Comments on: Evolution of a Personal Blogger

By: Charley

Charley — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:33:14 +0000

Ah yes, why indeed do we blog? I think part of it relates maybe to the comment you left on one of my recent entries - that what you fear are those that don't ask 'why?' - particularly because much of your writing is a quest for an answer to your own 'why.' Personal, professional, family, pleasure, all those ideas and words so particularly crafted to reveal just enough to challenge your own answer for why? Charley’s last blog post..What vitamin are you?

By: KiKi

KiKi — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:37:04 +0000

Great post! It's interesting...my main blog was created as a forum for my essays--all nostalgic, all love letters to myself pretty much. Well, in that self-deprecating way. Yet, I am also fiercely private. I never use real names, and although my works are all recollections of my life--I also don't give away too much. In my mind, anyway. You know, you're a brilliant writer...my advice is don't pressure yourself too much to define your role. The beauty of writing is that it's an art. The beauty of art is that it is a reflection of the soul. The beauty of the soul is that it is constantly evolving. The writer you are today will be different from the writer you are tomorrow...it's just the ebb and flow of life. KiKi’s last blog post..Band Geek.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:00:08 +0000

There is a time and a place and a purpose for all things, in my humble opinion. I’ve barely uttered a word over the past year and yet more has happened to and for me in my private life than ever. Words are precious. Any time we can give breath to memories and events, be it through words or photographs or what have you, it becomes a treasure. It’s no wonder that you went into a bit of a panic over the possibility of losing all this… Your words are precious, as are the reasons behind them and the events which give them meaning.

I printed “Reflections” as soon as i found out about the switch from AOhell. I completely flipped my lid thinking it might somehow disappear.

::hug::

chelle

By: Nyree

Nyree — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:20:09 +0000

I began blogging after discovering a blog written in 2003 (yeah, when it was just becoming popular!)about a young woman taking care of her dying elderly father. She completely put herself and her daily life out there and it was a lifesaver to me at the time as I was in the same position with both parents. I blog as a form of healing for myself and in the hope that it will help another person in some way. I plan to write a book about my life in the future but for now, because I want to write my way, I only put my real first name out there... Nyree’s last blog post..Wonderful Writing Worries…

By: David

David — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:43:52 +0000

I came real close to doing an entry about my wife, her yearly trip with her best friend and how much she means to me but....I am not quite that bold. I am glad you have opened up. David’s last blog post..More Springtime in the Rockies

By: Andi

Andi — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:08:30 +0000

I also do not share deeply personal details on my blog, mostly out of respect to my husband and family; however I am considering the start of another blog under a psuedonym where I might write more freely. Another blogger gave me this cool site where you can print your blog to a book so that you can have it a nice bound version: http://blog2print.sharedbook.com/blogworld/printmyblog/index.html

Andi’s last blog post..Sashimi Stasis and Facebook Etiquette

By: Heather

Heather — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:16:44 +0000

I think you started blogging to save me. Maybe that sounds ridiculous of me but I firmly believe you started blogging to help and save me, and many others. I've been reading you a long time, since way back into AOHELL days, thanks to Jodi. But I think you were the best thing that's happened to me while blogging, and I am blessed to know you. Thank you for blogging, and I can't wait to see us both evolve into so much more! Heather’s last blog post..Update and Top Tens

By: Marc

Marc — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:58:24 +0000

Does anyone every share personal information to benefit anyone else? The only purpose is to increase a sense of intimacy, so you both benefit from the feeling of closeness that results. It's no different from the progression of any kind friendship. It seems to me that you fear an ersatz intimacy, a sense of appearing to open up while you in fact knowing that you are holding back, and then wondering if that makes you a phony. Don't worry so much! You get to let us know what you feel comfortable letting us know. You also get to keep some of your mystery. No one is going to take advantage of you letting down some of the wall, either. (Although one day you'll get a spam/stalker/commenter and that won't be about you. It happens to everyone.) For me, blogging is part of the search for authenticity. That doesn't mean I have to reveal every nook and cranny, just that what I do reveal is a true expression of myself. But no one is questioning your motives. Why should you? Marc’s last blog post..Poor But Rich

By: Momo Fali

Momo Fali — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:32:51 +0000

I have printed some of my blog entries, but I've never thought about printing the comments! I'm so glad you mentioned that. I hope you continue to grow and can define yourself, if that is what you desire. I also hope the journey takes you to places you never expected. Momo Fali’s last blog post..To Infinity and Beyond

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:15:17 +0000

It's interesting because there's a trend (including with my own writing) with people to keep a distance with their blogging, mostly through humor. But occasionally, serious insight and deep emotion break through. I like that juxtaposition. Like a well written character, development is much better shown than explained. Nice post, Rebecca. Paul’s last blog post..New story...