Is there anybody out there?
I just got done reading Jeff Utecht’s blog The Thinking Stick and he had a post about the value of having a presence or a network for educators. This post struck something within me that I actually posted a comment. I have been thinking about this a good bit recently because sometimes I feel like I am strictly writing to myself in my blog and that is not the true purpose of the blog.
I would love to develop a network of readers. People who could give me feedback and comments. I would love to have a blog that starts dialogs, that has meaningful conversations that lead to some new thinking. The question becomes then how do I develop this network? I know I could e-mail the link to people and ask them to read it, but then it seems like a lot of pressure because it has that feel like “Hey look what I did” which then brings up the insecurities of what if it does not interest them.
I feel a weird transition happening where I am suddenly not as concerned about whether or not I have something of value to say, but now I am more concerned about do I have anyone to say it to.
December 14th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
I deal with this same issue! It’s hard to be motivated to write when you think no one is reading, but if you don’t write there’s nothing for them to read. I admire people who are consistent with blog posting, and it’s a habit that I really want to cultivate. I feel like I need to develop the habit before I try to get my blog “out there.” Once or twice a month doesn’t seem like enough to raise anyone’s attention. I think we need to just be persistent and keep at it!
December 14th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Have you considered getting a ClustrMap on your blog? We go through Edublog in our system and it is eyepopping to see how many really DO read it. I have one (http://ppsblogs.net/brianmckee) and it’s on the right side. Warning: you get really psyched as you see the red dots appear on your map!
January 17th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Brian,
Thanks for the feedback. I am sorry I did not reply faster, but I kind of left the blogosphere over our winter break. I will definitely check out your site and will look into adding a ClustrMap. It is very cool to me just to have you leave a comment because now I know there is somebody out there.