Where does the blogger stand in the world when there’s constant motion and conversation going on?
I used to think that each of us were entitled to our own little billboard. A little bit of real estate for us to paint on our canvas however we choose. I thought we’d be high above our crowds, hoping they’d look up at us as they scurry about during their days and nights in the real world, seeking some sort of connection to a beacon of ideas put out by us, the bloggers.
This was the fashion of blogging I felt obligated to do and promote for a long time.
Now I’m not so sure anymore. Lately I feel like I’m writing for the few, while accepting most won’t relate, read or respond to what I have to say. I’m fine with this. I’ve taken to the idea that I’m basically among the many, hustling about my days and nights on a quest for something. I’m on the ground level with everyone else, experimenting, ignoring most of the messages being shone down upon me from above. I’m relieved to not feel the need to be above the crowd anymore. This shift in my perspective came suddenly too. It’s quite strange.
Yet, I still shuffle through the streets with the many, I’m still a blogger and I wear my message and yearning for connection not on my sleeve, not on a billboard, but hopefully more like a piece of paper taped to my back that hopefully doesn’t read “kick me.”
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Just wanted to take a quick moment to say thank you to everyone who reads my blogs, comments, doesn’t comment or maybe just browses for ideas to critique social media with. I don’t always know where I’m going with this or what I want to prove, but I thank you for giving me a place to try… and yes, I feel like I’m only a blogger if my readers let me be.
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You’re genuine and are a real friend to many people outside of this blogging world. People will keep reading. I think more people relate to your words than you think. I’m sure there are bloggers who have their billboard and their readers bustling along, but it is who you are offline and away from this blog that make you special. That is your message…. what you do day to day… your actions. Actions are not always captured by a blog.
And your home is with you always even if it seems like you don’t have a place to perch right now.
@Alex, you really made me smile with that comment. Thank you
There’s nothing wrong with writing for the few. I hope that one day I can think of myself as a cult hero (not so literal). I’ve always valued having a few strong relationships rather than having many superficial ones. And as for the direction of your blog, the only way you’ll discover that is by trying a few avenues and failing a few times. Keep the posts comin’.
Yet, I still shuffle through the streets with the many, I’m still a blogger and I wear my message and yearning for connection not on my sleeve, not on a billboard, but hopefully more like a piece of paper taped to my back that hopefully doesn’t read “kick me.” <— CLASSIC.
You're a poet of sorts, JR … didn't know you had it in you. Or maybe I did. But that's besides the point.
I can totally relate. But at the end of the day, if I can get to bond with one person, I can rest peacefully. Seriously. Cause all my life has been about feeling like I'm in the wrong body, the wrong place, the wrong time, or all of the above. Quality helps a ton … quantity just feels like it does. I just focus on that and the rest will come. I know it.
Writing for the few is probably the only thing worth doing anymore, in a world (and net) jam packed with conformist mediocrity and constantly salesmanship.
Besides, the “Few” once you find them, end up being more than you think…
Great post, James! I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, too. I’ve gotten tired lately of hustling to promote my blog on syndication and aggregation sites. I know my audience is small right now, but those few readers still mean the world to me and keep me going. Spending up to 2hrs a day on marketing and promo is too exhausting when you’re still working the 9-5. I’d rather put that time in working on content, and hope that folks who like what I’m doing will stop on by.
@Jake, I think a lot of it had to do with me learning to not hate the kind of writing I wanted to do at any given moment. Just writing whenever and however I wanted has helped me develop.. I just don’t want to narrow it down.
@Valerie, thank you!
I know the connections are there. It sort of just feel like posting myself above the rest of the crowd is a waste of my time and energy.. it doesn’t even suit my personality. Quality, whenever I can get it, is what I’m aiming for
@Ty, that’s a nice idea and I like the mentality behind it… there are few other reasons to blog anymore besides the fact that I enjoy it and that I might connect with a “few.” Yeah… the few do add up over time, if you’re lucky.
@Jenn, cheers to that… it’s hard for a lot of people to find what makes them tick… it’s worth trying to keep busy with it once you find it. Having others that appreciate it is just awesome.