Why I started a blog and so should you.
I enjoy reading blogs, but I formerly avoided commenting to blog posts because I didn’t have my own blog. I felt weird about it. I thought the author and other commenters would think my opinion wouldn’t count because I wasn’t brave enough to start my own blog. Plus, I’m a private person and didn’t want my mug on the internet for all to see.
Now I realize the err in my thinking.
Many of the visitors to Jane Be Nimble already have kick-butt, rocking sites. And, to put it out there directly, this post is not for you in particular. Although, I encourage you to comment and add to the discussion so others can learn from you.
If you haven’t started a blog, maybe you are one of the folks out there saying, “I’m a private person,” and that’s a good reason to not start blogging, maybe.
As for being a private person, I understand. I am, too! Believe me, there’s a bucket of things I won’t write about, not yet anyway. But a lot of things I do feel comfortable sharing with others. It’s not weird to think there are things you don’t want to share. So, keep them to yourself and write about all the things you’re passionate about. A blog doesn’t have to be your confessional.
Another reason you may have not started a blog is that you don’t have time.
Let me challenge you: I bet that you could write an awesome post about you that lets me peek into your life (from a safe distance), in 15 minutes or less.
Try it.
Tomorrow morning, wake up 15 minutes early and write about your favorite vegetable and why you love it. Then do the same thing the next day. Find just 15 minutes to write about a favorite uncle and the most memorable thing he said to you. The following day, write about a favorite outing and the particular thing that made it stand out.
Guess what, you can blog!
Granted, if you’re blogging to support your livelihood, build a huge subscriber base, or want to be a household name, it takes more time and strategy. But, if you’re like me and you simply love to write and enjoy connecting with others, there’s no reason to avoid starting a blog of your very own, right now.
Especially since it won’t cost you any money.
You can start a blogger account with Google or a blog site with WordPress in about 2 minutes.
A side note: the difference between www.wordpress.com and www.wordpress.org is that you need your own unique web address and hosting service to use wordpress.org. The domain name is only about 10 US dollars (try www.register.com), and a hosting service will run you about 10 US dollars a month, but it varies. I use DreamHost and have had really good luck with them.
If you have questions about getting started and don’t want to comment to this post, please email me (see about page for contact info).
OK, now that you know how to start a blog, I’m going to interview myself. Since I often feel I have multiple personalities, this shouldn’t be too hard. (ha!) Ready?
Lori A: Why did I start Jane Be Nimble?
Lori B: I initially started JBN so that I could comment and interact with other bloggers without feeling like a dork—so I had a URL to list with my comment. Well, I’m not saying that I’m not a dork, but I don’t let that bother me anymore. More importantly, connection to others means a lot to me. I love reading other’s stories about their lives and how they’ve overcome challenges. And I also figured out that I could’ve commented without a URL and would’ve been absolutely fine, now that the shoe’s on the other foot. I wish I’d have commented more and not worried so much about whether or not I had a site of my own. That said, I’m super happy I started JBN.
Lori A: What are two main things that have surprised me about blogging that I did not expect?
Lori B: First, I found out I love tinkering around with the actual nuts and bots of the site, you know, HTML, uploading to FTP, setting up the database, learning more about MySQL, PHP, adjustments to WordPress templates, etc. (dork alert!)
The second, probably more important and profound thing—I’m learning what I like to write about and, well, literally who I am. I’m finding I love the mixed media aspect of blogging, which I didn’t think too much about prior to JBN’s inception. Choosing photography, layout, and videos to augment my writing feels radically cool. I’m in love with typography, photos, and anything creative. I’ve also sharpened my graphic design and writing skills in the process—a nice bonus.
Of course, connecting with others ranks #1, but I asked me about things that surprised me. I had a feeling blogging would deepen and expand my connections with others and I was right!
Lori A: Thanks for your time, Lori.
Lori B: And thank you, Lori, for starting your blog so the part of me hiding could come out to play.
So, there you have it—my first public conversation with myself. I am a now a certified dork.
I hope I’ve encouraged you to start a blog of your own. I want to hear about you, I want to visit your site to see how you’ve been. I want to share experiences with you. I want you to explore your mind and discover creative aspects of yourself you never knew existed. Please email me if you have lingering questions about how to get up and running. I’d love to see you here in blogging land!
Create your day!
[photos by family members]
Hi Lori,
First off – your interview of yourself was classic (and it literally cracked me up!) (way awesome!!). And…I’m a bit of a dork, too (don’t want you to feel alone out there in this world…oh wait…we’re 99.9% the same…I wonder then, does that really mean everyone’s mostly dorky, too??) … I’m getting off topic, aren’t I?
I love that you’ve started your blog. And it is easy. I began with a free WordPress.com blog and then quickly purchased my domain name and started blogging where I am today. And the thing is, like you Lori, I tend to be a more reserved person. What’s been so interesting for me, is how blogging has really helped me to open up more. And for me, that’s been a very good thing. And it has helped so much in my own confidence level too.
Now…if I could just write one of those 15 minute posts! Hmmm…I’ve got a long way to go yet – it usually takes me that long to find the “right” picture!
Lance´s last blog ..If It Matters, Choose to Show Up
Lance,
First, let me say that you were one of the very first people to encourage me with my blogging presence. That meant soooo much to me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Second, thank you for making me NOT feel like a dork.
Third, thank you for leaving your thoughts here. You are one of those folks I was referring to when I said some of my readers have rockin’ sites. I love your site, and that’s why I linked you here under “Wind Beneath My Wings,” too, in my right side bar.
Finally, it certainly takes a bit longer for me these days to construct a post. Between images, the body content, and layout, it definitely takes longer than 15 min. per post. But, there’s no need to get caught up in imagery and layout; a blogger need only write what’s on her or his mind. He (or she) doesn’t necessarily need to know HTML and all that jazz, I’m simply interested in it.
Thanks for taking the time to stop here and leave your thoughts, Lance. You are an amazing man.
~xoxo~
I’m so glad you started your blog, Lori. I love being able to take a peek into what makes you tick, the things you think about. I’m glad that you decided to share the awesomeness of yourself with the world, cause it makes it a better place.
The thing I love most about blogging is forming connections. Meeting people from around the world, discovering the similarities and celebrating the differences.I’ve been fortunate to make some really great friends through blogging that I never would have met otherwise, and I’m thankful for them. People like you and Lisis, Nadia, Lance, and too many others to list separately. Such awesome people have been brought into my life through blogging, and so many awesome things I have learned from reading blogs. It really helps build a global community, and I’m happy to be a part of it!
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..God is Play-Doh
Jay,
I have personally nominated you as having a rockin’, kick-butt blog, Jay. So, thanks for leaving your thoughts with us!
I recollect, after I started interacting Lisis and her Q4B peeps, and having written a guest post for her, it was you and Ian who directly asked me when I was going to start my blog. So, really, its all your and Ian’s fault for seeding my clouds, per se. Thank you for your support!
Plus, you have been a great man muse (M2), Jay.
I love interacting with people from all corners of the world and walks of life. It makes my view of the world so much more rich. Thanks for your kind words, Jay!
Lori.
I’m going to sound like a poor man’s Lance here, but I loved the interview with yourself too. It cracked me up. (Lance’s blog was also one of my very first blogs I followed and he was a huge inspiration for me).
I’m also pretty reserved and introverted, so it was a huge step for me to go public with my blog. I love the blogging community and the virtual friends I’ve made – though my introverted side still finds it hard work to keep up with that side of the blogging experience. Since starting it a year ago, the main benefit for me was delving publicly into the things I feel passionate about – and in the process getting clearer and even more passionate about those things.
And Jay … ahem … I mean you can have other friends you know, but … ummm. isn’t there a name you missed off your list there?
Ian | Quantum Learning´s last blog ..A world of deals and exchanges
LOL. Yes, Ian. I totally forgot to mention David! Thanks for the reminder!
I’m kidding, of course. What would I do without you?
Stop making me laugh! I’m trying to drink my coffee this morning and it’s nearly coming out my nose!
I meant Sherri!
Ian | Quantum Learning´s last blog ..A world of deals and exchanges
Ian,
That’s too funny, Ian, “…a poor man’s Lance…” Oh man, I’m laughing out loud.
I enjoy the topics you discuss at Quantum Learning and thank you for bringing these deep thoughts into the world, Ian. I’m really glad you went public with your blog.
And, echoing what I said to Jay, you were the other person who asked me directly when I’d be starting my own blog. And you got me thinking, “You know, why not??” So, there’s a direct effect you had on another person (moi), in a good way. Yay! You’re changing people’s lives!
Thank you, Ian!
Ha! I love Ian’s phrase… “a poor man’s Lance”!!! You should trademark that, Ian!
Lori, I’m so glad you started your blog. I was kind of spoiled ’cause I got to see some of your writing anyway (in your fantastic emails), but I love the broader, more random subjects you write about here. It’s a clever menagerie of groovy topics at JBN.
Come to think of it… you know how you keep searching for the theme that is just right for your blog? I wonder if your theme should have multiple personalities too? Part of the excitement I feel when I click over to your blog is not knowing what it’s going to look like today. Seriously!
I know it’s not normal blogging protocol, but what if your theme changed every so often to suit your current state of mind?
Point is: I’m always surprised when I come to your blog… pleasantly surprised (like Christmas morning… when I was a kid). I’m glad you started JBN.
Lisis´s last blog ..When Life Knocks You Down
Lisis,
Awww, you are an angel, Lisis. I sometimes question if you’re really human; maybe you’re one of those angels who just pretend she is human and walks on this earth to help others? Hmmmm…are those clouds in your Gravatar or angel wings?
If you’ll remember, missy, your blog started everything. I mean, geez, I wasn’t even reading blogs in 2008; I never took the time. Then I met your community (love them!), you asked if I’d like to write a couple of posts for you, then…the rest is history. I appreciate you, Lisis!
Hey, thanks for everything you said in you comment, too. That’s a great idea. I’m not trying to follow some uber-successful blogging formula, so why not continue to change the look and feel of my blog? My theme allows lots of custom things now, so the world is my oyster!
You’re a smart angel, too.
LOL! So funny…and yes people start a blog! The community that you will find here is overwhelming.
FatFitnessFood´s last blog ..Falling in Love, All Over Again
FatFitnessFood,
I’m glad that I could give you a laugh today! Actually, that is usually my goal for a post, to try to entice a smile or laughter by the time you reach the end.
I love laughing! Sometimes, I make myself laugh too much and people look at me funny. (ha – see, I’m laughing again!)
Thanks for helping me to encourage others to start a blog. You rock!
Hi Lori,
I loved how you interviewed yourself! It was awesome.
As all the others said, I am so happy you started blogging. You have a lovely way of writing and expressing yourself. Not to mention, that the design aspect of your blog is so beautiful and reflective of you with each change.
And I always learn something which is so important to me. Plus, you write from the heart. So you keep on blogging, my dear friend! You rock!
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..The Diamond In You & How You Can Never Be Threatened
Nadia,
Hi cool chicka!
Well, I figured that if I’m going to be a little blogging fish, why entice someone to interview me on his or her blog, why not just interview myself? There’s plenty of me-s around to interview… (ha!)
I’m relieved my merry-go-round style of my blog isn’t annoying to you. I find it interesting to change it up every now and then, so thank you for hanging in there! And, I deeply thank you for your support, beautiful blog (yes, you’re a rockin’ blogger, too!) and for every instance you’ve commented here. You’re an awesome example to follow; thank you!
Hey Lori, first time here and I’m delighted by your post.
I honestly don’t know why I didn’t start a blog sooner! You meet a lot of like minded people giving each other value, advice and support. I’m sorry to say that I initially was attracted to the idea of purely making an income from my blog. Now that’s changed. I write purely for my enjoyment and hopefully people find that enjoyment interesting.
Thanks for this. A lot more people should take a look at this.
John´s last blog ..Why Quality is Far More Important than Quantity
John,
Welcome to my coffee table/library blog, John! I am so excited to see you here. I have been enjoying seeing you around the blogosphere and enjoy your comments very much. You’re going places, I can see it!
I appreciate your kind comment here, too, John. Absolutely! You’re doing the right thing! Write for you and they will come. (Er, was that, build it and they will come?) Anyhoo, you have a great presence and blog. I am sooo glad you stared blogging for us.
Thanks for joining me in getting the world talking with each other. You rock!
Hi, Jane.
Saw you on happy lotus, which lead me to your very interesting WordPress site. Don’t know if Yoga fits into your scheme here, but feel free to use any of the material on my site for your blogs, if helpful.
I don’t need Headway right now, but I might be asking you about it in the future.
I don’t see an option to subscribe to future comments on this blog. Am I missing it?
Bob Weisenberg
http://YogaDemystified.com
Hello again.
Since you’re obviously into blog friendliness, I thought you might appreciate this feedback. On some WordPress sites, including yours, when one hits “submit”, the comment disappears with no message or confirmation. It’s probably just waiting for your confirmation, but most sites give you some sort of message to that effect, which is much better.
Bob Weisenberg
Bob Weisenberg´s last blog ..“Compassion ate Yogis” 3-16-09
Now I’m confused of course, because that comment popped right onto your page the way I expected the other one to! So, sorry for that last comment. I must have pressed the wrong button on my first one, which said:
I saw you on happy lotus then found my way to your very interesting site here. Don’t know if Yoga fits into your scheme, but feel free to use any of the material on my site for your readers. I don’t need Headway right now. WordPress standard is enough right now. But I may be asking you about it in the future.
Bob Weisenberg
http://YogaDemystified.com
Bob Weisenberg´s last blog ..“Compassion ate Yogis” 3-16-09
Bob,
I appreciate your feedback, Bob. I really do. For the record, I received two of your comments – can you see both of them now in the comment trail?
Just two days ago, I upgraded my blog to Headway theme and pushed it live. I’m slowing customizing and modifying at this point. The theme has been great and I haven’t had any problems, that I know about, so your feedback really helps a lot.
I have some pretty hard-core anti-spam plugins loaded, which has eliminated all the spam I’ve received thus far, so I choose not to moderate comments and let them post live (there should be no delay). That said, I’ll have to look into why you don’t see the comment right away – or sometimes not at all. How soon did you see your comment live after you submit? Depending on your internet service, it should only be a few seconds.
Again, I appreciate your feedback. Thank you!
Sorry about the annoyance…
Bob,
OK, Bob, thanks for being my blog hawk today!
I finally figured out the problem! I have a truck load of anti-spam plug-ins installed b/c I’ve been battling spambots and viagra ads of late!
So, any time someone includes a link in the actual comment, my anti-spam software thinks I’m being spammed. I should have known to look in my spam filter. Sorry about all the time of yours I wasted.
I’ll put a note on my future posts to avoid using links in comments, and I’ve added your missing comments to my site. It wasn’t Headway all along, it was my warrior anti-spam software.
Thank for hanging in there with me!
All My Best!
~Lori
Lori:
I am very glad you started your blog and that I have met you on the blogoshere! Like you, I’d consider myself a private person and one of the hardest things has been deciding what and how to reveal myself. In the back of my mind, I’m always considering whether something I write will come back to haunt me (e.g. future job opportunities, etc).
I liked the interview you did with yourself
and especially agreed with your second realization about what has surprised you about blogging. It is really fun to discover what you naturally gravitate toward.
Hopefully, your post will help some newbies out there to just jump in. Thanks for a great post.
Tim´s last blog ..Movie Recommendation: The Providence Effect
Tim,
Thank you for the kudos, Tim, but I think, subconsciously, you were calling out to me to blog. (ha) Really, meeting so many uber-awesome people, like you, has turned my world into an eternal spring. All y’all rock!
I know what you mean about writing something you may regret. There’s been a couple times I crafted a post, pushed it live, and then woke up in the middle of the night in a sweat over something I said. I haven’t regretted anything, yet, though.
My best advice for new bloggers: (I know you’re a pro, though, so tell me if you agree) try your hardest to sleep on it before you post the next day. That will give you a little more time to process what you wrote before the world reads it.
Thank you for your support and for helping me to encourage others to start blogging. Yay!
I just tried to leave a third replacement message, and it disappeared when I hit “submit”, too. Did you get my first and third messages, or just one that appears above?
Bob
Bob Weisenberg´s last blog ..“Compassion ate Yogis” 3-16-09
Bob,
I also checked my post queue and only saw two comments from you. Sorry about the hassle – and thanks for making me aware of this.
The other thing I’ll hopefully have installed and working soon is the subscribe to comments option. I like to subscribe to other’s comments to their posts, and would like to get that set up pronto.
Thanks again, Bob, and for also visiting JBN. I’m all ears!
Thanks, Lori. (Who’s Jane?)
It does appear you have some sort of posting bug on your site. I followed exactly the same procedure for the two that did appear instantaneously as for the two that were lost.
I complimented you on your blog and told you that I didn’t need Headway righ now but might in the future. Also said to feel free to use any of my site for your readers if Yoga fits in.
Let’s see if this one works.
Bob Weisenberg
http://YogaDemystified.com
Bob Weisenberg´s last blog ..“Compassion ate Yogis” 3-16-09
Bob,
Just to reiterate, my anti-spam software thinks I’m being spammed when a link is included in a comment. Because you added your link, you were sent to my spam folder.
Sorry about that! It had nothing to do with my Headway theme (which I love, by the way).
When the time is right and you think you think you might want to “Make Headeay”, ask away. I’ve learned a lot along the way and was up and running with the theme in just a few hours with no problems, yet. Whew!
Thanks, again, Bob.
Hi Lori,
Great job with this article. Interviewing yourself was a great idea!!
I’m very glad you did start a blog because it is a great one to be sure. I have also enjoyed the process and have learned a lot and have made some very cool connections with some very cool people!
Keith´s last blog ..Joy In The Journey
Keith,
Nice to meet you! Oh the joy – I enjoyed reading about your perceptions and also your thoughts on blogging.
Thanks for sharing and for your sweet words.
I can be a bit of a goof ball sometimes (obviously) and had thought about interviewing myself first thing in morning. Later, I thought it was a really stupid idea. By the afternoon, I realized, “Why not, what do I have to loose?” As I’ve said, I’m mainly blogging to meet others and tap into my creative self.
And you’ve brought up a great point, Keith, bloggers should pursue their great ideas! I mean, geez, no one will stamp their meal card “no dessert” or put them in the stocks for it. Let ‘er rip!
Thanks again for stopping by. Enjoy your week!
Bob,
I’m really sorry this happened.
I’m more sorry that you crafted a response that was several paragraphs long that never posted live. May I email you off line?
Thank you for alerting me about this problem! I would have never known if you didn’t mention it. Your candor is appreciated!
Lori A and Lori B, I think you are both total crack ups (ie Aussie for funny)! It seems I’m not the only one hugely grateful you started this awesome blog of yours (the new header rocks by the way!). I love visiting and always come away feeling good (and/or more educated – I’m in love with lichen!).
Keep on bloggin girl – you’re made for it! xxx
Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..You’ve Just Gotta Show Up
Sami,
Happy Friday! (It is Friday in your neck of the woods, right?)
And, hey, I say “crack up” all the time, too. Maybe in a former life I was an Aussie? That would be awesome!
You’re so sweet, girlfriend. Thank you so much! I want to hang out with you while we split a bottle of wine! You are an awesome blogger (and person!) yourself. I get a kick out of your site and a big boost of energy, too.
And, I think I’m serious about starting a lichen-of-the-month club. Maybe a monthly newsletter?? Too funny…[For readers who think Sami and I may have lost our minds, she's referring to my post titled "Liking the Lichens", you can find it by typing the title in the search box. That is one of my personal favorites!]
Thanks, Sami! ~xoxo
Lori´s last blog ..Start A Blog
Sorry, my fault. I didn’t read your replies carefully enough, so I didn’t see your very clear explanation about the links. That explains everything, because I only left my link on the three longer messages. No problem. Thanks.
Bob
Bob Weisenberg´s last blog ..“Compassion ate Yogis” 3-16-09
Hey, not a problem at all!
I appreciate your patience and persistence in helping me; that says a lot about you as a person and your candor.
The world needs more people like you!
Thanks again and have a great evening.
“So, there you have it—my first public conversation with myself. I am a now a certified dork.”
That you are Lori and might I add: An inspiring and lovely dork?
Sunny,
Awww…that’s so sweet! Thanks, Sunny. I think that’s the first time someone called me inspiring and lovely, especially in the same sentence as “dork”.
I like it! (ha)
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment here, Sunny. It is always great to see your grooviness here.
Hi Lori,
I LOVE to see people start blogs. It’s hard to put into words what having a blog can do for us, but once we have one, we begin to “get it”. Like you I also enjoy the back end stuff. In fact, I haven’t found anything I don’t like about blogging.
I would have to say though, my favorite part of blogging is the cyber friendships I’ve made. Bloggers are an awesome group of people.
Welcome to the world of blogging! You’ll do fabulous.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Blogging Etiquette – Write The Wrongs
Hi Barbara,
It is a pleasure to see you here at my blog. I’ve been to your site often and love it! (One of my favorite posts of yours is When the Conversation Stops.) Your excitement, enthusiasm, and kindness comes through in your writing.
Thank you for all you’ve done for the blogging community. I have learned lot from you.
I absolutely agree, bloggers are beautiful people and I’ve been blessed to meet all of my cyber friends.
Thank you for leaving your comments here today and for helping me to support those who wish to start a blog.
[Those of you out there wanting to start a blog, definitely click over to Barabara's blog. It is a great place to learn about blogging.]
Lori, one of my favorite, unexpected benefits of blogging has been that it helps me figure out what I really think about things. The focus is takes to clarify your thoughts in written words can be illuminating.
Great stuff as always.
Still waiting for that guest post!
Josh
Josh Hanagarne´s last blog ..Guest Post Ultra-Marathon Update Two
Josh,
That is a great point. Writing really helps clarify a lot of things for me, too.
Thanks for popping over here today. It’s always great to see you.
I’ve been working on that post; chillax.
My posts are like wine, and like Orson Wells said of Paul Masson’s wines, “We will sell no wine before it is time.”
It is coming…(and believe me, no charge! ha)
What a great interview with yourself! The thing I’ve loved most about blogging is being able to connect with other people who share my sense of humor and adventure. It’s a really great creative outlet for somebody like me who spends most of her day running after kids.
Tracy,
Hello and thanks for your kind words. Don’t worry, I know what you’re really thinking…who the heck would interview themselves in public??? (ha)
I’m glad you’re blogging, have carved out this creative outlet, and have found like-minded people, too. That’s a great point about laughter and humor. I get so much laughter and enjoyment from my blogging friends. Probably more so than in my daily non-cyber life. Thanks for contributing to the conversation, Tracy!
Hey, Lo-Lo-Bee! Look at you go! You’re a full-fledged blogger, with TONS of comments! I regret that I can’t stop by more often to participate in your community, but I’m happy to be a “drop-in” member!
You are so right… anyone with the time, inclination, some patience, and a few technical skills can get started blogging very easily… and I am so glad YOU did! : )
P.S. — What’s really neat about blogging is that you get to create your day, quite literally! : )
Ailson | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..how to be RICH and HAPPY: A Partial Review
Alison,
Hey girlfriend!
Yeah, I love the CRE8UDAY aspect of blogging. That has been quite enjoyable.
However, I think everyone should have their own Fairy Blog Mother (ahem…YOU!) when he or she wants to take it to the ‘next’ level. You are a dreamy FBM!
[For those of you reading, check out Alison's link, she is the beauty behind Lisis' glorious words at Quest for Balance. You can also find this FBM on Twitter - @FairyBlogMother]