Sometimes writing can feel like a lonely and isolating chore ... while at other times you can be "caught in the flow", fingers skating across the keyboard, not noticing the hours slipping by.
One of the advantages of writing a blog is that you can solicit feedback ... if you are writing a book or a work of some kind, you can put it on the Internet very quickly, and get some feedback. Sure it might start with only one or two readers (like your mother and father), but hey, that's where Picasso started too! The other main advantage to blogging for writers is that you have the chance to build a community or readers who may ACTUALLY buy your book -- or even better -- they may MARKET it for you.
And if it so happens, that the new year is upon us, then your readers/audience/community/parents can VOTE for your blog in a number of categories. This year's bloggies close in a few days, so get over there quicksmart!
What are you waiting for? Stop reading and get VOTING.
Sweet! I just did my voting last night, and Gavin, you showed up in many different locations! C'mon SOC!
Posted by: Paul McEnany | 09 January 2007 at 10:36 AM
One of the most eloquent "vote for me now" posts I've ever read.
;)
Do I get a Servants of Chaos mug warmer or something? ;)
Posted by: Sean Howard | 09 January 2007 at 10:45 AM
Thanks, chaps. But really, it wasn't a "vote for me" post.
I don't know about you, but I am still getting a lot of "what's a blog" questions ... and strange looks from friends and family. While we all talk about blogging becoming "mainstream" ... it really has some way to go.
And then there will be Servant of Chaos mugs, T-shirts and squeaky dolls for all.
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | 09 January 2007 at 06:49 PM
Woot!
I want a squeaky doll! ;)
Posted by: Sean Howard | 10 January 2007 at 12:46 PM
When I first saw the "Nobody cares..." phrase on a t-shirt, I cried.
Then I thought about buying one for myself. I like the irony of this phrase (and this t-shirt). Because the blogosphere is full of caring:
- Many people who blog seriously really care about their blogs.
- The audiences of the passionately written blogs really care about those blogs, too.
-While these audiences aren't in the millions, they are meaningful, involved and dedicated.
And then I realized: a caring niche market for my blog might be better than a partially involved mass market.
Only my younger family members read my blog. When I say to my parents, "Please read my blog!", the brain freeze behind the blank stare is very intense. Then they usually change the topic.
And I really think you should make a Servant of Chaos t-shirt!
Posted by: KG | 10 January 2007 at 02:21 PM
I want this shirt and the SoC squeaky doll too- the kind where the eyes bug out when you squeeze it.
My marketing site got nominated and I have to admit that I got all kinds of proud about it... blog dork that I am. A friend who runs a bike industry publication in the UK did the nominating, so it was that much more flattering.
Yes, our families and friends outside of the blog world really don't understand the whole thing yet. They represent the masses, whether we want to admit it or not. But we're getting closer to the needed critical mass all the time.
Posted by: Tim Jackson | 10 January 2007 at 05:00 PM
KG + Tim ... the demand for these T-shirts and squeaky toys is growing ... look out CafePress ;)
Much as we hate to admit it, we all secretly love a bit of recognition. Even the coolest of the cool like to raise their face to the sun.
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | 10 January 2007 at 11:10 PM
Amen brother Gavin, amen. Don't think for a second that I didn't puff out my chest and prance around like a peacock when that article and photo came out in the New York Times. The timing couldn't have been better either, since it was during our industry's largest trade event of the year. Having a bunch of people walk up and say, "wow, I saw you in the Times this morning" can make you feel pretty good. Hey, we all have at least a little ego...
Posted by: Tim Jackson | 11 January 2007 at 01:14 AM