The other day I was talking to a friend of mine and I mentioned that I have a blog. She said that she didn't know what that was, but just to be safe, I should see my doctor!!!
Anyway.... I was trying to explain the concept to her and said that it was like having a diary, just one that the whole world could read. " Wow", she said, "what on earth possessed you to do that?"
"I don't even have the old fashioned kind of diary, for fear that my family would read mine!"
So, here's the thing... I enjoy blogging, although I'm not as faithful as most, with a paltry 2 posts per week (on a good week!) , but I could not fully express my motivation for blogging to her. I'm not sure why I blog, but here's a possible explanation:
*** It's the best way possible to procrastinate... Need to get my house cleaned for my dinner party?...Yeah, but first I'll just take a minute to check my blog to see if I got any comments on my latest post.... then.... after reading comments, visiting all of my virtual friend's blogs, commenting on all of their posts, trying to come up with a new topic for my next post, playing with my photos, finding the right music to go with the topic I chose and maybe revamping my wallpaper..... 8 hours later....
"Gee... I didn't "get" a chance to clean the house. Oh well... It'll be a romantic atmosphere, I'll turn off all of the lights and light candles, surely they won't notice the dust bunnies that are going to be waiting to nibble on their honey glazed carrots ." ***
So here's the million dollar question: Why do you blog?
Serious or funny, I want to know what makes this little blogging hobby of ours so appealing and addictive. So peeps, come clean and be honest with me! (....and by the way, I am expecting company tomorrow, so it would be very helpful to me if I got a ton of comments, so that I could have a good excuse not to clean...LOL )
Hmmm... Let's see Rose. First, I LOVE to write and express myself. I'm a totally open book with everyone I meet, so why not be an open book for anyone who might happen across my blog too?
ReplyDeleteIt's FUN! I've met so many cool people... so many different kinds of people, and I love that too. I learn something different from each and every one.
I also love making fun of Jill, and getting to do it publicly? Priceless!
Justine :o )
GM Rose...I love blogging because of the caring and sharing I see with other women..And yes it can be very time cosuming but so worth it to me..I have met some of the most amzing people through blogging..I think its like you get to see into other peoples lives and like driving by and looking in their windows...see how great their homes look and all the yummy recipes and crafts and hearing about their every day lives...I think we as women love to find other women to share our lives with...and its like a Big pat on the back when you post something and other woman enjoys what you have to say...its our diary of sharing and caring about each other..Hope you get those dust bunnies cleaned....great post Rose...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
ReplyDeleteHahahaaa...to tell ya the truth..I have not a clue as to why we love blogging so much. A few reasons I can think of...I LOVE PEEKING INTO WINDOWS and seeing all the great decorating..I love all the good recipes...I love hearing about other peoples life and deciding that mine is pretty average...I love hearing solutions to problems that I have, too...most of all....
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THE FACT THAT EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE WILLING TO PRAY FOR YOU OR YOURS WHEN ASKED. Oh, yes, that is the BEST PART OF BLOGGING...all the prayer warriors out there have helped so so many.
PLUS...Blogging is just plain fun..I love preparing for a new post every day and I REALLY love it when I can pre-schedule a whole weeks worth of postings....
xo bj
There is something strangely rewarding about blogging. I liken it to other hobbies like gardening or quilting. You can sit back and admire what you have created. Maybe it's just that I don't think I have the next Great American Novel in me and this is as close as I'll ever come.
ReplyDeleteHow can you not love inviting twenty or so lovely friends into your "home" each day and you don't even have to clean the house for them! lol
Hi Rose...It's like having a bunch of wonderful neighbors who are interested in the same things and love to talk about them and even invite you in to see what they have done!! And occasionally you even get to meet some of them in real life....which we need to do!!! lol Have a great day!!!...Debbie
ReplyDeleteWell said Rose. The reason I joined blog land is because I wanted to share 2 of my favorite passions with like minded ladies. I love photography and decorating and what better way than to share it through a blog.
ReplyDeleteNow, I've met all these nice ladies and looking forward to meeting you for lunch soon.
I started blogging as another way to advertise our custom rug business. It has definitly done that, but it is so much more now. I have met so many wonderful women. It's amazing all the love out here in blogville!
ReplyDeletei started a blog because it was a place for me to share my scrapbooking kits and designs with others. i continue to blog because it's a FANTASTIC way to travel the world, meet new people, connect with someone i would NEVER meet otherwise and it's an easy way to keep in touch with family too! :D But i never seem to have something to blog about! hehe Hope you have an AWESOME day! :D
ReplyDeleteFor the fun of it!
ReplyDeleteWhy do I blog? ... I'm not a talented writer, I don't have a real passion for decorating, I don't have gobs of extra time, I don't have a 'message' to spread, etc. BUT, I love sharing little tidbits of myself with the great folks I've met in blogland. At first it was the poetry I wrote while taking care of my mother, then other aspects of my day to day life crept in (current events, skype, the blue pieces I own, the pink I have, my life in Bend.) I have no idea who really looks at my blog ... I don't think anyone in my family looks at it very often. But I enjoy the connection aspect of it..the fact that I am talking with people, literally, around the world. It's energizing for me .......... and quite often it's educating and inspirational.
ReplyDeleteRose - great question. I started blogging as a way to fill my time after my girl went to school. It is kind of like being able to have as many friends as you can have all at once, whenever you want! My blog has evolved from decorating things to just random posts to just what I'm thinking that day. I've made so many friends and if I'm feeling down, I can turn on my computer and feel better almost instantly!! And, if I don't feel like playing, I don't have to and know one has to know, and I don't have to explain or make excuses.
ReplyDeleteMost of the time, I feel like playing and can't wait to see what everyone has going on though.
Well, by all means, I have to leave a comment to help a sista out. I've often wondered the same thing. In fact, I received an e-mail asking me to participate in a college study on that very subject - which I didn't do, by the way. Maybe it's b/c we can "witch" without the ones we're "witching" about knowing it?! Keep blogging and order some takeout or go to the deli section & put it in some nice bowls, since you don't like to cook anyway! That way you've got more time for blogging. :O)
ReplyDeleteUmmmm....I'm the same as you!!!!! Stuff sometimes just gets put off around here for some blog surfing! CHEERS! Michele
ReplyDeleteThe same thing happens to me when I mention "blog" to non-blogger friends...they just don't get it...
ReplyDeleteI guess if you have to explain it to them, they're not ever going to be bloggers...LOL. My reasons would have to echo all those who have already commented...I love it!
Thanks for asking, ;-) Bo
In my case I started my norwegian blog for family far away.. and then I thought HEY I should make one in english too.. so that my amrican host families can read about me and my life.. but that got a bit boring.. they don't have blogs.. and don't comment.. so I started exploring the eglish blogs and HERE I AM! :-) And I sooo like it here... love all my new friends!
ReplyDeleteMonica
Rose, darling..this is a $64,000.00 dollar question.. One I'll have to think on for oh just a minute or so..lol. I personally started the blog to see if I could. Then once I did it's become one of my "latest" obsessions. It's fairly quite around here in the evenings with hubby sleeping so much so I get to visit with some of the greatest gals in the world. I get to express myself and share my home and get some great recipes to try on the w/k's. I love all the caring and sinere comments the girls leave..It's become a "large" journal of the every day happenings around here. I hope someday the grandson and daughter will take time to read each and every post and remember me fondly and laugh and cry. They'll know I'm not sitting here going stagnet but enjoying life even thru cyber land.. Ok.. now girl I've kept you long enough.. guess you'd best get at those dust bunnies...lol.. I look forward to you coming for a picnic.. I'll provide the "lemonade"... hugs ~lynne~
ReplyDeleteI started to blog as a way to document some of the belongings that have been passed down to us for my descendant's info. The bonus has been to read and learn from all of the other blogs, and to develop friendships with the people behind the blogs. I would have never seen your amazing talent without the blogs. Sally
ReplyDeleteHi Rose! That's a great post! I starting learning about blogs from RMS when Rue, Picket and others started leaving. I started visiting and just got hooked! I love learning about everyone's family and decorating, recipes just all of it. I can't believe the wonderful kinship we all share. It's certainly addictive, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
shelia ;)
Sometimes I think maybe I shouldn't blog. LoL. But it's my way of staying connected and there are so many great blogs out there that I couldn't stop reading if I tried. So I keep on going and find that I sorta like my posts most of the time.
ReplyDeleteRose, you are SO right! I have asked myself that question a kazillion times! It is certainly not because I have nothing else to do, and I certainly do avoid doing some things I don't want to do. But, I really think, at least for me, it started out because I just feel that I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY! And, unfortunately, I can't stop myself from saying it! I've always felt that I'm probably boring people to death with all of my talking! With blogging, I can say it all, and if someone doesn't want to "listen", they can just click a key on their keyboard and shut me up! I love it. Of course, since I started blogging, I have run out of things to say (on rare occasions), and when I do I have to try to come up with something to say, because I don't want to lose all of these wonderful blogging friends! Hey, see what I mean, I've done it again -- a book instead of a comment! laurie
ReplyDeleteI just started my blog last week actually, but I have "lurking" for quite a while now. It all started with RMS, I was so addicted that I spent so many hours there like everyone else did. It was fun, the "parties", peeking into everyone's home and getting new ides. Then RMS changed, and people started leaving and creating blogs. I followed, but never created my own. I still got ideas and loved seeing what was going on with everyone, but somehow felt "left out" because I was only watching, not participating. And I guess to be honest, I figured people were "forgetting" me, and we know we NEVER want to be forgotten!! :). I've since deleted all but 1 space from RMS and still "talk" to a couple of people from RMS, but in just one week blogging, I've already made 3 new friends. Now you just can't beat that! Hopefully, we'll all get to meet some day, I met Susan (MoonlightandMagnolias) last summer and it is so fun to finally meet all the new friends.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's why I started blogging!!
Have a great day,
Vicki
I think it's the feeling of closeness.Making new friends.And the compitetion to do better.I try not to compete,but you do.You want to do better ,and better and better.And I adore ALL the wonderful friends I have made.
ReplyDeleteI know, like my dh.He cannot understand how you can be soo close to someone you've never met.I think it's because on here we show our hearts and our soul.What and who we"REALLY"are.And we learn and get ideas from each other..ann
Rose you have got to go ck out "a scrapbook of inspiration".She has the exact reason why-------we all love blogging sooooo much...Ann
ReplyDeleteI first started blogging when I discovered that there were all these wonderful people who were willing to share their beautiful home decorating ideas. It turned into on-line friendships that I really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I have friends who think it's completely bazaar. Especially when I say, "This blog friend of mine...." People just don't get it unless they've tried it.
Thanks for the comment and I ended up finding a compromise that suits myself and the other party wonderfully. Thanks so much for the concer! Happy writing!
ReplyDeleteBecause I have made some of the coolest most sharing supportive women ever in Blogland. I have friends here where I live but... they don't always have the same interests, sometimes they just don't get me. Or inspire me. I have made some wonderful new friends. AND WHO WANTS TO CLEAN ANYWAY? Not me! Let the dust bunnies rule! Light the candles.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh.....I finally found me a Georgia girl. Not just a Georgia girl, but one who loves to post pics like I do.
ReplyDeleteTell your friend we BLOG because it's cheaper than therapy and we feel as though we have a lot of interesting things to say that the world cannot live without hearing, lol.
I now HAVE to follow your BLOG!!
Some how you got taken off my blog roll but YOUR BACK! :) Why I blog?? It makes me feel good! Great post! It is like a diary of my life past and present and I'm actually telling the world that I might be a bit crazy like my sister Justine! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Rose,
ReplyDeletegood question. I blog to connect to a large diverse community of people I probably would not meet under regular circumstances. It has been such a great experience and I've also noticed a grand improvement in my own skills by learning from others and having my creativity stimulated. So that's my answer...:o)
When you get a chance please stop by my blog and pick up your award. Congratulations!
Happy Friday,
Tam
My family doesn't understand why I do it either, but they do think I'm funny and a good writer. I just shouldn't cuss as much, according to my sister.
ReplyDeleteF*ck that. LOL
I just ask the same question - see
ReplyDeletehttp://gingersflowers.blogspot.com/2009/02/thoughts-from-veranda.html
Mornin' Rose...
ReplyDeleteJust trying to get caught up on my blog reading...so happy that you stopped by my place and thank you for the compliments on my grandbabies!!! I think they're all pretty darn cute too!!!
Well let's see...to answer your question of why I love to blog. For me...blogging has been such a pleasure!!! Since I'm homebound so much of the time (with health issues) it's been a wonderful outlet to make friends and socialize! I have made so many great friends here...this group of ladies are some of the most loving, caring, and sharing people I've ever met!!! Awhile back, I made the statement that I just hated the term "Virtual Friends" simply because the friendships that I've made here are so much more to me than that!!! We visit on a daily basis...share our joys and tears...pray for one another...and I care deeply for each and every one of you dear ladies!!!
Secondly, I have been so inspired by all of the creative and talented ladies here...there's just so many fabulous ideas and projects here in blogland! It keeps my "creative juices" flowing...hehe!!! Sheeesh...I've written a book...better go!
Have a great weekend, my friend!
Love ya,
Chari
LOL I loved this. I was smiling and chuckling through your excuse. Very nice! And it is an interesting questions. I guess for me...it's a way to connect with other women who share the same hobbies, and ideas. I don't have "girl friends" that I hang out with. And finding all the wonderful ladies in blogland helped fill a void I didn't even realize was there. I love getting new ideas and just sharing in everyone's lives. It is so much more than I ever dreamed it would be. And I wouldn't be able to explain it to a non-blogger either lol.
ReplyDeleteHey, I'm so glad you came by! You know you were one of my favorites on RMS. I love, love the pictures of Charleston! We go there all the time too. Isle of Palms mostly, but we cross the bridge a lot. (I'm so glad they built the new one) Whew!!! Your pictures are wonderful! You really caught the spirit and history of the town. Have you thought of starting a photography blog. You are amazing at it! My father taught college photography, and he would be proud of you! I can't wait to come back here.
ReplyDeleteKelly
GM Rose you got me on that Yorkie today..you know I love those babies..hope you have a great weekend..hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
ReplyDeleteThis is a great question. I started blogging to promote my mosaic business at Lavender Hill Studio. Then as time went on I realized that I had met 100's of wonderful women that had the same interests as me. I eventually created my second blog, The Comforts of Home. That way I could have a business blog and feature my mosaics and a home blog to talk about my passion for decorating, remodeling, gardening and cooking. Next thing you know, the store Home Goods, emailed me and asked me to be a Team Blogger on the Home Goods website!
ReplyDeleteI think of blogging like having penpals, with instant responses.
Hugs,
Penny
From reading all these answers, I see that some of use blog for similar reasons and some of us blog for totally different reasons. I love the creativity part of it...it is such an outlet for ideas and discussions. I love sharing what I find or know and I LOVE reading what others have learned or wish to share. It truly is a special world...this place called Blogland. I am surprised at how much time it takes from each day...but it must be worth it because I keep coming back for more! :-) Susan
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'll let you know when we head out on the next historic home tour, ramble with The Georgia Trust or a garden tour. :-)
Thanks everyone for your most interesting comments. It's been fun to read all of the different reasons for blogging and I'm here to say that I agree wholeheartedly with all of you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a question I've been pondering over quite a bit lately.
ReplyDeleteI've come to the conclusion that
a) It's easier to 'journal' on my computer than it is in a book.
b) I enjoy sharing stories, antidotes, observances with others.
c) It helps me build my writing skills in case one day I decide to write that life story.
d) What can I say, I'm a narcissist at heart... But you already knew that!
:-)