Pros and Cons of Blogging

We are traveling home today after a trip to Chicago. So, here's a repeat of a popular post. Lots of people consider starting a blog. I've highlighted some pluses and minuses here.

About Blogging

Blogging hit the internet world with a bang several years ago, and it is still going. Multiple thousands decided it would be great fun to write a blog, and so they did. Then, a large majority quit within weeks or months. 

They whined about not having many readers. They pouted because no one left comments on the brilliant posts they wrote. Or they received less than complimentary comments. It started to feel like a job instead of being fun. They thought they'd make lots of money by allowing ads on their blog. Didn't turn out to be much at all. They ran out of ideas. Myriad reasons for bloggers who quit.

If you want to blog, there are some things to keep in mind. 

1.  you need to find a blog host that you understand and trust

2.  you should select a topic to blog about--writing, painting, house remodeling etc

3.  you need to make a personal commitment and post regularly

4.  frequent posting helps keep readers

5.  infrequent posting loses readers--why should they bother looking for your blog if you only post every couple months?

6.  give careful thought to the title of your blog--once you've got a following, it's hard to change it

7.  take some time and add clip art or photos to your posts to liven it up a bit

8.  stay alert through your day to day life for possible blog posts--finding new topics isn't easy

9.  remind yourself why you are blogging

10. if you decide to quit, do it without regret

One thing I urge others is to do some research about blogging before you begin. Don't jump in blindly or you'll end up more frustrated than pleased. 

Some benefits of blogging:

1.  if you post regularly, it means you are writing regularly

2.  there's satisfaction when a blog post is completed

3.  you know you're reaching others when you receive comments

4.  you can make a little extra money if you agree to ads on your blog (I don't do it)

5.  a blog adds to a writer's platform

6.  it's the perfect place to share your recent publishing successes

7.  it's often pure pleasure

There's more to blogging than most people realize. Try it, and if you don't like it, you can quit. No regrets.