Old soldiers
never die . . .
. . . they simply fade away.
Soldiers of Xerxes' army, based on descriptions by Herodotus and archaeological discoveries.
From left to right: Ethiopian soldier with bow, Khwarazmian infantryman, Bactrian infantryman, Arian cavalryman
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Actually, I was thinking of bloggers. Some announce that they are withdrawing from the blogging world for a variety of reasons. Their followers sympathise and hope that they can persuade the leavers to stay. Some stop blogging but continue to comment on the posts of others. Sadly, some die, leaving a space that cannot be filled. Others just disappear without a trace, leaving their forlorn followers to wonder what happened. Some come and go, often promising, when they return, that they will blog assiduously henceforth, creating a burst of activity and then retiring, exhausted, maybe to pop up again in the future with renewed resolve and possibly further intermittent participation.
Bloggers apologise. Bloggers are pleasant people. Bloggers try to encourage others. Bloggers respond to comments and visit the sites of their commenters. There are exceptions, of course.
Many carry on for years, posting daily or weekly or monthly, sometimes on a set subject, like travel or genealogy. Others flit where the fancy takes them, often finding inspiration from other bloggers. Some posts are short and pithy, others are detailed lengthy essays. Some cause laughter while others bring on tears.
The optimists, the pessimists, the serious and the light-hearted, young, old, gregarious, solitary - all these are represented and all will appeal to someone ‘out there’.
Why do people blog? Why do you blog? There are not always simple answers to such straightforward questions.
I blog because in the beginning when I forst discovered blogs I was leaving comments whichothers thought funny or clever and told me I should have my own blog. So I set one up and things went well, until the "River" ran dry. Now I just post on Sundays and Fridays with a very occasional post on orther days. I simply cannot think of things to write about on a daily basis, and I want to spend more time reading actual books. When I do stop blogging I will let everyone know, or my daughter "no-one" will do so if I kick the bucket suddenly and unexpectedly.
ReplyDeleteMy comment disappeared!
DeleteI often read bloggers saying that 'life gets in the way' of blogging and I understand that. Blogging should be a pleasure, not a chore.
I suppose it's a sort of diary, a way of talking to myself as well as sharing ordinary things with those to choose to read and stay around for more. Often I have nothing to say really but I seem to be able to say it at great length!!
ReplyDeleteI also quite like sharing my photos.
That's one of my blogs.
The other is an accountability thing, I think. If it helps someone else on their journey than that's good and I'm glad.
And I really enjoy reading the blogs of others.
xx
Yes, 'talking to myself' is a good way of putting it, helping to make sense of the world. x x
DeleteI do wonder what body of social record exists in blog content and whether it will be around for historical and social research in the far future. (If this a double comment delete it - the first attempt 'disappeared')
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting observation. There would be an awful lot of detritus to sieve through. No doubt people will base their dissertations on such research.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's a way to express my thoughts. It improves my power of expression and writing. Getting our thoughts out is also therapeutic at times. In some posts I like to share with others what I learnt. I have also learnt a lot from the posts I have read. Blogging is also a wonderful platform to get to know different people, their culture and traditions.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's a splendid way to 'meet' people and hear their point of view.
DeleteI enjoy blogging as it helps me get my thoughts in order, even if it is only to record everyday trivia. I miss it.
ReplyDeleteIt's an addition to writing a daily journal, which I also do.
DeleteYou can always come back, JayCee, perhaps under another name - so long as you tell us what it is;-)
I began blogging in 2004 when I found myself writing rather too long comments on other people's blogs. I wondered if I could do this, and I did and it worked, until last year when my blog was killed for whatever reason, I doubt related directly to my blog.
ReplyDeleteI've pretty well settled into being a daily blogger but I do enjoy my blog holidays when I travel. There is always plenty to blog about but I've learnt to spread things out a bit and I can usually guess in advance what will receive a lot of comments, such as a washing up bowl in a sink.
Originally my blogging was rather immoderate but I have toned it down and I think if family did discover my current blog, they would not be offended.
I like to write too, and I am sure blogging has improved my writing.
It is easy to get carried away, I agree, but some people will be offended no matter what you write. They can always go elsewhere . . .
DeleteIn 2007 when I started a cat blog, I didn't even know what it was, completely unknown in Europe ! I discovered it through a cat Forum and ever since I blog. I had three, cat, travels, and my writer's cramps. I love writing and at least somebody reads me and I even have met blogfriends (you in Oxford, remember) a couple from South Africa in London, and two Londoner "girls" ! A couple from Luxemburg, and one from Norway and of course Claudie from the South of France. I would never have met you in my live without blogging. Now of course there is this sometimes stupid Facebook where a girl described in all details her miscarriage ! That's really not necessary !
ReplyDeleteMeeting others, on the page or in the flesh, makes it all worthwhile. I remember our day in Oxford :-) x
DeleteBlogging also helped me when Rick passed away.
ReplyDeleteI applaud you for that, Ingrid - many would not be able to carry on blogging. x
DeleteI heard about blogs at around the time I was writing up my PhD thesis (NB I was a VERY mature PhD student...). I became frustrated with having to write in the dry style demanded by my supervisor and started the blog (written in the voice of my then elderly Westie, Hamish) as a release for my more light-hearted and occasionally creative urges. That was in 2008 and two dogs ago, and I'm still dog-blogging and still having fun and enjoying the connections made.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
PS In a previous discussion on this topic, several bloggers noted that, like me, that had also kept a private journal. My hand-written diary dates back to 1994. Also, that 'blogging is more for introverts, FaceBook for extroverts. I think this still holds true but I wonder if others agree?
I think that observation is correct. Facebook tends to be transient, blogging more reflective.
ReplyDeleteI was nodding in agreement while reading your post ...
ReplyDeleteThe only regret I've got with starting my blog is that I didn't take the plunge earlier. My blog is my diary and creative outlet, both for my writing and photography. And I absolutely love the interaction with other bloggers, and I've had the privilege of meeting some of my fellow bloggers in real life!
I love WFT Nobby's observation that blogging is for introverts (I am definitely one of those) and Facebook for extroverts and yours that Facebook tends to be transient ... xxx
I wonder when blogging started? I suppose, as it's mainly a form of diary writing, it's been going on forever, but mot in an electronic form. It would seem rather 'empty' without interaction with other bloggers. x x
DeleteI started out blogging as a means to report on my birding trips so that others would have tips on where to go, what birds to find, details about accommodation and so on. It was my wife who encouraged me to expand it into an overall nature blog and share some of my experiences and limited expertise. It also serves as a means to let local readers know what outings and presentations I have coming up. I really enjoy creating my posts and it compels me to do a little research each time. I have also enjoyed (immensely) the blogging community, and when I have met bloggers in person, I have enjoyed their company (and as far as I can tell they enjoyed mine). I plan to continue as long as my fingers respond to my brain, and with luck the blog will continue to improve over time.
ReplyDeleteIt is always a pleasure to encounter experts talking and writing about their chosen subject. I am constantly in awe of people who can explain a complex concept in simple terms.
DeleteI had to do truck loads of reading and writing for my history students. And after 20 years I wondered what was going to happen to all those carefully filed notes. The library didn't want them, the grandchildren said thank you but no thank you, and I couldn't throw them in the rubbish bin. So blogging (from 2008 on) sounded like a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you to the other great bloggers who have been wonderful.
Hels
Art and Architecture, mainly
Blogging is an excellent way to record and broadcast your careful work for posterity. Have you published any of it in book form?
DeleteI was enjoying the simple pleasure of looking at only a few blogs starting just 8 years ago. I found I wanted to comment and set up a blog address. Then 3 1/2 years ago I decided to voice my love for Precious and my biking. No one at home has any idea. It is my secret. I love to look and see whats new and it is fun having the same done of my site.
ReplyDeleteIt is something that is completely your own and therefore to be treasured.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice - I've been meaning to come back here for a while! Such is life ... I wanted in 2009 to get into the web world and learn ... heard about blogging and started from there. I've written various posts about why I blog ... but I remember I had written an article for an anthology 'Overcoming Adversity' published by Nick Wilford (raising funds for his son, who has subsequently very sadly died) - and I note that I was blogging to teach myself history, learning how others coped through their adversity, and now learn and interact with others while blogging.
ReplyDeleteI love the positive interaction we get ... and how much I learn, while realising what keeps people visiting and what interests them - helpful to keep bloggers coming back. A great interaction of a range of blogging friends - lots of knowledge available to tap into.
It helped me through my mother's last years ... and now keeps me positive - thanks for this ... cheers Hilary
I agree, Hilary - it's good to interact and learn from others. Inspiration comes from sometimes unlikely quarters. Keep well x
ReplyDelete