I first started blogging back in 2010. Yikes. That was another world. I was wide-eyed and bushy-tailed with big dreams. Blogging was going to lead me onto the path to greatness. I chuckle now.
When a new writer asks me if they should start a blog, I tell them that I wouldn't recommend it. Blogging isn't as big as it used to be. I honestly think there are more writers on blogs than readers.
If your audience is writers, then sure! Blog away! If you write non-fiction, then yes, blogging might work for you. If you love, love, love writing longer content for your interested readers, then yes, blogging is for you.
There is, of course, other reasons to blog.
The IWSG question of the month: Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?
This is the reason I continue blogging after all these years. The friends I've made*. I blog to stay in touch, to help where I can, and to share a little extra of what I do that I don't share on other social media platforms. And--gasp--it's enjoyable.
*I couldn't possibly name all the friends I've made. If I tried, I'd inevitably leave someone out, and I don't want to do that.
What do you love about writing or reading blogs?
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As I said in my post, the Golden Age of blogging is in the past, but there are some die hards plugging away. Some of my blogger friends are as close as 'real' friends. And I've learned so much by reading writers' blogs. But, yes, readers aren't surfing blogs - they hang on FB, Instagram etc.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Just because we may not have met in real life most of the friends we've found via blogging, they are still close friends.
DeleteHi Lynda - I must say ... I don't really know - I just blog ... am delighted to have been doing it for 13+ years ... and even though I don't intend to publish ... it's taught me much and there's always people to advise ... also it's a wonderful friendly place - and I've met many I'd have never have had that opportunity in the old life. Stay safe - Hilary
ReplyDeleteWow, 13 plus years is brilliant.
DeleteExactly how I feel. I continue blogging because of the friends and connections here. I couldn't name names either for fear of forgetting someone important.
ReplyDeleteYou are a major reason why I keep blogging :)
DeleteI started blogging in 2005 and despite all of the changes, the friends here are still very important and make it worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteYep, I think the friends make it worthwhile too.
DeleteSame here. I've been blogging since 2009, and so many of the folks I used to follow have moved on, or sadly, passed on. Yet, I can't let go of my blog or this group. It's a place I can go online to express myself, read others of like mind (writers) and know that I don't have to be slapped in the face with someone's strong opinion, unless I choose to be. I feel like we are the diehards...(or maybe the dinosaurs) but so be it!
ReplyDeleteFriendships bind us together in the best way possible.
DeleteI blog for the friendship too, but also because it's a way I can help people. It does make me sad how few people blog anymore because it is a much better way to make true friends and say more than other social media platforms.
ReplyDeleteYour site has been, and continues to be, a great help.
DeleteCompletely agree! I've made amazing connections through my bog and I'll continue to do it because of my friends - but I don't sell a lot of books that way :)
ReplyDeleteNope, it's not a strong book selling avenue.
DeleteI do now think the social media platforms are a better bet if you're trying to reach readers, but I keep up the monthly IWSG post. For me it's a better way of keeping up with my friends and the support is second to none.
ReplyDeleteYep, same here. :)
DeleteYou're so right. Blogging to stay in touch is a perfect reason to continue.
ReplyDeleteMany of those who have stopped blogging, seem to have simply disappeared.
DeleteLife does change. I've been close to dropping out a few times. But I just reduced my commitment and that made it possible for me to continue.
DeleteAhh, I blog mostly to learn about writing, upon occasion something else that catches my attention. When I first started blogging, many of my friends and relatives didn't, and most still don't, read blogs. They're waiting for my books. and mostly flash fic, though we didn't know it was called that in those days.
ReplyDeleteBlogs do have lots of ideas and tips on writing.
DeleteStaying in touch through blogging is the best reason to blog. I'm still passionate about it because I can express myself more fully in a blog post. The connections with blogging friends are richer and deeper. I'm glad that you are still blogging, Lynda!
ReplyDeleteThat's another reason I like blogging--the longer form.
DeleteThanks so much :)
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI learn a lot by blogging on IWSG. It helps me keep my nerves together, especially now as I prepare to launch my first book.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
It's so exciting about your first book launch!
DeleteI've learned so much and met so many wonderful people all over the world through this fabulous group!!
ReplyDeleteSame!
DeleteI don't blog as much as I used to, but I still like to participate in the monthly IWSG posts to keep in touch with everyone.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started blogging, I posted everyday. Now I post (mostly) once a month. It's a great way of staying in touch.
DeleteWhen I blog, I feel as if I'm sitting down at a coffee shop with a whole big table of friends. You included :)
ReplyDeleteI love that imagery
DeleteI've made some good friend blogging. I kept up with blogging because I enjoy the people I've met and love the stuff they have to say. But I do think it's not quite (blogging) what it use to be.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the friendships have been everything.
DeleteYou are so right. Blogging has changed so much - I had a food and wine thing going early on. There weren't that many of us then. Now, it's hundreds of thousands, if not more. IWSG is the only group I've stuck with over the years. The quality of the content is only matched by the quality of the members. There are days when maintaining these relationships is the only reason I keep blogging.
ReplyDeleteSo, so true. Connecting via other social media sites isn't quite the same.
DeleteYeah, and many newbies just magically expect people to come. I wouldn't tell many to do a blog either. I keep going for the connections made too.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's odd. They do that on Instagram too. Connections are way more important.
DeleteI so agree with you Lynda! I find a blot to stay in touch. Recently I moved my site and email list did not migrate as it should have. So basically it is moving and not giving my friends my address! lol! My blogging lately is also to get my writing muscle in better shape too. It's weak right now.
ReplyDeleteActually, yes, that's another good reason to blog...to exercise that writing muscle.
DeleteThat is so true Lynda. Blogging doesn't make that much sense for a writer unless, as you pointed out, it's to write longer pieces and to stay in touch with blogging friends.
ReplyDeleteAnd in those cases, blogging is fun.
DeleteI too am hesitant to suggest someone start a blog, especially if they want to be a writer, but I still think blogging is worth it for the right reasons. Like, when it comes to making solid connections and friendships. Thanks for the book recommendations.
ReplyDeleteThe books links are more an opportunity than an official recommendation since I haven't read all those books in the lists.
DeleteI've met some very special people through blogging, so I'll probably hang onto the blog as a combo website/blog. I didn't post hardly at all in 2020, but I'm getting back in the groove now.
ReplyDelete2020 was a bit like that. Welcome back.
DeleteMaking friends through blogging is one of the fulfilling things about sending words out into the void :-)
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for IWSG day The Great Pretender
It can be super fulfilling.
Delete