Respect For The Power of Blogging
There are times when I think that blogging is a peculiar form of addiction. Or just so much hot air.
And then there are those other times when you read something, or see a picture, or share a story, or watch a video and the power of this medium hits you like a slap in the face: the power to make connections, to share our common humanity, to express our creativity, to give us a voice.
I had one of those moments yesterday when I watched this video from Glenda Watson Hyatt. It’s less than 3 minutes on how WordPress (and blogging) has changed her life.
If you’ve a few minutes to spare – please do watch it. It’ll change the way you think about blogging.
Watching it got me thinking about how lucky we are to have this medium at our disposal – and that we should both respect its power and demonstrate our respect.
What do I mean by that?
Well I suppose it might include:
- taking responsibility for what we write online
- digging deep to share things that are of value, that will make a difference, to us and to others
- making the time to support and encourage the work of others
- sharing links and resources that are good quality, that we’ve tested for relevance
- respecting the viewpoints of others, and writing, reading and commenting with that in mind
- explaining how it works to other people, and encouraging them to enjoy the benefits of the medium
- looking for ways to improve and develop the way we work online
What does respect for blogging mean to you? What other ways could we demonstrate that respect?
Joanna, that’s a pretty amazing video. I had no idea WordPress had those capabilities. The video reminds me that respect for bloggers also means considering special needs for reading – the value of large, readable fonts and color contrast, a clean design, clear navigation.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Zero Strategy Causes Financial Crisis
I think I am addicted to blogging. Last night my wife caught me checking it on my iPhone at dinner. I need to chill out a little and work on my writing.
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Joanna,
“explaining how it works to other people” – doesn’t that mean that we first of all have to know how it works for us? Is it – quoting you again – “a peculiar form of addiction” or is it a unique form of expressing oneself, speaking to the world, making oneself heard and listened to? If I would not have taken up blogging, maybe I would have stopped taking pictures – being not sure if they are worth taken. Whenever I explain that to other people, they understand why I do it and why it is important to me. They might not begin to blog, but being understood is already important for me.
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..Silence and Peace
[...] Confident Writing and Glenda Watson [...]
no fair. I’m wiping my eyes. I saw lots of friends in that video. And I made those friends through blogging. And my life is different.
You talk about digging deep and making the time. I wonder how often we pick the easy fruit in blogging rather than taking the time to respect the potential for significant relationship that exists. It’s not about the words as words. It’s about the opportunity to hear Glenda’s voice and heart, to see your world (and realize that the leaves change color in scotland, too), to watch Chris’s relationship network, to know Becky’s encouragement.
Thanks for tipping my afternoon over.
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Brad, that’s a good point. I feel I have so much still to learn about readability and accessibility issues. I hope we can maybe learn about and teach each other some of that as we move forward with our blogging.
Paunchiness: blogging is seriously addictive. You have been warned.
Ulla, what a great perspective! Yes, the explanation will come from our own experience, our own values, our own heart. And yes, that means I need to know what it means to me too. Sometimes I feel I’ve got that sussed… other days I’m not so sure.
I’m delighted to have followed some of your journey to expression and creativity through blogging. It’s wonderful to watch. I’m sure your friends will get a very strong sense of that when you talk to them about how blogging has changed things for you, in such positive ways.
Joannas last blog post..Respect For The Power of Blogging
Jon, the video is quite something isn’t it? We live in priveleged times to be able to make these connections through words, pictures, videos, and sometimes by meeting each other in person as a result.
But I like this thought that it’s not the words as words, but the potential for significant relationship. Significant: it counts, it matters, it changes things, it changes us.
PS I’m not going to apologise for the tears. You’ll have to speak to Glenda about that one!
Joannas last blog post..Respect For The Power of Blogging
Joanna, as I listened to Glenda’s video my heart was so moved. I also realized that for all of us this wonderful medium does provide access. We are able to cross continents, cultures and language barriers and meet on a common ground of words. Yes, we should give respect to what we write and those who will read it. I have become much more sensitive to accessibility but I am not sure of the steps I can take to remove barriers. I can’t even seem to find an easy way to transcribe video so that the hearing impaired can enjoy video posts (so I have refrained from doing them). Glenda is such an inspiration, and I’m off to cry in private now.
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What a wonderful video. As a former nurse, I really appreciate the independence she has gained through blogging. Good for Glenda!
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I blog because I’m looking for deep conversations. I respect blogging by writing once a week on each of my blogs and spending at least as much time commenting on other people’s blogs as I do writing and answering comments on my own.
I’m not surprised by Glenda’s video, I’ve been aware since I was a teenager that writing is a way of expressing the deepest parts of ourselves. Before blogging it was hard to share with other people through writing…my friends aren’t letter writers and I couldn’t find pen pals with my interests. Blogging means I can talk about the things that touch my heart and feed my soul and actually find kindred spirits to connect with.
No, I enjoyed Glenda’s video, but it didn’t change my mind about blogging. I was already grateful for its power. Thanks for asking.
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Karen, I find Glenda’s approach very inspirational too, not least as she combines it with such a devilish sense of humour and self-deprecation!
I feel the same on accessibility issues. Got an idea or two in the back of my head about how we can learn together… will be in touch
Jamie, glad you enjoyed it. I find it very moving to think about how powerful this free voice is we’ve been given, and how easy it is to take it for granted. I tried blogging with my left thumb once and it took me for ever to type one paragraph never mind a post. Food for thought for sure
Jean, it sounds like you’ve got your attitude towards your writing and blogging beautifully aligned with your values. Something for all us to aspire to there
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