What Matters to Me
I’ve been a blogger for over three years (only a few months here, but much longer at my techie blog) and over that time I’ve discovered an important truth about myself as a blogger:
What I prefer to read is similar to what I prefer to write.
It sounds simple, but I think the simplicity of that statement hides an important truth about “being yourself” online.
There is far too much attention in the blogosphere paid to churn, traffic, stats, ad revenue and list making.
And while I’m sure those have a place, they aren’t for me. Which is where the truth I shared above comes in. Because if you’re on the blogosphere and you don’t do those things, well, you’re missing out (apparently).
But in the last three years I’ve found freedom as a blogger by discovering that what I like to see is a reflection of what I prefer to present on my own blog. For example, I prefer:
- Quality over frequency
- Authenticity over image
- Discussion over sermon
- Personality over list making
- “Who I am” over “what I am doing”1
I’ve participated in both sides, and the left feels like home. So that’s where I hang my hat.
So how about you? Chances are, you keep on coming here because you feel the same about some of this, but what else is on your list2? What am I missing? What do you agree with?
Popularity: 47% [?]
- Insert your parallels to “the writing life” and life in general here. [↩]
- Since I prefer discussion over sermon [↩]
If you liked this post, subscribe to my RSS feed, or subscribe via Email.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:10 am
I think there are both sides for me. The blogs I look forward to are the discussion/community-oriented ones. Those are the bloggers that I begin to see as friends.
But I also read blogs on writing. I don’t care about the community there, to be quite honest. I don’t read the comments, and I rarely comment on those blogs. That’s for the learning and development side of me.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Wait, do you like lists or not (because this post has 2 of them)? Better do a third footnote.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Jeff, I knew that someone was going to point out my lists. I should have known it would be you…
I guess what I really mean by “list making” is “how-to lists” as opposed to lists as a way to make content clearer and more readable. I like lists for that purpose. Probably should have made that clearer.
Heather, I like that approach. You consume to learn, but focus your commenting elsewhere. I like that. I guess I’ve been starting to disengage from the “learning” sites because the best resources to learn are in print, and I’d rather spend my time reading those, which leaves me for more time in the communities. With friends, as you said.
March 10th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Further clarification:
Of course, when it comes to getting published, there are some great resources online.
What’s more, traffic is important or we’d just be talking to ourselves.
So I’m not speaking categorically, I still read and “do” those things on the right. I just feel that I need to remind myself from time to time not to get so wrapped up in the right side…
March 10th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Hey Brandon,
As someone who only posted a blog for the first time today, I find that for me, “Who I am over What am I doing” is really why I chose to begin to write things myself. I find I learn a lot about people by reading their random thoughts, and I think perhaps others feel the same way. Discussion for me is somewhat important, but not that pertinent in my use of social networking. But overall I agree with my personal preference for the “left” (your list, not politically!). Have a great day!
March 11th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Hey Jim,
Good to hear from you! I just dropped a comment on your brand new blog and am looking forward to reading more. Count me in on the conversation!