I think it’s really interesting that blogging means so many different things to so many different people. For some people it is a journal, a catharsis, a means of connecting with the world. For others it’s about coupon clipping and deal-getting. A blog might be a scrapbook, or gainful employment, or a way to find support.
For me, blogging has primarily been an artistic endeavour, albeit one that leans into all of those other categories from time to time. I know this is an abstract way of thinking, but that’s how I see it in my head.
Is blogging an art form? I think so. If art is defined as self expression, I think it can certainly be argued that blogging is art. There is, after all, an art to blogging. Just like someone can pick up a brush and express themselves with paint on canvas, I can do the same using digital tools to weave a picture out of words, sound, photo, and video. And it’s a picture that grows a little bit every day.
I think that if you pour yourself into something, and it’s truly the work of your hand working in tandem with your head and your heart, it must be art. If an artist took a giant canvas and painted something on it every day for the rest of her life, is it art? What if she decoupaged the odd receipt or bus ticket or photo in there. Is it still art?
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Some of you may already know that I’m hosting a roundtable at Social Capital Conference this weekend. (There are still a few tickets left. You can pick one up here!) I was on the steering committee for the first two years – and had a variety of responsibilities in that capacity – but I had the most fun as roundtable host so that’s what I’ve returned to in the 2013 edition.
I’ll be taking a few pages out of my blog coaching gig and heading up the discussion at the Blogging 201 roundtable. I’ve done something similar in past conferences and it’s always a great conversation and a huge learning experience for all involved, including myself. I’m thrilled to be able to share the secrets of my successes and failures with others.
Perhaps I am scooping myself here but one of the points I’d like to make at the Social Capital on Saturday is there is truly no wrong way to blog. I think too many bloggers worry that they’re doing it wrong, when they should just be DOING. You know what I mean? There are “best practices” and tips and tools that might help you reach your goals, but it’s too easy to get bogged down in what the experts say. For example, that
- every blog post needs to have a photo
- every blog post must clock in under 600 words
- every blog post must be posted on a weekday around lunchtime
If you spend too much time worrying about the details, you’re not spending the time and energy being creative and creating content.
There are good blogs, and there are bad blogs, but this is totally subjective. It’s only my opinion whether a blog is good or bad or pretty or ugly or inspiring or a total snoozefest. I might not follow your blog because I’m not interested in giveaways for diaper creams and baby toys, but other people do. Who cares what I think?
When I’m wearing my blog coach hat I ask my clients if THEY like their blog. Do they like the appearance? The way that the information is presented? The image they are formulating of themselves with every post? This is really all that matters.
There is no wrong way to blog or to be a blogger but you know what sucks the joy and life out of me? Petty jealousy, grandstanding, ego, and drama. What a waste of time and energy, and it makes me feel drained and disenchanted, and I don’t take time out of my life for it anymore.
Although there is no wrong way to blog, I think there is a GOOD way to blog. But as I sit here I wonder whether it bears repeating because it’s just so darn obvious. Is it worth reminding people to be kind and respectful? To treat others as they would like to be treated? To understand that everyone is different and that’s why it’s a good idea to refrain from judgment? To be happy for other people’s successes instead of being envious of them?
A GOOD way to blog is to be true to yourself. If you are true to yourself you will be happy and productive. If you force yourself to be someone you are not you will start to feel empty inside and it will show in your writing, and if you’ve worked hard to grow your audience you will slowly see it seep away because you’re too busy being a pretender as opposed to being The Real You.
What do you think? Anyone care to chime in on this one? :)