Why do I Blog?

In building the new Blog, it got me thinking as to why?

I confess the original Blog, now consigned to the recycle bin of some anonymous server at Blogger.com, was constructed on the basis of “because I think I should”. In putting together the new one, and relating it to the new website, Twitter feed and Facebook and LinkedIn pages (under construction), I wanted to take a more considered approach this time around, hence the thought process of ‘why’. Here are some of the conclusions I came to;

Promote – OK, so lets not pretend that I haven’t got a business to promote and I am doing this purely for altruistic reasons, because I have, and I’m not. However, I really hope that my posts never stray in the direction of blatant self promotion, that’s not something I feel comfortable reading on other people’s blogs and it’s just not me. If you catch me doing it, you have my express permission to reprimand me severely.

Inform – So if I want to promote my business but I don’t want to be telling everyone how wonderful we are, how is that going to work? Well, the plan is to publish posts that are informative; that provide useful information about the topics we are passionate about, that give people an insight into how we think and feel about different subjects, and allow people to make up their own minds about whether we are a good fit for their needs.

Educate – In doing the above, I am hoping we can pass on our understanding on different topics. One of my pet hates is blog posts that purport to educate on a particular topic, often titled something like “7 things you must know about ……..”, I have a sense of anticipation on clicking the link, only to find a page of information that is factually correct but often doesn’t even reach the level of stating the obvious. If people want to take what we know and go it alone, I wish them well.

Develop - OK, so in trying to think of a one word heading for each line I couldn’t think of anything less pompous! However, I am a great believer that writing down an idea and having to formulate it into some kind of logical structure on the page, is a great way of further developing said idea. That in itself doesn’t need a blog, but if in doing so I am fortunate enough to garner feedback and comments, the idea develops further

Respond - I am a huge fan of Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, but often I have wanted to respond to other peoples posts, new articles etc and it simply isn’t possible in 140 characters. Hence the blog is an ideal format for a considered riposte.

Rant - Yes, apologies in advance, sometimes I want to get things off my chest and I can’t always do it in 140 characters. My mother will be pleased to know that she raised me well however, and I don’t have it in me to name and shame, however tempting it may be sometimes.

Amuse - All work and no play, I am sure from time to time my twisted sense of humour will produce the odd post designed to amuse those with similarly warped minds.

So make up your own mind as to how many of the above objectives I have achieved with this first post! Many would argue that I am setting myself up for fall by declaring such aspirations, only time will tell, but I’ll not apologise for aiming high.

That’s the plan and I’ll try and revisit this every so often to share with you how I think we are getting on.

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