I write this blog mostly for myself, though it’s great to have people join in and create conversations.
“But there’s also a part of writing, of online writing particularly, blogging, that’s all the humble without the security, that’s full of risk, that’s vulnerable even if what you’re saying isn’t necessarily personal or deeply meaningful or anything you or anyone else even really cares about. This thing we do, blogging, is crazy. Really. What a trip, what a concept, what an experience. It’s a place where the public share is instant and your little words can tromp their way across the world before you have time to regret it.”—Annie Mueller
I highly recommend reading all of Annie’s blog post — it’s just a blog (thanks to Euan Semple and Chris Corrigan for highlighting Annie’s work)
There are a lot fewer comments and conversations on this blog than there used to be, as people have moved to consumer social media platforms like LinkedIn and have conversations there. The last comment to this blog was posted on LinkedIn as well as here, which was a nice touch (thank you Beth).
Joan Westenburg has noticed this recently and said that ‘indie’ creators need to build their own platforms.
“Relying on someone else’s platform means that creators are subject to the ever-changing algorithms that dictate visibility and reach. The algorithms are designed to prioritize content that keeps users engaged and on the platform, rather than necessarily rewarding quality or creativity. Meaning that creators are constantly chasing the algorithm, trying to crack the code and optimize their content for maximum visibility, to the detriment of their message, their identity and their purpose. It’s an exhausting and often futile endeavor, as the algorithms can change at any moment, leaving creators scrambling to adapt.” —the creator economy trap
This reflects my own recommendations calling blogs — social media’s home base — in 2009. As Joan says, “Building your own platform is undoubtedly harder than relying on someone else’s”. I can completely agree after twenty years of building this platform. The algorithms are against us, as well as the suppression of RSS.
As I said at the beginning, I blog for myself. I think that is the only way to keep at it. Blogging is not a business model. It’s a form of expression that suits certain people. I just happen to be one.