A blogging state of mind
Perla Ni at Tactial Philanthropy and Michele Martin at the Bamboo Project have both recently tackled the "why blog?" question--as Perla puts it in her post, "Does blogging substitute for real action?" I've been thinking about it too, based on some comments I've heard recently from people who said, in a nutshell, that they see blogs as just a bunch of people talking to themselves.
In my case, the answer to "why blog?" was, originally, 'Because it's my job." But I've definitely gotten a lot out of it along the way. I'll just share a few of the main reasons why:
- Blogging polishes your writing skills. Admittedly, I'm a communicator by profession, in addition to being an association professional. But I've always been amazed how much you benefit professionally by writing clearly and compellingly. I think any association professional could use the discipline and practice of regular blogging to polish and sharpen his or her writing skills--and then use those improved skills in many other aspects of his or her work.
- Blogging makes you think about things a little differently. Because I'm always on the lookout for potential blogging topics, I often find myself trying to look beneath the surface of my work in a way that I wouldn't be if I didn't have a blog to feed. It stretches my thinking in a new way--exercise for the brain.
- Blogging engages you in the conversation. In any association, members who just pay their dues and receive a few mailings are going to relate to the organization differently than active volunteers. Blogging is the same way; as someone who is participating by writing, I relate to social media in an entirely different way than I did when I was just reading blogs. I get more out of what I read, and I've had the opportunity to speak directly with other bloggers who have taught me a great deal.
For the other association bloggers out there--I'd love to hear how you've benefited from your time as a blogger. Drop a comment (or a link to a post in your own blog) to share your thoughts!
| | Permalink |
Comments
Great points, Lisa--especially the idea that blogging makes you look at things differently and more deeply. I've found the same thing. I'm constantly on the lookout for blog fodder and as a result, find that I'm engaging on a deeper level with information that I might otherwise have just glossed over. Add into that getting other people's perspectives on those issues once I've blogged them and I have a really new and better way to learn.
Posted by: Michele Martin | November 24, 2007 7:43 AM
Lisa, I think you, Perla and Michele cite a number of good points about what makes blogging so useful. Personally I find the two most valuable parts to be 1) it allows you to connect to a lot of people around the world you would otherwise never meet, 2) it allows you to refine your own thinking if you are willing to accept critical feedback from readers.
I'm sure Perla would love to see you comment directly on her post because her post is an entry in the One Post Challenge.
Posted by: Sean Stannard-Stockton | November 24, 2007 12:09 PM
Agree with your main reasons, but also found these:
- Blogging provides insight into analytics had not been using with own association site. Now know what statistics/details should have been looking for all along (search terms, documents accessed, what isn't found when searched, referral site, worldwide location);
- Enables ability to present information about "how to" for those in organization wanting to learn, from an experienced standpoint;
- Develops relationships with member who blog - and shared community;
- Encourages learning and integration of other technologies - videos, podcasts, widgets, pictures; and willingness to expand deeper into online fundraising and advocacy options;
- Shows how to tailor new blog(s) easily and cheaply for micro-audience such as high school sports team, group vacation/planning updates, family news, etc.;
- Improves placement on Google searches;
- Creates blogging evangelists who convert others who should be blogging to those who do blog.
Posted by: Cindy Butts | November 26, 2007 12:00 AM
Sean: Great point about "if you are willing to accept critical feedback from readers." Accepting criticism is a skill that's hard for a lot of us (and by us I mean "human beings"), and as a blogger you can get critical feedback about 20 seconds after you post.
Michele and Cindy: Thank you both so much for sharing your experiences!
Posted by: Lisa Junker | November 26, 2007 11:06 AM
While I am the first to admit to enjoying the creative outlet through both writing and taking photos for my blog, there's so much more to blogging for me.
As a blogger I can bring attention to issues I believe others should know about - all while still focusing on volunteer leadership:
I've been able shine some focus on:
* the pain of vitiligo - http://cynthiadamour.com/2007/11/04/turning-white-one-mans-story/
* the difference one person can make - http://cynthiadamour.com/2007/10/25/i-almost-fell-off-my-chair/
* or the power in refusing to believe in stereotypes - http://cynthiadamour.com/2007/08/30/help-comes-in-many-flavors/
Blogging gives me a platform to make a difference as I do my work. That alone makes the effort and commitment worthwhile.
Cynthia
Posted by: Cynthia D'Amour | November 28, 2007 12:20 AM