WHY DO YOU BLOG?

"Why do you blog?"   How do you answer this question?

WHY DO YOU BLOG?

If you are a blogger then you probably hear the question "Why do you blog?" on a fairly regular basis. I've read articles on how to give an answer to this question and how important it is to have an answer ready that engages with the person who asked. This is because a lot of bloggers are in the business of making money from their blog and a question like "Why do you blog?" can be the beginning of a partnership and/or a new source of income.

WHEN ELEVATOR PITCHES DON'T WORK

But, for those of us who blog for pleasure it's a different story and giving the perfect five minute Elevator Pitch doesn't really explain why we do what we do. After all, we don't make money, we don't sell a product, we aren't out to achieve world peace, or world domination, we just like to write blog posts on a regular basis. So the question "Why do you blog" leaves us in a bit of a quandary.

Recently I read a quote from Nicole Lyons in regard to her writing that spoke to my heart: 


I hope someday when I am gone, someone picks up my soul from these pages


“I hope that someday when I am gone, someone, somewhere, picks my soul up off of these pages and thinks, "I would have loved her.” 



THIS IS WHY I BLOG

I thought to myself, this is the reason why I blog - but I don't want it to be when I'm dead and gone. I love the fact that each time I put a blog post out into the vast time and space of the internet, someone, somewhere might read it and connect with what I'm saying and how I felt as I wrote it. They might stop for a second and think - I could really like this person because we think along similar lines.

Everytime someone leaves me a comment and mentions that they can relate to what I'm saying, I feel that sense of connection and it links me up with another person who is on a similar journey to mine. Over time I've become friends with some of those who read and comment regularly. It doesn't matter where in the world they are - Australia, US, Canada, UK, Europe, India or Timbuktu - they think like I do, feel like I do, and are wanting similar things from life. These friendships and the connections and interactions are why I blog.


SHARING THE JOURNEY

I get asked whether it bothers me that my life is out there for everyone to see, and no, it really doesn't. When I write about my life, my journey, my thoughts, my friends and family, I know that other people are thinking "yes, me too!" and if I can make their life a little bit happier, and if my story resonates with them, then I know they've picked up a part of my soul and I'm happy to share it with them - and hopefully if we meet one day, they'd find they really like me - because I'm sure I'd love them.

Why do you blog?


How do you answer this question: "Why do you blog?"  Here's my response
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Midlife Monday - www.crestingthehill.com.au

60 comments

  1. I began my blog almost 10 years ago. I was a fairly newly empty nester and had the time to learn. I thought I'd keep my blog as a way to keep links to web sites I enjoyed, but it slowly evolved to become a lifestyle blog about my life in New York City and then in Colorado when my husband and I moved here to live closer to our grandchildren four years ago. So it's a journal of my life and travels and also a way to share what I learn. Looking forward to reading more of your blog!

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    1. Hi Pat - lovely to meet you, and isn't that one of the biggest joys of blogging? Meeting new people and getting to know each other. The connections and friendships from blogging just blow me away and I'm so glad I discovered this wonderful world! I'll be checking your blog out too :)

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  2. This says it so well Leanne, I am often lost for words when people ask this question of me, especially when they are all so concerned about privacy. I wrote about it recently too, along the same lines as you, and said that when I've lost my memories I can go and read all about this lovely girl called Debbie who had amazing adventures and shared her stories and I'l get to re-live them all over again! You actually commented on that post so I know you understand what I'm getting at :) It's very hard for those who don't blog (including my husband) to see what joy the connections to others brings and it's a way of expressing yourself. Nice post!

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    1. I remember you writing about it being such a great memory keeper Deb - I love that it will be there for posterity (unless there internet implodes one day and loses everything) It's been a wonderful way to get to know other bloggers too and to share our journeys - I love that as much as the writing.

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  3. I blog because I live to write, and I love meeting and chatting with people on my blog! Miss 20 loves reading it, which is also a huge motivation. And if I make a bit of pocket money, that's cool too ...

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    1. You have made your blog into such a fun place to visit Janet - I love that it's personal and funny and it's been lovely getting to know you through it and from commenting back and forth - isn't that what it's all about?

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  4. I have always been drawn to memory keeping and to me blogging is an extension of that hobby. I especially enjoy the interactive nature of it. Of course, there are many other reasons that I blog too but that is the one that brought me to it first. WeekendsInMaine

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    1. I love that it's recording this stage of my life Karen - but I think the surprise has been meeting so many kindred spirits (to quote my little friend Anne of Green Gables) To think that we're all over the world and yet we have similar life experiences and thoughts makes my heart smile. Imagine if we could all get together for coffee one day!

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  5. OMG! This truly states exactly how I feel Leanne! Just this past week I have had a few comments on my blog that totally made the whole 2 years worthwhile. They said they were having a bad day and I was the only thing that made them smile or laugh that day. THAT is why I blog. And I loved that quote, it is my new favorite quote....

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    1. That quote just summed it up for me Renee - I totally get people who blog for profit or for their business, but for me it's about sharing my world and making connections. I love it when people say those things that you had in your comments - it just makes my day too.

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  6. This is partly why I blog, too! But, also because, I think we all have a story to tell, and I believe, someone, somewhere, needs to hear our specific story. I recently published a post called, Who's Waiting To Hear Your Story?

    http://allanrose6.wixsite.com/barefootwarrior/single-post/2017/05/11/Whos-Waiting-To-Hear-Your-Story

    Wouldn't it be great if, as women, we could be brave enough to share our stories with one another and stand together? We are stronger together, after all!

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    1. I love reading about the lives of other women going through Midlife and not giving in to the "I'm old and invisible" mantra Melinda. I think that's what blogging has really opened up for me - the connections with others who are finding their way through this stage with joy and optimism.

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  7. I started my blog 8 years ago to help drive more traffic to my website and to my on line store. Now I blog because it is making friendships that I like. Some do become customers but it is not the my main reason any more. Like you Leanne I write about things happening in my life not just night sweats and travel or business, subjects pertinent to my company. I think if something is happening to me, it is happening or may happen to lots of other people.

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    1. That's it exactly Haralee - and I find it so encouraging when I put myself out there and other people say "me too" because it makes me feel like I'm not on my own. My life has it's ups and downs and it's nice to know that we weather the storms and have others who "get it" - I just wish I'd started sooner!

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  8. I love this!! I blog for several of the same reasons that you do. It also keeps me honing my skills and keeps me in the loop as a former newspaper columnist. Lynne

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    1. Hi Lynne - I like that it keeps my writing and thinking and communicating up to speed, but the sharing and connecting is what really floats my boat. Thanks so much for commenting xx

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  9. This is such an interesting article about your blogging motivation and perseverance. It's nice to see it articulated this way. Thank you for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I'm sharing your post on social media.

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    1. Thanks Carol - I know it's different for everyone, but the quote just struck a chord with me and explained it from my point of view so well.

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  10. Love this post, Leanne! Blogging because you love to is good enough reason for me. I blog because I like to share my experiences with others. Usually someone can relate to at least one post. I also love networking with others and making friends. Blogging makes that very easy. Keep at it!

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    1. Hi Bren - you covered every point of why I love blogging too - it's so special meeting people from all over the world and to find the similarities in our stories.

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  11. This is beautiful, Leanne. When I started my blog 9+ years ago, my goal was to help other women be prepared for perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause so that they could be proactive about their health rather than reactive. I was completely unprepared and lost when my first symptoms hit in my 40's. I was clueless as to what was happening to me. When I finally go the help I needed, I was determined others should not suffer needlessly.

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    1. We all have different reasons for our blogs Ellen but ultimately it comes from the heart and from wanting to share our stories and help others who might be struggling with stuff we've already been through. I know your blog is a godsend to those who are dealing with all the unexpected stuff menopause brings with it.

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  12. Thank you for sharing this blog.. I can relate to it.. really liked the way you have expressed yourself.. I am very new to blogging and I think there is so much I can learn from you..

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    1. Hi Madhavi - I'm so glad you stopped by - blogging is such a learning curve - I had no idea what I'd jumped into when I started, and maybe that was a good thing because it would have scared me to death back in the early stages. Now I know what is important and what I can ignore - you're going to love it too :)

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  13. I love that Nicole Lyons quote. Thank you for sharing it here. Reading this post lets me know that you and I are blogging for the same reasons. It is connections like these that make it all worthwhile. Now, I just need to attend an international blogging event, so I can meet in person some of the fantastic people that I have been meeting in our corner of the blogosphere! #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty#15

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    1. Hi Donna - when I read your blog I totally get the connection - we are at a similar age (you look much younger and thinner than I feel) and I think we blog for quite similar reasons. I love that we can be 1000's of km apart and yet still connect. I want to win Lotto so I can go to one of those conferences - it would have to be in the US to be anywhere near most of you!

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  14. You've expressed perfectly how I feel about it, too. Thank you, Leanne. ☺

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    1. It's a nice reason to blog isn't it Debbie? I think that's what's kept me going over the last couple of years - sharing my heart and having others share theirs in return.

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  15. Well said! I blog as a creative outlet, to inspire others and to earn. Little money. Thank you for linking up at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.

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    1. After I'd blogged for a little while I thought about making money from it Lori but I find I have to sell my soul to do that, so I'd rather keep my part-time job and have my blog for leisure and pleasure.

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  16. Was nodding as I read this Leanne and the best thing is meeting people like you! We have to have that coffee catch up one day.

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    1. That coffee is definitely on my bucket list Sue - we'd probably need at least two coffees to catch up on all our conversations we've had on FB and in our comments sections :)

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  17. Such a good post. I blog to connect with other women my age (50s and up) and especially those who are grandmothers. And I blog to amuse, inform, inspire, and make my readers laugh! Thank you Leanne for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared this post.

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    1. Your blog has been a godsend for meeting new women who are at the same stage of life Dee - it's so lovely to meet these vibrant women who are writing and sharing and living really full lives - that include some gorgeous grandbabies!

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  18. I've been blogging since 2009. I've been at a loss of how to explain - I have, in particular, a sister in law who thinks it is silly (actually, she used another word begining with "s"). I don't talk about it to family any more. I applaud you for making friends. With my shyness, that hasn't quite come yet. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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    1. Alana I consider you one of my blogging buddies - I love your stuff but I totally understand what you mean about family not "getting it". I seem to manage to upset my family with mine at times but it is such a huge part of me now that I just have to let them own their feelings while I own mine.

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  19. Thanks for the thought-provoking post, Leanne. I started my blog as a way to stay motivated to write on a regular basis and as a way to work through this transitional period of my life. I keep blogging as a creative outlet and most important as a way to connect with people all over the world. I feel much the same way you do. Thanks for expressing it so beautifully. #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty

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    1. I started mine at a transitional stage of my life too Christie and the friendships and interactions are what have kept me going. Also knowing that now and then I help someone climb the hill makes it all worthwhile.

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  20. My son just asked me this very question tonight.... thank you for answering.

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    1. It's a tricky question to answer when you don't blog for business, but once I accepted that it's about owning my journey and sharing it then it made a lot more sense to me :)

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  21. You are bound to get a ton of comments, but I have to add mine. You are exactly right. You are one of the few bloggers I read regularly. I can relate to so much of what you say. I feel you are genuine and your intentions are right. I have felt that if I were to meet you, I would like you very much. Good job doing something you love. Remember the saying "If you love life, it will love you back." Not exactly what you're saying, but it kind of fits.:)

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    1. Thanks so much Tomi - I read your blog a lot too - it's so lovely when you make a connection and feel like you "get" another person - even when they are in a different country and a different time zone - it's the heart connection that matters and it was a lovely encouragement to read your comment - I know I'd like you too x

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  22. I've commented before Leanne but thanks for linking up and sharing with us at Blogging Grandmothers Link Party. You have written what most of us are thinking.

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    1. My pleasure Sue - and you are one of the biggest blessings from this whole blogging thing x

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  23. Hi Leanne,
    I can totally relate to the quote. Well put. I think we can all relate to the journey, the community.
    Janice

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    1. It's a wonderful benefit isn't it Janice? We learn from each other and encourage each other - you couldn't ask for much more from a hobby can you?

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  24. What a beautifully written post! From the beginning of my blogging journey, my hope has been to connect with other women at this stage of life. I feel like that is just beginning to happen. Perfect quote! Thank you for sharing at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.

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    1. I'm loving it as I meet new Midlifers along the way - I discover new things and yet there are so many similarities too - it's just such a fun and fulfilling benefit of writing.

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  25. I love that Nicole Lyons quote! I think of blogging as a form of self expression. I also hope that in some small way I can help people to see things differently and to improve their lives. I love meeting people from all over the world and developing relationships with people i would never have met otherwise.

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    1. Every single thing you said matches with my thoughts on blogging Michele - the connection and the story telling go hand in hand - and every now and then when someone tells me my post helped them it is the icing on the cake.

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  26. I haven't really been able to articulate why I blog, and especially why it has become so important to me to do so. I started because I love the idea of the World Wide Web democratizing worldwide communication, and because I love to write. Writing out my thoughts helps me to understand them better. But I have also enjoyed finding like-minded people and learning from their insights and experiences.

    I found your post via #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.

    Jude

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    1. Gideon I love your sockpuppet title and I know what you mean about writing out your thoughts, but also gaining all those connections and friendships all over the world as an added bonus - you can't really ask for better than that can you?

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  27. I wonder why I blog every single day, but I always get a comment or email from someone who finds my blog has resonated with. Darren Rowse says that if you have just one reader and your blog changes their life, then your blog is big enough.

    Greetings from the Blogger's Pit Stop!

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    1. I completely agree - when someone says that what I wrote really touched them or reflected how they were thinking or feeling, then I get such a sense of satifaction and pleasure from it all.

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  28. Another popular post Leanne. We will feature this on Friday. Well done, keep up the good work we love it.
    Kathleen

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    1. That's just fabulous Kathleen - I'm so pleased to have a featured post again - thanks so much xx

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  29. Hi Leanne,
    I saw one of your posts on Flipboard.
    Thank you for bringing your post to last week's Pit Stop.
    Janice, Pit Stop Crew

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    1. It's nice to know that Flipboard is doing me a favour Janice - it was a bit quiet there for a while :)

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  30. I started writing at Squidoo for the same reasons you started blogging. It was an environment where I could write about anything, and I wrote about the most important things happening in my life (or that had happened). I wrote about the deaths of my children, caring for my mom at the end of her life, a termite invasion in my book storage room, holiday celebrations, being an adoptive parent, and more.

    Then leaders on the site started encouraging us to promote products to make money. I was not successful at this part, because I mainly wanted to share from my heart.

    My first blog was about gardening, since I loved it. Next came a business blog that was book related, since I sold books. When Squidoo disappeared, and changes in my health forced me to give up the book business, I decided I wanted to have some income-producing blogs. My heart won't let me write blogs just to sell products, and it's hard for me to have just one niche. My interests are too diverse. So I have five blogs it's hard to post to regularly.

    How I'd like to have a more journal-style blog that would incorporate all my interests as I share the important things I'm learning as I grow older. It would be nice just to have a daily or weekly conversion with readers. I hear everywhere that such blogs won't be found in Google because they are too general. It's hard to get readers if they don't know you are there. I do need some income to support my internet habit, but it would sure be nice to have just one blog to keep up with that was not confined to a single subject.

    I still blog because I want to connect with people on a personal level. I'm just not sure where to go with it now. I'm a bit past mid-life. I'm thinking I may be able to incorporate everything into a domain I haven't made much use of yet on solving the problems of aging. This is something I am actively trying to do. What do you think?

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  31. I love the quote you shared.

    I too blog as a hobby so wonder about the same points you raise. I think blogging makes the world feel a bit smaller to me - and connecting with those out there who at times feel the same and can offer advice - is what keeps me going. - Louise

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Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.