8.05.2009

On Purpose

Since I sometimes read blogs at work, I get a lot of people looking over my shoulder. They'll see pictures and say, "Oh, who is that?" and I explain that it's a blog.
And of course, they often say, "A what?"
And I either explain, or blow it off, because some people just don't get it, and won't get it.
(and how rude is it to look over my shoulder and ask about what I'm looking at? Ugh!)
Last night, one of the repeat offenders did it again. She saw a picture of a baby and asked who it was, and I told her it's a blog. Her response was, "It's so CUTE that you do that! Read all about other people's lives."
Cute? I tried to explain to her that the blogger is blogging for that purpose...for other people to read it. But...she just doesn't get it.
I think people either get it or they don't. Those who have to ask "What is the purpose of blogging?", will never get it.
I have been a bookworm since I learned to read. And I became a writer around the same time. I was always making up stories in my head, or mentally recording what was going on around me. I wrote many stories and poems when I was younger (and wish I'd never stopped). So when I discovered blogging, it was a natural thing for me.
My blog is my place on the web. My internet home. I decorate it in a way that makes me happy. I talk about things that make me happy or interest me. I put things in my sidebar that mean something to me.
It's an outlet to talk about things that confuse me, anger me, amuse me, or just interest me.
My blog is also my soapbox. I talk about things that I want others to know about. There are so many issues that people are not aware of, such as Premarin mares, and puppy mills. I feel like if just a few people learn about these things from my blog, make changes in their lives, and maybe tell a few others....I've made a difference. And that means the world to me.
I blog about pet rescue and pet fostering, and even had one of our foster kittens adopted by a blog reader!
My blog is one of the places that I record our memories. I do Weekend Wrap-Ups, write about the funny things the kids say and do, post pictures of the fun times, and the ordinary times.
And through my blog, I've made friends. Friends who have laughed with me, supported me, lifted me up, prayed for me, and commiserated with me. People who have my back.
I blog to vent, to laugh, to learn, to relate, to inform. I like to think that I have something to give, and I most definitely receive so much from blogging (both writing and reading).
The purpose of blogging is so many things for me. I put a lot of myself into it, and get so much out of it.
It's so much more than "cute".

22 comments:

Unknown said...

One of my favorite lyrics is from a Pink Floyd song....All you touch and all you see is all your life will ever be.... and it is totally true.

Right on with what you are saying.

Anonymous said...

i love this. i second that "right on."

Erin said...

I have the same problem, people reading over my shoulder at work...WTH? Like what? I'm supposed to be working? But I have yet to have anyone tell me it's CUTE HA
EXCELLENT Post!

GypsiAdventure said...

I love it! Blogging is so much than what the naked eye perceives, but you're right - if they don't get it now, they probably never will. I'm glad I do it - I'm glad I've gotten to meet special people like you - the world is so big - why not share what we know?
~K

Momisodes said...

Beautifully said.

The blogosphere is so much more deep than most people think.

Anonymous said...

I get so tired of trying to defend blogging to Curt, I couldn't imagine having to explain it to my family & friends.


It's such a special part of me, I could never give it up :)

Lori said...

If you wrote in a journal no one would say anything. Same difference only you use your computer. And I get it. I blog for myself as much as for others.

Karen in Texas said...

Love the new background Cyndy. I get why you blog. I enjoy having a place to vent and moan and groan and share my fun stuff with people.Then there's also my blog to share graphics with people too. I get to have a worry spot and a place to show off. Some people just will never get it unfortunately.

Crazee Juls said...

I knew I liked you for a reason. You took the words right out of my mouth. I, too, share your love for the written word, and feel like writing and reading have always been a part of me. In turn, blogging is second nature. :) I'm glad you shared this...you're right some people just won't ever get it.
very good post!

Helene said...

Amen, sister friend!! You summed it up so well....that's the same reason I blog. I also love writing....I had forgotten how much passion I had for it until I started blogging and I actually crave it on a daily basis. It makes me feel like I'm useful for other things than just being a mom!

Lisa said...

Awesome, awesome post. Couldn't have said it better!

Unknown said...

A few years back, many people in my life thought blogging was ridiculous and that I was basically a voyeur of sorts looking into other peoples lives; an exhibitionist of sorts sharing such personal details myself.

Funny thing is that now blogging has become so mainstream and most non-blogger I know in real life actually read blogs - in some form or another - daily.

Mine included :) And that's just icing on the cake. They don't get it, like we get it - but they accept and embrace my passion more than they used to and it's good.

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

Well said, friend!!!! Well said! ♥

Momo Fali said...

A freelance writer just wrote a great piece for a local magazine that explained blogging so well. I have been sharing it with a bunch of people because I was mentioned in the article (Hi! I'm tooting my own horn!), but what is so great is how many people have said that it really made them understand blogging. Bonus!! It's so hard to explain sometimes. You did it very well.

Kat said...

I never really understood blogging before I did it either. I try to tell people it is like having a bunch of pen pals. That these people can read my "journal" and comment and I do the same with them. I have always been fascinated with people (I am a total people watcher) so this fits. Plus, if you love reading and writing it doesn't get much better. :)

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Amanda said...

That was so well written!

I will say this, people who don't understand blogging can really irritate me when it's brought up. I've gotten "Oh, you're funny." Why? Why am I funny for writing and reading blogs? UGH!

Anyways... that's so sad about your husband's baby :( Losing a baby is an extremely heart wrenching experience.

Twisted Fencepost said...

Yeah, I get the eye roll a lot when I say I have a blog.
People don't understand it. I didn't used to. Until I read one that interested me.
Now I love it. AND all my new faceless friends on the web.

Furry Bottoms said...

I hear you... well not literally, but I hear what you mean. I am going to come back and visit you more. You have tons of followers, what's one more? :)

Kerree said...

I hate when people look over my shoulder too

Mrs4444 said...

A blog is a treasure! I'm surprised that some people just don't get it.

Claudya Martinez said...

I get it. Nobody in my "real" life gets it, but I get it and I love it!