Ruminations on blogging, looking out to 2016!
Why do we blog? Because we have something to say, perhaps. Or a lot to say. Or something we think only we can say. Or because we want to find words to express what we think and observe.
Why do I blog? My blog has been as much a journey into myself as a documentation of what I see and do. It’s been an exercise in self-discipline or a mechanism to unravel and see patterns in the complex and intertwined conversations I have with myself.
I’ve also used my blog to set goals for myself and monitor them. Fitness, self-discipline, my journey in dance, travel targets and even career goals have found mention on this blog. New year resolutions too (2012-1, 2012-2, 2013) have been made and then assessed here. The blogosphere has been my confidante, my sounding board and my shoulder to cry on board, but it has also been my gauge!
Despite my blog’s pre-eminent place in my life, I haven’t written a lot on it this past year. A little over a year ago, I realized my posts were crossing several distinct themes. So I re-arranged my blog thematically, hoping to make it easier not just for visitors, but for me, to understand my own blogging behaviour. It’s been interesting to see that posts with a personal take are most visited, followed by those linked with my work in urban planning and policy.
Today, I’m at a crossroads and wondering where to take ramblinginthecity. Should it continue to be a personal exploration or take on a more knowledge-based position? Should I open it out to more voices or hone my own voice to be more powerful and much sharper? Should more academic content be on it at all, or find a new space elsewhere? Lots of questions!
As the first month of the year draws to an end, I can see 2016 is going to be the busiest and most exciting year I’ve ever had work-wise. I do hope I’ll be able to take my blog along with me on my new adventures. I fear it will be hard. I fear it will drop off on the wayside. But if it’s really come to occupy that space of the voice-in-my-head, I’m confident it will find new and interesting connections with my life! To another year of blogging……..
Posted on January 31, 2016, in Personal and tagged blogging, self-reflection. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
ramblinginthecity 
I’m at similar crossroads myself! Sometimes I feel like my blog is getting too personal for my readers to find a connect, and sometimes I feel the need to create stronger content for better traffic and followers.
I choose to go with the flow, honestly. I’d considered having a second blog, but one blog keeps my hands full. In my personal opinion, instead of making your blog have a precise theme, continue to do what you are doing. At least you won’t have to think twice before posting something here.
Good advice! Thanks. I’m finding I write outside my blog on broader aggregated content sites for more serious writing. Which is ok as well!
I do some content writing too. Blogging has become even dearer now for me, since here the topic or length isn’t a binding and needs no approval. ‘My space’ sounds kind of cute. ☺
continue the journey. From therein you’ll find the answers and your style!