What makes a blogger? Why does anyone even begin the process? And in the course of blogging, does something happen to transform the original purpose or intent?
The inspiration for this post came from my very first boyfriend, Ted (who took me, chauffered by my Mother, to my first dance in 8th grade) who became a scientist and for some strange reason is following my blog all these many years later. Thank you Ted for making me think about why I blog, and how the effort has changed over the past few years and become more and more liberating and a more enjoyable endeavor.
The inspiration came from an article Ted found by a Professor of Chemistry, who began her blog with strictly scientific meanderings. Over time, the blog changed and changed again. The article is so worthwhile reading because it explains what happens in the process and how a blog morphs along with the blogger. Read this wonderful article called Catalysts , by Michelle Francl, Professor of Chemistry on the Clowes Fund for Science and Public Policy at Bryn Mawr College, for deeper insight into a blogger’s transformation.
But, Ms. Francl’s article has inspired me to assess the changes in my own blogging efforts. Having produced three different blogs in the past two years (The Virginia Shopper, Technicolor Day Dreams, and Virginia Views), I can now wander, not only through the Virginia countryside, but stretch my writing skills and play with primitive attempts at photography. Will my purpose and approach morph again in time? Probably. But for now I am among the happy bloggers of the world, following others who I deem the best, and being followed by actual family and friends, and by lovely people I have never met but who feel like family and friends. And, I am convinced that bloggers, no matter how erudite or technical or scientifically bent, undergo similar transformations which ultimately become liberating.
It does become liberating
I have grown through blogging 
Ditto!
You are so right. I was terrified to hit publish the first time. I remember my first “like” and my first “follow.” Since then I have diverged from my original intent and post on what is on my mind. Seems to work for me and it is definitely liberating. The only downfall of blogging is that I feel close to some bloggers whom I’ve never really met and probably won’t. You are one of them and I have enjoyed your journey!
I know what you mean Kate, and I feel the same about you too. Maybe we should plan a favorite blogger reunion where we can all meet somewhere in person.
I’m in!
Wonderful post Dor! Here’s my question to you. Can you imagine your life without blogging anymore? I know I can’t
. It has become a truly important and fulfilling part my life!
There are those who do not understand that blogging is now an essential part of my life. Glad to find a kindred spirit out there. Thanks Cindy!
And where else can you have a safe conversation that allows you to censor and edit comments and if necessary delete the person from your life. It wouldn’t work as well sitting in a coffee shop with a friend who turns crazy.
Wouldn’t that be awesome! Reach into the air and edit the comment before it falls in your fragile lap!
Help! Please don’t delete me. I like having you for a blogging friend so I can censor you and edit your comments! LOL:) Just kidding. I love your blog! I do. Don’t censor this!
Cool!
Yes, I remember being chauffeured by your mom. And she also drove us to the movies downtown and then invited me to stay for dinner afterward. Weren’t we blessed to grow up in such gentle times and with such caring families. Thanks for the memories, Ted
34 AM, Virginia Views wrote:
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Thanks Ted, you make me smile!
“bloggers undergo transformations…that become liberating.” That’s so true! The wonder would be if our blogs did NOT change and grow as we did. But for me at least, it’s still a little nerve-wracking to try new things. If readers come for A and I start throwing them B, isn’t that a bait and switch?
I think anything you throw at your readers will be eagerly read and loved. Go ahead – bait and switch – just to see what happens!
Inspiring and encouraging post! Blogging can be addictive.
I’ve blogged on and off in different places for the past 9 years, Dor. Over that time both I and my blogs have changed in different ways and that’s not surprisings as blogging is like a journey. What hadn’t occurred to me though, til just a few years ago, was how ones readers change oneself and the blog. I now write primarily for other people which I find more satisfying than writing just for myself and that, in itself, was quite a discovery!
I started my first blog for my grandchildren. This one is for myself, but as you say, readers now have a big influence too. I love the journey, even when I’m at a standstill and wondering what to do next.
This is such a validating post for me… thank you for writing it! Because I also feel my blog, and reasons for blogging, are always changing. I suppose I’m not much of a “big picture” person. I have trouble zeroing in on a single message. But, like you say, that’s what makes this such a rewarding form of expression for me! I’m glad you said it so perfectly.
Thanks Jennifer. I am delighted with the changes in your blog and mine. Sometimes they are slightly undetectable, but they are usually improvements in clarity and purpose. And you are so right about blogging being “a rewarding form of expression.” If I quit, I think I would miss it terribly.