When blogging and real life merge.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Blogging is such an interesting phenomenon - fifty years ago people would never have imagined spewing their thoughts and opinions out into a public forum for all eyes to see (or read), and here we are with over 100 million (and counting!) blogs of all different styles and sizes dominating the internet. How far we have come in such little time is frankly mind-blowing, and yet it has become the norm. Blogging has created a medium for allowing self expression on a world-wide scale, no matter who you are, and something about that is quite fantastic. Not only can anyone create a blog, but they can write just about anything on it, and that's where things get interesting. Topics started out being quite basic - DIYs, diary entires and tutorials swarmed the interweb in a matter of minutes, but like all new markets, the world of blogging soon began to over-saturate and creators had to think much further outside the box than ever before.
Although I'm fully aware that I can't speak for all blogs/bloggers out there, I've found that topics in general have begun to delve more deeply into the personal side of things, which for me at least, makes the whole experience of reading a beauty blog, let's say, that bit more interesting. I've touched upon this before, but there are only so many pink lipgloss reviews or monthly favourites posts that you can read without getting bored if there is no sign of a real person behind the screen, tapping away at their keyboard. That's what I think makes bloggers so special - anyone can write an article about a new beauty release, but only bloggers can add that touch of familiarity and uniqueness to every post they publish.
How much a blogger wishes to share with their audience about their personal life is up to them, they can have posts that range from editorial and slimline to in-depth and diary-like, all within a weeks work. I often find those who shake it up a bit the most interesting - the blogger that can write the precise review with all you need to know and then go on to share an insecurity or personal achievement. Of course I'm not saying that you have to reveal your deepest darkest secrets to be an interesting writer - even your writing style can say a lot about you as a person - but occasionally taking that scary step and writing that post that you have always been scared of posting can be liberating, not only for you but for your readers as well.
Over the last 12 months or so, I've attempted to do just that - writing up posts that I would never have dreamed of about insecurities, mental health issues, future hopes, and personal opinions that I feel have given you lot, my lovely readers, a better insight into who I am as a person and what makes me tick. In my experience, I find that once I get to know a blogger on a more personal level, I start to appreciate their work more because I feel like I can engage and relate to them - an experience which is extremely satisfying for both parties involved. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I've really enjoyed producing more personal posts for my blog as I feel a lot more connected with you guys, and this has helped me realise how important it is to me for blogs that I read to have that personal touch - whether is be through weekly 'chit-chat' posts, heartfelt posts addressing important issues, or even the occasional catchup. Even the smallest step can be exhilarating, and I strongly encourage all of my fellow bloggers out there to give it a go.
I'd be interested to hear what you guys think about this topic, because this is obviously all from my point of view. Do you think a personal element to a blog helps you relate to the writer better and therefore their content better? Or do you think that personal matters should be left at the door and bloggers should only write about what they specialise in? What's more, do you think theres a limit to how much a blogger should share about themselves? I'm honestly curious to know, so if you have something to say then please leave me a comment down below!
