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This is my occasional request that if you (1) have a focused interest and (2) post regularly about it on social media, then please start a blog. I'm not saying cease social media. I'm saying your thoughts deserve their own plot of virtual land. Starry skies above, and all that.
Don't sweat the digital undercarriage. Just start a blog. You can always output the content and upload it into a new service. I've seen plenty of people get so focused on tweaking their CMS*, they never actually get around to publishing.
*content management system
*content management system
Maybe I'll write another "bring out your blogs" summary. The main points are simple:
1. have a topic focus
2. try to post at least once a week
3. use social media as your public notebook
4. write for yourself first and foremost
1. have a topic focus
2. try to post at least once a week
3. use social media as your public notebook
4. write for yourself first and foremost
And to be clear, I'm not just talking about or to folks who are focused, as I am, on sound. Whatever your yum: knitting, regional history, arcane professional expertise.
Though, should you ponder, in your writing, some sonic aspect of your topic, please do let me know. :)
Though, should you ponder, in your writing, some sonic aspect of your topic, please do let me know. :)
And please, if you're all "I hate the word 'blog'" then get in line. I started http://Disquiet.com three years before the word existed, and have been saddled with it ever since. Just ignore the word and do it.
Q: Why would I blog if I get more feedback on social media than I do whenever I've blogged?
A: It's in the terminology: Social media is "social." Blogs are "web logs." Social media expects feedback. Blogs are you getting your ideas down; feedback is a byproduct, not a goal.
A: It's in the terminology: Social media is "social." Blogs are "web logs." Social media expects feedback. Blogs are you getting your ideas down; feedback is a byproduct, not a goal.
Q: But I don't have a focused topic, so what do I do?
A: Then just start using your brand new blog as a public diary of things that are of interest to you, and when posting be sure to share those things of interest and say something about them. A theme will surface.
A: Then just start using your brand new blog as a public diary of things that are of interest to you, and when posting be sure to share those things of interest and say something about them. A theme will surface.
Q: What if I don't think I'm a good writer?
A: Don't leave writing to good writers, because one result is a lot of bad ideas that happen to be well-written. And you're probably better than you think. And you'll get better by doing it regularly.
A: Don't leave writing to good writers, because one result is a lot of bad ideas that happen to be well-written. And you're probably better than you think. And you'll get better by doing it regularly.
Q: What about that software everyone uses to get people to pay $5 a month for a newsletter?
A: Nothing above says don't do something else as well. Do ponder how many newsletters people will eventually be willing to pay for. And newsletters = broadcasting. Blogging is different.
A: Nothing above says don't do something else as well. Do ponder how many newsletters people will eventually be willing to pay for. And newsletters = broadcasting. Blogging is different.
Q: What do I do? I want to start a blog and I have no idea what to write about?
A: Begin your first post "I want to start a blog and I have no idea what to write about" and then keep going from there.
A: Begin your first post "I want to start a blog and I have no idea what to write about" and then keep going from there.
Q: Where do I find the time to blog? I already write so much in email, and on Slack, and on social media.
A: It is 100% fine that your blog posts repurpose material you first write elsewhere. In fact, that's often the way it should be. Try ideas out. See where they go.
A: It is 100% fine that your blog posts repurpose material you first write elsewhere. In fact, that's often the way it should be. Try ideas out. See where they go.
Q: What do I do? I can't write by myself. All my best stuff happens when I'm texting or tweeting back and forth with this friend of mine.
A: Start the blog together. There's no rule that says one person per blog, or one blog per person.
A: Start the blog together. There's no rule that says one person per blog, or one blog per person.
Q: Any last thoughts before you log off for the night?
A: Yes. I'm reading Kay Larson's superb biography of John Cage. There are many Buddhist stories in it, most of which come down to doing the same thing forever with no response and then suddenly all is well. That is blogging.
A: Yes. I'm reading Kay Larson's superb biography of John Cage. There are many Buddhist stories in it, most of which come down to doing the same thing forever with no response and then suddenly all is well. That is blogging.
Q: Was that really your last thought?
A: No, but I do need to make dinner.
A: No, but I do need to make dinner.
