Why Do You Blog: Part 3

by Christian Hollingsworth on June 29, 2011

in Blogging

Post image for Why Do You Blog: Part 3

Welcome to the “Why do you blog?” series.

This is the third post of the series recording thoughts from many marvelous bloggers throughout the world.

If you haven’t read them already, here are links to the first two posts.

Thank you for your participation.

*If you weren’t sent the email asking to be a part of this series, please feel free to use the contact form here to send in your own answer. You’ll be included.

ynrinsider Why Do You Blog: Part 3Arturas of YNR Insider

Basically what YNR Insider does it connect small-end business owners and entrepreneur’s to venture capitalists and investors alike, while blogging on the side.

We host a full blog updated many times a day, with information and success stories, tips, and memoirs about others entrepreneurs and successful start-up corporations. We are providing the step (B) between coming up with a great idea (A), and finding someone to invest in it (C).

 

daveursillo Why Do You Blog: Part 3Dave Ursillo of DaveUrsillo.com

Blogging provides me with rich opportunities and incredible freedom.

As a blogger I feel blessed with the chance to share inspiring messages with others, while being able to converse with and learning from an incredible readership from around the globe. Blogging has blessed me with a special gateway to the world.

 

marianne Why Do You Blog: Part 3Marianne Worley of Marketing Matters

For me, blogging is about self-expression. My blog gives me the freedom to put my thoughts into words. It’s extremely rewarding, even when I write about something just for fun.

I have 5 specific blogging objectives: 1) Connect with people; 2) Learn new things; 3) Share what I know; 4) Sharpen my writing skills; and 5) Create a “living” and growing writing sample. I do my best to keep these top of mind as I write each post.

 

holly Why Do You Blog: Part 3Holly Jahangiri of It’s All a Matter of Perspective

It keeps me writing regularly. It helps me to feel connected. It saves going out and seeking advice. Readers are very generous with that. I love getting emails from people who read what I write. Good, bad, doesn’t matter – it’s a conversation starter. It saves having to answer the same questions twenty times. It lets me answer in as much depth as I want to, without monopolizing friends’ time. “How was your day?”

Maybe some of what I write will mean something to my children or grandchildren, some day. Who knows, when writing down their thoughts and events of their day, how that will fit into a larger historical context? Who knows when something they write will touch a reader just when they need it most? Not me, but I like to think maybe what I write will serve that purpose in the future.

 

aaronklein1 Why Do You Blog: Part 3Aaron Klein of AaronKlein.com

I blog to express my point of view and promote my ideas…to develop concepts through discussion with commenters…and to document important resources and thoughts for myself.

 

 

earl Why Do You Blog: Part 3Earl Baron of Wandering Earl

My goal is to share the reality of my world with other people who might find my decisions, my experiences, my struggles and my thoughts useful in creating their own unique path in life. More specifically, as a permanent nomad constantly traveling the world, I aim to eliminate misunderstandings and assumptions that many of us hold about other countries while also trying to prove that a life of travel is not some crazy fantasy but a very realistic lifestyle option instead. And the most effective way for me to share what I learn is through blogging.

Every time I receive an email from a reader, whether it is to ask me a question, seek advice, share a story or thank me for providing them with the inspiration they needed, I am honestly as happy as can be. I don’t care about earning money from my blog or how many readers I have. As long as there remains a possibility that my own experiences may be able to have a positive effect on the life of someone else, I shall continue blogging.

 

andrewcaldwell Why Do You Blog: Part 3Andrew Caldwell of AndrewCaldwell.org

There are a few reasons why I blog, and in no particular order: when you write and interact within social media you meet a lot of fantastic like-minded people, it helps to know you’re not the only lunatic in the asylum. I took a sabbatical from blogging and missed the writing, sure I wrote the odd journal entry but blogging demands that you get better all the time.

Having a social media profile or sending the odd email without a blog, it’s like showing up at a fancy dress without a costume, sure you can read along but you’re not engaging & fully interacting. The blog is an extension of your opinions, thoughts & sense of humour. Something that your facebook page or 140 character twitter profile can’t deliver.

Over the past 2 years I’ve seen some great writers start a blog and earn full-time incomes from them or achieve some huge goals, travel the world, all sorts. Your blog can keep you accountable and become a self fulfilling prophecy of your goals and your journey.

 

davidrisley Why Do You Blog: Part 3David Risley of DavidRisley.com

Because I like to help people. Because the idea of working a 9-to-5 in a cubicle somewhere makes me want to stick a fork in my eye and twist. Because I have things to say. You can read more at my blog here, where I just recently wrote my reasons for blogging.

 

 

seanplatt Why Do You Blog: Part 3Sean Platt of Ghostwriter Dad

I blog because it’s a great way to crystalize my thoughts, create quality content, and forge genuine connections with like minded writers. It’s also a great way to centralize my online identity with the theories, links and references I find most valuable (and thereby most helpful to my audience.)

Blogging helps me to develop a deeper connection with the technology that’s changing (and improving) my life day by day. Best of all, blogging is the best way I know of to improve my marketing skill set. Because I can observe how my audience responds to the content I create, I can constantly improve my strategies to mine the most from my efforts.

 

carolyn Why Do You Blog: Part 3Carolyn Nicander Mohr of The Wonder of Tech

I blog for both selfish and unselfish reasons. Selfishly, I blog because my blog combines two of my passions, writing and personal technology. It’s fun! Unselfishly, I blog because I love to help others.

The greatest satisfaction I get from my blog is when I learn that someone was helped by something I wrote. I used to tell friends about new gadgets, apps, etc. and help them out with their tech. My blog has a farther reach so I can help more people discover the exciting world of personal technology.

I am blessed not to have to depend upon my blog to support me financially and I greatly admire those who have the courage to support themselves through their writing.

Now It’s Your Turn

The discussion still has much in store for discussion. After reading these thoughts – please share your own opinions.

Do you agree with these bloggers? Are you inspired by their answers?

*If you weren’t sent the email asking to be a part of this series, please feel free to use the contact form here to send in your own answer. You’ll be included.

Related Posts:

  1. Why Do You Blog: Part 2
  2. Why Do You Blog?
  3. Boost Productivity, Part 2 – Automate Twitter
  4. Spring Cleaning For Your Blog


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{ 40 comments… read them below or add one }

Carolyn
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 8:18 am

Thanks, Christian, for including me in your survey. I have a few friends who are tempted to take the blogging plunge but haven’t yet. I will send them links to your series on blogging so they can see the enjoyment so many others get from blogging.

Great idea and wonderful execution for your blogging series!
Carolyn recently posted..10 Best Road Trip Tech Tools for DriversMy Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 11:34 am

This series would certainly be a great introduction to someone who’s just getting started in the blogging scene. Thanks for thinking of that!

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Jens P. Berget
Twitter:
July 2, 2011 at 1:25 pm

I was so happy to see you on the list Carolyn. You’re amazing and doing an awesome job! I have learned a lot from you, and I have found some cool apps and my Kindle, finally I understand how to use every feature of it (and that remove from device, doesn’t really delete my books) :)
Jens P. Berget recently posted..Where I Buy My Premium WordPress ThemesMy Profile

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Carolyn
Twitter:
July 3, 2011 at 7:52 pm

Thanks so much, Jens. I’m so glad you’ve been helped by The Wonder of Tech! You have been a huge support on my blog and I greatly appreciate your comments, visits and tweets. I am honored to be included in Christian’s blog and to have this support!
Carolyn recently posted..10 Great Road Trip Apps for KidsMy Profile

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Eugene June 29, 2011 at 9:00 am

Great group of people here Christian. It’s interesting to see how everyone blogs for their own reasons but common themes of freedom, connecting and helping others keep coming up.
Eugene recently posted..Is Internet Marketing Real? Financial Markets Sure Aren’t.My Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 11:36 am

The reasons tend to be based in human interaction, and a common generality to be good, honest and explore our lives! All together!

It’s really a fun thing to experience this growth in the online environment, because it’s tracked! You can go back to all your past blog posts and see all the areas you’ve grown, progressed and become stronger.

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Meg June 29, 2011 at 9:04 am

Another great group, some who I already follow frequently. Keep em coming! :)
Meg recently posted..Music Movement MondayMy Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 11:37 am

Thanks Meg for the shoutout. So happy to hear you’re enjoying yourself. It’s like a great big party where we’re all invited!

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David | Almost Bohemian June 29, 2011 at 9:10 am

I’d say that Andrew cat sums it up nicely. It’s that engagement that makes it so worthwhile.

“The blog is an extension of your opinions, thoughts & sense of humour.”

Nicely said.
David | Almost Bohemian recently posted..When Interruption LoomsMy Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 11:41 am

Could you imagine going to a local “hangout” not to “hangout” but to sit there by yourself? That’s what it would be like blogging without the engagement! lol

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Andrew June 29, 2011 at 10:04 pm

Couldn’t agree more Dave, all about the interaction :)

Thanks for including me in this list Christian, much appreciated.
Andrew recently posted..On Pre-Trip Planning & Packing LightMy Profile

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Adrienne
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 11:04 am

Three great posts from some awesome bloggers. Enjoyed reading what their reasons for blogging are and while some are a little different, the majority are the same.

I see some faces among them that I’ve not met so will do my best to check out their blogs and see what they enjoy sharing with us.

Thanks for doing these posts Christian, great job my friend. It’s always good to hear what others think.

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..The Coolest Ad Network I’ve Ever SeenMy Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 11:49 am

I’m having a tremendous day. Lots of fun.

I’m probably going to watch a movie or two – and catch up on a few that I missed last year. Movies have always been so much fun for me. I’ll watch a movie, escape reality a bit – and then often be inspired with blog post ideas afterwards. It’s a win-win! :D

Other then that – lots of work is in store. Doing my best to catch up with this long to do list. Sometimes they can get out of control can’t they!?

So happy to have you here Adrienne. Really excited to hear you’ve found a few people that you haven’t met before. In the next couple posts of this series there are going to be a bunch more you’ve probably never heard of too.

I never cease to be amazed by the sheer numbers of great bloggers out in the world. They’re everywhere!

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KiNgDeeM June 29, 2011 at 11:27 am

Why Do I Blog? Hmm tough one not really just playing around. I have only been blogging for almost seven months and I love it. I’m not the best nore do I care to be. I do it to pass along cool and funny stuff to the masses I also find it a good stress reliever a good way to get stuff off your chest.

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 11:53 am

I think that’s a good way to look at blogging. A way to relieve stress, a way to share things you find enjoyable – that’s really what blogging is all about.

I loved the quote I found recently in the Dummie’s Guide to Blogging. It said one of the main points to always remember is that with blogging, there really doesn’t have to be all the rules everyone tries to impose upon it. It should be fun!

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Sue June 29, 2011 at 11:49 am

I recently started blogging. I’ll be honest and say that for right now it serves more of a cathartic purpose for me. So I guess you could say it’s for “selfish” reasons. However, that is not where I want it to stay. I also use it to help stir the “creative juices” and to practice my writing as I have read blogs are a great place to start.

I would like to develop a “following”; not sure how to do that or if I even should at this point. But I would love the interaction! After all, creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
Sue recently posted..WYSIWYG – Really?My Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 12:16 pm

Hey Sue! So glad you stopped by here at Smart Boy Designs. Hopefully you find the articles/posts helpful and that they help to answer some of your thoughts and questions regarding blogging.

I sent you an email as well for further info! I’m always here to help you grow your own blog!

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Rob June 29, 2011 at 1:25 pm

Hey Christian,

Big fan of David Risley. I was just watching one of his videos on YouTube 2 days ago. He brings it in a good way. I will be checking out some of these others. If they are good enough for you, they are good enough for me!

Live it LOUD!

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 4:08 pm

They’ll certainly be good enough. Hope you enjoy your journey checking out all their blogs!

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laurinda June 29, 2011 at 1:41 pm

There are so many reasons to blog.. its endless. Your LONG list reminds me that there is no right way.. just the way that works for you!
laurinda recently posted..You look good baby… Sorta.My Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 4:09 pm

And it sure is long! So many bloggers, I wish I could include them all!

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Stuart June 29, 2011 at 2:30 pm

Man Christian, this series is really starting to pick up steam! I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series turns out, I’ve already learned a huge amount from reading other contributions.

It’s helping me to access new ways of thinking and look at things from different viewpoints. This, I feel, is the true magnificence of projects like these :-)
Stuart recently posted..Value 101: Part 12My Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 4:11 pm

It’s interesting. The further the series develops the more I notice that our opinions and views are more different than I originally thought possible! Although we have underlying themes – we all have a different message, and that’s important. If all blogs were the same – it would be rather boring!

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Stuart June 30, 2011 at 1:31 am

I agree – if I started getting the same kind of answers for Value 101, I would have made it shorter than it actually was ;-)
Stuart recently posted..Value 101: Part 12My Profile

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Marianne Worley June 29, 2011 at 2:56 pm

Great job on this series Christian! And thank you so much for including me. :-)
Before I read the first post, I think I assumed that everyone’s reasons for blogging would be very similar. Silly assumption on my part. Each story is unique, interesting, and insightful.
Marianne Worley recently posted..The Effect of Marketing on Company Profitability, Part 2My Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 4:17 pm

Thank you for your contributions Marianne. Enjoyed your thoughts on self expression. When I hear those words the first thing that comes to my mind is dance. Blogging is like a dance. We weave around, wiggle – and learn as we go.

AND sometimes we fall. And get back up again.

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Vitaly Tennant
Twitter:
June 29, 2011 at 7:07 pm

Definitely an awesome take from everyone … good to see how other bloggers function!
Vitaly Tennant recently posted..Reincarnation Continued – the Soul and its NatureMy Profile

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Frank June 30, 2011 at 10:28 am

Christian,

I am really loving this series so far. I am learning alot about people I never would have know had it not been for your thoughts to create this series. I can’t wait to hear what comes next from the next wave of bloggers.
Frank recently posted..The Rollercoaster of LifeMy Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
July 1, 2011 at 6:27 am

Thanks Vitaly and Frank. So happy to hear you’re enjoying it, and getting to know other bloggers. That’s the whole goal – and SO glad it’s working.

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susan July 1, 2011 at 6:54 am

Hi Christian! Great to read about what gets people blogging and I think its a great way to funnel some of the passions people have! You know mine, health related topics – and what keeps me blogging is truly trying to help people see the importance of what we consume and how that impacts our health. I am trying to encourage people to see the true importance of being responsible for food choices now to avoid illness, symptoms or disease later.

You’re sure making a great come back, kiddo! All the best to you!
hugs
suZen

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
July 1, 2011 at 9:08 pm

You’ve got a topic there that you’re able to teach a lot of people about – and influence their lives for major good. What a powerful, beautiful position that is.

I wish your message could be heard by all – and I sure hope I will be able to help you with that.

Thank you for stopping by suZen. I really appreciate you checking out the blog and commenting.
Christian

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Jk Allen July 1, 2011 at 9:43 am

Simply awesome. I love reading why others do this blogging thing. It’s such a personal “thing” even for those who do it strictly for business. I love learning from other bloggers who share their experiences and enlighten others.

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Allyson Stewart July 2, 2011 at 1:26 am

Hey, Christian

Thanks for putting together this series on why people blog. What a great idea!! I like the way you broke the responses up into different posts. It’s interesting to see why others are blogging as well. It builds an online community of some sort.
Allyson Stewart recently posted..How to Create an Invoice in a Word DocumentMy Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
July 2, 2011 at 1:35 pm

I come from a background of journalism/interviews/forums so it’s fun for me to break up posts in this way. It seems to make sense in my mind and allow me to learn better! :D

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Jens P. Berget
Twitter:
July 2, 2011 at 1:26 pm

Wow Christian, where do you find all those amazing people? :)

The fact that almost all say that they are blogging because they enjoy helping other people, that’s what I really enjoy reading.

Jens
Jens P. Berget recently posted..Where I Buy My Premium WordPress ThemesMy Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
July 2, 2011 at 1:36 pm

They’re all over the internet. I’m just grateful most of them find a way to find me – and take part in the community.

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Klaudia July 5, 2011 at 11:54 pm

ohh why oh why oh why do you blog? :)
- I don’t know yet?
- I know I know
- because I can
- because there are important things/news to share
- or just because it’s a great place to storage information ;)
Klaudia recently posted..How Can I Change My Life? Interesting Book to Read – Part 2My Profile

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Thomas July 15, 2011 at 11:30 pm

Hi Christian
First of all this is my first visit to your blog. I came to your blog from Adrienne Smith’s blog. As you know she wrote a blog post about you so I thought I would come and check out your blog.
I am blogging only as a spare time hobby project. I am not blogging to save the world or because people need my help. I am blogging because it is fun and because it is a nice way to meet a lot of great people from all over the world. I do however like that blogger are very helpful to each other and am always ready to share their tips. I like to help people as well when I can, that is a nice felling too, but that is not why I am blogging. I am blogging because I like it and because it is fun.
Thomas recently posted..Issues upgrading to WordPress 3.2 with the Arras ThemeMy Profile

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Christian Hollingsworth
Twitter:
July 16, 2011 at 12:10 am

I think you’ve got a great reason for blogging there Thomas. It’s a reason for which you’re going to much further, then if you were to get into blogging “just for the money” or to “make a quick buck.”

Those are often the bloggers who fail fast, because they really don’t have their whole heart set on what truly matters. Sharing. Serving. Helping.

Grateful to have met. I’ll check out your blog now. Thank you for your votes and support!

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SEO Los Angeles August 23, 2011 at 3:55 pm

Thanks for sharing this, very motivating!

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