May 16, 2006
On Blogging
Yabu asks a question, and would like an honest answer.
Attention All Bloggers...or K-Mart Shoppers...Blue Light Special on Isle 2.While I'd like to say that I haven't a clue, that would be a lie; however, the main reason keeps changing with my situation.Do you blog for the hits, or you do this shit for some other reason? And if so, what is it and why?
I'm just curious.
I dare you to tell the truth.
When I first got started, it was to shut Harvey up, though, I will admit, I was pretty excited about getting it started. I really didn't know how things would pan out, but it was fun.
As I started writing my drivel, I got to loving it. It was a release. A way to vent the things that I thought of, trying to distract myself, during my work day. Hits had nothing to do with it. But I will admit, the thought that anyone was reading me was pretty damn cool. I thought that 30 - 40 hits a day was pretty sweet, and never really expected to get much more than that. And I was satisfied with it.
Now that I'm not working, it's changed yet again. Now, for some ungodly reason, I'm up to around 140 to 160 hits a day. And I seem to actually pay attention to it... I never did before. Part of it is that I like the communication; although, I've been terrible at keeping up with my blogrolls. Another part is that it's interesting to see some of the searches that bring folks around, and where visitors are from.
I'll probably never hit a steady 200 hits a day, and I'm cool with that. My writing isn't anything fancy, and it's not exactly proper, but it's for me. To have others laugh and comment about some of my scribblings is a huge side benefit.
Another benefit, and probably the reason that I've been doing it lately, is that I've had the opportunity to meet many bloggers... most all of them are damn good peeps.
Hanging with the peeps; that seems to be my main motivation.
Posted by That 1 Guy at May 16, 2006 05:31 PMHanging with the peeps...and then calling them old. Bastard! :-)
Posted by: Jerry at May 16, 2006 07:00 PMI'm not really sure why I do it, hits are nice, but if it was just that I'd probably give up since mine aren't that high and have stagnated for a while now.
I think it's mostly that I like having a platform to make fun of whatever or whoever I feel like at the time. I'm certainly not doing anything to improve life as we know it.
Posted by: tommy at May 16, 2006 07:31 PMFinding people out there whom you had never had a chance to cross paths with before... makes it pretty incredible. You're one of the reasons I'm glad I started.
Posted by: RSM at May 16, 2006 08:19 PMI have been shooting pictures for about 40 years & always from the heart. But thru the years I noticed a dullness in my day to day work. (I am a staff photographer for the Charleston Daily Mail ) I tried several different approaches to find the love again. None of them worked. My work is prominently displayed in the pages of my paper as well as many national & international publications but I never really get any feedback. I have several worldwide agencies that handle my work (Getty, Zumma,Associated Press,etc) & the same here. I might as well be selling a bag of potato chips from my point of view. A publisher once beaming in the newsroom announced that one of my pictures was dominat on page one of the New York Times & USA Today. The truth here is that he was impressed with where it was displayed not the image itself. I love what I do & it still can come from the heart, but it is work. Strange how work is now second nature. So I started a blog & post pictures that I feel for, or have a connection, or even to reach out to see if anyone is interested in what is. So I guess I do it in hopes that I might have some impact on life for I do believe that life is about learning. That someone might look at my site & it cause a smile or it will cause a thought while waiting for the light to turn later in the day. I don't feel that I need to know that but it is an incentive, a motivator when someone emails or leaves a comment. I did put on a counter just to see if there was any traffic & I was surprised. I get very few to my site but it keeps me looking for the odd angle or something that not many get to see & I can be the vehicle, maybe.
Posted by: Tom Hindman at May 16, 2006 09:07 PMI should also add to my comment that I also have found enjoyment from sites as yours that I feel come from the heart & not filtered through an array of editors.
Posted by: Tom Hindman at May 16, 2006 09:10 PMNever follow a comment by Tom Hindman, kids, or animals. Jessh tough act to follow...
"most of them are damn good peeps"...
MOST?
HA!
Hell, I thought it was to expand the drinking realm.
at least to find better if not just more people to drink with.
Sounds about right to me. :)
Posted by: Richmond at May 17, 2006 03:53 AMYep, in it for the peeps!
Posted by: oddybobo at May 17, 2006 07:46 AMI blog because the voices in my head tell me to.
If I blogged for traffic or comments, I'd blog about something more interesting to people.
Posted by: Contagion at May 17, 2006 05:30 PMAm I blodgin'? Hell, I thought I was just spoutin' off, bein' an asshole and pokin' fun at people I met 'long the way. My goal is to avoid gettin' hit. Especially people bigger 'en me, or by fast movin' vehichles with somebody shavin' in 'em or puttin' on makeup. I'm simple man. Simple.
Posted by: RedNeck at May 17, 2006 08:00 PMSanity. It helps me stay sane. My own personal therapy. Although, I think there is a debate currently raging as to whether sanity is even achievable for me... lost cause and all that jazz. Damn kids. Bah!
Posted by: Bou at May 18, 2006 05:40 AMFor the money. And the fame. So people will recognize me at restaurants and want to have their picture taken with me.
Posted by: Ogre at May 18, 2006 11:33 AMin response to that most ridiculous question that truely doesn't deserve and answer, but what the hell... I'll play. I blog for personal insight and for anyone that wants to read my twisted mind's thoughts.
I've started a couple blogs before, and it isn't about the hits, it's about releasing what you believe, getting something out of your head that keeps circling and speaking out.
Apparently this person has never heard of freedom of speech.
that's my part of the game... NEXT.
Posted by: Scarlett at May 19, 2006 08:12 AMI just wanted to show off my graffiti currency :-)
Now I do it for the power it gives me over other people's lives ("you should really start a blog!")
Anyway, your writing's improved dramatically in the last few months. I can smell the influence of Straight White Eric's life-blogging style. Which is a good thing.
I think you've finally found your voice as a story-teller, and I expect your traffic will continue to creep upwards at a slow-but-steady pace.
Posted by: Harvey at May 23, 2006 07:21 AM
