Blog was the Merriam Webster word of the year in 2004. It was the word that no one knew at the beginning of the year, and everyone knew by the end of the year. Blogging has been mainstream – sort of – for four years now. Those of us that have been in it for awhile can forget how frightening and intimidating it is to be vulnerable enough to put your writing out there for the world to see.
L.L. Barkat has some thoughts and suggestions for new bloggers.
I remember what it was like to be a new blogger. The wide world before me. So much to say and so little ability to say it. Millions of blogs to make my way amongst. Zero comments, zero comments. Then, oh! A surprise comment from some really big blogger who kindly deigned to be the Welcome Wagon of the blogosphere. It was… intimidating.
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Blogging has given me a creative outlet. It keeps my life from sinking into drudgery!
And thanks to High Calling Blogs for giving my blog PURPOSE!
David
http://www.redletterbelievers.com
I remember the days I kept a journal in high school. It was a rewarding experience that God used in helping me focus my thoughts. Blogging for me is very similar. Thanks high calling!!!!
Oh Man, blogging for me has become letting others see God’s work in me. We as Christians go through soooo much, and being able to blog, share, and connect with other Christian bloggers has blessed me more than I know. I hope you will stop by, I had a special email the other day from the artist Jeff Deyo. God constantly reminds me that my blogging is truly a ministry to Him and a blessing to others. May God shine in all of us and our blogs in 2009!
David, you are nice to say that–but your blog had purpose long before we came along!
When I came back to writing in 2006, I found it easier than ever to able able to say what I wanted. There was MySpace and then I found the other communities one at a time.
It is different with each place because you have to find your niche unless you join a community that already has one.
When I decided to start a blogging ministry, I tried to take it everywhere, but I am finding that it’s only necessary to be in a few places. I’m just glad that I’ve found my purpose for God while I am home with three little ones.
I am finding that the scope and purpose of my blog is developing and changing as i go along. When i first started blogging it was to keep my family and friends around the world in touch with what i’ve been up to…..then i found that people seemed interested in my writings about my research….so i moved my blog to a more well known platform – blogspot – and i began learning about SEO and thinking about my blog as an outlet for and a tool to communicate with those interested in my research. This has slowly been taking shape and now, once again, i am looking at reshaping my blogging identity. With the help of a fellow blogger and friend, i’ve now registered the goannatree.com domain name and am considering a platform change to take into account my redefined needs in terms of design, accessibility, and the things i have learnt after spending some time in the blogosphere. I am a scholar-blogger and I’ve been thinking more and more about that identity in as much as I think about how my faith permeates all that i do – and that includes blogging.
Highcalling has been helpful resource and community for me as i have slowly gained a more refined understanding of my purpose, and my highcalling, as a blogger.