Where to begin?

My first course of action to blogging was to truly understand the definition of blogging and after trying to find the best description possible, I settled on the following by WordPress;

Blog is an abbreviated version of "weblog," which is a term used to describe web sites that maintain an ongoing chronicle of information. A blog features diary-type commentary and links to articles on other Web sites, usually presented as a list of entries in reverse chronological order. Blogs range from the personal to the political, and can focus on one narrow subject or a whole range of subjects. Many blogs focus on a particular topic, such as web design, home staging, sports, or mobile technology. Some are more eclectic, presenting links to all types of other sites. And others are more like personal journals, presenting the author's daily life and thoughts. 

 For a look at the ABC's of blogging, watch this video by Common Craft who are brilliant at taking complex ideas and making them easy to understand;







It was a wise decision to do a little research beforehand as I had originally felt quite overwhelmed by blogging, as I foolishly thought I had to be an "expert" in a particular subject, or at the very least be highly opinionated about a particular topic whether it be current events to politics or something else highfalutin... This is not my thing as I'm sure you've gathered by now.

My next step, (if I had not taken a social media course) would be to figure out whether blogging is for me. Even though I skipped this step, it doesn't mean you have to. Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean you have to... feel like you back in high school yet? Just kidding. I was tempted to say lol but I'm not sure if this is appropriate language for blogging. We can cover this topic in a later post :)

Do you:
1- do you enjoy spending time on the web?
Ask yourself how many hours are you spending daily on the web, whether it's reviewing current news, or connecting with family and friends on Facebook, or spending time learning about your favorite subject
2- do you like to write?
Do you keep a diary or journal that you are committed to writing in? Did you enjoy writing essays in school? Do you enjoy exploring your language and enhancing your skills in writing? Do you feel comfortable voicing your opinions, revealing your true self? Are you thinking creatively about how best to approach a topic that would be received well by your audience? If your answer is no, then this may not be the right hobby for you.
3- is there a topic you are passionate about?
It's advisable to be deeply interested in the topic you blog about as it will make the task of writing new/fresh stories each time easier, as well it should be something you want to spend your time on. If writing about the topic does not make you happy then this may be a reason to start thinking of a new topic, or at the very least a different angle to the same topic.
4- can you commit to blogging weekly?
Do you have a family who keeps you busy after work? Are you holding down two jobs? Are you studying and work? How often do your work over-time at work? Do you have other hobbies/interests which would take your time away from this endeavor?

Spend some time thinking about these questions and if you are still interested in exploring blogging, check my next blog.
-Lespez-