Blog On

Last week I reflected about some of the roles of blogging and the irony that the reason most people get into blogging in the first place is probably one of the least effective ways it can be used. Due to the fact that the post jumped around a little and didn't have a very informative title, (like this one is?) I don't think too many people read it.

So here it is again. I believe the main roles for blogging are:

1. Motivating The Faithful - Yes, we are for the most part blogging to others who share the same opinions, but that doesn't mean it's a waste. Reading similar opinions can help us to be more bold in expressing our own in the "marketplace of ideas". Just knowing that you aren't alone can be a powerful motivator.
   
2. Educating Others - Blogging has been trumpeted as a way to usurp old media's stranglehold on the news and especially concerning how the news is spun. To a great extent, then, blogging serves to disseminate facts without forcing anyone to rely on a single outlet for their source of news. Additionally, presentation of the news is often slanted in very subtle ways and many benefit from those who are able to observe this and point it out to others.
   
3. Influencing Opinion - This is probably the least effective role of blogs, yet it's the one that people often cite as a motivator for getting into blogging in the first place. It's great when we can win someone over to our point of view, but that isn't going to happen very often. However, that doesn't mean it isn't worth a try. Presenting some actual facts along with an argument for a particular position can go a long way toward making it convincing.
   
4. Sharpening The Sword - Engaging in a certain amount of back and forth with others who may have different views, helps to develop arguments and logic in such a way that when things come up in real life, we're a little better suited to the task.

The beautiful summer weather here has me in a sort of blogging enuui. Therefore, it's helpful for me to look at just exactly why I enjoy this hobby.