How Has Blogging Changed You?
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Several times in the last few weeks, particularly since SOBCon (gee, was that really only two weeks ago?), I’ve encountered the phrase since you started blogging (or words to that effect) in conjunction with the word changed. Hmmm.
Serendipity? Coincidence? Not enough fiber?
Actually, I have been seeing a lot lately about how blogging can change the world. In fact, Liz Strauss even has a specially-named series of posts for it (her Change the World series). I like the concept because when I read them it prompts me to think about specific things I’ve seen – or better yet, could do to, well, actually do something to change the world instead of just writing about it. Pretty inspiring stuff.
The irony is that while we bloggers are out changing the world, we’re also changing ourselves, you know? And by that I mean me, personally. To my surprise, I’ve changed in significant ways - directly as a result of blogging. It’s really gotten me thinking (sound of grinding gears) about how, in only 11 months, I’ve become a different person. The journey has been quite interesting, to say the least. So why, you wonder, am I telling you all this? Well… c’mon, be patient; read on.
OK, let’s see… how have I changed since I started blogging?
Awareness – Probably the most obvious change is that I’ve started noticing the world around me more. After all, I have to have something to blog about, right? But let’s face it, we’re talkin’ ‘waaaay more than just taking notes, right? In fact, there’s a lot of synthesis going on up there in the little grey cells that wasn’t there before. As an added benefit, it’s much healthier, too, as Dr. Ellen and Robyn would probably tell you. Gotta agree with ‘em there – can’t have the ol’ brain getting too flabby, you know!
Knowledge – Yep, I’m afraid the facts are in. Chances are pretty good that there is someone talking about pretty much everything on the internet! Whether I”m looking for the latest info about a favorite old movie, shoe sizes of the rich and famous, or the atomic weight of Kryptonite, there’s probably someone out there with the knowledge I need! I’ve learned more about everything I’m interested in the last year than nearly the entire rest of my life. In fact, as an added bonus, I’ve learned an awful lot about things I didn’t already know, so considerable growth has occurred as well. What can I do with all that knowledge? Who knows? The options are, as Master Card would say, priceless.
Self-Expression – Can’t make this list without mentioning another obvious thing: I’ve started to write. In a response to a meme some time ago, I mentioned that writing was something I’d always had on the “back burner”, but somehow never got around to doing it. Well, now that I’m actually writing, my entire world view has shifted somewhat. Where will it lead? Again, who knows? The road ahead is opening up, though.
Caring – A friend reminded me the other day of a conversation in which I said I didn’t care about people. (Yep, to my shame, I actually said that.) But in my defense, what I meant was that I had a hard time caring about people I didn’t know. The thing is, blogging has introduced me to whole gaggle of folks I didn’t know – at first. But (and that’s a REALLY big but) here’s the really fun part - I am getting to know them. It’s kinda like pen pals on steroids or something – we get to know each other, but at breakneck speed. To my amazement, I find that I do care about the people I interact with, and I gotta say, I’m lovin’ it!
I could go on, but I won’t… because my “curiosity bump” is throbbing again and I’d like to leave room for your contributions here. So here’s the $64,941.83 question:
How has blogging changed you?
Is this a meme? Well, yes… but only if you want it to be (besides, the blogosphere will ultimately determine the viability of any meme attempt).
So what I’ll do is kick-start it by tagging a few folks: Sam Brougher, Dr. Ellen Weber, Marti Lawrence, Cody McKibben, and Karin. Then, should they feel so inclined, they can pass it on to whomever they choose. And by all means, if you like, feel free to jump in, tagged or not.
You know, it would just be absolutely finer than a frogs hair if you would subscribe to my RSS feed!
16 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Oh dear, just when I started to find a bit more time for MY WORK!
Bob, can I suggest something, is very related too. During the SOBCon (lurking) I found The GoodBlogs and one of their features is “Conversations”.
If everyone adds this little code to their contribution, everyone will be able to see all contributions in one place
How has blogging changed you
Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
Hi Bob!
What a beautiful article — your head and your heart, they come together in such a seamless way. What a writer, you’ve become! I am moved by what I read here. Thank you for writing this.
Hi Bob, glad to hear you’ve engaged more of your gray matter as you blog. That will keep you mentally “young” and “vibrant.”
Are you finding that you are more of a conversationalist in the “real world” since you began to blog?
And, hey I hope you do publish that book you have in mind!
Bob, this is an interesting question to ponder. Thanks for putting it out there!
Karin - Thanks for the tip! For some reason, that code prevents the post from displaying. Dont’ know why, but I’ll check with Vernon at TGB and see what he can advise. I love the idea of tracking conversations, though.
Liz - What a kind thing to say! I truly appreciate your words.
Robyn - I think I may be more of a conversationalist now, but time will tell if it becomes a character trait. I hope so - talking to new folks is getting REALLY interesting! Oh, and the next book is in development now - no idea how long it will take, though.
[...] In fact, as a web publisher who blogs, I inviteyou to consider this question posed by Robert Hruzek: How Has Blogging Changed You? [...]
“Pen pals on steroids” — what an apt phrase, Robert. That describes the incredible speed and agility with which we can make connections online … and then when you get an opportunity to meet these connections at some place like SOBCon — well, as someone said, it had a “family reunion” feel to it. I’m absolutely amazed and the number and depth of the connections I’ve made just in the last few months since I’ve been blogging.
Hey, Robert. I love that you’ve discovered writing. Funny, that: You began by doing. A powerful lesson in what it takes to move something from thought to reality, just like that.
Unfortunately, I have a two day train ride staring me in the face, and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be sans internet. I’ll just file this away in my steel trap of a brain, and do it after the trip.
Hmmm… it seems the steel trap has rusted in the “open” position. I think I’ll write it down on the to do list…
Connie - you’re absolutely right about the “feel” of SOBCon. Thanks for dropping by!
Lisa - it’s an act of faith, after all, whenever we do something new. But it takes that first step. Come back again!
Sam - no worries, Bud; I’m sure the question will still be there when you get back!
Hi Robert
Honoured your tag today (took some pondering though!)
And managed to add the little cute button!
All we have to do now is to wake up the server over at TheGoodBlogs
Karin, good job on your response to the question. Glad you joined in!
My contribution is up! (And about time, too. Stupid trains… why can’t they travel at 500 mph?)
Thanks, Sam; I’ll be sure to send folks your way!
[...] I’ve been meaning to participate in Robert Hruzek’s latest meme since May 24th! That’s been over a month now (!), and I feel really horrible I still [...]
Hey Robert! Thanks again for including me in this, it was fun! I FINALLY was able to post about it over at codymckibben.com. I’m SO sorry it took me forever.
Cody, you did good just remembering it after over a month! Just glad you could join us - no matter WHAT time.