You're It!

Tag, you're It! 

I probably haven't played tag since my kids were little.  But I find myself in a game of tag now, thanks to Gavin Heaton in Sydney and Bob Glaza in Spokane.  Both tagged me in the past 2 weeks--but for different games.

Gavin asked me, as a newcomer to blogging (6 weeks), to list 5 things I like about blogging. Bob sent along a more whimsical tag, asking if I hadn't gone into my current career, what would my fantasy career be.

Let's do blogging first:

1)  Real people.  In blogs, many people let their real personality come through.  Even before I worked up the courage to post my first comment, I felt I knew a little about the people I'd been reading.  So far, in the marketing part of the blogosphere at least, I've seen no arrogance, no pretense and no nastiness.

2)  Sharing.  Bloggers seem eager to share -- their knowledge; their opinions; their new or old ideas; their discoveries online, from a book, conversation or another blog.

3)  Encouragement.  I cant begin to say how much encouragement I've received from other bloggers, almost all of whom I didn't know before mid-February.

4)  Global.I'm getting such a kick out of meeting people from throughout the U.S. and around the world.  I feel I now have friends up and down the East Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, down South, and in the Heartland from Chicago to Dallas to Des Moines.  Not to mention Down Under and around Europe.  And what a kick to actually meet several of my new friends Friday night in New York, thanks to my blogging mentor CK.  (See pix at CK's blog and also at Matt Dickman's Techno/Marketer blog.  Lori Magno covered it from a fashion viewpoint.)

5)  Camraderie.  All these unseen people scattered around the globe seem to really care for each other.  I saw the outpouring of support when Gavin at Servant of Chaos had a rough time after his father-in-law was seriously hurt in an accident. And the outpouring of loving support when CK lost her dear Grandma Kerley.  Just the other day, I saw heartfelt comments in response to Chaos Scenario's Cam Beck sharing pictures of his new daughter Faith. 

Gavin's tag asked for 5 reasons, but I have more...

6)  Thinking.  I've found that blogging pushes me to think a little harder.  Now, when I read an article somewhere or pick up on a conversation, I find myself giving it more thought.  Is it something I can write about?  Is there something I can add -- new information or a different perspective perhaps?  Blogging helps you avoid sleepwalking through life.

7)  Fun.  I'm enjoying saying something and getting an interesting response.  I'm finding that if I'm away from the computer for too long, I'm itching to get back online.

8)  Not a waste of time.  Not too long ago, I thought blogging was a waste of time. (See my very first post for the full story.)  I was so wrong.  Aside from all the things I spoke of above, having an active blog even turned out to be a "plus" for me in a new business situation.  Just yesterday a potential new client I've been courting saw my blog and was impressed to the point she pointed it out to her boss, the decision-maker. That can't hurt. 

I'm not sure what the official rules are for tagging. But instead of now tagging 5 specific people (I'd guess most of you have already been tagged with this question before), I'm making an open-ended tag to everyone and anyone.  If there are things you like about blogging that I've missed, please leave a comment and tell us.

Tag, you're It!

PS. This post got too long, so I'll respond to Bob Glaza's tag about career fantasies in a few days.  Keep watching.

 

Comments

[Bob Glaza]

outstanding, David - all of these reasons are wonderful! The one that hits me is # 6 - blogging IS a way to smash the idea of "sleep walking through life" right on its can. I love the aspect of continually using our brains, our feelings, our imaginations. It suddenly occurred to me - blogging is stimulating!

and no hurry on my whimsy - enjoy the turtle pace any time you can!

[David Reich]

Thanks Bob.

Met a group of marketing bloggers last night in Manhattan, at a meet-up that CK put together. Of course, we talked about why we blog and the fact that it makes you think was mentioned a lot.

By the way, Matt Dickman, who joined us last night from Cleveland, has some pix of the group on the Flikr at his Techno/Marketer blog, which you can click to from my blogroll.

[CK]

I'll continue to be your blogging mentor if you'll continue to be my life mentor. Great post and what a GREAT (!) contribution you make online here and at the Book Club. Lots of love, pal.

[Toby]

David - your tag post dovetails so perfectly with the great bloggy party that our dahling CK hosted Friday in Manhattan. Real people, sharing, encouragement, global, camraderie, thinking, fun and so not a waste of time! Yes yes and yes. It was a delight meeting you and talking blogs and marketing and life!

[Gavin Heaton]

I love the "not a waste of time" point. We often say that you can't understand blogging if you don't try it ... and I think your "five" reasons explain this strange phenomenon very well.

From the outside blogging does seem strange and perhaps insular ... but from the inside it is expansive, inclusive and engaging.

And I am so jealous that you all got together in NY! Sounds great!

[David Reich]

Gavin, there's always a place at the table (and/or bar) for you here in NY.

[CK]

There's ALWAYS a place for Gavin. I miss him when he can't make it. Swear I'm going to Sydney to see that Buffy lovin' blogging prince.

[David Reich]

CK, thanks for saving me the terrible embarrassment I would have faced had you not caught my misspelling of Sidney. (Where's spellcheck when you need it?)

[Lewis Green]

David,
Great answers. Man, I wish I could have made the party.

[Roger von Oech]

Good list! Numbers 6 and 7 — "thinking" and "fun" — especially resonate for me. Good luck with your blogging!

Best wishes.

[Drew McLellan]

David,

I'd like to add another to your list.

#9 -- Adding value. Your thoughtful comments and posts give us all more to think and talk about. Your voice adds depth to our conversations!

Thanks for joining the fray!

Drew

[David Reich]

Drew: Adding value, that's a good one.

Roger: Welcome and thanks for stopping by. I've been reading your blog and seeing your comments at DailyFix for a while.