Why do Bloggers Blog?

FOR Dr. William R. Adan

You wrote: I don't quite understand why some people are in [blogging].

"Blog" is derived from the words web and log. Blogs are the media these days. Blogs may be projected in Google through metadata and they can be scanned when one conducts a search. From there, they can be picked up for use.

Blogs afford the writer some voice and some power. Access to traditional media is limited as we can see.

You wrote: So you don't have to be sad about how events in writing turn out.

Most bloggers blog to be able to respond to events. Without a ready venue for writing, blogs offer a perfect answer to this need.

I have my own blogs, but I stay connected with Poynter Institute and OhMyNews International, and some writers' sites besides. The first is a journalism institute and the other one works along citizen journalism. So I ride astride two horses with differing thoughts. I am curious with citizen journalism and am sympathetic to their cause, but this early I know I lack the nerve to be reading the stories. It needs patience since most citizen journalism outputs do not come in the package and approaches we were taught in school.

I have the hunch that these people are at the forefront today. It also seems they get the more respect. You know how traditional media is detested now because of its failings. And with it, traditional journalists are not looked upon with the same regard they had before.

You wrote: Writing is a grand exercise. Crafting words, lines and phrases excites and disciplines the mind and by itself is rewarding.

I say, you've answered your own question.