I often wonder why people don’t read blogs as much — and some don’t read them at all — anymore. The thing about blogs is:

  1. There’s no fake news; 2. There are no ridiculous memes; 3. People don’t just scroll, click a ‘like’ button, and move on; 4. There’s no self-righteous indignation 5. They don’t have people behind them making them addictive; 6. They are worthy of your attention; 7. and, if there are haters, we aren’t subjected to them (unless of course, we follow a haters blog).

Bloggers can use their blog for their own purpose, to share their thoughts, ideas, perspectives, and knowledge, and most often have something really interesting and thoughtful to say, not to mention bloggers who have plenty to teach or motivate us. I’ve also found that some blog posts actually encourage connection, discussion, and that old method of communication called a conversation. Many times when I’ve read someone’s blog I’ve come away thinking about something shared or questioned, which then often segued into a meaningful conversation at home or with friends. With many blogs another important thing is happening — questioning. Yes, sometimes important questions are addressed or asked. The other huge advantage of blogging is that we are here online, on our own terms, and in a safe place. And people reading/visiting blogs actually add-to or enhance the conversation.

In preparing for this post, I had to look up an older blog post I’d read from the delightful writer, Kerry Clare, who is a real proponent of blogging. Kerry also has a Blogging School where she teaches an online course. In referring to leaving social media Kerry mused,  “But then, if those people really want to hang out with me, can’t they come over to my blog?” I have said that exact thing to myself, multiple times. My recent desertion from Facebook was with that in mind. I am so incredibly happy and relieved to no longer have ties to Facebook and all its superficiality and nonsense. I doubt many, if any, of those people will come and visit me here. But I’m okay with that. It’s more a statement about them than anything about me.

Blogs and books have a few things in common but this point is the one that I struggle with, “too many books (blogs) to read and not enough time.”

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” said Groucho Marx

So welcome to my blog. I post here every Monday — and sometimes in-between too. No ads, no extremism, no algorithm. Just beauty in the ordinary and lots of photographs. You just may like it.

I leave you with this thoughtful quote by Margaret Wheatley, “Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.”

8 thoughts on “Blogs are notable / important / worthy of attention”

  2. I think there are blogs out there with fake news, memes, and all the rest, but it’s so much easier to avoid them. And I think there are forces trying to make blogs more “algorthmy” but it hasn’t worked. Good. With blogs, even if I’m scrolling in the WordPress reader, you still have to purposefully click to see a post. And I don’t have to see what everyone else is clicking on.

    I think you articulated the reasons I keep coming back to book blogging, rather than all the book-related corners of social media.

  3. I used to blog in the early 2000’s, but gave up as I felt it was taking up too much time trying to post something on a fairly regular basis. And then after getting married, that limited time even more. And the topics were often personal that even I didn’t want the closest of family to read. Like your recent decision, I am so glad I never joined Facebook. I must say that you peak my interest about it if I can set parameters and limits as to time invested, like you do.

  5. no extremism. i like that.

    i used to read blogs back in the early 2000’s, but departed from it when they began to take on a personal space that imitated what was later found on Facebook. for now, your blog is the only one i feel at liberty to leave a comment. you’ve accomplished creating a safe place.

  7. We do like it, Diane. Very much. Enjoyed this post about blogging. I’ve come to realize since I’ve been blogging (2008) that this platform is where my heart sings. I love writing on my blog, and the followers who visit are lovely people, often kindred spirits who share similar outlooks and interests. It’s a nice place in which to hang out. Thank you for sending your own branch of beauty into our broken world. Your wonderful photos are a tonic and provide something that heals world-worn souls.

  8. Thanks, Diane. I enjoyed this. Blogs are often such warm and interesting invitations into the daily geography of people’s lives and I’m grateful for them.

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