This morning when I got in, I went through my usual routine: check RSS feeds, go through emails, etc. However, I noticed that a blog I frequently read was unavailable. There was a WordPress error, saying WordPress couldn’t connect to the database.
So, I sent an email to the blogger, just to let her know the site was down. Long story short, I was able to figure out what the problem was and we were able to fix it.
Now, this isn’t a post about how awesome I am. That’s not my kind of thing. Instead, it really made me think: blogs not only connect people that normally wouldn’t meet….there’s something else to them. This whole notion of sharing thoughts, ideas and advice is something different all together.
A lot of people smash bloggers. They say people with blogs are just computer dorks with “lots of free time.” They can’t imagine why someone would want to show a “diary” to the world. And honestly, I think that perception is pervasive. In fact, I would much rather mention that I have a “web site” than a blog. Just the stigma is enough to make you (me at least) want to self-censor.
But today I really thought about this. Complete strangers actually want to help each other and honestly want nothing in return. When I post something in my “professional” blog asking for advice, I always get responses from people with much more experience than I have. When I have a coding/web site question, I can go post on a forum and have answers in minutes. For FREE.
Say what you want about blogging. Call it a waste of time.
I’ll just have to disagree.
BTW: Check out the blog I’m talking about. I am so completely jealous of (change that…..I mean inspired by) her photography.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
i think blogging is becoming less and less “smashable”. so many people blog for so many different reasons. i have to believe that the ones who think it’s for dorks are just JEALOUS
sarah – WORD! nathan, you’re a good guy
and this comment sounds like i’m a total dork but i don’t care! happey friday!
Nathan, thanks for restoring our girl Jenny. I like your blog!
Um for the millionth time: THANK YOU.
Thanks for all your nice comments. I really appreciate it. I’m always happy to help, as I totally believe in the whole karma-reciprocity-help people out as much as you can- kind of thing.
</hippy>
I used to feel that way about forums (and I guess to a lesser degree, I still do). It’s great being able to help others online (whatever that problem may be). I’ve found that blogs and forums are also a fantastic way of helping people overcome obstacles in their lives. It is so much easier to open up when you are not face-to-face with someone. The anonimity that the net provides does have positive effects too.