Why We Blog

Mitch Joel has raised some interesting questions about blogging in his latest article The Real Work Has Yet To Begin. It discusses the reasons why former bloggers or podcasters give up when ‘the real work’ gives them no time for this activity they see as a distraction or optional extra. He argues that blogging does constitute real work as it helps a company or individual to get more of what the former bloggers term ‘proper work’.
Personally, I think he’s right. Well, he is at least for the job he does and for the level at which he works. Firstly, he’s a journalist. Writing is part of his work and if nothing else, a blog gives him the opportunity to demonstrate his craft. Secondly, being in the social networking and marketing industry, his blog is a practical example of how blogging can help a company to grow and thrive. Furthermore, it gives him the right to write about blogging, podcasting and other web based social networking.
For the rest of us, particularly those starting right at the bottom with an audience of nil, keeping going is not quite so straightforward. What to write about is a major issue. ‘Write what you know,’ they say, and ‘don’t write trivia’ about the family dog or the kids. Trouble is, that’s what’s part of people’s lives. It is what they know and they don’t see it as trivial. I would argue that if they do it well then no problem. One of my favourite blogs is by someone who works in Starbucks. Her entries are of no great importance but the anecdotes she relates and her chatty, informal style have enabled her to build an audience to the extent that she feels confident enough to ask for tips. So, I make no apologies for trivia, particularly when I tweet.
Another good reason for blogging at the bottom and keeping going is at least it is a way of displaying a writing ability and developing a suitable style. And the more we do it, hopefully the blog will improve. And who knows? We might even get an audience.
So if, like me, you’re just starting out, why not treat your blog as a morning constitutional? Get up (a bit earlier perhaps?). Bathroom stuff. Enough clothing to be decent. Coffee. Blog.