Okay, so it’s the end of the semester, and like Jennyfromthefarm, I’m trying to decide whether or not I should continue to blog. Jenny’s main point is that it’s easy to maintain a blog when the topic for each post is dictated to you and the content is going to be graded. I share her view, and wonder what I would blog about in the absence of preselected content.
Furthermore, I enjoy a somewhat captive audience for my blog right now. I have selfishly enjoyed watching my visitor number grow each day, but if Garrett weren’t driving traffic to my site, what would? I’m not sure I would enjoy the blogosphere so much if I ended up feeling like I felt on the first day (like I was standing in a big empty auditorium with no one around to hear my voice).
Drawing readers has as much to do with who I am and how I communicate my points as it does with what topics I cover. Blogging isn’t just about what I write about. It’s also not just about who I am. Blogging — and doing it well enough to attract an audience — has to be a combination of both. The determining factor is what the blogger himself, or in this case herself, brings to the table in relation to the topic.
With that in mind, I’ve considered blogging about military communications, the world of subprime mortgages, funny things that nephews say, and different cultures in this country. I’m not an expert in any of these areas. But is being curious about them and having a tiny bit of experience with them enough to propel my blog to readable status? And if not, do I really need to have readers to be satisfied by blogging?
I’m really excited to take what I’ve learned in this class and find ways to help the Navy use new media, but do I have what it takes to keep doing it for myself?
If anybody wants to weigh in, I’d love to hear what you are thinking about the prospect of maintaining your blog after April 24.
Rosie, even after Garrett stops grading and I don’t have to surf classmates blogs to engage in our online conversation, I’ll keep reading your blog. You’re a great writer, no matter what the topic. Maybe blogging about military conversation would help in gaining new idea for work.?
[...] shared your lives, perspectives and opinions–your blogs been a pleasure to read. Jenny and Rosie, I will keep reading…I am a subscriber (thanks to RSS and my Google reader)! Yes, I’m a [...]
I am also one of your fans;-) As Jenny notes, you are a great writer. And I guess there´s more to cover on social media, your life – and the military. Even though it is a tough one since Garrett´s and others have adviced us NOT to blog about our work…..but you might be able to find a niche there in The Long Tail;-)
[...] 22, 2008 · No Comments This post is a direct response to Rosiethethird’s post: Should I keep blogging after Garrett stops counting? The answer is an unequivocal yes! Why do I say that? First of all Rosie’s posts have been [...]
Keep blogging! I’m not biased, but your writing is addictive.
Blog away, Rosietetra…:-)
I could not say “ditto” any louder! I love your writing….it’s like mind candy–can’t wait to keep reading. If you shift to a new title (for the Navy), I hope you’ll pass along. By the way, I am delighted to be 1001 on your stats! It is an honor to be in the great company of your stunningly beautiful family.
I’m in. Keep’ em coming. Don’t forget about the community. As I told Alan, if he stays I’ll stay. Same for you lady.