In my most recent blog entry, I bemoaned the fact I didn't have enough time to visit all the blogs I want to, without seriously cutting into my "productive" work time.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy blog reading.
Reading blogs:
- Teaches me a lot, about writing, about the publishing business, and about human nature (especially during flame wars).
- Exposes me to a host of different ideas.
- Informs me about all kinds of new and interesting books (and their authors).
- Helps me hone my procrastination skills (not that they need much honing).
- Provides me with links to interesting and informative sites (which I then put on my ever-expanding list of sites to visit--arggh!).
- Gives me a great sense of community, of fitting in with other writers and readers. If I have a question, I'm confident the collective swarm will come up with an answer, which is nice (then I don't have to bother my wife).
I also enjoy writing blog entries (both on my own two blogs (this one and InkSpot), and on other people's).
Writing blogs:
- Lets me (hopefully) help other writers with things learned from my experiences.
- Makes it easy to start discussions on topics that interest me.
- Keeps my skills from getting rusty (at least my typing skills).
- Allows me to get the word out about my work more effectively than standing on a street corner and shouting (I think). And it's even more effective when I blog on other people's blogs. (In fact, I'm thinking about beginning to start contemplating putting together a rough idea for a blog tour for April's release. Maybe. Soon. If I can find the time.)
There were some excellent comments on Monday's post, but are there even more reasons you have for reading and/or writing blogs?
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8 comments:
I think you've covered them all - quite well, including procrastination.
It started out that I was told to do so. :)
Then I was so *excited* to find the writing community. I've been the only writer I knew for...well, for forever. The only one who really, really wanted to write, anyway.
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
I'm with Elizabeth, it's been exciting to find others - a community as she aptly puts it. And it's amazing: I put an idea out there and get near immediate feedback. My own husband doesn't respond that quickly! (And now he doesn't have to!)
Seriously, it can put a sludge in my step when it comes to writing, but it also gives me new ideas and helps me jump hurdles.
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
I love the people I've "met" through my blog and by visiting other blogs. The most interesting folks in the world are readers and writers who are also bloggers.
You covered all of it. I love visiting blogs for the community building aspect, but also for the information I get, and can then share with my blogging community.
And I really enjoy writing on my two blogs - it's a way to get my thoughts and information about topics that I care about out to a larger audience. Okay, and it's fun to get comments and feedback and to know that people actually care about what I have to say ;-)
So whenever I bemoan the time it takes to do both I remind myself why I do it!
Jane - I think I'm just going to start referring to it as the "P" word. Writers will know immediately what I'm talkng about.
Elizabeth - Yes, we are "increasing our online presence." I guess there are worse ways!
Michele - I agree. Finding such a cool writing community online is exciting. And it usually takes a lot to get me excited.
Patricia - "Interesting" is a very good (and politically correct) word for us writers. I can think of plenty others, too!
Ingrid - You have a good point--whenever I start feeling bad about the time I'm spending surfing, I will try to remember all the good things that blogging brings.
(I'm still not convinced people care about what I have to say. But I'll keep trying.)
I think my most important reason for reading blogs is to learn what other people are writing and thinking. I am a more well-rounded reader and writer that way. My most important reason for keeping a blog is...well, there are two. One, I enjoy sharing what I've learned, and as an educator, I cann't resist the chance to spout off ; ). Two, I like the discipline of blogging regularly. It keeps me focused and it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Plus, I like "talking" about crime fiction, and blogging lets me do that, too,
Margot - I've said it before: Your blog posts are the most incredibly detailed and thorough analyses about mystery fiction I've ever seen. I don't know how you do it at the pace you do. Incredible!
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