Why I Blog: A Survey

Cutie yellow birdies from Academy of Sciences...

1. How long have you been blogging?
Hmm. Probably in total, since 2004 or 2005? I had a LiveJournal account a long time ago but it was so depressing that I totally deleted it.

2. Why did you start blogging?
I initially started blogging because my friend Julia told me it was cool and I should do it. (such a follower!) So I started a blog to try and express myself as I was going through a really hard time. Just shared with my friends and family. Then, as I got more comfortable with it, I wanted to have a 'pretty' blog so I started this one in 2006. Mostly I just like writing and it was fun to have a reason to write. I used to keep a journal but for some reason, stopped... and this sort of took the place of journalling. And then I discovered book and craft blogging. Heart!

3. What have you found to be the benefits of blogging?
I like thinking critically and it's very good writing practice. I also like the community I've found through the book blogging. It's also good incentive for me to take photos, keep up with my art stuff, and keep track of what I'm reading. It's sort of a 'life journal', which I really like. So much of my life is books, art, and cooking... and it's fun to see that reflected in my blog.

4. How many times a week do you post an entry?
Mmm, three to five?

5. How many different blogs do you read on a regular basis?
Hmm. Probably I check in on about 50, but I don't read them all every day. I sort of keep track of what's going on with my favorites (maybe 10-15) and then check in on the others every now and again. I read some friends blogs, a large handful of book blogs, and a bunch of crafty/cooking blogs. And then some random ones that caught my eye.

6. Do you comment on other people’s blogs?
I try to. I especially try to comment on other book bloggers, and my friends' blogs. Some of the more popular blogs who get tons of comments, I don't really comment on. But the small blogs, or the really heartfelt ones, I do comment on. I like having the conversation, and I'm shy, so it's nice to interact with people over the internet where I don't have to make small talk (because we all know how much I *hate* making small talk).

7. Do you keep track of how many visitors you have?
I have a sitemeter thingie, but I really don't understand it, and I really don't know what the numbers mean, so mostly I ignore it. I'm happier that way. Although it is fun to see where people are from.

8. Do you ever regret a post that you wrote?
Well, the ones I'd regret, I usually don't post. I have an unspoken, unwritten policy of not gossiping about other bloggers and/or social media, but sometimes I have a little private rant. And then I delete it so I don't publish by mistake!!

9. Do you think your audience has a true sense of who you are based on your blog?
I think so. Probably more so than most people who know me in real life but aren't close friends. I am pretty shy and am very nervous about revealing too much personal information too soon (in real life), but for some reason it's easier on my blog. I tend to write from the heart, so what you see, is what you get.

10. Do you blog under your real name?
Yeah. But not my full name. But it's right up there in the corner, so I'm not really hiding anything. I don't write anything I wouldn't want anyone who knows me to read, so it's no big deal.

11. Are there topics that you would never blog about?
Yes. Some things are private. But most everything is open for discussion. And if you have any quesitons, you can always email me, and I'll answer any questions.

12. What is the theme/topic of your blog?
Books, cooking, art, self.

13. Do you have more than one blog? If so, why?
I'd like to, but I can't keep up. One is enough. It's also a good exercise in not compartmentalizing.