Saturday, September 29, 2007
Why do we blog.....
Okay, I need to hear from you guys. I have been challenged on why do we blog? Is it a waste of time? Is it an online diary that shows the world stuff that they just shouldn't be privy to? Is it some type of cyberspace soap opera? I have some of my own ideas..but I'd love to hear yours first. What value does blogging bring to your daily lives? If any? I'm seriously asking...really. For real.
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15 comments:
Hm. I should let the experts go first... I just started. But here are some thoughts off the top of my head:
1. FREEDOM OF PURPOSE: First of all, everyone has different 'angles' with their blog. An online journal is a valid use, but not all blogs can be characterized in this way.
2. BOUNDARIES: In regards to 'stuff they just shouldn't be privy to', my take is that it's the blogger's prerogative (and responsibility) to set boundaries they THEMSELVES are comfy with regarding what they share about themselves - and this is a wonderful freedom. However, if entries speak directly to the life of someone else who isn't comfy with their life stuff being shared, I think that should be respected.
3. ART: God created and gifted us to think, to create, to express and to connect. There's joy in blogging because it provides an avenue for each of these.
4. ON MISSION: We're live here. Who knows how many people read these entries outside our own little circles... but (even as you just experienced), it can happen. Let's let them see us loving and supporting and learning from one another as a community. Let them see us loving our neighbors. Most of all, let them see us honoring Jesus.
5. COMMUNITY: As you said previously, what a gift to reach out beyond day to day family, parenting, etc. for welcoming community and support.
Apart from all of that... whatever has potential to encourage, validate, admonish and ultimately grow the heart of a friend in a way that pleases Christ would be wrongly labeled 'a waste of time'.
All that being said - blogging seems like one of those things that it's important to keep in moderation. Still in the 'honeymoon stages' here myself though... I'm glad you're still with us, Sher.
Communication. This is one way to connect with people on a deeper level than the all-too-common "hey, Sherri! How are you? (2 seconds later) See ya!" that we practice at least a dozen times each Sunday morning. It's amazing what you can learn about someone from their blog!
I am excited to read yours, sweet Sherri girl! Blog on, baby!
I wanted to keep track of what my children do and say. They do the craziest things. I wanted to share with others my crazy home. People only can read what you are willing to type. Not ALL of your life needs to be posted. Relating to other moms has been such a blessing. Really.
NO FEAR BLOGGERS!
Oh, and to become famous. Don't forget that.
It's nothing more than shouting at the moon but the neighbor likes the shouting and sits on their deck waiting for the moon to come up.
I like to let people in on my brainjunk.
Good Grief Vonda, write a book already.
Sher,
Your blog is wonderful! Your writing is beautiful, especially since I know THE Mr. Rich Reynertson that you so passionately write about! I am proud of you; keep it up!
I second Carla's statement. Except the famous part, Carla is much better suited for that role. :)
That's really good, you guys. I was just curious because I know everyone has different reasons. I don't want mine to be some lame diary, but truly a feel that we're sitting down, having a cup of coffee, and talking about life. Sometimes it's funny, sometimes painful, ugly, scarey, and I hope it always ends hopeful because of who I am in Christ. But above all, I want it to be honest. Which, if you know me at all, I pretty much just say what's on my mind and heart. Maybe that's what my friends are afraid of. Anyway....here's to future blogs, good coffee, and trying to make the journey more worthwhile by doing it together.
Kristi: maybe I just will... "My Favorite Sassymouth Comments By Kristi Noser'... (love you.) ;-)
LOL!!!
I totally earned that.
Wow, Vonda, Good Points! We might have to work on the #4. It was good to see you get mad Sheri- now we know you are normal!
I blog because it's cheaper than therapy. Sometimes I have things to say that my friends don't want to hear. (Not that my friends are mean it's just that some of my things aren't their cup of tea, ah coffee.) Other times there are things I want to say and no one is available to listen. Most of the time I just read other blogs.
I recently posted on why I like blogs. Here it is:
I like ‘em
Once or twice my blog has been actual therapy for me, setting my thoughts in order and getting them out there helps me feel like I’ve had my say.
However, I am realistic, or try to be, when I read other’s blogs, knowing my own experience, which is this: I don’t blog about everything. There are some topics that are just not A) for public consumption, or, B) for consumption of those you know to be your regular blog friends – or not how it would come across as a blog, anyway. I honestly can’t think of anything I could not discuss face to face with the same people, where questions could be asked and clarifications made.
I know I tend to be more reticent than many, but I also guard against thinking I really know someone from their blog. It’s a weird phenomenon because often I feel closer to someone through reading their blog. I suspect this to be a trap and barrier to real talking while at the same time it can open the door for face to face conversation. Pat Stream and I have more authentic discussions because the blog gets the small talk part done for us, and we have something in common to start with. I value that. I am also much quicker to pop off an email to or sit next to Erin and Richard at a social function because I am more comfortable with them through Erin’s blog. It had been a bridge builder.
And quite frankly, (that phrase is for you, Porter) it’s a fun way to keep up with someone’s mundane daily life. The little stuff that you would blog about but not necessarily remember to fill me in on 2 weeks later. I am a firm believer that it is the mundane stuff that strengthens the foundations of friendships. Now it seems I am veering off into a digression: Instant friends. Nope, sorry. Genuine friends take time. YEARS. After all, if everyone is your super-best friend, then no one is. Anyway, I think that blogs can be a small part of that process and for that, I like em.
Oh- but you must have a healthy balance- don't think you have to blog or read other blogs every day or it'll take over and become a My Space page.
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