*I am blogging to you - the public, the world (...the Internet) - so I figure it's a reasonable place to start.
Anyone can blog.
Some are famous for it, some wish to make a living out of it, some just do it. However, as a result of this "anyone can blog" attitude, there are millions of blogs that don't attract a global following, nor have a loyal fan-base of more than 10 people. A popular trend is fashion; for example, a fashion blogger may take photos of their recent purchase/s or favourite clothes, or link up online pictures of clothing/accessories, telling us what they think makes a great outfit.
But at the end of the day, why do people blog? Are they expressing themselves? Are they passing the time? Is it a personal must-have that will only be read by a select few? Is it the lazy yet modern way of keeping a diary without picking up a pen? Is it someone's dream to tell the world about their love of fashion, although there is a one in a million chance that Karl Lagerfeld will actually read it?
I reckon the answer to most of these questions is "probably", with others more leaning towards "yes".
However there is no right or wrong answer as to why people blog. Social marketing consultant Jeff Bullas pinpointed 12 major reasons why people choose to blog - well, 11 with "other" taking the 12th spot - and posted a one-vote-only poll earlier this year on his website. After a total of 492 votes, the top 5 reasons why people blog are:
(in ranking order)
1. Passion
2. Share with others
3. Business
4. Self-expression
5. Put forward new ideas
Incidentally, the other 7 were as follows (in ranking order):
6. Self-documentation
7. Improving writing
8. Socialising
9. 'Just like blogging'
10. To make money
11. Other
12. Passing the time
Are you surprised at the lowest result? Perhaps "other" and "passing the time" are nearly the same thing, though possibly not - "other" is fittingly unexplained.
On the other hand, there are so many passions, hobbies and dreams out there that we feel the need to tell the planet (via the world wide web) how we feel about it. And if it's readable and worth passing on in one person's eyes, they will share it on their social network/s. That's how the web works these days, and ultimately the fate of all blogs lie in the hands of the public - whether someone is given the link or stumbles across it by accident, they will make a judgement call: like it & share, or move on.
(Afterthought)
I recently took a freelance writing course, and during a practice pitch to a potential editor, one girl was quizzed,
"If you haven't had anything in print yet, why would I want to read your article and put it in my magazine?"
The girl replied,
"Although I haven't had anything published and this is my first attempt, I believe my opinion and views will have a universal appeal with your readers. Along with the interviews and research I have collected while writing, as a member of the public I do have a voice and many of your readers may or may not agree."
Bravo. I agree with her entirely. Everyone (who wants to) has gotta start somewhere.
--------------------------
Recommended reading:
Jeff Bullas' post (and poll) on "reasons why people blog"
Blog Types (Wikipedia)
Anyone can blog.
Some are famous for it, some wish to make a living out of it, some just do it. However, as a result of this "anyone can blog" attitude, there are millions of blogs that don't attract a global following, nor have a loyal fan-base of more than 10 people. A popular trend is fashion; for example, a fashion blogger may take photos of their recent purchase/s or favourite clothes, or link up online pictures of clothing/accessories, telling us what they think makes a great outfit.
But at the end of the day, why do people blog? Are they expressing themselves? Are they passing the time? Is it a personal must-have that will only be read by a select few? Is it the lazy yet modern way of keeping a diary without picking up a pen? Is it someone's dream to tell the world about their love of fashion, although there is a one in a million chance that Karl Lagerfeld will actually read it?
I reckon the answer to most of these questions is "probably", with others more leaning towards "yes".
However there is no right or wrong answer as to why people blog. Social marketing consultant Jeff Bullas pinpointed 12 major reasons why people choose to blog - well, 11 with "other" taking the 12th spot - and posted a one-vote-only poll earlier this year on his website. After a total of 492 votes, the top 5 reasons why people blog are:
(in ranking order)
1. Passion
2. Share with others
3. Business
4. Self-expression
5. Put forward new ideas
Incidentally, the other 7 were as follows (in ranking order):
6. Self-documentation
7. Improving writing
8. Socialising
9. 'Just like blogging'
10. To make money
11. Other
12. Passing the time
Are you surprised at the lowest result? Perhaps "other" and "passing the time" are nearly the same thing, though possibly not - "other" is fittingly unexplained.
On the other hand, there are so many passions, hobbies and dreams out there that we feel the need to tell the planet (via the world wide web) how we feel about it. And if it's readable and worth passing on in one person's eyes, they will share it on their social network/s. That's how the web works these days, and ultimately the fate of all blogs lie in the hands of the public - whether someone is given the link or stumbles across it by accident, they will make a judgement call: like it & share, or move on.
(Afterthought)
I recently took a freelance writing course, and during a practice pitch to a potential editor, one girl was quizzed,
"If you haven't had anything in print yet, why would I want to read your article and put it in my magazine?"
The girl replied,
"Although I haven't had anything published and this is my first attempt, I believe my opinion and views will have a universal appeal with your readers. Along with the interviews and research I have collected while writing, as a member of the public I do have a voice and many of your readers may or may not agree."
Bravo. I agree with her entirely. Everyone (who wants to) has gotta start somewhere.
--------------------------
Recommended reading:
Jeff Bullas' post (and poll) on "reasons why people blog"
Blog Types (Wikipedia)
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