————–
Just like in life …
Bloggers come, bloggers go
Blogging interactions can be brief, without words, yet others are deep, interactive, and lasting
Boggers link around a commonality
Worry and wonder stoke the blogger’s mind when one hasn’t encountered someone in a while
Just like in life …
Bloggers encounter a wide range of emotions
Bloggers are saddened by the news of personal trauma, tragedy, and death – and happy for triumphs and celebrations
Bloggers seek trust, honesty, reliability, genuineness, and respect matter
An important decision for bloggers is the choice of acquaintances
Just like in life …
A blogger’s words can encourage and hurt
Bloggers can be real and honest while others are fake or hide their identity
Some blogging personalities seem to sync, yet what is preferred by one is looked upon as a negative by someone else
Some bloggers are givers, others are selfish
Blogging is a house that is open, thus requiring the host to be welcoming – but not every blogger has the same welcoming skills as others
Just like in life …
Blogging involves an etiquette, but one size doesn’t fit all
Bloggers have a variety of sensitivity levels
Bloggers vary in interests and communication skills
Blogging involves priorities – but sometime life and blogging conflict
The Final Touch
Bloggers blog for different reasons – to market … to think … to share … to make money … to interact … to promote thinking …. to learn … to reflect … to network …. to write … to challenge … to create new opportunities …to meet … to document … for personal growth … to inspire …. for enjoyment … to reduce stress … to build rapport … to create opportunities … and more
Every blogger want something different – some want laughs … other a friend … some want their voice to be heard … others simply want respect … some want community … others want followers … some write for themselves … others want interactions
Blogging is like a picnic – some brings the humor … others provide the photographs, art, and philosophy … others bring the recipes for food, drinks, guidance, and success … others are the informative thinkers … others tell stories
A Frank Angle 
Definitely a picnic, many with second and third helpings.
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Catherine,
I like that addition.
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Blogging is absolutely different things to different people, for all of those reasons above and then some. I’ve been at it off and on…and off and on…but one thing I find consistent is stumbling onto someone’s blog I really do connect with. That always seems to happen each time I stick with blogging for any decent length of time and that always makes me smile…knowing I have a new bloggers’ efforts to enjoy going forward. I love commenting and receiving comments. When following anyone’s blog I’m looking to truly connect with the blogger…contribute…communicate…and learn.
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Bruce,
We look at blogging through a similar lens – although my blogging has been more steady. I can’t stress enough about the importance of connections to me.
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Yes Frank, and I’ll further say (given the choice) I would prefer 10 comments opposed to 100 likes. I love it when people take a moment to drop a comment in whether they agreed with (or not) and/or liked (or not) what I posted. Likes are liked…but Comments are loved.
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Yep … Interesting when I visit a post to see 100 likes but 1 comment.
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Just like real life!! We are a complex lot real or virtual aren’t we!
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Pauline,
Oh yes … complexity is very much part of this analogy. Thanks for adding another great adjective.
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I googled why people blog. Amazing how many lists there are. Some are top 10, top 5, even top 18 reasons. Pretty funny. My motivations is to become world famous. The progress is slow. But, the little map gizmo on my site shows yellow dots all over. I may make it. 🙂
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Jim,
And when you reach the level of fame you desire, I hope you remember we little people.
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Of course. 🙂
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Remember that it is easier said than done! Hope to see you with a touch of the blues for Opening Night on Tuesday … Oh no … you’ll be caucusing … make that later Tuesday or Wednesday morning.
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Yeah, blogging is like a picnic – and if you don’t use a spam filter, you get overran with ants.
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X,
LOL … now that’s funny … yet real. Thanks for the laugh.
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“Blogging involves priorities – but sometime life and blogging conflict” — do I relate to that idea, Frank! I was also without home internet for most of last week. I’ve been so busy clearing out my old place and setting up my new one, it wasn’t that big a deal. I have it now. When I started blogging six years ago this month, even though I have not published a new post since last October, it was due to the recession. My pay had been cut 20%, I was living on fumes and blogging was a great way to do something productive with my time that wouldn’t cost me money. Now that I’ve gotten through those hard times, I’ve just been too busy to blog. Six years ago, I would never have thought my life would be like it is today. I have a doorman, a live-in super and a handyman all ready and willing to wait on me hand and foot. Does that blow my mind. This place is a beautiful landmark building that has two elevators (Milton loves that), air conditioning, a clean and spacious laundry room that I can access 20 hours a day seven days a week. My internet is faster and my TV antenna can pull in all the three networks and Fox. This is the good life. How I landed this place after almost 8 months of searching and five rejections amazes me. What amazes me even more is that I’m still in my same hood, but now I live on the same street as Tina Fey. Her building is ritzier than mine. Naturally, eagle eyed Milton saw her.
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Lame,
Woo hooo … I love when you check in here. Knowing that life has been a bit more than hectic since your last post, I have thought of you on many occasions, yet knowing you would check in when time allows. So glad to here that a return to normal is getting closer .. .well, at least the new normal.
Your neighbor was a big hit on the last SNL – must have been the Miltonian influence that she senses!
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A good reflective summary Frank! What it does is remind us that behind every blog is a human, with all their human traits. And every visitor and commenter is human…wait…that’s not right! Well every visitor and commenter that matters is human!
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Vanessa,
I like you thought of a human behind ever blog. Being human is about connections and interactions, so blogs have just given us another opportunity to do so.
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Great reflection, Frank. I could relate to a lot of it. Sometimes blogging varies depending on what’s going on in my life. Mine is pretty simple though. For me, it’s a creative outlet, to write, to share and I keep doing it because of the great community I feel with other bloggers.
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Amy,
I’m confident that you related to this post because you are more than a creative outlet because you interact with visitors .. we care about people as they touch your soul. … all of which point to you as a gracious host and one others are happy when you visit them.
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Oh, thanks for that, Frank! Likewise, you are a gracious host and show you care about your guests. I always feel welcome.
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Thank you!
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I have been writing my blogs for about 6 years and have found it a great experience. I have met lots of wonderful people, both on line and in the flesh. This has been the best part of blogging…by far.
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Debra,
Cheers to your blogging efforts and longevity … and I hope we get to meet in the town along the river that touches my soul.
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Very true, Frank, every word!
I’ve ‘met’ some really interesting people through blogging – which started for me as an experiment to see if I could keep at it. That was back in 2010 and I’m still here.
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Tom,
When I started, I never realized the importance of the social connection about blogs … which is one of the reasons I remain.
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Nice reflective post, Frank. You’re always a nice place to visit. Always.
Happy Monday!
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Audra,
This post was long in the making. It started with making notes, and then finally trying to put them into some sensible order. Knowing it was important to say, I had to finalize it.
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So true, Frank! There are so many different types of blogs and bloggers. Some you connect with, and some you don’t. Some you always want to read (like yours), and others. . .well, . . .:)
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Merril,
Bloggers are so allover the board. That fact alone boggles the mind. And think of all those writing styles, including your own unique approach!
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Wait!! People make money doing this?
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Elyse,
Oh yes … but not the type of posts we do.
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Damn! Just when I thought I could retire ….
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LOL … what’s the final snow total at Castle Elyse?
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2 feet. 24 inches. We are pretty well dug out — we have a monster snowblower, thank God. There is nobody on the roads even today — which is odd because everybody has 4wdrive vehicles (which you need because they don’t plow the damn roads well if at all). Normally folks are out wandering. Not yesterday and not today. My office is closed, as is the government and most businesses.
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Thanks for the update … did you put your Outback to the snow test?
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It was out on Tuesday (or was it Monday) when there was a little bit that paralyzed all of DC because they didn’t treat the roads. It did fine . But yesterday when we went for a short drive we took John’s Forrester because I figured that needed to be replaced so I’d rather bang it up than the new one!
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…and not just in life, one may meet a wonderful and kind person from a far away country: YOU that is and be very grateful for it [as I am]! 😉
Happy Monday, my friend and new week! 🙂
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Marina,
… and I say the same from this end. Bloggers seem so nearby, yet are actually can be far away. Thanks not only for the kind words, but for your kindness that you share with many.
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🙂
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Thanks for expanding my understanding of what makes up the blogging life. I learn a lot and laugh a lot reading your blog, but it’s the look-see’s into your eclectic interests which I find truly addictive. Keep the encouragement coming!
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Tim,
Your perspective here is unique because not you don’t have a blog, but your wife does, and you’ve known me for many years.
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Very well said. Thank you!
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Ernest,
So much to say, but I’ve tried to capsulize it. Glad you enjoyed this post.
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We are social creatures, are we not? Communication is vital as we seek the unknowable meaning of life through relationships. I have always thought that solitary confinement was among the cruelest of tortures.
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Jim,
Oh yes – humans are social creatures and we are wired for that … and blogging is just another way to fill the social niche.
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Wonderful comparison of blogging to life, Frank. It’s interesting to see the relationships that develop online. It’s also easier for people to disengage from an online relationship than a real-life one. Which is probably a good thing.
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Carrie,
Glad you enjoyed this … and great point about disengagement. Guess I have to start a list about differences between blogging and life.
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Always good to have future blog topics!
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Frank, what a great post. I would prefer my posts always encourage or make someone laugh or smile. This one you’ve written has that lovely balance of doing all that. I think, as in life, like-minded people find each other within this blogging community. During my stint in blogging, I’ve encountered wonderful people and connections. Though I don’t blog as regularly as when I first began, it’s comforting to know there are those who I always hear from and I always gain insight and welcome from those, whenever I decide to share the contents of my head. :).
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Brigitte,
Thanks for the kind words. Finding like-minded is a key. If one wants snark, find it … but it won’t be here. Some also so blogging as given way to other media as Twitter and Instagram, but those don’t attract me (for whatever reason) … so I stay mainly because of the connections … but on the selfish side, I think writing is a good mental exercise.
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I agree with Brigitte, Frank. Another great post! A picnic, indeed. So today I’m here with a thermos of piping hot chocolate and boxes and boxes of cookies. Happy New Year! ~Theadora
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Theadora,
Glad the picnic analogy related to you. Hot chocolate and boxes and boxes of cookies is more than welcome at a winter picnic … but wait, as someone in France, I was expecting wine. 😉 … I couldn’t resist. 🙂 … Happy New Year to you … and hope your life is going well.
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Yes! Maybe some Champagne! Perfect for winter picnics. Perfect for summer picnics, too. Again, Happy New Year! And as always, thanks for the inspiration and the music theme dinner shindigs. ~Theadora
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Bubbly is fine …. and oh yes, refreshing in the summer!
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Lovely, comprehensive post, Frank. I find self-expression through blogging very therapeutic. I think it helps one through personal struggles, and enables us to let go off hurt more easily, making room for more of what feels good, through interaction and sameness with others. I think it serves the purpose of bringing people together well, as long as it’s kept in check, because it’s quite addictive!
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Kelly,
Thanks for sharing your insight. Oh yes … the therapeutic value of blogging, yet the importance of keeping it in check. Well stated!
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Blogging boggles the mind. No way to get bogged down with all the variety in the neighborhood. Just remember, it’s only a blog, it’s only a blog…
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Mouse,
“It’s only a blog” … yes … I understand that … on the other hand, there a human being at the other end. Cheers to the variety in the neighborhood!
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I think you took that wrong. (Probably as I was in such a hurry trying to catch up reading. Humor and obscure references don’t always work)
People shouldn’t get upset at ugly bloggers or blogs they disagree with. Don;t take things/blogging so seriously. Like life, there are always going to be people you just don’t click with – people that don’t like you or you don’t like them. Fortunately, the blog neighborhood is like the TV – you can easily change channels. And find another like mind to connect with…so far…there are those extremely smart robots being worked on…first the robo calls, the talking check out stands…they are learning for the next frontier: blogland? NOOOO!
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Well explained. 🙂
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I like the interactions blogging affords. I have met so many wonderful people (present company included) the whole experience has been very rewarding. Very nice post, Frank. Got me thinking about how much I appreciate those in the sphere.
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John,
We have many similar thoughts. The good people of the community keep me going. Thanks for the kind words.
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True words.:-)
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Two of my blog friends have died and one I can’t find now. I didn’t know these people in the flesh but their absence has left me with a grief that is hard to describe.
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Julie,
Thanks for the powerful comment. ever reason, Several have died over the years, and like you, I was touched and saddened by the losses. Others fade away from blogging for whatever reason, yet they leave a void – so I can’t help but wonder about them.
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Well done, Frank. Great review of what is.
It has been a fun ride for me. When it stops being fun, I will stop. I hang with the bloggers I like, and ignore the ones I don’t. (Yours is one of the ones I enjoy the most.) I’m in it to build a platform for my books, and the discipline of maintaining a blog on different subjects hones my writing skills. 🙂
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E-Tom,
Thanks for the several good points. As a whole, many authors have successfully used blogs to not only market their efforts, but to also build a community of supportive authors. Keep on writing!
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The stroke of a master, Frank. Good shtufffs.
Its all that and more. Wicked and wonderful to frightfully mind blowing and everything in between. I think one of challenges of the blogging platform is interacting and welcoming non-bloggers, That might be the way for the future? At least that is where am leaning behind the scene.
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Calvin,
Thanks for the kind words and glad you enjoyed this. In terms of interacting and welcoming non-bloggers (and I add bloggers) is something that must come from within. I get my fair share of first time visitors through Likes and/or Follows. I visit a high percentage of them … and even comment in order to try to establish a rapport … and then they stun me with a mere “Thank you.” … I still don’t get it … and needless to say, I don’t return.
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Neat post–it rings so true! Bloggers are still just people and we’re going to live out our lives here like we live them out offline, I guess. When I started blogging I had no idea what to expect–I just had things I wanted to say. I *never* expected the relationships!
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Kerry,
I’m with you about the relationships as I didn’t have a clue about that being so rewarding. … and yes – bloggers have lives offline as well, thus why I tend to share bits of my off-line world. … thus also enjoy reading about what is happening elsewhere with others.
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I haven’t had a chance to say anything here about blogging, because I have been blogging……but I did drop by to read comments and here, at least, it’s all good, and friendly, and enjoyable. Thanks, my friend.
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Cynthia,
Yes … this place is a friendly, respectable place … and as is yours and many others that we know and don’t know. Connecting through the power of the word is very human …. and I’m glad it is.
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It takes all kinds, but that’s what makes blogs interesting. We’d all get bored pretty quickly if everyone’s blogs were the same. Just like the people you meet in real life I guess. Life would be pretty dull if everyone you met was exactly the same.
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LB,
Good point … or as I (and many others) say … it takes all types to make the world go around.
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Truer words have never been spoken. Both in terms of the blogosphere and life itself.
You’re a poet, and you MUST know it.
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Cayman,
Thanks for the kind words. I know you are using poet as a metaphor, so thanks … to me, I’m a practioner.
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A practitioner, I like that. I like that a lot. You know me and the pretty words, Frank….always with the pretty words.
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Your thoughtful post just about covers all of those in the blogging world. I started blogging to get back to writing but I have enjoyed the connections and those who have some of the same ideas that I have whether in my state of Texas or across the seas. I always learn something from your excellent blog!
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me ways, this post was 7+ years in the making. Then again, I did start taking notes in the first half of 2015. Nonetheless, between this list and comments, we have it covered. Cheers to you and fellow Texans who blog … keep writing!
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This is a wonderful post Frank, mirrors life in many ways ~ it’s a very interesting topic and have enjoyed reading everyone’s response and yours as well. I’ve been away for a while, but in this new year will be checking in (like your new color musical =black)! To be honest I stay away when there is talk of politics, for me it’s too upsetting (tired of all the bickering and very strong opinions that come with the whole discussion, no matter the party affiliation. That’s a reason why I don’t listen to talk radio any longer. It’s because a mental distraction and then I’m no good in the art studio. But I’ll be around ~ thank you for your wonderful visits to my blog. You’re a good blogging friend ~
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Mary,
Besides the fact that you enjoyed this post, it’s good to see you back out and around. Just so you know, the act featuring Black in Colors: The Musical is currently in progress … many great songs remain available from the likes including Michael Jackson, Elvis, Perry Como, Shania Twain, and more.
I understand and respect your take on politics. The level of polarization today is unprecedented and unnecessary. It can drive one batty! I used to listen to my share of talk radio until I (like you) finally said enough is enough … and I haven’t returned, plus I’m cautious about what is one TV that is comparable to radio talk. No thanks for me.
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What a wonderful / thoughtful post. Yes, blogging and real life certainly intersect. I have met so many truly fun, interesting, smart and compassionate people blogging. I suspect it is why even if I slow down now and then I stay, I value the friendships created in this world.
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Val,
I tried to emphasize the positive aspects of the intersection between blogging and life. Also imagine that none of us realized this when we started.
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I know, I never expected any of it. Yet it has been a happy surprise.
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Hi Frank. Lovely post. What great timing… checking-in, to see how long it’s been since I posted. Six months!!
In the beginning, I just wanted to share my photos, and some kinship. But I’ve been burned badly in the past, on the interwebs. So I’m still a little reserved. I’m also highly aware of my own energy, and try not to infect others. 😀 Good to see you, as always. Glad to see you are still here.
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Vix!!!!
Good to see you! Blogging stories cover a wide range of incidents, and those who haven’t been so negatively affected need to be reminded about those who have been. Many thanks for sharing.
You may have noticed that Act 1 for a new musical has just got rolling.
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