IS BLOGGING RIGHT FOR WRITERS?

Today, the terms blog, blogging, blogger are as common as Dunkin Donuts.  Literally hundreds of blogs are popping up daily with topics ranging from cooking recipes, traveling tips, to coin collecting and book publishing.  Just in case you’ve been hiding under a down comforter, a blog, basically, is a journal that is published for the world to see via the web.

Blog posts have sky-rocketed with hundreds popping up daily!  This is largely due to the opened doors for non-techno-savvy folks, which allows them to publish their work without biting their lip over the lack of comprehension for HTML and FTP.  But is blogging right for you, the author?  Does it hurt or help your reputation?  

We all know that with every good thing, there is a downside.  According to Broc Romanek, “The Downside of Blogging: Journalists Are ‘Out there’” http://www.thecorporatecounsel.net/ , he says, “. . . you become a journalist whether you realize it or not—and with that, you open yourself to the world.  It comes with the territory.

“The red-headed stepchild rocks mid-life” http://croneandbearit.wordpress.com, also brings up the downside to blogging and getting backlashed for making a negative comment about JuJu’s name.  For that, she states, “. . . the hate-filled comments sent to me calling me a racist . . .” 

Blogging brings to the forefront the hard truth about our constitutional right:  freedom of speech is not necessarily free from consequences; however, before you re-cycle your blog post outline for your grocery list, consider the advantages of having one:

1)    You can start a blog for free.  It is user friendly and can be done in a three-step process such as blogspot.com.

2)    Showcasing your talents and/or business is a great advertising tool.

3)    It’s a platform for healthy debate.

4)    It’s unlimited space.  You don’t have to concern yourself with condensing material.

5)    You can develop a following.  Who doesn’t enjoy gaining popularity for their craft?

6)    You can make money.  Enough said.

Angel Laws, who is just 27 years old, makes approximately a quarter of a million dollars for her award winning blog: Concrete Loop.  http://concreteloop.com.  In addition to becoming a successful entrepreneur, she is an author, photographer, graphic designer and trend setter.

Her advice to bloggers: Be motivated, organized and consistent.  Check out her interview with Pam Perry, renowned PR coach, on blog talk radio: http://tobtr.com/s/2895981 

Once you define your audience, set up your blog design and content accordingly.  Put quality time and thought into each post.  Above all, stay true to the subject you enjoy writing about.  You never know how far it can take you!