For the next 20 days I’m participating in an online writing class. This is supposed to challenge me and push me to become a better writer. Here goes twenty minutes of freestyle writing.
On any given day I have a lot on my mind. I’m constantly evaluating my life, my purpose, my relationships and my blog. Lately I’ve been trying to decide why I’m blogging and my intended audience. Do I want to be a popular blogger? Do I want the coveted viral post? Am I blogging for my friends and family and the small community of bloggers? I have no answers. What I have is a lot of stuff going on in my head that I want to write about. I want to share it with others but I haven’t defined the others.
Who cares what I have to say? I’m not an expert. My expetiences are unique to me but they aren’t unique to the world. Why do I share my personal stories?
I think that I think too much. But what can I say? I’m a contemplating procrastinator who reads a lot into the meaning of life.
Enough about me.
Why are you here? What do you get from reading this blog or any other blog? Stephen Covey says seek first to understand in his Seven Habits of Highly Successful People. That’s always a good starting point. What are we, the reading audience looking for in a blog?
I’ll start. I’m looking for authenticity. I want relevance. Depending on the topic I want references. If you are quoting research I want authors and links. If you are quoting someone I want to see credit given. I don’t mind tears or laughter or deep thought. I like personality and heart to show through. I’m probably not going to read anything that is exceptionally long. I’ll scan. I also like to read the comments. That’s more entertaining at times.
Here is the next part. Comments. How do you get others to comment? I’ve learned that blogging is reciprocal. You gotta like posts and comment to receive them. It’s work, it’s commitment and it’s time. If you aren’t involved in the blogging community you have to have great consistent posts that people like.
Back to me, I don’t post on a regular basis. I have about 15 posts that I’ve stated but not completed. I know that if I want to build a readership I need to post something on a regular basis. I’m working on consistency. I trying to get to the point where my audience knows when to stop by.
That’s why I’m participating in this challenge. I’m ready to commit to my blogs. I want to become a better writer.
Oh and I realized that typing for 20 minutes is difficult but I did it. I feel accomplished. Applause is welcomed. I shall curtsie and exit stage right.
All That Chatter 
#applauding
Getting comments is totally reciprocal. You gotta give some to get some for sure. For me, I blog because I think I’d go insane if I didn’t. It’s like a itch that needs to be scratched.
You know us readers now a days. We want consistent, short content that’s easily understandable blah blah blah. No one has the time.
I look forward to reading more of your work!
-M
I graciously accept your applause. Thank you for commenting. I giggle at some articles I’ve seen that list 70 things you should do, remember or whatever. Seventy?!? Really? I’m lucky to remember my phone number. Short is my kinda post.
Amen sister!
Many of these thoughts have crowded my busy mind before.
“I’ve learned that blogging is reciprocal. You gotta like posts and comment to receive them.” The caveat to this: You also have to post comments of substance to actually build these relationships.
Blogging is a lot of hard work. I have found that I’ve let some of the pressure go by not concentrating on my intended audience or what comes next, but simply on the content. Content is king!
Relationship…you’re right. It’s not just random comments but is building relationships. Thanks for stopping by.
I think your post covers what all, or at least most of us think about, or at least cover when we start blogging. It was lovely to read.
Thanks for reading and commenting More Than. I’m looking forward to seeing how we all grow. Maybe I’ll have answers by then.
Haha maybe, if you ever figure it out let me know.
This post was very enlightening for me since I’m new to WordPress, it gave me a lot to consider! Thank you for sharing!
Mission accomplished. I write so that one person will have an experience that helps, create thoughts or just makes them smile.
Very good post.
It certainly touched on a lot of the same questions that I have about blogging (and life in general, I guess).
Also, I’m stealing the term ‘contemplating procrastinator’. 🙂
Good morning artman. I’ll have to follow you just to see if, when and how you use contemplating procrastinator.
I hate writing but I love reading, whenever I see that you have a new post I come out and read it, I never considered that I should post a comment. I can’t say that I have blogs that I follow, normally when i read a blog other than yours its by happenstance, is that even a word? I read your blogs because they have a rawness about them, I like that you can share your story in a manner that is down to earth and encouraging at the same time, but I might be biased, I think you are an amazing person :-). Keep writing and I will remember to post a comment every now and then.
Big smile! Thank you Claudia for taking the time to comment and for reading my posts. I really do pour my heart into my writing. I’m glad you take the time to read.
I appreciate your honesty and how you seek relevance. Relevance is crucial and some people do not understand this. I cannot enjoy a read without it, so kudos for your sensitivity in relaying your thoughts to your audience! It needed said! I enjoyed your post!
Thank you for following my blog. I understand where you are coming from when you say you probably won’t read long posts. I cannot endure really long posts. For me, the posts that keep it short, sweet and to the point are the ones I will read. I don’t understand why some people think the longer their posts are, the better. If you are new to WP, welcome!
I read from my iPhone. The words are small. The less I have to strain my eyes the better. Thanks for stopping by.
I think many of us feel the same way. If you are having fun with it–continue. That’s how I feel about all the activities I do with my extra time. I like writing. Does it matter if anyone reads it? Maybe not, I had fun writing it and I am practicing and improving.
I have enjoyed interacting with the various bloggers via these writing exercises and glad I decided to take part.
This writing class has been great. I love how they are challenging us. My creativity is being pushed to a new level. I’m with you I like the new bloggers we are meeting, reading the stories and you’re right, writing for an audience of none is okay.