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Blogging has matured.
These days most people are aware of blogging. They may not know much about the technical details but they know that it is accessible. Anybody can do it. What most people miss is the reason for blogging. Is it only an expression of bravado; a way to show off or is there more to it? Should everybody consider blogging?
Last year I developed a list of ten reasons why Boomers should consider blogging. I was focusing on boomers because it seemed to me that they were a natural target for my topic about retirement lifestyle. This is certainly true today with more and more boomers reaching retirement age but my thinking has evolved. These days, it is not only boomers who want to take control of their lives. It is everyone. Today, the only way for most people to create a lifestyle of fulfillment is by taking control. You can do that at any age- and when you do, you can begin living on your own terms. Why wait until retirement age?
Blogging can be a tool.
Blogging can help develop the skills that can help you take control of your life. Whatever your stage in life, take a look at those reasons and think about how blogging could help you with your personal development goals or just get you started on a lifestyle change. Then share your conclusions in a comment.
Ralph, the reason I started blogging was because of the internet marketing course I was on at the time.
After realising that IM wasn’t my bag I had already built a relationship with my fellow bloggers so I just carried on posting.
Since then I have come across other blogs that have no interest in IM either, yours being one of them, and enjoy reading other people’s take on life.
Bill
A-U-L, UK
Bill Murney’s last Blog Post ..The Bucket List
Bill,
I agree that blogging fulfilling in itself. Building a blog is internet marketing so I’m not sure that you have strayed too far from your original course. What is your bag?
When I said internet marketing Ralph, perhaps I should have said information marketing.
My bag? At present I am selling on eBay and I am in the process of trying to find a micro niche market to sell to. It’s mainly to give me an interest but who knows where it may lead.
I need to be fully occupied mentally and physically, it wasn’t how I imagined retirement would be but it’s how it has to be – for me anyway.
Bill
A-U-L, UK
Bill Murney’s last Blog Post ..Harlequin Novel Updated – 2011 Version
Bill
Would you say that blogging helps keep you occupied mentally? I know for me, retirement is way different from what I expected. And way more fun.
Ralph, blogging definitely keeps me occupied mentally.
Bill Murney’s last Blog Post ..Harlequin Novel Updated – 2011 Version
Bill,
That is why I started. The information marketing Gurus make it sound easy. I thought I was going to have lots of passive income just from Google Adsense.
I bet there are a LOT of bloggers that thought they would make money. Some just quit, and some realize they enjoy writing and interacting with readers.
While I still have a business purpose (getting buyers for my real estate investing buyers list) I write mainly because I like to share
Ned Carey’s last Blog Post ..Landlord Tenant Handbook
Ned,
I know what you mean. Still, as I keep going I understand internet business better and have a better plan for putting it all together. Blogging is important but it isn’t enough if you want to make money on the web. I like getting to understand how other people think from reading their blogs. Keeps me more flexible and open.
I like to write and health is my interest, so a blog looked like a good option. It is a nice way to meet other people interested in this topic.
Blanche, It is indeed a nice way to meet people who are interested in your topic but also to expand your knowledge and interests.
Hi, Ralph… I looked back on your earlier post, “Ten reasons….” Seems to me that an additional reason for blogging is for the writer to discover what he (or she) is thinking. I’ve read, and found it to be true, that while writing, one can actually discover what they think and feel about an issue. Seems to me this is because writing causes deeper thinking and feeling. Bill
Bill Birnbaum’s last Blog Post ..Retirement from a Difficult Job Market
Bill,
That is indeed an excellent point. I don’t know how many times I sat down to write without clear idea in my head – sometimes without even a topic. Well I started writing and discovered that there was a thought (sometime more than one) in my head. Maybe blogging can turn you into a thinker.
Ralph, you are right, when I read your blog it is about retirement. Since reading it I am interested in retirement related articles.
This is a good blog, it is personal and informative. I look for blogs that can deliver some good content in an enjoyable way.
Blanche,
I agree. I love to have my mind stretched and usually it take someone else to do that.
Blogging is a total waste of time. But if you’re retired, you got time to waste. I’m lovin’ it, and have met a lot of interesting people from around the world through blogging.
hansi’s last Blog Post ..“I’ve Got My Principles”
Hansi,
Now this gives me a new perspective on on your blogs.
Yep….My blog posts are pretty much a waste of anyone’s time, yet people keep coming back for more. Go figure.
hansi’s last Blog Post ..Pussy
What ya said in this older post makes a lot of sense. Yeah blogging is gonna be a big part of my retirement lifestyle. I’m just in a quandary about how much of my personal life I want to be sharing, and whether or not anyone is interested. But then again who am I writing for ? My “readership” or myself?
hansi’s last Blog Post ..Do Blogs Evolve?
Hansi,
You try to hide it but you are a deep dude. How much of your blogging persona is real and how much manufactured. Or maybe another perspective is how much it is the person you are becoming and how much still the person you used to be. Was Mark Twain a real person or an facade created by Samuel Clemons? I think you have to write for yourself because when it comes down to it, who else do you know? My wife is the person I know best and she’s pretty much a mystery to me. If we get along together it must be because being me has some value to her. I know most everything I try to do to please her fails miserably. So how could I have the vanity to think I know what somebody else will like.