It was less than a year ago when my good friend and master marketer Christina Kerley (CK) announced to me she was going to start her own blog. I thought, "What a waste of time," and I told her so. "You should be spending that time on paying jobs, not talking to yourself and a handful of people online."
She showed me her first few posts and, I must say, I was impressed. They were smart, insightful and well-written. Best of all, her writing allowed her clever wisdom and sense of fun to shine through.
Still, I thought, who other than me and maybe a few friends and family will ever actually see this fine writing and good thinking?
I couldn't have been more wrong!
CK's blog has become one of the more widely-read and respected blogs in the marketing community. So much so that she was invited to become a regular contributor to MarketingProfs Daily Fix, keeping company with the likes of Seth Godin, David Armano, Tim Jackson, Gavin Heaton and others.
As CK's friend, I began reading her posts just so I'd be able to honestly tell her I did. But I got hooked - not only on her posts, but on the wealth of knowledge and ideas that every day is being shared online.
I posted comments on CK's blog - again, doing it mainly as a friend trying support her effort. But one day a few months ago, something happened. I read a comment that moved me. I clicked to the other blog, read a few of his recent posts and - voila! - I posted my own comment on this stranger's blog. He responded and a dialogue began, with others joining in.
I didn't even realize it at the time, but that was the day I became a blogger.
CK organized and hosted the first-ever MarketingProfs Book Club. Of course I had to participate, so I dutifully read the selection - Citizen Marketers by Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba. It was an easy and fun read and it opened my eyes to the potential of social media as a powerful marketing and public relations force. I agreed to lead a discussion group, fearing I'd have nothing to offer in the way of insight. I started a thread, expecting it to just sit there like a lump. What a great surprise when it sprang to life with comments, and I just loved watching the discussion, responding and throwing more stuff into the mix. I even got a comment from Jackie Huba, one of the book's authors. How cool!
Here I am, a year after telling CK she was wasting her time, and I feel myself being pulled into the fray.
On this blog, I'll try to periodically share my thoughts on marketing, media, public relations and perhaps anything else that comes to mind. It's my blog, after all, so I'll be offering my 2 cents worth. 
I hope you'll feel free to add yours as well.
Great story on how you got "pulled into" being a blogger. I'm about to begin the process myself. I like this and the other posting you've shared thus far.
CK recommended you to me as a great resource for my growing business (I'm a fitness professional, i.e. personal trainer/strength coach). I look forward to learning from you and your insights into the methods of successful marketing.
Posted by: Christopher | January 23, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Welcome, David!! Great to see you enter the fray. There's a lot to like over here. The layout is great. The writing style is fresh, light and fun. For a newbie, you're off to a great start. Keep it up – we're happy to have you aboard!
Posted by: Mark Goren | February 20, 2007 at 11:23 PM
I too got pulled into the blogging world through CK. And at first I was intimidated by the whole prospect. But now, well, it's just great fun!! I'm so glad you started your own blog. It's great!
Posted by: Rebecca Edmonston | February 20, 2007 at 11:47 PM
Subscribed. Good to see you started this blog David, hope you enjoy it as much I do.
Posted by: Kris Hoet | February 21, 2007 at 05:25 AM
Welcome to the ranks, David! I am thrilled to find you here!
Looking forward to regularly reading your two pesos.
Posted by: Ann Handley | February 21, 2007 at 12:14 PM
Great to see you blogging, David! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | February 21, 2007 at 09:55 PM
Glad you dove into the blogging waters David! It's funny because before I started blogging, I bought into every stereotype, and thought it was a total waste of time, and came THIS CLOSE to never starting. Now my only regret is that I waited as long as I did!
Hopefully that will be your own regret as well ;)
Posted by: Mack Collier | February 25, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Thanks all for checking in here.
I look forward to many good discussions and making some new friends along the way. Thanks for the warm welcome. It feels good.
Posted by: David Reich | February 25, 2007 at 03:46 PM
This is such a great post...I enjoy re-reading it, pal.
Posted by: CK | March 27, 2007 at 10:41 PM