Five Reasons Why I Blog by Member Sognatrice

A while back, I was tagged by Shannon at Tales from the Fairy Blogmother  write about 5 reasons why I blog. I thought that She Who Blogs  would be the perfect place to talk about this—and to tag all my fellow She Who Bloggers to see what you have to say.

So here are five reasons why I blog:

1. For the writing practice. One of the reasons I started blogging was because I had been reading other blogs for a little while, and I was jealous. I, too, wanted a place to write whatever I wanted about the serious and the mundane, and actually have people read it and let me know how I was doing. Writing for myself is great, but what is a writer without a reader? There’s something very fulfilling about knowing I’ve touched someone with my words in some way, and I have blogging to thank.

2. For the personal connection. As much as I love living in southern Italy, life can get lonely. The Internet in general has allowed me to communicate with others at similar points in their lives, but the blog? I’ve “met” people from all over the world, finding things in common in the unlikeliest of places, and I’ve also been able to keep my family and friends updated on my life rather effortlessly. I’m so grateful to all who read and comment (especially comment!), as this personal connection makes blogging so much fun.

3. For other Italian descendants (and those interested in Italian culture). I know that I’m blessed to have the opportunity to return to my ancestors’ village and experience life very much as they did in many ways. I hope that through my blog, I can communicate with others who were always wondering why their families did this or that or who simply want to remember the good old days, so to speak. Also, for anyone who is interested in learning about past and present Italian culture, I hope to provide some answers—or at least thought-provoking questions.

4. For the sake of my sanity. I don’t write about stuff that’s too personal on my blog very often, but it does serve as a creative outlet—a place where I can think things through even metaphorically as I type. Everyone needs a creative outlet (at least one), and for me right now, that’s the blog. I still use my private journal for my most personal thoughts, but my blog provides a space for me to be silly, sassy, and basically just me—I think of it as my online playroom and everyone is invited to come and watch the show.

5. For the love of the game. I love blogging. There’s just no other way to say it. For a while, I resisted because I’m not much of a joiner in general, and I really don’t like doing something just because everyone is doing it (I’ve never seen many a blockbuster film under protest). But once I got over my stubbornness, I realized I was missing out on a great community, a wonderful opportunity to expand my circle of support as I make my way through life. And so I blog. And I couldn’t stop if I wanted to.

So, tell me ladies, why do you blog?

Comments

[lissa]

All the above reasons your mention except for the Italian thing. But mostly to practice my writing skills and my photography. I was never really interested in blogging until last year. I just started a blog on a whim and has been doing this ever since.

I really like the idea of not only sharing thoughts and opinions but also parts of my own self. Does this make any sense?

[ally bean]

I blog: 1) to have fun, 2) to dicipline myself to pay attention to what's going on in my life so I'll have something to talk about, 3) to connect with others who like words and thoughts and photos, 4) to learn about myself and others, and 5) to be creative. Good question. Made me stop and think.

[Judith in Umbria]

My reasons are largely yours, too. I had the additional reason of keeping up with friends I left behind, but that didn't happen. People either get the internet or they don't and most people I know don't.

It also gives me a place to get mad about politics and yell a bit.

A while back a really successful blogger told me if I just did food alone my blog would be more successful. I can't do it. Yes, cooking is a large part of my life, partly because of the blog, but I want to talk about other things, too.

Also, because I publish almost all original recipes, and because I am against waste, I have to eat all the not quites' and anything short of 'so unsuccessful it is inedible'. I have to diet constantly. Imagine if I had to invent and perfect 5 dishes a week! Argh. So I will continue top indulge my green self, make fun of the centro destra and chatter about fashion.

[sognatrice]

Lissa, to me that makes perfect sense! In fact, I've only been blogging since December 2006, and I think it's rather nice to share a bit of yourself with others in this way--and I love your photography :)

Ally, your number 2 brings up an excellent point. I think I do pay more attention to every day things (and record them!) whereas before all that stuff just got lumped together. Some people say that blogging makes them miss out on living because they're worried about documenting, but I find for me, it's just the opposite.

Judith, same thing happened with me with friends. I had hoped the blog would help keep me in touch with some family and friends, but for the most part, that hasn't happened. I've also thought about doing a food blog--I'd love to do a baking one--but what would I do with all the results? For me it's better with just the weekly post. People who like only that can come only on Wednesdays; those that don't care can skip it. No worries.

[Karina]

Your reasons for blogging are very similar to mine. I too blog so that I can have a writing outlet, and your comment "What is a writer without a reader" is the main reason why I blog...it's good to get the creative stuff out, but how much better when I know someone is actually reading it?

And I also do it very much for the personal connection. I'm met some of my closest friends through the internet, so I figured with blogging, I might meet some more wonderful ones, and so far, its working out quite nicely!

[sognatrice]

It's working out quite nicely for me too, on many levels, Karina...isn't blogging just wonderful?