I use my index finger and my thumb to remove the chocolate cake crumbs from my plate, and I shove them in my mouth. I’m at the Pregnant One’s house with Bituin and Bro. The four of us are polishing off our desserts when the topic somehow turns to blogs. “Do you blog?” I ask the Pregnant One. She squishes her face a little and lets out a slight sigh before she says, “no.” I look at my plate. “Um,” I start, “I blog.” She looks at me as if I’ve just told her that I sometimes eat my own house plants as a yummy and nutritious snack. You know that kind of look when you see it. It’s a look that seems to say, “I’m sure it’s probably a harmless enough activity, but I don’t really understand why anyone would do it.”*
Hmmm … I originally started blogging to chronicle the ups and downs of my first year in New York City, but that anniversary has long passed. And, I haven’t given up blogging. I’m sure there’s probably a variety of reasons why, but these three top the list …
1. I like you. I honestly mean it when I say that I think I have some of the best readers in the world. If I were to stop blogging, not only would I’d miss the funny stories, supportive comments, words of encouragement and other things that you all leave on the Funky Brown Chick — I’d also wonder what you were doing and who you were doing it with. Did she find a new job? What’s it like now that they’ve moved in together? How’s her kid doing? How did his move go? How’d his comedy gig going? Reading and writing blogs is like a socially acceptable form of voyeurism. And, don’t we all like to watch?
2. I like me. I’m kind of a diva, and I like this stage. And, come on … fess up … if you blog, you’re with me on this one. Everyone who maintains a blog is a bit of a narcissist and/or exhibitionist. What could be more self-centered and vain than maintaining a webpage to announce to the world all the minute details of your life, your political views, your pictures of your kids, etc. etc. And, you know what? That’s okay. I see nothing wrong with a little self-love. One of my favorite blogs in the world used to have (still has?) the tagline, “But enough about you … me, me, me! … Oh, look, still me.”
3. I like us. Blogging allows me to connect with people who I’d probably never have the opportunity to “meet” under any other circumstances. I can’t think of any other activity that would each of these experiences possible … I can set a Canadian hottie up on a blind date with a woman in his city — even though they both live 2,425 miles away from me and I’ve never met either of them. And, I’m not a mother, but I can get a better sense of what post-partum depression is like by reading first-hand accounts of it on Dooce’s blog. Then, there are the people that I’ve actually met face to face. Some bloggers become readers and some readers become friends. Almost every weekend, I now engage in fabulously drunken debauchery with Sid. And, earlier this year, I had an absolutely amazing time in Northern Ireland with a woman who is quite possibly Belfast’s dearest resident. (Psst! Nics, you’re your turn. Come visit New York!!!)
So, I blog for these and other reasons. Easy enough, right? I like you. I like me. I like us. Hmmm … I’m curious … If you blog, why do you do it? And, if you don’t blog, tell us what you like about reading others’ blogs. (Lurkers are especially encouraged to speak up!!)
- – - – - – - – - – - – -
For the record and in case you were wondering … no, I don’t really eat my plants.
{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
I like people watching–reading other peoples’ blogs is just another way to people watch. When you watch people in public places you see how they behave, dress, interact, etc. On blogs, you “see” what people think, feel, believe, etc. It’s just a more internal perspective.
I know that scrunched-up-face look. I get it all the time. Try mentioning that you capture moments of your life on video and post those too and see the additional befuddled looks.
Yes–it is like people watching from the comfort of your home. That’s why I read and watch…but why do I actually post?? Gee…I’m not really sure.
I like writing. I like filming. I like editing. I don’t keep a journal anymore. I don’t have much to hide.
I guess I’m just a compulsive documenter…where else BUT the internet could I put it all??
I like to write stories. My blog is more about life stories (with a little hyperbole). I like rereading my own stories once I write them. Bloggers are most definitely narcissists and/or exhibitionists to some degree and that is quite alright!
We are also voyeurs. We peer into the lives of people we don’t know hearing stories and seeing sides of them they may not share with anyone outside their blog.
I love reading an entertaining writerwho makes me laugh and makes me think. I also love checking out the blogs of others who read the blogs I read. Some of us are seriously weird monkeys and I always find that fascinating.
It’s true, Stolie, we get involved with our readers and involved with the people we read. I share things in blog comments and stories I wouldn’t tell a stranger. Bloggers tend to be forthright with each other.
Your post captures the essence of us all I believe.
My blogging beginnings were sort of a divine intervention. I always thought it was for computer science geeks, but for a few months before my blog, these funny takes on situations just kept popping up in my head and there was really no where to put them.
Also I’m applying to medical school presently which provides me all kinds of material to tell my readers. I’m also hoping my story will touch somebody somewhere. The blog is supposed to cover only my 1 yr application to medical school but as the months go by, i’m beginning to think it will cover more.
So there you go, one of your lurkers has come out the closet
I was going to write a beautiful *really it would have been* post about growing and evolving and sharing and then I said NAH!!
The real reason is I’m nosy and narcissistic and this has become my guilty pleasure.
Smooches.
Ah yes, protocol again ;)
I started my blog initially to track my travels through Australia and Indonesia. And it worked well for that.
Then, I returned to Vancouver and liked the writing – it was sort of “doogie houser’ish” in terms of writing thoughts, ideas, etc. And so I keep going.
I like reading the blogs that I’ve linked because I like hearing what’s going on in their lives, knowing full-well that what I see is a snapshop, just like what I show is just the tip of the proverbial ice-berg.
At the end, I’m just hoping NOT to go Titanic.
Take care.
I blog because I’m too damn lazy to keep a hand-written journal. And believe me, I’ve tried.
I blog because I like to talk. A lot. Maybe too much. And I very much write the way I talk. So, blogging is a way for me to be “heard.” Whether by a few, by many, or some days, none.
I like reading blogs because I’m nosy. Because I can escape into other people’s lives and see what’s happening “out there.” And of course, so I can live vicariously through you and Sid!
I started my blog after machristy suggested it. I’m still kind of a newbie (see I’m too tired to figure out how to link her site here) but I do try to write interesting things. I tend to be extremely private so I walk that fine line all the time about what to write and what not to write.
I love reading your blog and others that I’ve bookmarked because it is like goldenleo said – people watching – only with words instead of the actual pictures and Stollie my dear you are the Picasso of Words.
Have a beautiful!
As for me, I just like the taste of houseplants.
Blogs are amazing, so many different takes on life. Fact somehow always beats fiction, given what you find when browsing through blogs. Me, I’m a professed extrovert, so I guess my interest in blogging was no surprise. It’s just great fun, and people’s creativity baffles me time and again. Thank God for the www :)
Goldenleo: That’s a good one!! It *is* kind of like people-watching isn’t it?
missbhavens: I *LOVE* your videoposts. The one about your crazy-ass neighbor is my favorite.
laurie: Voyeur? Moi?? ;)
ABBEY: Yes, I used to think that blogging was for hardcore techies who had no lives. I’ve since changed my mind. Oh, and, WELCOME TO THE PUBLIC ENJOYMENT OF THE BLOG!!! :) As you all know, I *love* it when people de-lurk themselves. Hmmm … get ready … someday next week, I’m thinking of having a “de-lurking day”.
Kris to the Tee: Nosy and Narcissistic. That’s a GREAT title for a blog. :) And, smooches right back at ya!
Mitch: Yes. Protocol. You’ve learned well, my dear. :) And, I know what you mean about “just the tip”. When you read someone’s blog, it’s like you get to know them *BUT* only the parts about themselves that they’ve chosen to show you. And, even then, you only know it as they’ve *told* it, not as it actually is. So, I guess the bottom line is: don’t make any assumptions.
Nerd Girl: I have a written journal, but I must admit … now that I blog, I don’t write in it as much. It seems like double-duty. Yeah, Sid and I should totally do a group blog. “Stolie and Sid … sitting in a bar … D-R-I-N-K-I-N-G. ;)
E: Isn’t MamaChristy WONDERFUL?!?!?! :) And, *THANKS* for the compliment!!!
JohnJEnright: Yummy, right? :)
Firefly: That’s so true. Fact is stronger than fiction … which is exactly why I so rarely read fiction. :)
it is the best possible emotional release, although that is my reason now my original reason was because i started my first year of college with no friends and no family and frankly i was lonely so i turned to the web.
My sole reason for bloggin is to see you once again in your bra and panties…… Mwah!
1. Right back at ya – that’s why you have such high traffic.
2. Ditto. Though I hate to admit it…
3. Right again. It’s funny – I thought being away from home, blogging would be a good way to keep up with friends and family – but instead its become a new, small network of new ‘friends’ that you can share things with. And the comments are in part funny, sage advice and inspirational. It’s really helped some days.
P.S. You are one of my favourites!
Dear Lovey Heart: Blogging is kinda like free therapy. I love it. :)
Tonito Bandito: I *ADORE* you, sweetie! If it’s bra and panties you want, it’s bra and panties you’ll get. Maybe sometime later this week or early next week.
lala: THANKS!!!!! :)
I initially started blogging to keep in touch with friends who were studying abroad for a year. Then I kept hitting the next blog button and found some great people like yourself! So when my friends came back I kept going.
I think in a way it’s cathartic as well as a vent for my narcissistic tendencies. There have been a few days in the past fortnight that I’ve come home from work, typed a post filled with bile, reread it and then deleted it. It’s theraputic.
And also, I’m definitely planning on New York. I am however saving to go to Toronto in October(distant family wedding) so it might take a while!
Toronto is only a mere 1-hour flight away from New York … ;)
… and, yes, Blogging is sooooo a form of therapy.
I started a blog as a way of keeping a diary of my life. Never thinking about anyone reading it, it was just a place for me to write. I did post #500 today.
I read others because I am nosey, curious, what ever you want to call it, but I like being able to peek into the lives of others, like yourself, who have really interesting lives.
It is funny how you can get wrapped up in it though. There are a few blogs that I read on a daily basis and then for what ever reason, the writers vanished. I wonder about them, what they are doing, how things turned out.
I initially started blogging just to vent about the people I encounter that piss me off on a daily basis.
But then I started reading other people’s blogs and I started taking an interest in their lives and started adding my humble two cents worth here and there. Gradually I met some really interesting people like that (like you!).
Now I’m not so angry and pissed off at the world anymore (although I do have my moments!).Now blogging is just a nice hobby, a therapeutic way to de-stress, to follow the tales of my fellow-bloggers and live vicariously through them!
Mel Chickk: WOW!!! Congrats on post #500!!! :)
Darwin: I love to live vicariously through the blogger that live throughout all the four corners of the world. It’s nice to get a peek into other people’s lives. :)
Tonight I just told my mother that my best friend is someone I met online, someone I’ve never met, someone I’ve never spoken to. She thought that was very odd. I thought it was relieving.
Yes, world, my best friend is Bdogg. Yay, me!
I just got a LURKER t-shirt, but I thought I’d decloak again, since it’s been 6 months since I commented.
Though i’m a computer geek, have never been into blogging. It is great. Where else could you write about your life and get counselling and therapy for free.
Also like that it makes me (more) aware of the fact, i’m not the only one with problems, and i’m not really that weird or out of wack compared to the rest.
People “watching” comes in as a bonus, a really big bonus.
How else am I to “know” about you and your existance?
Poppy Cede: YAY!!! Welcome (back) to public enjoyment of the blog! ;)
momok: That’s soooo true. Blogging “introduces” you to (part of) the lives of people that’d you’d probably never “meet” under any other circumstances.
Blogging can be fun, but it can also be a pain in the ass if you have a boring life. I on one hand like to entertain my readers, as far as thats even possible lol.
Bloggers is also for people all over the world with the same interest so they can relate.
And off course the most important reason. To get laid heh.
We all have our reasons.
Blogging gets you laid??? now thats is news to me!!!
Hey, it was news to me too, but it if worls for PapaG, then he should run with it.
I, on the other hand, can honestly say that I’ve never had the following situation happen …
ME: Do you blog?
HOTTIE: No. Do you?
ME: Yes.
HOTTIE: Let’s get it on.
hah well it didn’t quite go like that, but you never know.
strange people on this planet so anything is possible heh
That’s so true! :)
I blog to get things off my chest. I have a million and one ideas and thoughts going through my head so I must express them.
Same here. I love the free therapy.
{ 1 trackback }