Tuesday Tidbits

• My “guest post” on the BLOGS FROM THE ROAD section of Executive Traveler goes live today. Check it out!
• Mighty Goods is a shopping blog! It has some neat things that are not what you find everywhere you go. Plan to spend a little time there.
• The Washington Post site has a technology article today with some tips about removing spyware from your computer. When you have a chance, read “How to Free Your PC From Spyware”
• If you need a little motivation to get your spring fitness regimen going, sign up for the Family Circle Magazine Walking Challenge. It is something you can do with your whole family!
• Only 12 days until Opening Day for Major League Baseball. Go Braves!

Why Do I Blog?

Would you believe it if I told you that I started my blog because a man that I had known for all of 12 minutes told me that creating a blog was what I should do? Well, that is exactly what happened. I promise this is a true story!

After deciding to attempt freelance writing, I scheduled an appointment with the “friend of a friend” in the magazine publishing business. We met for coffee; I explained that I wanted to get started with freelance writing and asked his advice. With little or no hesitation he said, “Start a blog. It get’s you writing and it takes the power out of the hands of the gatekeepers.” I went home; set up my blog and starting posting.

That’s the background. Now, here is the rest…

1. I BLOG FOR PRACTICE – It is a great way to write regularly and to experiment with types of writing. Granted, it is not the place for lengthy pieces but it does lend itself to any and all styles and formats.

2. I BLOG FOR CLARIFICATION – I can use my blog as a place to test thoughts and ideas and I get legitimate feedback from other people that are doing the very thing that I am trying to do.

3. I BLOG FOR EXPOSURE – After doing a little research and actually having this blog for a few months, I understand what my friend was telling me about gatekeepers. Having a blog doesn’t mean that I won’t deal with gatekeepers along the writing road, but it gives me a sense of empowerment to know that I don’t have to WAIT for the gatekeepers. If I need to “publish” quickly, all I have to do is push a button.

4. I BLOG FOR EXPRESSION – This is an incredible outlet for me and I blog because I know there are people that need to read what I have to write.

5. I BLOG BECAUSE IT’S FUN! I admit that I was more than a little skeptical when a practical stranger told me that I must blog. Now, I thank him every chance I get because, even if I didn’t think this might be a good move for my writing career, I am sure that I would blog anyway!

Thanks to Lisa Gates at Intrinsic Life Design for tagging me. It is my first time to be tagged and I am thrilled! As for me, I am tagging Big Mama and Shanna Thompson at Write From The Beginning. I enjoy reading both of them and I hope you will too. Also, check out the Executive Traveler Magazine site. Its publisher, Lee Hurley is the man that got me started in this whole blogging adventure!