Why Do You Blog?

August 31, 2010 | Thoughts & Words By | 38 Comments

Why Do You Blog?

Today, I am starting a new series on the blog where I will put up a question that has been burning a hole in the back of my mind for a while and open up a discussion to whoever wants to share their thoughts and opinions. There is a great wealth of knowledge to be uncovered from the experiences of others and to do that, all it takes sometimes is to ask a question. My question to you today is,

 

"Why Do You Blog?"

Do you blog for money or to feed your soul? How did you start? What is your story?

 

 
Here is my story of how I got started with both my blogs.
 
I was first introduced to the wonderful world of blogging back in 2002 when I found myself getting addicted to a food blog I was frequenting at that time. In 2004, I decided that I had my own flavour to add to the internet and that starting my own food blog would be the most logical step for a self-proclaimed foodie, amateur photographer and a recipe inventor who never really found time to sit down and pen it all in a journal. So I did. I started a food blog. 
 
Then in 2009, I discovered design blogging. A bit late to the design blogging world, I must admit. Within a month, I had voraciously ravaged every post that was out there on most design blogs I fancied. When that spell ended, I felt I had a lot more in me creativity wise to offer. I was learning and discovering a handful of new things every day and decided to share them on a design blog, mine.
 
As the blog stumbled past its first comment and spluttered shakily towards its tenth, I was happily hammering away at the keys of my keyboard writing post after post. I made and shared graphic freebies, ran contests, wrote tutorials, rounded up inspiration, explained processes and offered free ad space to random people. I blogged to feed my soul. My blog was a creative outlet for my ideas and a means of connecting with other like minded individuals.
 
I started getting paid for ad space on the blog and it felt good to be able to make some pocket change along the way, but the more revenue I generated, the more it felt like a burden. It still does, but I must admit that I am not strong-minded enough to refuse ad money. Maybe someday I will. Meanwhile, I never compromised the content on the blog, turning away paid reviews of products and services and many a guest post, making sure that nobody influenced the thoughts on my blog other than me. For me it is simple. LBOI is a thought process, a creative journey and not a revenue generating tool and I am determined to keep it that way.
 

So, I blog for my soul. I blog because writing about something I love liberates me and evolves my thought process. It is kind of like thinking out loud. I know a lot of people write because they need to and a lot write because they have to. I respect both kinds, because we have to do what we have to do. I am just curious to hear everyone’s take on this topic. Please join in the discussion and share your thoughts below.

 

Note – Photo courtesy Stock Xchng

 


Thoughts & Words By


Sneh Roy is a web designer/content developer by day and the creative force behind LBOI by night. She is also the co-founder of Stars We Love and Cook Republic. With coffee running through her veins, she enthusiastically battles each day, one design at a time! Connect with her on Twitter.


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38 Responses to “Why Do You Blog?”

  1. Sam Duke 31. Aug, 2010 at 8:08 PM #

    I want to blog coz i love to do :)

  2. @trudesign 31. Aug, 2010 at 11:06 PM #

    I blog because I like to reach out with what I’ve learned and try to help others with it…plus I’m an attention whore so I love to watch my viewcount go up…also a bit of a competitor…need to finish my site layout so my viewers aren’t going to a lame site but its ok for now.

  3. Story Weaver 31. Aug, 2010 at 11:46 PM #

    I blog for myself: because there are people out there with the same dream as me, and I want to share every lesson writing I’ve ever learned. If I can make life easier for someone, why wouldn’t I? It gives me satisfaction.

  4. Bonita 01. Sep, 2010 at 12:38 AM #

    I am still trying to gather ideas for my blog.. It seems as though everything has already been done!!

    But then, there is also that personal creative flair that every designer adds to their own blog which makes it unique, and that is what I hope to achieve when I eventually get mine up and running! :D

    • Sneh Roy 01. Sep, 2010 at 5:46 AM #

      Bonita, it is so frustrating to try to come up with fresh content frequently, keep going though! Good luck with the blog! :)

      MuphoricSounds, that is lovely!

      Story Weaver & Sean, you guys have reflected my exact same sentiments, there is a deep satisfaction in knowing that your words are out there to help someone if they need it :)

      Paul LOL, love your stuff!

  5. MuphoricSounds 01. Sep, 2010 at 12:39 AM #

    I blog for the soul also. My site, Muphoric Sounds was developed out of my personal quest to find music by underground, independent artists who are doing things differently. I love researching new artists, writing about them, creating videos from live shows and/or interviews and then sharing that with my visitors. I do it for love and I thoroughly enjoy it!
    MuphoricSounds´s last [type] ..IN THE TRUNK- “I Can Understand It” by The New Birth Video

  6. Sean Thompson 01. Sep, 2010 at 4:25 AM #

    I blog as a way to give back. Of course, theres the other side of me thats also looking for a small side income, but making really good money on a blog takes a lot of work and a lot of time. Expecting to make a full time salary is very ambitious and requires a lot of business know-how and planning. Right now I blog because I’ve learned so much from other blogs and wanted to give back in my own way. I also find so much cool stuff around the internet and learn something new everyday, so I want a way to share that, beyond just social networking.
    Its a good release as well. i work full time for an agency, so its nice to be able to do stuff I want to do.
    Sean Thompson´s last [type] ..Amazing Typography Designs for Your inspiration

  7. Paul 01. Sep, 2010 at 4:50 AM #

    I blog mainly as its an outlet for me to ramble on about “nerdy” web stuff, non designers find that kinda talk boring and my wife tells me regularly! lol
    Paul´s last [type] ..SHARP- What Young People Think

  8. Leighton Hubbell 01. Sep, 2010 at 5:59 AM #

    Initially, I started blogging to give my business a little more visibility. Since then, it has evolved into a way of giving back to the design community. I do enjoy the connection to the community. Without the blogs, that would be rather limiting.

    For me, writing is a time-consuming process, so I don’t post as prolifically as others. I prefer to try and post some quality content instead of mass quantities of stuff.

    It is a constant struggle on what to write about and fitting that into my schedule. But, I think that goes with any creative process that is a work of your own. If there’s no client deadline, it has everything to do with your own discipline.

    I don’t accept advertising on my blogs, because I prefer to keep them free of extraneous clutter, but a little cash here and there would be nice. Then again, I might have to write more!
    Leighton Hubbell´s last [type] ..Leighton Hubbell interview on Logobird design blog

    • Sneh Roy 06. Sep, 2010 at 8:56 AM #

      Very true Leighton! Your posts may be few, but they are always gold and there is much to be learnt from them!

    • Debashis 28. Sep, 2010 at 4:45 PM #

      My God, we both think alike! Very ..very well said, Leighton! In fact, I also had the same notion of posting the qualitative stuffs in stead of increasing quantity of similar or repeated posts. Now a days, many blogger does the same to drive the traffic in to their blogs but of no use. This is because you would find the very similar posts with some tweaks everywhere. Then what’s new in this?

      The biggest challenge always for me at blogging is to find time (as you said 24hrs in a day seems very less) to compile the contents and stuffs, which takes a lot of time. In contrary, if you are not regular on social networks you are vanished! As tough as it looks.

      Recently, I started a blog on brands and identities that I see around me or I come across. I feel, this is a completely new area for me to dig.
      Debashis´s last [type] ..New Blog- IdentityDesigns

  9. yg bluig 01. Sep, 2010 at 3:25 PM #

    Is ‘for the hell of it’ a good reason? I haven’t done much since the school year ended and the wife and kid are around. During school when I’m home alone during the day (night shift) I blog.

    Generally I key in on items in the press I read that just strike me as stupid.There’s no shortage of that lately.

    Mostly I do it for me. I haven’t figured out or bothered to figure out GoogleAds. I don’t promote it in the least. Most people I know don’t even know about it. And while it is kid of exciting those rare occasions when some stranger leaves a comment to something I wrote, other people reading my blog is generally beside the point.

    • Sneh Roy 06. Sep, 2010 at 8:54 AM #

      ‘For The Hell Of It’ is most definitely a good reason. I mean, why not? It is better to just charge ahead and do what you feel like doing rather than worry about all the nitty gritty surrounding it. Interesting posts you have on your blog :)

  10. Duane 02. Sep, 2010 at 2:36 PM #

    Blogging is just something I enjoy to do. It enables me to interact with the community and have a voice, albeit not a very large one.
    I don’t blog for money. It would be nice to earn a few bucks on the side, however I simply don’t have time right now to produce enough content.

    Great topic!
    Duane´s last [type] ..Logo and Brand Identity Design Resources August 2010

  11. Mona 02. Sep, 2010 at 3:43 PM #

    I love blogging too ^^ thanks for sharing your article, I like it :D
    Mona´s last [type] ..Saling Menguatkan

  12. jared thompson 03. Sep, 2010 at 1:24 AM #

    I love to write, to research all aspects of design to improve and build on my design education.
    Writing is a great way to build and express my thoughts in all things design.

  13. Peter 03. Sep, 2010 at 4:27 AM #

    I blog because I think it is a very good way to be creative with both writing and designing. Sharing your ideas, and reading others has definately improved design and coding skills for lots of people – mine too :-)

    Great post!
    Peter´s last [type] ..Tasty food websites that will make you starving

  14. Jackies35 04. Sep, 2010 at 5:08 AM #

    Wow! I wish I knew how to blog!! I wish I could get my thoughts together and stay consistent.

    I love photography and the internet is saturated with over a million websites and blogs about photography. I am still searching and trying to find my uniqueness in this… I live in Harlem and my pictures are simple. Here in my local town I am know as the “Harlem’s Female Shooter”! I build a decent reputation and side business here.

    I love all Apple products and will love to share my thoughts and the products I love to use. I am hoping this will educate someone before purchasing an item they regret.

    Finally, my English is horrible! I need to take English and Grammar 101, 102. 103, 104, 105…etc

    How do you keep the reader in engaged? How do you know what to talk about and when to stop? OH, no… Don’t tell me I should know my audience first!! I don’t know them now and I probably would never! Who are they anyway?!?!?

    Great Article Sneh!
    Sorry I ranted on!!

    • Sneh Roy 06. Sep, 2010 at 8:52 AM #

      Thanks for stopping by Jackie. I was on your website seeing your photography .. your pictures are beautiful :) . You nailed it when you said that the internet is oversaturated, but you should totally write what is in your heart, you never know who will find your thoughts, a rant even, very useful!

      • jackies35 28. Sep, 2010 at 2:06 AM #

        Thanks Sneh for the compliment!

        I will definitely do that! “I could see clearly now the rain is gone… (in Johnny Nash voice..)” Hahah

        I could see all the obstacles in my way (my English, my grammar, etc..)!! LOL!!

        Sneh, you are the best! Thanks for the encouragement!

  15. Motty 06. Sep, 2010 at 8:42 AM #

    Thanks for the thoughts.

    It makes me realize that I’m in the same boat as you are. I blog to feed my soul. And to extend my thoughts to touch others so they can be a better person each day…

  16. Childmonster 06. Sep, 2010 at 1:35 PM #

    I started to blog when yahoo had 360 degree. At this time, i made the themes for 360 and share them for free to everyone like them. Im really happy when someone use my theme. After, 360 was closed, i stoped to make themes and also stop to blog. Near time, i start to blog again. I adore graphics design and want to share what i have learned on my site. Also i want to make money from it :P

    So, i blog for money or to feed my soul.
    :D

  17. Kristen 06. Sep, 2010 at 3:32 PM #

    I blog to remember.

    I have a few blogs, but my main design related one is more of a virtual notebook for me to remember cool things I’ve seen, ideas, inspiration and all that’s inbetween.

    My photography blog is more of a record of where I’ve been.

    Either way, they’re all about keeping things and sharing them.
    Kristen´s last [type] ..Benj

  18. Herbug 07. Sep, 2010 at 2:57 AM #

    I’m starting to love blogging
    great article!
    Herbug´s last [type] ..La importancia del diseño gráfico en la publicidad

  19. Clipping Design 07. Sep, 2010 at 9:16 PM #

    Some blogging for inspiration, some blogging for passion some to earn money. For me?? actually i belong to develop coding and SEO world but my unexpected profession drag me into the design world and become fan of design blogs. Everyday huge number of design blog i serf and get inspired. Thanks for share this wonderful post. :)

  20. music 10. Sep, 2010 at 3:03 AM #

    thanks for sharing
    music´s last [type] ..ฟังเพลง Wonderful Life HURTS

  21. neha agarwal 23. Sep, 2010 at 12:14 AM #

    hey sneh… i would like to agree with u on the blogging for our soul bit… i just started this month with my blog.. http://yelobags.blogspot.com/
    (more as a medium to promote my brand of bags..)
    i dont know who reads it.. (or if anyone really does).. and it doesnt matter… it just feels nice to share your work.. and u know its just there for anyone who is looking out for it….
    in fact i wanted to start another one for my own work.. and use it as a platform to share my graphics, designs, and photography… (as a student id love all the feedback i can get)… :)
    ps… any suggestions for a name..??? anyone..??!
    cheers

  22. Luis Lopez Garay 24. Sep, 2010 at 5:52 AM #

    I blog beacuse there is many people in the world who want to read the others thoughts, or many people want to learn about X theme or topic, I’ts a cool idea to share my knowledges, ideas and mind with others in order to conect the world.

    Its satisfying to help readers with tutorials, tips and tricks etc… Internet is a serie of blogs, the internet is like a big encyclopedia and we are the authors.

  23. neha agarwal 28. Sep, 2010 at 1:47 AM #

    i finally did start my blog… pls do check it out.. everyone… its still a baby so dont judge it.. but do give your critique :)
    http://isurviveddesign.wordpress.com/

  24. Heike 28. Sep, 2010 at 6:56 AM #

    We blog to provide consumers with health related information that they may find useful and to increase traffic to our site.
    Heike´s last [type] ..Yoga for Arthritis Sufferers

  25. Colin Johnson 28. Sep, 2010 at 11:06 AM #

    I have three blogs, each serving a different aspect of my personal expression. One is simply informative and whimsical (see the above site), another is sexy, and the third documents my experiences with a Japanese healing technique called “Reiki”, which I practiced for 12 years.

    The informative blog is morally upstanding and is clean and suites my love of design and literature. The sexy one allows me to write stories under a pseudonym and let people enjoy my work. And the Reiki one is sort of an altruism – I hope people can learn from my journey in, and the mistakes/successes of, time practicing Reiki.

    But I suppose the real answer is – I blog because I have something to say, and the time to say it. If I didn’t have either, then I wouldn’t :D

  26. Elio 28. Sep, 2010 at 11:41 AM #

    The original purpose is still the same as of today: to give something back to the design and development community. I learned a lot from sites like Tutorial9, WebDesignerWall, WPDesigner or Justin Tadlock’s and felt like if I could give something back, for as little as it could be, it would be great.
    Elio´s last [type] ..Lettering and typography by Andrei D Robu

  27. Deepak Chawla 28. Sep, 2010 at 1:18 PM #

    I ‘try’ to blog (write) to transform what I do (design) in words. Writing never came natural to me. Heaps of drafts are written for each idea and then stayed back as drafts (8 drafts waiting) for a long time, waiting to see the light. Hoping most of them will see the limelight someday, I am always working on that.
    An idea of learning design (processes, concepts and ideas) by writing blog posts seems quite eccentric but a well researched idea turned into a blog post makes me more knowledgeable for that particular topic. And that’s my purpose of blogging,a journey that’s just started.
    A good post, Sneh :)

  28. Wendy 03. Oct, 2010 at 3:05 AM #

    What a great post. I just launched CreativityFuse to combine my passion for the arts (visual and writing) and interest in web design. The site has only been up a few weeks so I’m finding my way with blogging, but I try to do it daily and for now have been posting about great art I stumble across on the web. Eventually I want to feature non-profits in the arts and interesting art careers as well, but those topics require more research. It’s fascinating discovering what blogging means (to myself and others!)

    Sneh Roy – Thanks for this post, and I appreciate the balance you’re trying to strike between your creative passion and the ad/revenue side and it’s admirable that you draw some lines. I look forward to following your blog.
    Wendy´s last [type] ..Rainy day in the city

  29. Gabrielkun 06. Jan, 2011 at 11:54 PM #

    I want to connect with more people. It’s obvious that more people are spending more time on the internet (especially on Facebook). If you want to network with more people, you will need to show up where the people are. So blogging is one way for me to show up in the online world.
    Gabrielkun´s last [type] ..LePad Combines Tablet and Laptop in One

  30. Roger 22. Jan, 2011 at 12:15 AM #

    Sneh,

    Just ‘discovered’ you while searching for ideas on infographics. Thank-you for such a delightful, insightful post! I definitely blog for my soul. I quite simply share my thoughts on different subjects, which, I suspect, serves as a ‘release’ of sorts.

    I launched my first blog on December 3, 2010; I do not anticipate earning money from it; I do not expect many folks to discover it, much less read it or comment on it. I do, however, believe that the way youth around the world are connecting via social media (including blogging) is a profound positive declaration of “HOPE” for the future of the world.

    I’ve read all the comments offered to this point, and am thrilled that the common theme seems to be “positive, heart-felt communication.” I sincerely hope that each of those who commented continue with their personal form of communication because each has something wonderful to offer the world.

    Thanks for your post, Sneh! Your sincere and upbeat responses to comments is commendable! Many kudos! You’ve inspired me, and may all our ‘souls’ prompt more of this type of exchange!

    Roger
    Roger´s last [type] ..Arizona Shootings from an American Citizen Perspective- Part III

  31. Sandra 02. Mar, 2011 at 8:38 AM #

    My teacher made me start my first blog, back in 2007. I called it “Sandra’s School Blog” – very original, I know. I blogged about school and my everyday life. Then I got restless and felt that I wanted to move on. So I started a new blog. When I got tired of it, I create another one. Few months later, I got bored again and the same thing happened…

    One problem I have is that I can’t seem to combine my interests in one blog, yet, having different blogs doesn’t work for me either. Furthermore, I’m quite impatient; If I do not receive feedback on what I write, I simply give up – much too easily. I also struggle with choosing what language to write in, since Swedish is my mother tongue but I love to write in English. I’ve tried to write in both, but the translation part always has me frustrated eventually.

    I feel stuck. There are so many things I want to tell the world, but I can’t due to my indecisiveness. Also, why should I write anything, if no one will read it? It is so frustrating!

  32. Sergiu Naslau 19. Mar, 2011 at 10:26 PM #

    because I would like to get in touch with other creative individuals, professional or just started. there is a saying: “sharing is caring” well I really don;t care that much about the sharing part, but I care about the caring, the way how you make yourself understood. I wanted to create a new source of inspiration, to show people what others do, so they can create. I would like to get to know people that put the passion first, and the financial aspect after. The value of an idea should not be limited to a sum of money, even if we have to pay the rent some way or another.