what is the purpose of blogging ?

Why do you have a blog? Is it your journal? Is it for research? Are you a budding writer?

Throughout my adoption home assessment I opened a thread which a few people followed. It was there, in the early weeks after Squidge had come home, that someone suggested I should start a blog.

My reasons for starting it (and subsequently keeping it going) are a mix of the ideas above: journal; I like writing. Primarily I thought it would be a good way of recording key events in Squidge’s early life with me. But it’s turned into a little bit of a ‘column’ with comments on things that I come across in everyday life!

I love that people read it and comment on things I’ve written. But I’m under no
illusions! My readership is small and largely it’s like minded people. My ramblings are hardly blockbuster paperback or magazine material!!

But, having kept a diary for most of my teens/early twenties, I do like the idea of having something to later look back and reflect upon. And of course, Squidge will be able to read it and I hope it will enhance her understanding if herself and our relationship as adoptive mum and daughter.

Now. There is one area of blogging I have come across but don’t understand and I hope you can help me out? What is the point of blogs which do nothing but review items and run competitions? Serious and genuine question. Is it simply a money-making tool? Should I be doing it? Would it increase my readership? Or are blogs that review a niche market?

I’m imagining it depends upon your original reason for beginning a blog? Since mine was rooted in the journalling idea I guess I’m not suited to the reviewing aspect. But would like to hear from those who do review and what the benefits might be.

In the meantime, I’ll stick to jotting down my random thoughts. And my blog entries are literally that. Random. I’ll be minding my own business when I happen upon something: a tweet; a news story; something a friend or acquaintance says and before I know it I’m checking my stats to see how many people have read my piece and if anyone’s commented!

I’m a little behind in recent blogging due to pressure of work and this entry is brought to you by the power of iPhone as my laptop is indisposed! Do hope the lack of subtitles ‘n’ pics hasn’t put you off (or the content for that matter!)

Got lots of ideas for blogs over the coming weeks so hopefully you’ll find something to grab you. In the meantime, if you haven’t written a blog already why not give it a go? Be as random as you like! I’d be happy to have you as a guest blogger here if you’re not ready to dive straight in yet. Write a piece, email it to me and I’ll post it here. You could then see what feedback you get and you’ll have a small audience eagerly anticipating your very own blog site! Go on! Join the blogging revolution!?