Guest Post: What Makes A Blog?

When Alison sent out her request for guest bloggers, I immediately said, "Yes!" Then I had a brief panic attack because it's OK to spout a bunch of boring drivel about my family, my job, and my life on my own site, but NOT on someone else's.

I have put inane quizzes on mine that have identified me by holiday symbol, animal, musical group, etc... I have written whiny posts that I have looked at afterward with loathing.I have solicited other people's advice on parenting, teaching, marriage, and issues that have impacted me. I never would have imagined all the day to day and bigger events that I have blogged about. Two years ago, I would have laughed if anyone had told me that I would include photos, video, and links on my site. I could barely even remember how to post, much less do anything I considered "fancy." I would have been shocked to realize that I share some pretty personal issues with other blog buddies--and they understand me better than many who know me in real life.

Perhaps it's partly the distance; it's a kind of safety net. Bloggers can deal with each other by choice--every day, once in a while, or never. I can just stop going to a site, or start visiting a new and interesting place. I choose what to write about, when and how often. I am still amazed, and delighted that people read anything I write or comment on it. I have come to value the connection as much as the journal itself. So, what is a blog then? It is anything and everything we want it to be--that's the power and wonder of it all.

By Margaret

Comments

[Pumpkin]

Great post and I couldn't have said it any better!

[cmhl]

I agree about the safety net--- you can be a little more brutally honest, because you have a slight buffer between you and the other person, and can say as much or as little as you want..

[Monty]

So that's what a blog is.

[Another Alison]

Awesome post! I was (unsuccessfully) trying to explain this idea to my mother over the weekend, and your words sum it up perfectly.