Yes, my 400th post! Thanks to blogger for remembering it :). I completed 3 years of blogging in July. Initially what started as a personal diary soon turned into a place where I wrote anything that I had an opinion on (and I have so many :)). My interests like cooking, reading, movies, fitness, politics, books, travel, parenting, relationships reflect in my posts. Anything personal put in the public domain remains private no longer. I’ve learnt this the harder way due to some incidents involving certain posts that I had to pull down later. I had to even apologize to someone because they got hurt unintentionally. So less of personal stuff now. Sometimes, I am itching to write about something, after all we use our experiences in writing but I desist due to causing hurt. In that sense, I’ve become smarter. But my blog is still a reflection of what I feel and think, that will never change, and if someone thinks that I am judgmental and critical, then they are right :).
My blog helped me in sharpening and evolving my writing skills. I started my career as a professional writer too after I began blogging. I met and got to know some really wonderful bloggers along the way. There are times when acquaintances, friends, relatives have met me and told me that they read my blog and enjoy reading it. It is gratifying and uplifting. It motivates me to keep writing no matter how busy I am.
Some old bloggers have stopped blogging or are taking sabbaticals but I remember them often hoping that they will be back. I’ve lost some along the way, and some have lost me :). Almost all have taught me new things, new opinions, new styles of writing… Sometimes, certain comments that I read surprise me with their depths and really give new dimensions to the thinking. Some are so encouraging and some really critical, making me think and introspect. Beyond the “nice post,” “well written” those are the comments I crave for. Though sometimes, I leave comments like “nice picture, nice post” when I am at a loss of what else to write :).
A blog is your private space, and you have a right to do as you wish. But a few pointers for all bloggers could be
- Keep the language clean: Too many mistakes shows that you don’t even care to proofread your own matter and too much abusive language or graphic content could end up offending many.
- Get to the point quickly: If the post is too long, it takes the attention away. I don’t know about others but rambling gets on to me.
- Don’t be touchy feely: If you can’t handle criticism, don’t write about contentious topics.
- Interaction is the reason why one writes blog posts else why not write a personal diary on your PC. Hence, acknowledge and reply to those who visit your space. I always find it strange when people don’t reply whether it be emails, comments or anything else. I mean, I am not a mind reader. How would I know what you wish to say in return?
- Commenting is not tit for tat but if you only expect others to find what you write appealing and don’t want to read what they write then it is a one-way street. Eventually, very few will want to read what you write. Blogging is all about connection.
- Listen: Each one of us thinks that what we think and write is worth a lot. But, what others say is also equally incredible, only if we would have open minds.
- Don’t be arrogant: If you think you are the best, that is fine. But if you think that others are below you then you will be unhappy with the entire process of blogging. Enjoy the interaction.
- No genre is inferior: Do not look down upon certain type of writing or genres. To each blogger, their space is sacred. You might not like what they write, and you do not need to visit them but don’t belittle them.
- Do not spam or abuse: I am totally against those who come with a personal agenda of humiliating the blogger. You can show dissent in a decent manner, but you cannot abuse me in my own space. I will hit back or delete your comment and add you to my spammer’s list.
Thanks to all the lovely bloggers who have made me a part of their lives and allowed me to share theirs. Strangely, I feel as if I know you closely and hope to meet you as time progresses.
I blog when I am happy, sad, need encouragement, feel naughty, feel bitchy, feel like zilch, feel like a million bucks… I blog to unwind!
PS: Picture courtesy: graur codrin/freedigitalphotos.net
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