Figmentations

More and more, we see and hear about social media, social networking sites, and micro-blogging tools.  You probably heard about how the current election was impacted (some even say won) by the grassroots efforts of social networking strategies.

Amid all of this social media enthusiasm, there have also been recent reports about how the older forms of Web 2.0, namely, blogging, is dead or at least dying.  This has prompted some to wonder if we should be dropping the old tools for the new. 

I do not believe that blogging is dead, but I agree that it is changing.  So where does blogging fit into the picture?  Sure, some people (maybe even many people) simply don’t have the time, patience, or interest to read or write a post that is over a few hundred words in length.  Nor do they have the inclination to put together a relevant or thoughtful comment, or to set up and build a meaningful filter (via a feed reader such as Google Reader) on the fire hose of information coming at them. 

But that’s okay.  I’m still proud to call myself a blogger and, at the same time, also a “new media practitioner”.  I believe in the power of the Web to get the word out to a relevant online audience that wants to hear that message, whether it be (1) for social cause activism, or (2) for B2B and B2C communication, or (3) for small business, or (4) from thought leaders and authors to influencers, or (5) government/citizen involvement.

I am not of the typical demographic for social networking sites.  But as I see it, while I’m a few years over 40 years old, I know that Howard Dean, Al Gore and Barack Obama are older than I.  And, they have made their mark with it.

I consider myself to be an internet enthusiast, though I only participate on a part-time basis and am not the typical early adopter.  I started blogging in August 2004 (though infrequently, generally not more than once weekly, with a few months off here and there).  I think I joined Facebook in 2007.  I’ve been on Twitter since April of this year (and Tweet about twice a day). I’ve never used Skype, Instant Messenger, and rarely send Text Messages on my cell.  To me, this is just more proof that we all will use the internet, and are reached, in different ways.

Personally, I also love exploring what’s down the Rabbit Hole.  That’s how this post began….first I read a Tweet by Jason Falls referencing Mark Dykeman’s post, “Do you think blogging is dying?”, which referenced one post by Rough Type entitled, “Who Killed the blogosphere?”, and another post by The Economist titled, “Oh, grow up“.  Sykemann’s post had a comment by the Catch Up Lady who wrote ”I’m Shutting Down My Blog Because Wired Said So…” where she referenced the Wired article “Twitter, Flickr, Facebook Make Blogs Look So 2004“.  Whew!!  Lots of reading, but it gave me a good picture of opinions that meshed with my own.

For me it’s worth it to take the time to read, listen, think, comment, collect, capture, and craft a representation of thoughts into one complete stand-alone piece.  I enjoy blogging and plan to continue doing so.  The newer social media or social networking tools have their place for me, too.  I keep “what works for me”, and discard what doesn’t.  So should you.

My motivation to blog is not solely or primarily celebrity or monetization. For me, it’s about a feeling.  Writing a blog post that accurately captures and represents my thoughts and feelings is something that I find satisfying, whether anyone reads it or not (though having people read it certainly makes it even more satisfying).  I also like the feeling of being a part of a community, contributing, interacting, and participating.  Getting into the game sooner rather than later just gives me the added benefit of feeling a part of evolutionary journey, too.  Clearly, there is room for both the old and the new in the big picture.