Changing Why I Blog
I no longer blog for the same reasons I started blogging.
I started Blogger Dad, in part, to keep my writing fresh and chronicle the adventures of being a first-time father. I also had the idea that someday a newspaper or magazine would see my brilliance and hire me to do a regular parenting column – even if I never actually pursued said column. In short, I was dreaming small.
I was looking to replace the job I had – as a writer – with another writing job. But as is my destiny, whenever I pursue one kind of job, a different one presents itself. I’ve been doing web design, illustration, and writing lately. I’m also asked to consult, using my experience to help others. I’m utilizing a lot of different skill sets, which is opening doors which probably wouldn’t be open to me as a columnist. So while I started this blog in hopes of a regular column, I’m not looking for that now – which is liberating in a way.
For the past few months, I’ve been so busy I’ve hardly had time to do regular blog posts. But the reality is that I didn’t have the time to do the kind of blog posts I was doing here at BloggerDad. I spent a lot of time on posts in the past, carefully crafting them as I would a column, writing and re-writing until I was happy – or somewhat happy with the result. Since I’ve not had time to do that kind of post, I’ve pretty much stopped posting as frequently.
Then I realized I’m no longer bound by my original goals.
Since I’m no longer looking for that kind of job, I can now write more freely. This means smaller posts, video posts, a bit less time editing, and perhaps even different topics. I won’t stress out because I don’t have a few hours to write the perfect post. I’m just going to be me, unedited, experimental, and perhaps, even more authentic without the filter I was working through.
So, here’s the schedule I intend to (more or less) stick to (who’s got money on less?):
- Monday - The regular post, whether it be something from the heart, poking fun at children’s literature, or ranting about why men are better shoppers.
- Tuesday - A product review or a Cooking With Blogger Dad post.
- Wednesday – Ask Blogger Dad. The feature I started over at DadOMatic finds a new home right here. Got some questions that only an incredibly awesome and super intelligent guy can answer? Well, ask that guy. But if you want useless knowledge and snarky responses, then I’m your guy!
- Thursday – Grab bag. Either a regular post, a video post (yes, I’ve discovered video and might even feature myself if Tara pays me enough does the same), a cute pic of E, or something.
- Friday – Wrapup: A look back at the week, some of the better (or worse) reader comments, links to some cool stuff on the web, and whatever shenanigans I get up to on Twitter.
In short, I won’t apologize for not being around of late. I hate apology posts. People have lives, they work; I’m sure you get it. However, without the stress of writing the perfect post, I can bring some fun back to Blogger Dad and be more present here. So, thank you to all who have stuck around and keep commenting – I appreciate the support and look forward to the coming months. As always, thank you for reading.
Question: Why did you start blogging? Why are you blogging now?
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Welcome back David!
I look forward to seeing your short ones, especially your grab bag.
Dave´s last blog ..Mona Lisa Tuesday 4th May 2010
My feeling about being a writer is that a writer writes, and whatever comes of it comes. It’s more important to exercise your craft than to make money from it or to follow a rigid guideline or format. That being said, I follow formats on my current blogs because I think that placing limits helps you hone your writing capabilities. I think you are, ironically, also placing limits by setting up a format. And, yes, saying you’ll do whatever you want or having a rough outline is also a “format”. Mainly, you’re not just talking about your day but using your experience to produce structured content. That is what separates a writer from a regular blogger. I don’t think it’s about editing or being free of typos (though that is preferable, time limits and lack of payment for your work make it hard to justify the effort), but about the difference between a diary of thoughts and feelings that come forth in a free-flowing fashion and an actual work which is developed and has structure.
I look forward to your more frequent posting and wish you luck.
Orchid64´s last blog ..Will Miss #165 – Tirol candies
I agree. I didn’t mean to imply I was working free of any limits with this new format, I’m just freeing myself from the type of self-imposed constraints I had before. There is still structure but it’s one I can live a bit more easily with than the prior one.
In short, I’m going to be a bit more free in what I’m writing because I’m not trying to write in the same manner. Though, to be honest, I think a lot of my posts have veered from that path in the past. Now I’m just going to veer a bit more off that path.
Thanks for the nice words.
Dave, now that I’m over the shock my brain has started to work, so I can say something sensible.
I don’t think I’ve ever changed why I blog, but I have constantly changed how I blog. Probably to the annoyance of those poor people who have stuck with me over the last 18 months or so. It’s just the way it has to be until I find where I fit in the blogosphere and find how best to express who I am. I’m close to being there now and funnily enough I’m just about to resurrect Selfish Blogger again on a similar basis to you. I sat down yesterday and had a million ideas, but of course the trick is to do something with them.
I am glad you’re back though. And Tara will NEVER do a video post as long as there’s a hole in the ozone layer.
You, Sean, and I should ALL adopt the exact same format and start a trend!
No matter what you write, I’m there. I enjoy your posts and our conversations immensely.
As for Tara, yeah, she’ll never post a video. Maybe it’s because she’s really a guy?
What if the three of you ceased your own blogs and regrouped in a, uhh, group blog? One place, not three. Think about it.
Ari Herzog´s last blog ..Why Social Media is a Stupid Term and How You Can Help
Don’t think I haven’t considered that very thing. Not sure if it would be better for our individual goals or not, though.
Why am I blogging? Right now? Right this MINUTE?
Because I have to go to work. And I’m using every procrastination excuse I can think of to delay having to go to the office and do my soul-sucking mind-numbing job.
Hell, even Twitter looks like fun, at this point.
That is maybe the best reason there is! And for Twitter to look fun, man, work must be drudgery!
I blog to share with my kids, family, and friends the events in our lives. Also – it’s cathartic to write for me, and it allows me to be creative without pressure and deadlines. I hate deadlines, so blogging is perfect. What I blog changes every day, you never know what you’re going to get – posts about my mindnumbingly cute dogs, cats, and kids; posts about Special Needs kids and Severe Emotional Disability, or even suicide and death. It’s a crapshoot – and that’s what I love about blogging!
Elizabeth´s last blog ..Introductions!
I do enjoy not knowing what I’ll get when I visit some blogs. Of course, if I’m visiting a tech blog or video game blog, I probably don’t want to see cute pictures of cats, but for personal blogs, it’s all about the many interests we have and seeing what finds an audience. Thank you for your comment.
I LOVE this post.
I’ve never changed why I blog, as I set out to make a living online. Didn’t know exactly how I’d get there, but knew I would and that a blog would be one tool in the toolbox along the way. Thanks for this. Made me realize I really need to hitch up my own horse again sometime soon.
Yes, I believe you, Dave (above) and I all started around the same time with similar goals and somewhat similar voices (though when I read his blog its through that cool British accent). It’s good to see we’re all still at it!
Hi Dave! Nice to see you back. I’m looking forward to your new posts.
The whole unbound thing is why I started to blog and why I continue. I love being able to just shoot from the hip and write about whatever I feel like at the time in a very casual way. It’s a lot of fun and I think helps me stay creative and motivated.
Thanks – glad to be back! And yes, you are the very essence of blogs I like who have a variety of different kinds of posts.