What Does Blogging Mean to You?

As 2015 winds down, as does many bloggers motivation to continue. It's been a long year, a lot of books, and a lot of post writing. Not to mention our daily lives go on around us blogging people. A lot of us (myself included) find it hard to juggle things in our real lives such as school, work, relationships, etc while also saving enough momentum to WANT to blog. I've battled this pessimistic voice that nags me here and then: Kynndra, what is the point of this? Why do you blog? Is there a reason why you use all your free time doing this? What does it even do for you? And ultimately, are you wasting your time?

(I swear I'm not crazy!)

Whenever that little voice comes around I have to take myself back to the start and ask myself:

What does blogging mean to me?

I began this little journey for a reason, I just have to remember it. It usually takes a little while to kick the negatives away and think about what made me fall in love with blogging but eventually I get there. I started blogging because I wanted communication with those who share the same interests as myself. I started blogging because I love books. I started book blogging because I wanted to be that little nudge that pushes someone to read something wonderful. But along the way (in my short year of being a blogger), I learned that blogging means so much more to me than I ever thought possible when I began.

While blogging has its ups and downs, for the most part I take so much joy in it. I use my free time to blog because I want to - and I really think that's the key. If you have to force yourself, then you've lost your original purpose. Without purpose there's no happiness in doing something. Relax, and take yourself back to the start when you were a fledgling blogger, you know what I'm talking about. The moment you had that exciting little spark of an idea to create your blog or to become a co-blogger. In the meantime, I took to the blogger streets to ask some of my fellow friends what blogging means to them. Here's what they had to say:

"I blog to get my voice out there. With my blog and the associated Twitter account, I've met literally hundreds of fellow writers and bloggers, many of whom are now excellent friends - and even beta readers!

I don't spend as much time blogging as I'd like to, but my posts are as much about entertaining my readers, as improving my own ability as a writer. Whenever I review a book, or write an opinion piece, I'm learning more about what I and my community likes to see in fiction, which helps my writing craft.

My blog is one of the main representations of myself online, and lets me share my opinions, thoughts, and love of books with people around the world. To me, blogging is my way of connecting and sharing one of the most aspects of myself with the world, and forming those connections is the really rewarding part of blogging!"

Brett Michael Orr

"I blog because of the community! I think if you didn't care for the other bloggers you meet- you wouldn't last long in book blogging, as it's an incredibly time consuming yet has very little financial payout. I love connecting with other people who are passionate about the books I read- as I can't find them in real life! I love the friendships I've made and the way book blogging has changed the way I think for the better. Whether it's regarding diversity or representation or just being more critical in general."

Aentee @ Read at Midnight

"Blogging means a LOT to me, because it's my number one way to express my booknerdness. (Which is totally a word.) I'm immensely passionate about books but I have no one in my life to discuss them with. THE HORROR. Hello internet = endless opportunities for fangirling!! No one gives you twitchy looks for talking 100% about books! HUZZAH. Blogging means a creative outlet for me, it means bookish friends, and it also means I can raise an army of bookworms to stand behind me as I take the universe. I see no downsides."

Cait @ Paper Fury

I always gain inspiration from others when I hear their stories, and I think it always helps to remember why you started something in the first place. That's why I really wanted to make this discussion post, so that it may re-light that little spark you once had when you were a fledgling blogger, or even make it burn brighter if it has never wavered.

I love this community to bits, and I wouldn't take back my decision of blogging for the world (okay that's a lie, if I had to choose, I might just have to save the world *sigh*). I LOVE YOU ALL, EVEN IF I HAVEN'T MET YOU ♡ So what does blogging mean to my little ole' self? Blogging to me means communication, exploration - and most importantly, friendship. What began as something small has evolved over time into a passion of mine that I will never take for granted. Blogging has been a much needed escape I wish I had began earlier on, but the present in better than never.

Now that I've given you some time to sift through your thoughts I want to pass it on to you:

Why did you start blogging? Do you sometimes get the pessimistic voice telling you it's a waste of time? What have you gained from blogging? What does blogging mean to you?

32 comments

  1. Quote:
    "I started book blogging because I wanted to be that little nudge that pushes someone to read something wonderful."
    YES.
    I started because I had read a few awesome books that weren't getting the attention they deserved, so I wanted to give them a spotlight. I don't think I actually managed to convince anyone to read them (if you don't count a blogger friend whom I steered toward Christopher Pike), but that doesn't mean I'm giving up. Also, I don't have much time and energy to pour into blogging, because I'm an adult with a busy and complicated life - but blogging makes me feel connected with other people and less alone...not to mention, it gives me a breathing space...

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    1. I totally understand the feeling, Roberta. Blogging has pushed me to find the little authors - the ones without the much spotlight and help push out their books when they are worthy of such praise. And one reader is a great accomplishment to be honest. If you can encourage just one person to read that book, then you've won. I'm a mini adult and already I can feel the pressure of the future coming for me, so I fear for the time I can put into blogging but it's not something I plan on giving up! I love the feeling of being connected, just as you said.

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  2. I know the feeling, trust me I do. I have taken breaks from blogging because it got so overwhelming, life got in the way. My husband thinks its a waste of time, I personally really love it. I do. I love talking about books, I love the community and I love the friends I made. But you got to take breaks, I think you do.

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    1. I'm happy I'm not alone in some of my pessimistic thoughts. I've also taken breaks - and they really do help. I get how some people see it as a waste of time, there's points where I myself feel it - but then my love and joy for blogging overpower the bad energy. Breaks are ALWAYS healthy, I find when I came back from a break i loved blogging even more (especially when I began co-blogging here with Kelly) c:

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  3. I've never had a pessimistic voice telling me book blogging is a waste of time, but I have had a nagging voice telling me how much better I could be. That part is very frustrating. But, despite that, I love book blogging. I can't imagine what these past four years would have been like without this hobby. I don't know many people outside the interweb that reads, so it's nice to have this growing community to turn to when I want to discover new books and gush about the ones I recently read and loved.

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    1. I'm probably one of the few who have. I've always suffered with self doubt. But at least that thought never lasts too long and I always know I'll always adore this little corner of my online existence. The feeling you're just not good enough is SO frustrating. But you're exactly right. I've had such trouble finding people who read as much as I do and it was so nice to find a boat load of other bookworms who I could share me feels with.

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  4. Although at times it may feel like I haven't got the energy and time for it, at this point in my blogging life, I don't think i can stop. It started off as a way to share my thoughts on books, but now it has become a part of my day to day activities. I've also met so many people through the blogosphere and they've also become a part of my life.

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    1. Habits do die hard, Joy. But I'm happy to hear you don't plan on leaving anytime soon. I think I honestly blog more so now because I love the community and truly do desire to share the world of literature with them. I can't see that changing anytime soon, even though I've only been blogging for a year and some, its quickly leached into my way of life.

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  5. I believe that blogging shouldn't be a chore. And because of all the craziness of school lately, I haven't been able to blog much, which is fine. I don't blog every single day or every two days. I mostly blog every four or three days because that's all my schedule allows me to. I love doing it and feel like it's something that is so personal to you that no one else can feel the same way. I do feel that I can rant online totally and it's a great feeling however! This was a wonderful post and like it's encouraged me to share a post soon that I'm writing that's also very true to this one. Thanks so much hun :D

    Alex @ The Book's Buzz

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    1. It definitely should not be chore, Alex. I'm not in school currently but whoof last year it was HARD AS HELL to blog. Even if it was one review per week, it became just that - a chore. Now I try to blog every three days, its a healthy schedule to be on and gives me time to re-charge. I love reading everyone's personal thoughts on the topic. Ah! I'm happy you enjoyed it, Alex. I look forward to seeing your post.

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  6. Blogging is my hobby, and I love it so much. Although I find myself putting it first before schoolwork sometimes, and I know in my heart that that's not right. If I could spend all my time blogging, I would. Blogging is a way to connect with the world and share my nerdiness :P I loved this post, and I honestly think I needed it :)

    ~Noor

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    1. Blogging is an incredibly fun hobby for myself now. I also use it to ignore my real life, haha! It's a fantastic distraction. Lmao, school work - unfortunately is more important than blogging *sigh* but alas, I don't have that issue... at least not for awhile >>

      I'm so happy you enjoyed this post, Noor. It was my goal to encourage some such as yourself c:

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  7. I got sick in September and basically hardly blogged at all during September/October, but I think the break was what I needed. I had so many things going on in real life that something had to give, and blogging was beginning to feel like work, rather than something I did for fun. Now I've had a break I feel refreshed and ready to dive back in to my regular blogging schedule, because I do love blogging, and not ready to give it up. The blogging community is great and I love sharing my book love with other book lovers.

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    1. I'm sorry to hear you got sick, I hope you have recovered alright, friend. A break, as I stated above is always healthy. One does not run miles without needing a good break. I can't wait to see your comeback, I have no doubt the reset button will do you good (I know it did for me!). Love this community more than words can begin to describe.

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  8. I started blogging because I love writing and it gave me an outlet. I'm not sure I have a book in me or will ever do any other kind of writing but blogging allows me to share my thoughts and feelings. I used to have a far more personal blog and loved the quote that sometimes I didn't know what I thought until I wrote it. That was very true...

    I tend to get bogged down when I compare my blogging journey to others - their focus on stats or their high visitor numbers and so forth. That's when I have to remind myself why I started this in the first place.

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    1. I've discovered that I LOVE writing because of blogging. I never really had a push or a passion to write when I first began blogging, I just wanted somewhere to express my feels. But after spending a good year blogging - I've discovered this little itch to write here and there. I too don't know if I'll ever had a book in me, but I have dreams.

      Blah! It's the stats that really discourage a lot of folks, Deb. But as long as you don't focus on that - and just remember why you enjoy blogging your journey shall be fine <3

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  9. Blogging means to me, having someone to share it with and I couldn't think of anyone I would want to blog with more. Wow, that was a super long sentence. Blogging should be fun, being able to share our love of books and inviting discussion from our community. For me it's not about reviewing the latest books or view counts, it never has been. It's about having our own spaces to share our lives through fiction. I'm just unbelievably lucky that I get to do that with my little poppet.

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    1. *weeps* Kells, you seriously always make my little self tear up. I didn't have faith in my blogging skills or my writing until I encountered you. I was a sad little thing before Diva Booknerds and I sincerely will never stop being thankful that I get to share this blog with you. The counts mean nothing to me - I only care about having people such as yourself to share this little journey with and getting others to read amazing stories. I lurve you, Kelly <3

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  10. I don't think my pessimistic voice ever told me blogging was a waste of time but I have had my own share of doubts so you are definitely not alone.

    Given all the pressure on bloggers for all sorts of reasons, I think we sometimes do forget why we even started. Especially if you're me and are juggling so many things and don't know how to balance everything out. A while ago, I sat down and reevaluated how I was approaching blogging so I could stop feeling so stressed out about it.

    What does blogging mean to me? I guess, quite simply, it's a way for me to share my love for books. I love books. I love talking books. I sometimes speak in books. I also love all the wonderful people I've met because of blogging!

    Anyway, fantastic post, Kynndra! :)

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    1. We absolutely do forget why we started in the first place. Especially if you're like me and are drowned with self doubt that bogs you down. I don't have much to juggle right now, but when I do get a job I worry about how I will section out time do still manage this lovely hobby. But I know I will find a way because it is so worth the struggle.

      Thank you so much for sharing, Rashika. I adore everything you said :3

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  11. I started blogging because I wanted to share something I enjoyed with people. I wanted to find like minded souls who loved books as much as I did. Even if I don't get around to writing a post, I still like to read what other bloggers post. I love the discussions, I love seeing and finding books about authors I may have not heard of before, and also I like seeing what other people are up to. The blogging community is so vast, sometimes it blows my mind. We are all so far away from each other but we connect through books in some universal way.

    I started my blog when I was entering a transitional time. I was in my last year of college and in some what I wanted to chronicle that and I chose blogging as my outlet. Books, for me, mark periods of my life throughout the year. I can look back on a book (whether it is bad or good) and remember where I was or what I was doing. Another thing I love about my blog is that I also use it to share my passion for music, which is great!!

    Amazing post, I love discussions like these!!

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    1. Taylor! You have such a better way of describing things. I found myself nodding to everything you said. One of my favorite things about blogging is reading posts and being able to communicate with others - you're exactly right when you say that we have the abilities to connect. It's such a beautiful and energetic group of people that I'm so thankful to directly or even indirectly be in contact with.

      I never thought about the chronicling of life through books, but the more I think about it.. it's so true. It brings back a rush of memories when I look back and think where I was when I read some of the books I have. I'll have to check out your blog and see your musical bits, sounds amazing! :)

      Thank you!

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  12. I love blogging. I've always found it worthwhile, even if the enjoyment comes and goes once in awhile. It's easy to get stressed out with all the things one has to do so you're right that it's important to step back and remember WHY you love to blog when you're feeling burnt out. I love the various perspectives, I love how bloggers are from all over the world, I love finding new books to read and sharing ideas with other people. I REALLY love when someone says they now want to read a book I reviewed/recommended. That's the best. :)

    -Lauren

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    1. I always love seeing when people are confident in what they do. That's one flaw about myself I'll have to work on. I get discouraged so quickly. I agree wholeheartedly. It always makes my day when I have someone say they're going to pick up a book because of my review. It truly is the best c:

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  13. I think you're so right about motivation declining towards the end of the year. All that forward momentum with new book releases and such has died down, and we're all just tired of everything, you know? But I love books, I love sharing my writing, I love the community, and that's why I'll continue my blog :)

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    1. Ugh, the end of the year is always the worst for me. I get so bogged down by the holidays and the restarting of a year. I definitely know what you mean. But eventually the end of the year passes and my resolve to blog continues - especially with all the new releases that come out! The community is what pushes me to continue, plus I just plain well love it ^^

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  14. Blogging slumps are THE WORST. I've experienced them a couple of times and it's always difficult to remember why I started, but eventually the mojo comes back.

    I started blogging to talk about books, one of the things I love most. That's all I wanted to do, fangirl about what I was reading and what I was reading next. Through blogging I have made so many friends, discovered some amazing books, and had some of the best times of my life.

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    1. Oh gosh, I know. They really are, aren't they? They suck the fun right out of blogging. I've also experienced them - but thankfully got back on track after a break or two.

      Being able to fangirl freely is an amazing feeling, Bec. That's one of my favorite things about blogging is being able to freak out about a book with someone else since I can't do that with anyone in my personal life.

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  15. I started blogging because I had all these feelings about books and no one to talk to about them.
    I mean, my sister reads, sure, but she can't keep up with my reading pace...she's in her final years of high school, she barely has time to read anything.
    And she's the ONLY reader that I know. My sister had friends who I could throw books at, but then they moved away...it made things hard.

    And now...now there are HOADES of people I can talk to about book epicness...people who throw books at me, who I throw books at in return. And my blog (and twitter) is a place where I can just flail about books and have a generally great time.

    The ONLY downside is that it actually takes away from reading time...but it's so worth it.

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    1. Cassie I absolutely adore (and agree) with everything you've said. There's nobody in my personal life either that I can share my love of books and characters with which makes me so thankful to have you guys.

      UGH yes! Blogging takes away so much time from reading, but you're exactly right. It is so worth it c:

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  16. I recently wrote a post to remind everyone why they started blogging as well, and I loved hearing the stories that you posted here as a reminder. It's definitely a way to express our love for books and to connect with other book lovers, which we've achieved! We just need to remind ourselves of that everyday.

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    1. I will have to check your post out Jeann! It sounds fantastic. We always need to know and remember why we started something in the first place. Especially when we're feeling a bit run down. I find the blogging community to be so humble and I hope it continues to be the great place that it is.

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