If you are a regular visitor of my blog, you will by now know that there are a few things I am struggling with, like the Analysis Paralysis I mentioned 2 weeks ago for example and finding it hard to work on some sort of schedule simply to get things done.
When I first started this blog back in January, I only had an idea. I woke up in the morning with the name of this blog in my mind. Well, actually it was only going to be called Me Myself and I, but that domain was already taken, so I ended up with this domain on nothing but yet another one of my impulsive acts.
I did not have a set goal. I wasn’t even sure what I was going to write about. Basically, I did not have a clue about where I wanted this blog to go, except for the thought in the back of my mind that it really was time to get my life on track.
Throughout my life I have made quite some mistakes and taken some wrong turns but in the end, looking at where I am today, I am glad I have made those mistakes and turns; after all they have brought me where I am at today.
I always tried to do my best for others, helping them wherever I could and offer support and a shoulder to cry on if needed, a helping hand and a patient listening ear. But the morning I woke up with a domain name in my head, I felt time had come to focus on Me first.
A strange thing happened though, as soon as I started writing in this blog. All sorts of underlying and long forgotten problems started to surface and even though I might only touch a very small part of them, the act of writing in a blog, getting out in the blogosphere, having to face up to my actions, connecting with other bloggers and readers of this one is proving to be very therapeutical.
Saying that I fell in love with my own blog might seem bizarre and farfetched, but you could look at it like having a relationship which means more and more each day. There is this need of wanting to write better posts every time. Offer more interesting subjects and not wanting to disappoint readers who visit my little corner in the blogosphere regularly.
So I am starting to research more things which will eventually help me to make a better living through blogging, but it is the part of “having to own my truth and facing up to reality†part that comes along with running a blog focussed on interaction with its readers, that is really helping me a lot.
If you sit and think about it, it is really weird. I will possibly never get to know any of my readers in real life, yet they are really starting to matter to me. Some readers are on the other side of the world, but there is this little line that connects us, whether it be through blogposts, entrecard drops, comments that are left on each others blogs and this little line might just get stronger over time.
Another curious thing is happening since I have started this blog. Even though I spend many hours writing, commenting, building links, researching and reading in order to improve this blog all around, other projects that I am running are starting to show better results as well.
This is a side effect I had not really expected, especially since I am not dedicating as much time to them as I used to do, but the time I do spend is more “concentrated and focussed†and things seem to have become easier because of what I am learning through this personal blog.
So now I am dying to know, what makes your blog tick?
Why do you blog and what has it given you in life?
I was a community admin for quite some years and was hesitant to open a blog just because I hated trends and herds that go after them. Blogging is indeed a trend and this kept me from this.
Still one day I opened my Romanian blog and I started writing. I don’t make heaps of money on it (I have other better sites in the network when it comes to monetizing), but I discovered I love writing and weird enough, some people like reading me.
I have started my main blog too weeks ago and I like seeing people visit and commenting. I just get now the pleasure of writing good content (as much as I can) and seeing people come to read and reply to my articles
Love your blog, keep up the great work.
Ramona Iftode’s last blog post..Get something more from that crappy Entrecard traffic
I have always referred to myself as a sarcastic and opinionated. I also think I can be quite entertaining. Did I mention a small amount of arrogance. OK maybe more than a little. But I have always loved an audience. One of the things I miss the most about doing stand up comedy is the audience. I started doing the my first blog on MySpace (I know not a real blog) as my own sort of therapy after my last marriage ended. Over time it became less of a journal and more of an outlet to be the rambling mad man I am. I started having fun. Then I made the decision to be a stay at home dad for a while. I was finding it difficult to keep my mind sharp and I was beginning to get bored. I hated the lack of comments I was getting on my blog. I was getting plenty of views but no interaction.
Then one day as I was updating my topics for Stumble Upon I checked off blogs. I started reading other peoples blogs and started commenting . then I found myself going back to see if some one commented on what I had said. I found my comments were getting longer and longer. So I thought to myself “self, you are more entertaining than half these twits, maybe we should should start doing something like this.”
From there I was writing for three different blogs inside of 2 weeks. I have been having a lot of fun. As I keep going I can see other ways for me to make money doing this. My girlfriend and I came up with our own top secret master plan. I could tell you but then I would have to kill you. I like breaking the rules and going down my own path. I have always thought that if I am doing what everyone else is doing then I am doing it wrong. I have lived my life that way since the day I was born. My blog let’s me follow my crazy mind where ever it may take me. The idea you gave me that has turned into my weekly Blog Storming piece has been wonderful. It is my favorite post to write each week. Thanks a gain for the idea. On that note I am off to place to do a thing with some people.
Jim – Just a Guy’s last blog post..My Political Agenda
I make my blog tick
People come to read about the grand mistakes I have made over the course of my life. I’m quite candid and honest about everything and I think people enjoy reading about it.
I blog for therapy… and in doing such, I have a place where I can rant and rave and meet some amazing people in the process.
Monique’s last blog post..Whoa! Is That Pee Running Down My Leg?
I’ve always blogged in one form or another. I do still have a personal blog, but it’s no longer my main blog, which I’ve kicked over to doing more polished articles intended to be useful for an audience.
That kind of blog has been a lot of work, but in the end is still pleasing to me despite all that. Probably because of the hard work involved, and the rewards that can reap.
A personal blog, though, is quite nice and relaxed. When you transfer your thoughts out of your head onto another medium, you’re consciously giving them structure and form (even if all you do is stream-of-consciousness). Whether you formalize them (like Sd) or not (personal blogging), it’s still a transformation of information.
And that affects its context, especially when you consider that blogging is very much a social affair for most people these days, rather than simply shoutin’ grounds.
Arachne Jericho’s last blog post..Getting the Best Out of Entrecard: 5 Benefits I Reaped Beyond Hits or Ads
The act of writing has done amazing things for me. Like you said, other things seem to fall into place. I think it takes the surface layer of your thinking off so you can see below it to even better thoughts. I used to journal through my teens, like 10 pages a day. It did the same to me back then. Of course, having the feedback available on a blog helps even more.
Stephan Miller’s last blog post..Priests of Blog
I made my Blog thinking to share what I know about investments, Forex and other subjects with all the people out there (and not being scammed by ponzis). When I began I thought it would be a mess because my english is not good but now I am proud to know that many people are reading it and it´s great for me. In fact I never thought to gain money from it, but who knows in the future…
JoseLeon’s last blog post..UK Tax Increases Finalized for 2008
Hi Ramona, nice to see you over here
I had a look at your blog before replying and I can understand why people like what you write 
You will see me around there 
Thanks for taking the time to comment over here 
I am really curious about your top secret master plan, Jim, I bet it will be good
The interaction with other bloggers and readers is fab, really does wonders to send something out into the world and get feedback on it, or see somebody felt it was useful to them.
Maybe that is why I just can´t stand spammers. I had a few on here commenting stuff like “signed up for your rss” and other positive comments like that, only to find out they were actually just spam comments. Really pisses me off!
But then there are people like you for example, shining another light on my posts, giving them a different twist or adding something to them, man, that is really great to watch, thank you again
Gotta say, your friday blog storms are my favorite reads
Hi Monique! I think that is the best answer, you making your blog tick
Your post title surely has spicked my curiousity so you can bet I will be visiting yours 
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Hi Arachne
with this blog I just kinda started not really thinking anybody would ever read what I was writing, but then people started coming in, started responding and participating, and I am loving it!
Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it!
Hey Stephan, always great to see you over here
Pretty much the same for me although my writing never has been persistent, there used to be ages where I would not write at all and periods where I just would not stop and write anywhere and everywhere…
Buenas José guapo :*
I am sure your blog is of great help for people interested in investing in real projects and avoiding scams and I am sure you will notice a change now that you have changed a few things 
good to see you over here
Besos!
Well you know then I must say thank you again for giving me the idea. It is often dangerous to give me ideas to play with. I like reading your stuff itr often gives me little ideas to expend on in my own weird way.
As for my master plan let’s just say it will involve stuff. I know I am a pain.
Jim – Just a Guy’s last blog post..Now for Something Completely Different
I started my blog out of a need for a creative outlet. I always enjoyed writing, but there was nothing forcing me to do it. So, the blog forces me to keep my hand in and keep trying to do better and push boundaries with my writing.
I do it for laughs, therapy, validation…so many reasons.
Thanks for asking!
And thanks for visiting me the other day!
You are welcome and thank you! The first post I saw was hilarious
:D
hahahahaaha good one … it will involve stuff… hey, If I come up with a secret master plan involving stuff, don´t come over here saying it was yours to begin with hahaha
I use blogging not only for communicating, but also to spur myself to stay on top of trends. This gives me a great edge with my network (and kids, for that matter – they always are surprised when Mom knows more techie stuff than they do).
Enjoy,
Barbara
Barbara Ling (aka Owlbert)’s last blog post..RANT – What Twitter REALLY is missing Part 6 – XMPP
Hi Barbara, nice to see you over here
Pretty darn good reasons you have there!
a friend who moved oversea started blogging to let use, the friends left behind bout her life going on. i’ve been reading blogs since then. and think that people who blog really good as they can put words by words together, which i could never do greatly. =)