In essence, my research epitomised the power and
potential of blogging. There is a
flip side (discussed later), however, my experience of blogging has always been
positive, and initiated contact with an exciting array of professionals.
The volume, detail and global spread of the
responses was unexpected. In essence this was an experiment. I was left with
clear evidence to support the idea that writers who blog form a unique online
community that is articulate, interesting and highly supportive.
The comments themselves offer valuable insights
into writers’ perceptions of blogging, and its value as mode of communication.
I have included the full comments can be read on original blog; they make fascinating
reading. The results suggested
many good reasons for writers to blog; summarised below, with a few examples to
represent the range of comments.
Blogs can
help with self-discipline, developing writing skills and offer a place to test
new ideas.
“It's just
good to write something as close to every day as you can manage, just to keep
the writing muscles healthy.” (James Henry)
“I started a blog to support a book
accompanying a TV series, then found I enjoyed blogging in and of itself…it
gives me a place to explore random ideas that don't fit anywhere else, and has
also allowed me to read some amazing stuff written by some very talented
writers and humorists, both published and not.”(Lucy)
“I generally try to keep my
newspaper stuff and blog stuff very separate. I'm aware that, as a political
leader writer I'd get flamed if I wandered into the snake pit of UK political
blogging, and I'm not actually a very argumentative type. I'm sort of
superstitious about showing things I'm working on professionally to anyone
before they're safely in print. There are exceptions. Sometimes I try out ideas
on the blog…to see if the thing in my head is worse than half-baked or actually
a proper idea. The only way you know is by writing it down.” (Rafael)
Writers are
gaining work via blogs, and they offer a unique way to establish networking
contacts:
“Potential
work has come my way via the blog, mostly through connecting with other more
established bloggers. One interesting development has been contact from some of
the major newspapers in Canada requesting input or a write up for a larger
piece they are doing. Again, all via the blog.”(WC Dixon)
Blogs can be
used as an effective tool for self-promotion and marketing:
“It has a
function as a publicity tool for my work, but I'd still do it if this were not
the case, because it's fun.”
Blogs build
a sense of community:
The
unanimous appeal of blogging reflected in the study demonstrated that beyond
initial self-consciousness, most blog – for enjoyment. What sets blogs apart
from a diaries or notebooks, is comments; these open limitless possibilities to
engage in debate, discussions or merely banter; invaluable for those who write.
Unlike chatroom users, bloggers can formulate a greater sense of who is talking
to who. Fictional characters can ‘play’ word games, writing related topics and
ideas might be discussed, and the everyday can become surreal and inane.
Blogs are
breaking and changing the boundaries of communication.
