And this song is called “I really know how to work the link” August 29, 2008
Posted by brandy in Q & A, advice, and now you might know everything, blogs, brookem is awesome!, confession of the day, i hate it when i blog about blogging, i post dated this mofo!, it makes sense to me, it's almost like a meme, lists, seriously, so egan will LOVE this, thanks for the heads up Ally!, the title says it all, the world according to me, you're skimming this one.trackback
Confession: I really didn’t get blogging when I started. In fact, I thought I was going to hate it. In fact, sometimes I did hate it. It seemed like something pretentious people did after talking about obscure bands I wouldn’t hear about for another two years. In fact, I was so obnoxious that I even said something like that in my very first post. Oy.
Confession: The very first blog I ever read was This Fish. I have no idea how I found it, I just remember reading the entire history of archives over the course of two days, amazed at how someone was willing to put it all out there- a diary that you could scroll through. After that, I found the Holy Grail of Blogging Goodness. I found Dooce. And Dooce? Oh. I loved. I love. Still. There are days I save her posts for last like a dessert I know that will leave me satisfied. And there are times I devour them first, knowing that they will make me laugh in a way I immediately need.
Confession: The first blogger who ever linked to me was Bre, from “Win or Lose, We Go Shopping!”. I suppose it’s silly to have that be such a standout moment, but I just remember being so happy to know that someone else was reading what I was saying. To know that my words- although my own, were being read by someone else. It didn’t make them more important, but it did make them feel more real.
Confession: One of the first blogs I read daily was Sizzle and I was so scared to comment. I would read it, soak up all the words and tip toe away. Anyone who got over 40 comments on a blog post just… scared the hell out of me. She’s a great writer and I just felt so overwhelmed when I would go to her blog with it’s witty bon mots and gazillion comments. It took me months to work up the courage to leave my views. (And for the record, I worked up the courage by getting drunk on gin and sex. Seriously, I found that not reading everyone else’s comments helped, because then I wasn’t comparing myself to everyone and trying to think of saying something that sounded different from anyone else. And yes, this took me months to do. I console myself with the fact I was in accelerated classes in elementary school.)
Confession: One of the things I’ve learned is that my favourite parts about blogging have really little to do with blogging. I like thinking about how exciting it was when Egan became a dad or the conversations Brookem and I have about men (if only you saw some of the someecards we send each other…). I love E.b’s photos and the way Ally always makes me stop to think of what I’m grateful for. I’m excited to have a world with the letters “Jurg” back in it.
Confession: I really do love writing. More than I show in my posts that lately have turned into a meme/political hybrid complete with excessive exclamation points and riddled with half finished thoughts. I blame Twitter. Or John McCain. Actually, I blame those two on everything wrong in my world. I’m kidding. Please don’t send hate mail. Oh! Speaking of…
Confession: The more strongly I feel about the post, the more likely I’m to get hate email. And the more hate email I get, the more likely I am to write what I want. To just, you know, annoy people who tell me I’m going to Hell. (And on that note, that declaration loses it’s power after you’ve told me more than once. After the second time it loses it’s zing. After the third time? I consider it a relief. Because if you’ve emailed a stranger THAT many times to rant and condemn them to an eternity in Hell, I consider your judgment skewed and view your version of “Hell” as a place I would want to be. Because you know, I wouldn’t be there with you.)
Confession: I got an email asking me “how can I get more comments?”, and that I don’t know. I think blogging, is largely luck in terms of readership. Sometimes I will stumble upon a new blog and will be shocked to see a post receive 200+ comments. Then, I will read a magnificent piece of writing that has no comments. I have so many favorite blogs who I think everyone should be reading. They are like gems I almost don’t want to share- I want to hoard them all for myself, but I will because sharing is caring. Some of them are: My pen ran out of ink, Writes of Spring, Elisabeth Writes, Hope Dies Last, Que Sara Sara! and Speaking Of.
Confession: Sometimes (despite the tag) I don’t hate blogging about blogging. I don’t hate it at all.
So let’s go all Barbara Walters and tell me: What’s your favorite part about blogging? What don’t you like about blogging? What’s a secret gem of a blog you are reading and want to share? Who was the first blogger you read?
Isn’t it wonderful to find a new blog that makes you want to read all of the archives? Sure it hurts my “work productivity” and all of that, but it’s fun to learn about someone through her writing.
The first blog I regularly checked in on was an ex-boyfriend’s sister who was living in France for a while. I’m not sure I’d known anyone before that who had a blog. To comment on her blog, I had to create a profile and voila, here I am.
Favorite part: The dialogue.
Least favorite part: Feeling misunderstand because of the limitations of written communication and being (mis) understood in such a limited way by strangers.
I loved this post.
The first blogger I ever read was the unreliable narrator. I had seen other blogs, but hers was the first that I found compelling. After that, it was Dooce, of course.
The thing I love blogging is the freedom I have — I get to write about whatever I want…it’s all up to me.
Thing one thing I dislike is the occasional pressure I feel to write on a regular basis. I think it defeats the purpose, in a sense. I want to write because I’m inspired, not because I feel I have to.
As far as a “secret gem” — I’ll have to get back to you!
I love, loved this.
The first blog I ever read was Breakup Babe. This Fish, the second. Dooce, the third. And, like you, haven’t looked back since.
What I love about blogging? The freedom for anyone to share their thoughts on anything–and the way that that opens my mind to new ideas, opinion, music, art and shoes,
What I don’t like? The freedom for anyone to share their thoughts on anything–and the way that that has taught me that there are some people with too much bitterness in their hearts and way too much time on their hands.
My secret gem is The Happy Misfit, which I linked to a couple of days ago. She doesn’t post very often but her writing is dark, atmospheric and so real. I really love it.
Great post! Confessions are good for the soul!
My favourite part about blogging is the friends I have made from it- especially when I was living in a country with very few “English” speaking friends! So I guess it is also the interaction!
Similar to “the almost right word” the things I dislike about blogging is the pressure to have to keep updating- but when that happens I know it is time to take a break.
My secret gems?- Somewheresomething.wordpress.com and rehersaltimesover.blogspot.com although she doesn`t update as much anymore! But my reader is chock filled with great reading material!
The first blog I ever read was http://www.floatingworldviews.com as it was a work friend who wrote an article on blogging for a publication I was working for and from there is was Dooce and then frangipani.info.
I.love.this.blog.
You know what? YOUR blog is the one I save till last like dessert because I love it so much! =)
My favorite part about blogging are all the other bloggers out there and the community we are all a part of. The support and honesty the readers show has blown me away!
Have a great weekend!
Wait, wait, wait- WHA? You were scared to comment on my blog? I’m both flattered and a bit sad about that because I don’t want people to feel like what they have to say doesn’t matter. I read every comment and try to respond to each of them. As a rule I hardly ever read comments on someone else’s post when I chime in because a) it takes too long and b) I just want to say what I want to say regardless if someone else said it.
I love when people comment on my blog- not because it then appears that I am “popular” but because then I get to know my readers. If a person doesn’t comment how will I ever get to find their blog and read about them? The quickest way to getting readership, I think, is to comment on people’s blogs (exposure/relationship building).
This Fish was one of the first blogs I ever read too!
The first blogs I read were http://www.feministing.com and http://www.angelaboration.com. Angela inspired me to begin blogging. I love the community feel of 20sb and I’m so glad I found them. However, I don’t like the feeling of obligation to blogging… like, “Oh, I haven’t blogged in 5 days, I really need to write something if I want to keep my readership up.” booo.
Secret gem? http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com — HYSTERICAL.
I don’t think I even really knew what blogging was until the Mimi Smartypants book came out – I thought it looked like fun (and thought I might get a book deal, rather naively, especially since I only posted twice). It was only after I joined bebo and myspace last year and got positive feedback on some of my random thoughts and feelings that I decided making my own “proper” blog would be fun.
I like blogging because I can share any thoughts or experiences I’ve found funny, vent about things that have upset or annoyed me, or get advice from an impartial audience. It’s cheaper than therapy after all. What I DON’T like is the fact I know people I know are reading it on the sly and I don’t necessarily want them to know how I’m feeling. I try not to censor myself but it can be difficult sometimes.
Sizzle has it right about how to get comments – you have to leave them to get them! That is how I met most of my ‘new’ friends (like you).
I started blogging not as a writer – in fact, I hate writing! I’m the rare girl who has a head for math and a fear of writing. I’m not terribly creative – much too pragmatic and straight to the point which has its ups and downs. BUT, I love reading creative writing as it inspires my brain to open different paths. Long winded way of saying, I truly started blogging as a way to keep in touch with my many out of the area friends. Which is why it reads more like reporting of events a lot
Then in Oct 2007 I made my blog more public, moved it to WordPress and started browsing around – and the first non-friend site that I bookmarked was yours!! And heck – YOUR volume of comments intimidated ME at first!!
I’ve found several gems since then, but the most recent one for me is another one that I think everyone already knew about and that is http://byflutter.com/
What I like is that I am learning how to think/write more creatively. I also got pretty bold and started writing about politics which feels good (though my readership it too low to have attracted nasty emails!).What I dislike is sometimes feeling like I *have* to write. Obligation tends to stifle creativity. Which is why I probably wont do NaBloPoMo anymore even though it was a fun way to meet new friends.
And…holy fucking thundercats! Perhaps my long winded comment should have been a blog post at my own place? Yeesh!
Excellent post. I also don’t read other’s comments before adding my own. Some really popular posts have so many comments that it would take ages to wade through them all and digest them. That’s probably a good thing though because I just like to get my thoughts down without worrying if someone has already said the exact same thing.
This is quite ironic because I was so intimidated when I found your blog and your 40+ comments! I commented once thinking I’d just get lost in the crowd but then you wrote back and I fell head over heels.
I’ve given up trying to figure out who gets more comments and why. I like the little community of bloggers I’ve come to know and I mainly write for them. I’m lucky enough to have not received hate mail on my personal blog but when I used to write project runway recaps it was ridiculous. Also hilarious that someone would get so worked up that instead of hitting the x they just have to cuss you out. People!
looooved this!
and thank you! Such flattery. The first blog i ever read was Breakup Babe. I read her archives, like, you in like 2 days and signed up for blogger.
Loves: I love reading my old stuff and being able to pin point any memory and every feeling.
Hates: I loathe when people try to interpret what I’m writing about in a negative way. People are such assholes sometimes. I also hate that I have to censor myself because I know certain people are reading. I would write much much more and some really good shit if there werent consequences.
GEM: she doesnt write much at all anymore, if at all actually. But, I swear you will read her archives in a day and crave more. Licked Alive. Her link is on my blogroll. Check it out.
I’m going to agree with All The Wine here. I was very intimidated to commented on your blog. You were the first 20something blog I had found and my blog was just a baby with no comments. Here you had like 40 million and I was like okay, she’ll never see this! But yes, I you’re my first and favorite!
I love the community that I’ve found in blogging. I’ve met so many RL friends too. I’m really happy that I started and kept up!
I started commenting tons and I got comments. Also, posts that readers can participate in! I got the most comments I’ve ever had a few days ago when I asked where everyone’s blog names came from. People like to talk about themselves! haha
Well thank you, Ms. Brandy. Your kind compliment means the world to me. I have to admit that sometimes I wish I had more readers, but then I didn’t begin blogging for that. And really, I’m delightfully surprised and flattered by those who do read by chance. You’re one of the loyal ones and it means a lot.
Chica at batteries not included was the first one to blogroll me- lord knows how she found me. And my first blogs were this fish, you, and charming.
At the moment, I’m mourning the end of one of my favorite blogs (humor not for the faint of heart): anonymous coworker. And I’m regularly enjoying the fancy life of joy over at big time fancy. I also just finished reading petite anglais and am catching up on the recent happenings of the author over on her blog by the same name. All are blogrolled on my own.
Thanks again for thinking of me!
ooo those are some great new blogs for me to read! awesome!
My fav part of blogging is just getting it all out there. I used to bottle everything up and this is a great and creative way to let all out. Not to mention- met some awesome people along the way!
The not so great part of blogging- when a former friend stalked my blog. Long story, but it just wasn’t cool.
The first blogger I (remember) really read was The Company Bitch. So funny and so relateable to me. She doesn’t write anymore though.
Annnnd a gem of a blog I’m reading- not sure, but I love ronisweigh.com
So weird. I read your blog because I found you through Well-Intentioned Heartbreaker (one of my FAVES) and I love reading yours as well. HI!
Anyhoo, I just did a post of appreciation for some of my favorite bloggers.
Then I went to my blogroll and yours was first on my list.
So I read it, and you were confessing your love of blogs. Great minds think alike!!
The first blog I read for a long time was only Greek Tragedy – it took a while to take the plunge and decide to read others.
I think I tend to dislike the clique-ish-ness that seems to exist and I am not sure how or why it does exist. But overall I think most people are open and welcoming and friendly and that is what I love – getting to know people both through their blogs and privately through e-mail, etc. I also think this has opened me up to so many new ideas and thoughts.
I’ve been reading you on and off since you were one of the “featured bloggers” on 20sb. But I’ve never commented … call me nervous, call me intimidated, call me insecure, whatever. Reading that you had the same fears is what prompted me to pop in and say Hi, and I love love love what you have to say, and I’ll be a lurker no more : )
The very first blog I read was Clink, of Such Great Heights; I found her by chance, googling issues I was having with my boyfriend-at-the-time. I soon read her frequent commenters, and their frequent commenters, and alas, the cycle continued.
My blog started out as an experiment, a “maybe I can do this, too” type thing, but I’ve totally fallen in love with it. I feel like I suddenly have really good, “known you forever and all of your secrets” friends all over the country, even though I’ve never met the most of them. We e-mail, we check in, we know what’s going on. As fast-paced and demanding as today’s world is, that connection, that feeling of being a part of something bigger, is precious.
i liked this post.
similar to you, one of my favorite parts of blogging is the great people i have met through it all. reading about people going through similar things, and writing about the same thing im going through, with a different spin on it all. i like that.
what dont i like? i sometimes feel like the bloggy community can get a little clicky at times. i dont like that feel. i also feel like i dont always feel as open to write as freely and unedited as i used to. not sure exactly why that is.
some of my favorite blogs include chelsea talks smack (you already know that), also sara jane, and egan. i find rs27 completely hysterical, always. been a big fan of city wendy in the windy city for a long time. also eb is one of my mainstays as well as justrun. and there are a gazillion more.
this fish was the first blog i ever read too! (i guess for a lot of people!). also stephanie klein.
ps- could i have used the word “feel” more times in the third paragraph?
Now I have more blogs I need to go add to my Google Reader!
I love how blogging and reading blogs opens up a world of new views and interests. I began blogging as a “new experiment,” and it turned into one of my favorite hobbies.
Yours was actually one of the first blogs I read!
I love this post. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but today is Blog Day 2008. I think this was a fantastic way to honor the day, even if it wasn’t intentional
I love the community blogging creates. I love that no matter which blog I’m reading, typically I will always see someone I know as a recommended read. I also love discovering new blogs.
What I don’t like is the idea that if you’re not receiving 30+ comments per post, you’re not a successful blogger. The idea of blog success all depends on what your goals are for blogging. If you’re trying to make money, then yes the number of visitors does matter. But if you’re writing just to write, you’re already successful just for sharing.
The first blog I read was Cooking for Brevitt and On Common Ground.
I recommended a few blogs on my post today for Blog Day 2008. Those are my “gem blogs.”
Blog Day – you’re on my post http://ohhowlovely.net/2008/08/31/happy-blog-day/
[...] then I plopped in front of the computer to catch up on blog reading. And my interest was sparked by this post from Brandy on the ups and downs of blogging. And I thought I would stealborrow her idea. Then, [...]
I love this post!
My favorite part about blogging is definitely the sense of community it brings about. I love the fact that I’ve “met” so many different people from various parts of the world, in which I never would’ve otherwise known about. I also love just being able to write- get words out there for the sake of writing and being candid, and knowing that people read and appreciate it.
The first blog I ever read was Clink’s (now gone) blog, Such Great Heights. I finished her archives in their entirety in a couple days- and then starting blogging myself!
I definitely know what you mean about initially being nervous to comment at all, because that’s how I was with your blog!
The thing I love about blogging is “meeting” all of the other bloggers, and reading their raw emotions, opinions, and fun stories. It’s a great forum for expression.
I don’t like that I feel like some days I can’t write what I want to because it will rub someone I know in my real world the wrong way.
The first blog I started reading was my friend Andrea’s. She’s so funny. Andreasbrain.com
PS- I’m beyond flattered that you enjoy my blog! Yours is one that I always save for last!
this post is exactly why you are such a good blogger by the way.
my favorite thing about blogging is the community that we have all created for ourselves. i think its pretty damn special!
My favorite part about blogging is the people! The people I’ve me and gotten to know in person or just through their blog.
The first blog I ever read was A Serious Job is No Excuse which is no longer around
When I started blogging, I really considered it a 3-month trial. I had no idea what a blog was and why people would read them, but the thing I love the most about it now is the people I’ve met. I’ve met some really awesome people that I don’t know if I would have met before. But I love them all
I got hooked on blogging via Miss Doxie. She’s still my favorite.
http://missdoxie.com/
But I think Lily over at The Silly Kitchen Witch is worth reading:
http://lilycurly.blogspot.com/
though for whatever reason she doesn’t have many readers.
I also think this one’s worth reading even though he doesn’t post as often:
http://pfcwintergreen.blogspot.com/
Ally- Your least favorite part is my least favorite part too. So many times after hitting ‘publish’ I want to go back and add things like ‘what I really am saying is… ‘ or ‘ if I had more time! words! energy! to explain it better, I would say…’.
the almost right word- I like the idea of writing whatever I want too. It makes me want to write about everything.
Hope- I know what you mean. The freedom to write what you want is sometimes a burden when you know it gives people the freedom to say whatever they want in response. Especially when it’s nasty.
Lulu- The interaction is definitely a great bonus of blogging, and I’m going to definitely check out the blogs you listed.
Amber- Aww thanks!! I hope you have a great weekend too
Sizzle- Oh! I’m sorry if I didn’t explain it well… your blog wasn’t the problem with my scardy behavior, it was ME. I told Egan before, that I did the same thing with his blog. You guys have such great blogs that I was just nervous to comment, but your responses to my comments definitely made me less afraid. And I’m with you on commenting being a way to get your name out there and share your blog. Like you said, how will anyone know about it if you don’t tell anyone about it?
Renee- I just started reading Angela’s blog this summer and really enjoy it! And I’m looking forward to checking out the link!
Paula- Ahh, the ‘reading on the sly’ part sometimes gets me too. I know one person who does this and it sort of bothers me. It’s like they read my blog instead of calling to see how I’m doing. I do not like that.
tpgoddess0103- What a great way to start blogging. I can relate to the idea of liking blogging because it helps you think creatively- and I’m with you on the idea of needing to ‘get bold’ before you can write about politics. Even now, writing about politics is the only time I get sort of nervous before I hit ‘publish’. It’s an area where not everyone agrees, but I don’t think that means people shouldn’t say what they think. Oh, and I love, long comments. I think perhaps because they make me feel less self conscious about the long winded replies I type up.
Kevin- Agreed, 100%.
allthewine-Wow! I had no idea people would be intimidated to leave a comment here. I guess it makes sense that everyone would get a little nervous leaving a comment somewhere. I hope you aren’t nervous anymore! Also, I don’t understand the hate email thing either. It just seems like SO MUCH WORK.
Jasika- Oh, I’m looking forward to reading the blog you linked to. I definitely know it will be great if you recommend it so highly. Also, I love the reading of old stuff too. Sometimes my old archives remind me of a really bad episode of Dawson’s Creek with all the drama and ANGST!, but sometimes they make me laugh, which is a good thing I suppose.
Jamie- Ohh what a nice thing to say! And I loved that post where you asked to comment about our blog names. IT was really interesting to read what everyone said. (And it was nice to hear the stories behind the names)
Nic- You are a great writer, I had to include you! And I love * batteries not included as well!
emmaelizabeth- Yep, they are awesome blogs to read!
Shannon- Ohh that is kind of weird! And apparently it was ‘blog day’ the other day… I had no idea it was coming up when I wrote this. I guess it was just perfect timing.
Anne- I understand what you are saying. Brookem and I have talked about feeling sometimes not in the ‘loop’ when it comes to the clique that sometimes accompanies blogging. As for blogs- yours was one of the first ones I remember commenting on regularly too. And I remember seeing your name on all the blogrolls of the blogs I read. Oh! And the flamingos! I remember the flamingos…
Magda-Ohh thanks for delurking! I love that this post has made some people take the plunge. As for Clink- I was late finding that one. I think I started reading it about a month before she quit- which was too bad for me, but I really have found a lot of blogs I enjoy from checking out her blogroll.
brookem- Justrun! I love her too. (Even though I feel completely lazy after reading about all her running adventures!). I also know what you mean about the not feeling like you can write what you want. I also don’t know why I feel that way, but I do. (I know you know this already, but I just wanted to confirm it again).
Elizabeth- Do it! They are wonderful.
Larissa- And I love that your blog made me feel like I was in Europe when I wasn’t.
Nicole- Really? I had no idea. I do like that we have cemented a friendship based almost entirely on our mutual love for the West Wing. We are very unique girls.
freeandflawed- I had no idea it was blog day- I have excellent timing I guess. And your dislike is a really good point. I had a friend who is a phenomenal writer and she tried blogging and ended up quitting- partially because she was disappointed by the lack of comments. I think the idea that more comments equals better writing, or a more successful blog is such a bad idea.
Jamie- Aww thanks!!
Sandy- But you are not nervous anymore- thank goodness! Also, I like that a lot of people have commented on the ‘community’ aspect of blogging. That’s one that I really appreciate too.
Sara Jane- Aww thank you. You have a great blog and the post you did on ‘what’s your number’ was so interesting. I can’t wait for your next post!
Alexa- I agree- it IS damn special.
Maxie- The people definitely make it all the better. I mean, if I didn’t blog, Brookem and I wouldn’t have very long conversations about the Hills. And that’s something I need in my life.
Jessica- That’s so great to hear!
Cat- Miss Doxie is hilarious, and now I’m off to check out the other two!
What’s your favorite part about blogging? Being able to clear my head by getting my thoughts written out.
What don’t you like about blogging? The cliques. Sometimes it feels like it’s all a popularity contest instead of just a place to share what you want in an open environment
What’s a secret gem of a blog you are reading and want to share? I think most of the blogs I have found have been through other people, so they aren’t really much of a secret.
Who was the first blogger you read? Clink from Such Great Heights. It was the first time I felt like I could relate and gain support from somebody’s writing.
I think for me my favorite part about blogging is being able to get it all out, which I still haven’t figured how to do so eloquently as some but I’m trying. As for the first blog I ever read it had to SK’s or Fish’s.
The “meeting” and getting to know people has been the best and least expected benefit from blogging. I just thought I had a lot of words to get out of my head… who knew?!
I guess it can get a little clique-ish, but I’m so far out of that loop I don’t really think about it. And what can’t get clique-ish if you think about it? If I’m going to be in a “group” on the Internet, I’d rather it be something more interesting than a clique. More like a gang.
*scrolls through everyone elses comments so she doesn’t feel intimidated*
*gets intimidated by how long it takes to scroll to the bottom*
*deep breath*
*clear throat*
Hi. I love finding new blogs (like this one which I have found, albeit about 10 years after everyone else), having a read, having a comment and then waiting for the next post. I seem to be on a “I want to read new blogs and I want them now” kind of a kick at the moment. But that’s a good thing.
*runs away*
*scrolls through everyone elses comments so she doesn’t feel intimidated*
*gets intimidated by how long it takes to scroll to the bottom*
*deep breath*
*clear throat*
Hi. I love finding new blogs (like this one which I have found, albeit about 10 years after everyone else), having a read, having a comment and then waiting for the next post. I seem to be on a “I want to read new blogs and I want them now” kind of a kick at the moment. But that’s a good thing.
*runs away*
i had livejournal before i switched over into the blogging world. the reason for the switch?
i found a lover and a fighter over at hobocamp randomly.
(http://puritanjamshort.blogspot.com/)
and fell in love.
and then i found chelsea talks smack.
and was all “i NEED to get into this world!”
i love blogging. i love being able to write how i feel with no censor. i love the friends i’ve made. i love being able to relate to other bloggers. they’ve seriously helped me get through some hard times.
This post earned 41 comments, making it incredibly intimidating.
Every day I find a new blog to read is a special one. I feel like they are all my own, personal secret gems. I try to go through and read all the way back into their archives – I want to know everything.
I’d say that you, Brooke, and Hope are some of my most precious gems of late.
The very first blog I ever read was wouldashoulda.com. I found Mir by accident when I was googling hysterectomy things and ended up there. I had no idea what a blog even was, and when I figured it out, I thought bloggers were a bunch of dorky losers. Who on earth would want to share so much with strangers? I continued to read Mir every day, and one day she posted a picture of herself. Her beautiful self combined with her obviously not dorky loserish life made me decide that blogging is NOT for dorky losers. It still took me a while to start my own, but now I can’t even really imagine not having it. I have “met” and met some really amazing people that I never would have met if I had not googled hysterectomy things. See? Sometimes oddball googling pays off and can change your life!
I have been thinking a lot about the nature of blogging lately… the reasons I put these words out there, the funny reciprocal nature of it all, and my lack of hate mail (not one! Seriously! I don’t think I’m that likable).
)
I started reading blogs when this new guy I was hanging out with and implicitly madly crushing on mentioned he had a blog. I found it and read through most of his archives that night. He’d even written about me, and my crush started becoming more and more obvious because he was such a good writer.
(and we are still dating
i was really intimidated by blogging when i first started too. but i just love being able to share whatever i want and know that there are people out there that are experiencing the same thing or like the same things as me and it’s awesome. i seriously wish i could meet so many of the bloggers i read (you included
)
I couldn’t have said it better myself. I think my favorite part is the challenge of posting something I’m afraid to post; something I’m scared may be too revealing, but then I’m rewarded with thoughtful, insightful comments. The only thing I don’t like is trying to catch up on everyone else’s blogs when I’ve been out of town (like now!). Secret gem? I’ll have to think about that one. The first blog I read, though, was probably Wil Wheaton’s which, ironically, I don’t seem to have the time to read anymore! LOL
girl, you ARE that blogger that get gadzillions of comments and i just slink away…
want to know something cheesy? i’m glad the fact that we’re canadian is something we have in common. THERE. i don’t care if that’s lame. it’s like i feel like a great blogger by association. lol.
seriously loved this post.
i first started reading clink. she’s not around anymore, but i still fumbling around =)
My favourite thing about blogging, is being able to go back and see the silly things I let get to me, and the things that happen to me, and the friendships that blogging brings about.
The first blogger friends I really made, who were more than just a post and had a face and person behind them, were on livejournal, and most of the friends I made, are still friends now, and more so some of them have become great real life friends.
dunno…
maybe is like u say…
“it’s like I’m maaaagic!!
Been blogging for what??? 5 years now… and my record is 9 comments! lol!!!
xxx
Here ye, here ye! This is a great ode to blogging. There are a few times when I’ve teetered with not blogging. I always come back to all the great things I’ve learned about people via this medium. It truly is a unique way to get to know people.
Thanks for the shout out. It had a great time sharing my daughter’s birth with the world. It was really magical to do so. I did a similar thing when I did the Ironman in 2006. It was nice to have a way to unload all my thoughts in one place. That’s the glory of blogging, a brain dump so to speak.
The first person who ever posted a comment on my page was my friend Dave – not a blogger, but who I suspect was for a long time my only reader. I remember my first comment from someone I didn’t know and she was also the first person to link me. If we’d been able to get our shit together, we’d have roomed together at BlogHer last year.
Loved reading your confessions
) Blog history makes me happy.
My Confession: This Fish was also the first blog I ever read. And I also spent a few days reading the whole thing. When I find a blog I like I go back to the beginning and read it through like a book… and I believe yours is next!
The first blog I read was Stephanie Klein, yeah shocker there. But then as I started my own blog it had nothing to do with wanting recognition or even really caring if anyone read it…and because of that, I think people did. I was just writing for my OWN clarity and then I realized there is this INCREDIBLE community of people who actually understand what you have to say, that is what I love. Whether it makes you feel less alone or helps you realize they you’re not as crazy as you thought, or by putting your thoughts into words you find some peace…blogging as improved my life IMMENSELY.
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