always,
Susan
Thank you Susan,
That’s true. Different moods can motivate us to blog. And I like how our mood can also affect what we post and how we write. We never know, do we?
All’s well in my world and I hope the same holds true for you. 🙂
Hi Barbara,
What I like about blogging:
-The process of writing that is entertaining, allows me to put my thoughts in order and helps me learn a little more about the language use.
-The possibility of connecting with other people with similar ideas and concepts with whom can be a mutual feeding, and connecting with people of different ideas and concepts that helps expand the vision.
-The possibility of “telling” what I think without having to grab someone and force him/her to listen to what I say, getting them bored to death. Everyone is free to visit or not a blog; nobody is forced to read.
That is mainly why I keep blogging, although some times it becomes overwhelming when activities in the physical world get out of hand, reducing the attention a blog needs. But there’s no intention or desire to quit…this is too much fun! 🙂
Raul
Hi Raul,
Yes! Blogging is a lot of fun.
I like what you said about putting stuff “out there”. It not only lets us vent, but we know if someone is reading, we’re being listened to. In the real world, blogging talk can often result in that look of boredom and disinterest.
I’m pretty sure any blogger who does it long-term loves writing. For people who dislike writing, maintaining a blog quickly becomes a hated chore (unless it’s a photo blog I guess).
Hi Vered,
That’s true. For someone who doesn’t like to write, blogging could quickly become an unwanted chore.
Hi Barbara,
It’s been a while since I visited but am glad to have a bit of time to check around again!
I have a personal blog going on nine years now and I keep it alive because I love to write. Just as Vered said (above) that any blogger who keeps at it long term loves writing. I don’t have a lot of readers but that’s fine with me. (Yes, I’d love more but I’m okay as it is.)
On my professional blog, I have so many things to say about so many things and since that’s just a little over a year old, I have lots of room to grow!
I’m catching up with your posts now – hope all has been well!
Hi Lisa,
It’s good to see you again. I hope you’re doing good, too.
That’s a good point. When we have a lot of resources to draw from, and have a love of writing, we know our blog will be around for a long time to come.
Hi Barbara .. it’s the connection that’s been the surprise .. why I’m surprised I do not know! because people are great and I should have known that.
I’m learning so much about the net, so much about writers, publishing etc .. and the opportunities that are out there.
My mind has certainly been expanded .. even my mother said on Saturday .. she was amazed at how much I’d learnt/knew but put out into blog form .. and she always remembers Washington’s teeth .. I blogged about him (them) in December ..
Jannie asks if I know – or I look it up .. I confessed a bit of both! It’s fun and I enjoy the huge learning curve .. someone said my brain is a sponge for information .. sadly I’m not a polymath .. and much goes by the board!!
Cheers have a great week in Bend!!! Hilary
Hi Hilary,
Like you, I enjoy that learning curve. We never know where the next click will lead, do we?
Yes. The connections we make via blogging is a pleasant surprise. It’s hard to explain to someone who doesn’t blog, but when it happens, it hooks us.
Cheers and ((hugs)) to you and your Mum.
Blogging forces me to be organize my thoughts and be organized enough to get a post off on a semi-regular basis. Readers are a bonus. 🙂
Hi Fred,
That’s a good point. If we want our blog to stay alive, we are forced to be semi organized with our thoughts. And, when we know others are reading, that can make us feel we need to be more accountable, too.
One word: passion. On the side, it’s also nice to receive testimonials that my written word has helped.
Hey Evelyn,
I have to agree with you, it is a pretty darn neat feeling when you get a note seemingly out of nowhere thanking you for inspiration on something you might have written. Sometimes, it can feel like no one is listening. Then, that one email, that one comment, that one testimonial makes you feel just so darn good because you’ve inspired someone somewhere to take action.
Hi Evelyn,
I agree. Passion is a wonderful motivator. And like you said, when we find out our words have helped others, that’s an unexpected and welcomed bonus.
Hi Barbara,
I’ll fall right in line with those who commented that they love to write – and with those who have the intention to share what they know or have experienced. Clearly it’s a passion and I think you either have it — or not. The blogging hobbyist soon quits and moves on to something else. I frankly cannot imagine NOT blogging for a myriad of reasons, though I do wonder what I’d do with the time I spend? It isn’t much as I said last week because my blogger file is full of drafts I throw together for re-edit/additions at a later date. I think I may be in an area where the topics are endless so that sure helps!
hugs
suzen
Hi SuZen,
That’s true. We see many blogs get started, but like you said, if the blog author doesn’t like to write, or finds out blogging isn’t as easy as it looks, they soon give it up.
Me, too. I cannot see NOT blogging or having my hand in some aspect of it. It’s a real joy, isn’t it?
((hugs)) back at you.
I let myself be driven by how I feel. I’m currently recording the past 3 months or so on my site – I’ve been thru quite the character-building experience that caused my writing to slow down dramatically.
Still, though, everything happens for a reason, and I’m glad to have experienced it.
Hi Barbara,
Wow! You’ve taken on a huge project – to record your posts. That’s a great idea. I’ll come by soon and “hear” what you have to say. 🙂
Sometimes it is just nice to be able to have a venue to share and express and vent. Now, I am not saying that a blog should just be about venting, but the ability is always reserved if needed.
Hey Robert,
I like to think of it as a place to collaborate 🙂 Differences of opinion are welcomed and feedback should only be given if it’s constructive (nothing rude and outta left field).
Hi Robert,
That’s true. A blog can make a great place to vent, but like you said, we certainly don’t want to vent in every post. I think that could drive readers away.
I have something to say and now after almost 3 years I have a good number of readers and feel like some folks are listening.
I also don’t want to fall behind – I have so many friends who do not use the Internet to their advantage and benefit in any way – they think it is for the young….I like the equality of blogging and hope the “bad guys” don’t mess up a great thing. I have great hope for the future and I for one do not want to be left out.
Remember that moment when you got your first post ever! Good feeling wasn’t it? It’s exciting. I’ll have to look what my first comment was… But when you look back and see how much momentum you’ve gained, it’s a good sense of accomplishment 🙂
Hi Patricia,
You’ve brought up a good point. Blogging can help us stay abreast with the latest technological and social networking developments. Being a part of it not only helps to keep us informed, but can help to expand our knowledge base even as we age.
I’ve gone through many revisions but at first, I blogged because I wanted to share my personal thoughts and experiences with others as a way for me to collaborate and share experiences. I suppose I still do that to some extent today only my topic(s) have differed a little.
I write about what motivates me: technology, marketing. Basically, finding ways for the small business owner to succeed because I was one. I’ve been there. I know their challenges.
Anyway, I have two blogs: company and personal. Managing them can be tough so yes, sometimes it is a bit daunting. But ultimately, whenever that ‘one’ comments comes in, it creates that momentum that I’m looking for!
Hi Ricardo,
That’s true. Blogging can have its challenges, but like you said, when those comments come in or we know what we shared will help others, we’re inspired to keep on keeping on.
P.S. It’s great to see you. 🙂
A love of writing, the joy of connecting and the drive of curiosity…a blog does wonders for each of those motivators. I’m not tired of blogging at all, after one year, but I’m sure we all evolve and change. I will just let it unfold.
Hi Amy,
Yes. It does evolve, and usually into something unexpected. 🙂
Your comment reminds me of how when we first start blogging, a year seems so far away, but then when we pass that first year anniversary and look back to how far we’ve come, we realize blogging has taught us more than we ever imagined.
like it because it lets me share what I know and/or experience, and connect with other bloggers.
Hi Vincent,
I agree. Blogs are a great way to share and to meet others.
Blogging has been my hobby since I was in college. First, I don’t think about the money that I get from blog, but, after I get married I realize that blog gives me passive income even more. Now, I do love blog because it’s my hobby and giving me extra income besides my income from become employee on office, even, my wife helps me to handle my blog when I’m busy on my office, and she loves blogging too.
Hi DailyAppNews,
Your blog has worked out well for you. I like how now you also have your wife involved. It sounds like a fun, money making family project. Congratulations!
For me blogging has become a habit, something that I do every day. Somehow blogging it’s the routine that keeps me in touch with the world, so I wouldn’t want to give this away!
Hi Mia,
It’s a good habit, isn’t it? Like you, blogging has become part of my life, too. I don’t know about you, but I find it very enjoyable.
I have to be honest. I started blogging to share how my mom get cured of breast cancer without chemo, by herself. And because now she is struggling with thyroid cancer and I need to know more how to help her. And now I am addicted and I have more topics I write on…….
Hi Elena,
That’s a fabulous reason to start a blog. I’ll bet many have been helped by what you shared. I’m sending prayers your way and hope your Mom gets well soon. I know it can’t be easy for you, but hopefully talking about it on your blog helps.
I really enjoy blogging. I like the process of writing something and being creative with my writing. At the same time, I have complete editorial control, so I can write what I like to write about. Of course, I stay within my niche (relatively) but that just encourages me to keep learning about my subject matter. Overall, I do it because I’m having fun doing it.
Hi Richard,
That’s a good point. When we pick a niche, in order to keep blogging about the topic, we’re “forced” to learn more. Before long you’ll be seen as an expert and could end up as the “go to” guy for your niche.
Hi Barbara,
I adore blogging. I guess one reason is I have never tied my blog to a niche so I have the freedom to write about just what I like.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
That’s true. When we don’t have a niche, we’re open to write about whatever we choose. Not only can that make it easier, but it gives our readers a chance to see more than just one side of us (and our opinions).
I love blogging! I’ve been blogging since 1997 (or 8, can’t remember) and it feels wrong if I’m *not* blogging. Something is just missing from my life if I don’t blog.
Only recently have I considered writing for fun and profit, though. It’s changed the dynamic a bit. And with a baby at home, plus a full-time freelance writing gig and online college courses, not a day goes by that I don’t wonder why I’m still insisting on blogging. I should quit school, quit blogging, and just focus on the munchkin and work.
…But if I did that, I’d never get out of the rut of working for somebody else. I’ve made progress by taking the plunge and becoming a freelance writer. Now I just need to go a bit further and build my internet empire. one blog post at a time.
Delena
Hi Delena,
Wow! You’re a busy woman. I like your attitude. You see what is possible for the future and like you said, with “one blog post at a time”, you’re on your way there. I wish you all the best and know you can do it. 🙂
I seem to get stressed about the fact that i can never take out the time or think of anything to blog about!!! It’s so difficult and i don’t want to only blog about things i’m irritated about which seems to be my trigger point! I’ve been trying to make more of an effort though and keep a pen and paper in my bag to make notes when i do think of something to write about!
Hi Jambaroo,
That’s a great idea to keep a pen and paper with you so you can jot down ideas for blog posts instead of only using your blog to vent (although that’s okay, too). What I’ve found works good for me is to think about who’s reading my posts and pretend I’m talking to them in person and explaining what I’ve learned.
Hi Barbara,
commenting after a long time. hope you are doing well.
to respond to your question, I started blogging because I thought this was a good way of expressing myself … then I started meeting people online and reading their thoughts, sharing ideas with them, listening to their stories/opinion, became my motivation. Today I think I do it for both, but more importantly I believe that we are part of an exciting transition where the world has one foot in an era where things were stable, static and predictable, and another in an ever changing, completely unpredictable space where the life that we believe we knew, no longer exists in the earlier format, no one knows what tomorrow brings.
Blogging, to me, has the capability of capturing the essence of this dichotomy that the world is going through by recording millions of people’s thoughts, stories, opinions and perspectives.
Hi Sharbori,
It’s great to see you. I’m great and I hope all is well in your world, too. 🙂
I like the way you put that – how you see blogging as a bridge between two “worlds”. That’s true, especially if we think of how it used to be, and how it is now. Having a blog, and engaging in social networking is not only a great way to stay abreast of the changes, but like you said, we’re part of the transition, too.
Hi, Barbara. Now my turn to reveal my soul 🙂 I do blogging to make myself study and learn something new. I mean when I read other people’s blogs and comments I understand many things that were closed to me. I want to be an expert, well, maybe not an expert but a person who knows the topic and can talk about it.
Hi Anna,
You’re right. Blogging is an excellent way to learn more by reading posts, writing, researching and hearing what others say in the comments, too. Not only can that get us closer to being a well rounded person, but as you said, it makes us sound more informed when the topic comes up.
Hi Barbara .. I have a query .. I’ve just been ‘ticked off’ for replying to a comment on my blog, with a reply-comment of my own on my own blog ..
.. the suggestion being that I should go across to their blog to reply – ie on a totally different subject .. also they said they’d left their URL in fact they hadn’t ..
I just find the whole concept strange and said so .. the comment stream is here .. if you came over to my Content is Passion post, or my recent post on Gardens .. it’d be a bit odd if I replied here ..
Surely context is relative to that place (ie blog?) Sometimes I feel like I live on another planet! You can see the exchange on my Content is Passion post (two before the present one) ..
Just a query .. cheers H
Hi Hilary,
I read the comments you’re talking about and like you, have never heard of such a thing. Comment sections on our blogs are meant for replying to our readers/commenters about our specific topic. It doesn’t make any sense to click through to the commenters blog and respond when their blog post could be about something totally different.
I wouldn’t worry about it. It sounds like they’ve misconstrued “reciprocating comments” to mean something different than it is.
Hi Barbara .. I’m not – just sort of wanted confirmation .. such an odd thing to pop up ..
Don’t tell me snow is in the air again .. sleep tight when you get there .. cheers Hilary
Yes! I’ve wanted to quit and have tried a couple times. I almost deleted my blog and started a post to do it but I didn’t. I keep getting sucked back in! Blogging has got a hold of me and I can’t seem to break away no matter how busy I get. Sometimes I just need to write my thoughts and share them with others. I can’t explain it but I know you know what I’m talking about. 🙂
I’d go with #6 and of course going through the learning process in all aspects. Learning something new in your readers and the comments they give, looking at their blogs, reading what they shared…It’s always nice to be able to interact with people you may or may not have met personally and it’s always interesting to do so.
I totally agree with you. The ten things you mentioned here are precisely the things that bloggers stand for. It’s the passion to interact with people and having the opportunity to share what you know and at the same time exchange ideas with your readers. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Barbara! I’m not an active blogger as for today, but I used to run a personal blog earlier. Why was I blogging then? Well, I wanted to dive into myself and kind of explore my life perception with the help of my blog. I did it just for myself, because it’s easier to put things together in the written form. I quit it when I realized that it no more helped me. Some period of my life ended at that time. Today I work sometimes as a freelance copywriter, and I plan to launch a commercial blog to improve my writing skills and maybe earn some money online.
Thanks for the article and for such a great blog on the whole!
-Claire
Hello Barbara,
Me too, I agree with you on what you discussed above on blogging. Many doesn’t seem to understand why do we just love blog. My primary reason is that blogging is fun and aside from that, it may also give you an extra income if you find the right place and the right scheme. Another great thing is, it allows you to share of your knowledge on any specific topic to many online. It allows you to help those who needs help. They must understand, after all its much better than socializing in the internet.
I am a professional blogger, so a blog provides me with a possibility to express my opinion, knowledge and exchange experience with other people. Also, blogging is in some degree is a hobby. I like blogging because writing interesting stories and article gives me a pleasure. Also promoting a blog I get experience in SEO and internet marketing.
Barbara, sometime blogging can relief our stress 🙂
There came no time when I wanted to quit blogging although there were times when I lose interest but I can fight this feeling and continue blogging –sometimes, the mood is not just that good for blogging. Just same as what you posted, what keeps me blogging are the people I have interacted with. I could never stop blogging because they keep on going back to my blogs. I don’t want to disappoint them because they really have good things to share and I also learn from their feedbacks and comments. Thanks Barbara for this post! I appreciate it!
I love to write and writing is more fun if you have interested readers. Also, our family deeply needed another income and I could not add a second job without perishing under the weight of it all. Then “write” came into my head. I love to write and prayed that I would find a way to turn it into a nice income. It’s starting to pay off, slowly but surely. And I’m having fun!
I like Blogging so much because it takes away my free time.
I love to blog. I have started blogging before 2 years. Actually i didn’t know much blogging tricks. now i 80 % blogging tricks. blogging is interesting to do and can earn money.
Have just started blogging.. well, will see in a while what it’s like))
Once I used to blog only as a hobby. I didn’t know that blogging could be a method of income generation. At the time of graduation I was preparing for competitive examination to get a job in Banks. I used to search Internet for examination tips. During the hunt for information I realized that a lots of Blogs are just eager to help students without charging any fees. But I couldn’t understand why they are wasting there time just for helping strangers? And answer to this question changed my life. I gathered lots of information about how bloggers are earning money, How to chose a niche, How to build readers base etc.
Currently I am blogging on the same topic once I used to search few years back. During this period I learned lots of thing and this is the real beauty of blogging.
Hi Barbara Swafford,
I never noticed that these were the points keeping me firmly attached to blogging. Very nice article especially 10 points which you brought out about liking blogging were very innovative and interesting.
Blogging is a way of expressing your inner thoughts and yourself. I want to blog someday. I really admire blogs that inspire me . And we will also learn from the comments of readers. ..
Great blog! thanks for sharing…..
First, I just blog because I want to express my points of view through poems and free verses. Now, I just blog to share some updated news. I like the idea that blogs is giving their owners the ability to earn a passive income.
This post really gives me a smile on my face. I’m new to blogging and I remembered the very first day I bought my domain name, I did ask myself “Why Blog?”.
I’m actually a full time mom and earning money online is my way of helping out in my family. I’m thankful enough that I can actually work at home with my son.
I actually blog, in the hope that I could catch referrals and earn from it too. ^.^
Great clean blog! Thanks for the article! keep it up! ^.^
Hi Barbara! The lesson today was kind of inspiring and motivating, especially for newbie bloggers like me and my family.
We just recently started blogging because we wanted to share our thoughts and experiences on many topics such as lifestyles, nail art designs, cooking, games, sports, and of course, matters of the heart.
Oh and thanks for the lesson. We learned so much from it. We are hoping you would give more valuable and professional tips in blogging. It would really help us in the future. Thanks again and may God bless you all! ^^
Hi,
I would like share other countries culture,festival,events etc..and blog is the best way to keep touching around the world and its also help me learning more things from other blogs and commentators
this time i am preparing to blog about Indian festival Raksha Bhandhan
thank you for this blog.. the reason why i blog is that, I really love to share everything i know about exercises.. if this is really our passion, then, there’s no way we can’t blog.. If blogging will make us happy, then, we don’t do it to make other people thank us or give us some compliments in return, but just for the sake of our happiness… thank you for your blog.. it really make sense..
Hello Barbara,
Me too, I agree with you on what you discussed above on blogging. Many doesn’t seem to understand why do we just love blog. My primary reason is that blogging is fun and aside from that, it may also give you an extra income if you find the right place and the right scheme. Another great thing is, it allows you to share of your knowledge on any specific topic to many online. It allows you to help those who needs help. They must understand, after all its much better than socializing in the internet.
Hey Barbara,
I am a freelancer. I do all seo jobs. That’s why my friends try to learn something about seo from me. Only for their request i start my blogging journey. I think share is the main reason for my blog.