Why blog? For sharing.
That's my principal idea since the beginning of my website, (I prefer to call it website, because now of it's layout it's more like a e-zine, not a blog … 😎 ). I started to write posts, because I wanted to share for free my step-by-steps, how-to's, learning experiences with other readers and at the same time to be able to find those informations easier, because stored on my own place on the internet. That's why I opted since the beginning for my domain name and my own hosting (not wordpress hosting).
I've done a quite a big move forward since 2 years now, because my first post on this website was 17th of August 2008 – that will be the second anniversary… -:). Since then I'll try to stick to a daily post. I improved in many areas.
But believe me, If you want to start a blog just to win an award you will not be able to do it… it's too hard. You'll loose.
At first I thought to post a comment on Scott's article, but finally I made a post. A quote from Scott's post:
Of course everyone wants to be noticed in their industry. I understand that. I respect that. I want to be noticed in my industry, too—there’s nothing wrong with that. But I cannot stress strongly enough that if you are starting a blog simply to make some noise in the industry, maybe win an award, or get hired by <Insert Company Name Here>, you are blogging for all the wrong reasons.
He is right on that. I can just add a bit more to it:
Without passion for the topic, the readers won't follow you and a blog without a traffic is a dead blog… Think first. Do you have enough passion to write about a chosen topic? If yes, start your blog! Don't worry about your writing skills, they'll improve fast… Just don't copy-paste from others. I'm a French blogger.
But the passion is not enough. There is more elements to take into a consideration to become a good blogger. It's also about posting frequency. If you don't have a daily post, or posting or regular basics, your readers will think that there is something wrong with your blog and they'll drift away.
There is a content – and the content is the king.
As a blogger, if you have your own blog, your own place, it's YOU (and the return from your readers), who decides about what you want to write. For what you feel the passion. If you work for a company making storage, it's logical that with the expertise you have there, you'll be blogging about that particular storage…
Your blogging can also evolve. You start your blog for one reason, and slowly you become aware that also you can get something in return – earnings. With great traffic you can talk to sponsors and advertisers….So you'll try to orient your blog posts into that direction, to get more traffic, more industry recognition, more glory..
Also you can change a job by being approached by <Some Smart Company>, as seen recently with many technically strong bloggers. It's smart move and today's industry trend. I will not be surprised by seeing this to happens in some other industry sectors. I don't see anything wrong with that.
As for me, I'll just keep blogging. I do not expect to be approached by some big company, unless a local branch office to be opened here….
My website finished in the the latest blogging contest organized on Eric Siebert's website on 32nd position between all others Virtualization Blogs and websites. I hope to do better next time 😎 ….. Thanks for my readers supporting me….
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5 years ago I choose to live on a tropical Island – French Overseas Department called Reunion. Many French does not know where it is. Even me 6 years ago I haven't got a clue where it's situated. I don't have any regret on that choice. But the life is not always as you can see on the post cards, believe me… The weather and the climate is…. 😈 There is some videos on my YouTube Channel if you want to have a look…
One of the downsides is the extremely costly air tickets. (with those Airport TAXEX). So to attend VMworld in August later this year is a Mission Impossible, even if I theoretically win Jason's competition (haven't participated), there would be still be like two thousand $ to add to the expenses for the travel to San Francisco…
Thanks for reading.
Scott Lowe says
Thanks for the mention of my article. This is a great follow-up! You’re right that passion is not enough to run a successful blog; it takes dedication, patience, consistency, and good content. I would contend, though, that even if you have these other things and lack passion, you won’t access the same levels of success that you might have otherwise.
Vladan SEGET says
Blogging is also participating… in commenting on the other fellow bloggers blogs… -:) Thanks Scott.
Marek says
Hi Guys (both of you). I noticed first Scott about that “thing”. Well in my opinion that is all because of VMware. They decided to give that title (vexpert) to recognized bloggers (not even people that help other on communities). That is pretty normal to me that after that everyone wants “free” title that will help him to get better job or in general be recognized in IT community. I understand your “frustration”, but the only one you can blame about is VMware. If they (VMware) wanted this title to be REAL representation (and not “fake” blogging) then they would choose different categories for rewarding people.
Vladan says
Marek,
As far as I know, the vExpert awards were distributed not only to bloggers……”individuals who have significantly contributed to the community of VMware users over the past year”
http://www.vmware.com/communities/vexpert/
In my opinion, helping in communities is good, I’m doing both, blogging and working in communities too. Blogging takes more time….. -:) and demands to be more regular on daily basics.
I don’t really understand what do you mean by fake blogging. For me is only one real blogging. You blogging OR you’re NOT.
Cheers.
Vladan
Marek says
Hi Vladan,
well by “fake” I mean creating blogs just to get this title. And that’s not ok (like passing other certifications with braindumps ;-)) You as “real” value blogger should not care about other that got that started blogging just for that purpose, but should be happy, that many people are following your blog and get technical knowledge from it (like me). That is more important I think 🙂
Aamir says
Dear Vladan,
Your blogs are really good and helpful accordig to requirements of new users. Step by step and clear to understand.
Weldone.
Best Regards,