Welcome to Blogging 101, a series on the basics of blogging. Today's topic is: What is a
blog and why do I want one?
Rather than provide a long list of reasons why someone might want to blog, I'd
like to share my own story.
First, allow me to explain what a blog (short for web log) is. In simple terms, a
blog is an online journal where you can share your experiences, thoughts and
ideas. A blog is a collection of entries (also called posts), where the most
recent post typically appears first.
Blogs can be about any topic you like - anything you are passionate about, your
hobbies, your pets, your life, your political views. Anything! Blogging is also
a great way to share your creative writing or poetry. Writing a blog post can
be as easy as sending an email. If you can email, you can blog. Honest!
On most blogs, readers can leave comments about your posts, which makes it more
interactive than writing a book. It is a great way to meet people from around
the world.
I came across blogs in 2005. I began reading a few blogs consistently, and then
left the occasional comment or two. A few blogs led to reading more blogs and
leaving more comments.
Since I was young, I had dreamt of having my own newspaper column where I could
share my life living with cerebral palsy. Perhaps I could have that by having
my own blog.
At that time, a friend had recently began blogging too and had researched the
various blogging programs (or
blogging platforms). Because we are both in the
web accessibility field, he wanted a blog was as accessible as possible. He
chose
WordPress. Trusting his research, I installed WordPress on my business
website and, stuck for a name, I called
my blog JustWrite.
June 1, 2005 I hit "publish" on my first blog post! My life hasn't
been the same since!
JustWrite became my playground for learning how to blog; I
learned by doing and by playing - much by trial and error! I wrote about almost
anything that came to mind; it was quite liberating. That is where I chronicled
my book writing journey.
Along the way I won a Mega Marketing Makeover, including a professionally
designed blog and banner, hence Do It Myself Blog was launched.
Initially that blog was to promote my newly released autobiography I'll Do It
Myself. I organized two virtual book tours, 40 Blogs in 40 (Business) Days and
Summer Sojourn, where I visited other blogs to talk about living with cerebral
palsy and about my book. I visited blogs across Canada and the United States,
as well as Britain and Australia. Meeting people online from all over the world
was truly amazing.
Somewhere along the way I came across Liz Strauss' Successful and Outstanding
Blog and her weekly Open Mic Nights. For a few hours each Tuesday night, I hang
out with friends on her blog, discussing whatever topic Liz has chosen. For me
with a significant speech impairment, I've never been able to participate in
group discussions. Liz's Open Mic Night has changed that.
Hanging out with Liz Strauss at BlogWorld
Last November my husband and I traveled to Las Vegas for the first ever BlogWorld & New Media Expo where I met
in-person several of my invisible friends. That was such an exciting and
amazing experience!
Being at BlogWorld, where everyone understood blogging and listening to many stories,
I learned that many people make some money from blogging, some make quite a bit
of money, which was mindblogging. Then it struck me: this technology fits my
disability and abilities. Blogging is something I could do, very well, and
generate an income!
This January I began my first small professional blogging contract. Later in
June I will begin an online course on advanced blogging strategies for
generating an income. My ultimate goal is to earn a full-time income from
blogging.
Why I do blog? To share my unique experiences with others, to learn from
others, to connect with others, and, yes, to earn some money at it.
Glenda meeting Suzie from Australia
For me, the most rewarding aspects of blogging is the relationship with others, and meeting them in person is the cherry on top! This past week I have had the pleasure of meeting Norman from the United Kingdom (again!), Suzie Cheel from Australia, and tomorrow I'm meeting Todd Jordan from Missouri. They have all come to the Vancouver area for various reasons.
Why do you blog? If you already blog, please click Comments below and share why
you blog. If you would like to begin blogging, please share what you hope to gain from
blogging.
Next in Blogging 101: Writing Your First Post. Stay tuned!
